It was interesting watching the Arizona USC game for the obvious reason – how would the USC players respond to interim coach Ed Orgeron. They responded quite well, looked fired up and seemed to be glad Kiffin is gone. The final score 38-31 is somewhat misleading – USC led at the half 28-3.

STATS:
Total Yds USC 546 vs 508 Arizona
Rush Yds USC 249 vs Arizona 145
Pass Yds USC 297 vs Arizona 363

Arizona could have easily won this game if they did not fall so far behind so early. Arizona RB KaDeem Carey ran for 138 yards alone. This kid is an All American and Notre Dame has no RB anywhere near him in talent. Taken out of their run game early, they still continued to gain rush yards throughout the entire game. The Arizona QB BJ Denker looked like Johnny Football, continuously evading pressure – kid is fast and he kept them in the game. I do think they should have given Carey the ball more often for there were some big holes for him.

So USC, they have a competent QB if given time to throw. When Arizona brought pressure he is not so good. USC has very good RB’s and their big gun is Silas Redd who went 19 carries for 80 yards. They also gave frosh Ty Isaac 6’3″ 225 and he looked good when he was in. I think he’s from Illinois and ND recruited him hard – big back we need. The other guy we really wanted WR Nelson Agholor had 7 pass es for 161 yards – he’s damn good and fast. Don’t know if we have anyone who can cover him let alone Marquis Lee if he’s healthy.

From watching this game it is obvious that SC has good players all around despite sanctions. If we have any hope of beating them we must get to the QB.