Players to Watch: USC Trojans vs. Arizona State Sun Devils

Arizona State

Manny Wilkins

Wilkins may be one of the most underrated talents in the country. The dual threat quarterback has been dynamic so far in leading Arizona State's high powered offense. Wilkins is great at executing read option and run/pass option plays. He is a dynamic athlete passing for over 1,000 yards on the season already with 5 touchdowns through the air and 4 rushing touchdowns.

Kalen Ballage

Kalen Ballage is an explosive athlete at tailback. He along with, Demario Richard create a two headed monster at the position accounting for over 600 yards rushing between them. However, Ballage is the back with big play potential. He burned Texas Tech with an NCAA record-tying 8 touchdowns during their meeting on September 10th. A long touchdown from Ballage at a crucial point in a tough game could completely deflate the Trojans. The defense will have their hands full in stopping the run.

Kareem Orr

Kareem Orr is a young star in the ever improving ASU secondary. A freshman All-American last season, he finished the year with 6 interceptions. He has done nothing but fly around this season as well. He finished the Texas Tech game with 8 tackles and the Cal game with 9 tackles. He hasn't been able to get an interception yet this year, but with a young Sam Darnold on the other side of him he will be looking for opportunities to jump routes and pick one off.

USC

Sam Darnold

All eyes will be on Sam Darnold this weekend as fans look to track his development. Darnold obviously brought a little bit extra to the table last week against Utah. His athletic ability opened up a few more possibilities for a struggling USC offense. Fans will be looking at his decision making ability and arm talent against an Arizona State secondary that likes to take chances and create turnovers.

Justin Davis

A big criticism of the Trojans so far this year has been the lack of an identity. It would be nice for USC to try to establish themselves as a physical team this week by trying to get the run game going. Justin Davis has looked very good so far this year, and it would be nice to see him become a workhorse back. If USC can control the line of scrimmage in the run game this week and eat up time of possession it will take pressure off of Sam Darnold and help him throughout the game.

Iman Marshall

Look for Iman Marshall to step up big this week and create a big play or turnover. Adoree’ Jackson has been excellent so far at the other cornerback position and it is easy to count on him to make plays. However, it is time for Biggie to get one of his own. He managed to get a pick vs. Alabama but look for him to add another to his total this week and provide a spark for the Trojans.

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