The moderate nighttime temperatures may be more to USC’s liking, but they aren’t expected to cool off the intense Sun Devil-Trojan rivalry. USC is 18-10 all-time against Arizona State, including wins in five of the last six meetings in Tempe. However, USC fell to ASU 43-22 in its last visit to Sun Devil Stadium in 2011.
No. 23 Arizona State faces a critical challenge prior to its showdown with Lane Kiffin and Company. The Sun Devils must travel to Palo Alto, Calif., to meet the No. 5 Standard Cardinal. ASU head coach Todd Graham and his team secured a controversial 32-30 victory against Big Ten powerhouse Wisconsin last Saturday.
USC, on the other hand, faces a pesky Utah State squad this week. The Trojans are enjoying a respite after cruising to a 35-7 win over Boston College. The victory against the Eagles some pressure off USC quarterback Cody Kessler, running back Tre Madden and their teammates in Los Angeles.