USC running back Curtis McNeal would score three touchdowns and rush for over 100 yards as the #21st ranked Trojans would extend Arizona State’s losing streak to four with a 38-17 loss at the Los Angeles Coliseum. With the loss, Arizona State must win at least one of their final two regular season contests in order to become bowl eligible.
The loss was especially hard to swallow considering the ASU defense did a solid job for most of the game, intercepting USC quarterback Matt Barkley three times, including a 70-yard Alden Darby pick that would be returned for a Sun Devil score.
But Trojans wide receiver Marquise Lee would put on a show catching ten balls, including a 80 yard strike from Barkley in the first quarter.
Arizona State would open the scoring early in the first quarter, after the Sun Devil defense recovered a Lee fumble, Kelly went up top to tight end Chris Coyle for a 43-yard pass play giving ASU a 7-0 lead.
The Sun Devil defensive line was without Mike Pennel, who was left back in Tempe by Graham. His future with the program is in jeopardy.
ASU will host Washington State next Saturday, game time still to be determined by the Pac-12 Conference.
Brad Cesmat
