Pac 10 Game of the Week

www.collegefootballnews.com

USC (3-0) at Arizona State (3-1) 3:30 p.m. ET ABC

Why to watch: If this isn't the Pac 10 game of the year, it's a close second. USC is still just about everyone's number one and hasn't been anything but terrific over its first three games obliterating Hawaii, Arkansas and Oregon by a combined score of 178 to 47. Arizona State might be the only team on the Trojan schedule with the firepower to hang punch-for-punch with the defending national champions. This is a statement game for both teams. Another USC blowout win would cement the number one spot even more, while an Arizona State upset wouldn't just mean a lead spot in the race for the Pac 10 title, it would mean talk about a spot in the Rose Bowl. There will be fireworks galore, 1,000+ yards of total offense, and a whole bunch of fun.

Why USC might win: A red-hot Arizona State team with a tremendous quarterback and hot offense is supposed to end USC's run and make a big national splash. No, not this year, last year. It's all the same hype, upset talk and excitement that swirled about before last year's showdown. One 45-7 ASU soiling of itself later, and USC was well on its way to the national title while the Sun Devils finished among the first tier of the Pac 10 teams. Arizona State has to actually prove it can handle the pressure and talent USC is about to throw its way. In the one time this year ASU had a chance to step up and beat a top team, it didn't losing to LSU in an emotional 35-31 classic. Considering the Sun Devil pass defense is allowing 266 yards per game, Matt Leinart and the boys should have loads of fun.

Why Arizona State might win: No one on the USC schedule, not Notre Dame, not Cal, not the Rose Bowl opponent, has the offense USC is about to face. Yeah, the Trojan defense has been fine, but Oregon's offense is the best it has gone against so far. ASU will bomb away on anyone averaging 396 passing yards per game, second best in the nation, while the ground game isn't bad averaging close to 200 yards per outing. Most importantly in a game like this, ASU should be fine in the turnover department taking away 12 while losing only five turnovers.

Who to watch: This could be the game ASU QB Sam Keller makes a Heisman statement. The fearless junior isn't going to be the least bit fazed by playing USC showing stones in the face the aggressive LSU defense chucking for 461 yards and four touchdowns. He has four touchdown passes in each of the four games this year with 1,443 yards and two interceptions, both against Temple in the opener. If he doesn't screw up, ASU will be in this until the end. Matt Leinart has been every bit as good as advertised throwing for over 300 yards in each of his first three games with ten touchdowns and two interceptions. He doesn't have to be better than Keller, but he has to be close.

What will happen: Lots of points, lots of running up and down the field, and lots of numbers will be put up. USC will have a few more than Arizona State. The Sun Devils are tremendous in shootouts; the Trojans are better.

CFN Prediction: USC 50 ... Arizona State 38 ... Line: USC -16

Must See Rating: (5 lock yourself in a room to watch - 1 Out of Practice) ... 5