Arizona @ Southern California preview

Last Meeting ( Nov 13, 2010 ) Southern California 24, Arizona 21

THE STORY: Arizona has lost eight consecutive games to FBS opponents, and it doesn’t get any easier Saturday against a Southern Cal team eager to rebound from last week’s 43-22 loss to Arizona State. The Wildcats have given up 234 yards rushing per game, which ranks 114th nationally. It could mean a big game for Southern Cal’s Marc Tyler, who ran for 149 yards on 22 carries against the Sun Devils.

TV: FSN. LINE: Southern Cal -13.5

ABOUT ARIZONA (1-3, 0-2 Pac-12): The Wildcats have lost three straight to ranked teams – Oklahoma State, Stanford and Oregon -- but quarterback Nick Foles has been a bright spot. Foles has completed 71 percent of his passes for 1,447 yards with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions. Foles’ favorite target, receiver Juron Criner, stands eight inches taller than USC’s top cornerback, Nickell Robey. Arizona is averaging just 62 yards rushing per game. The Wildcats allowed 516 yards of total offense to Oregon last week, and opponents are averaging 35 points.

ABOUT SOUTHERN CAL (3-1, 1-1 Pac-12): The Trojans failed to pressure Sun Devils quarterback Brock Osweiler last week, but Arizona’s offensive line might be an easier test. The Wildcats have allowed a conference-worst 12 sacks. Quarterback Matt Barkley was inconsistent against Arizona State, and his offensive line failed to give him time to operate. Barkley has thrown 10 touchdowns and three interceptions through four games, while wide receiver Robert Woods has 41 catches for 492 yards and four touchdowns. Southern Cal committed four turnovers and converted only 1 of 9 third-down opportunities last week.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Eight Pac-12 quarterbacks rank among the top 40 nationally in passing efficiency, including Foles (26th) and Barkley (34th).

2. Tyler had 31 carries for 160 yards in the Trojans’ 24-21 win over the Wildcats last season in Tucson.

3. Southern Cal ranks 106th nationally in red-zone efficiency. The Trojans have scored 11 times in 16 red-zone opportunities, but just eight have been touchdowns.

PREDICTION: Southern Cal 34, Arizona 24 -- The Wildcats won’t be able to stop the Trojans’ balanced offensive attack, and Foles won't be able to make up for Arizona's deficiencies on the ground.