Trojans outlast Wildcats in Shootout

Robert Woods hauls in one of his 14 receptions against Arizona
(AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)

The Arizona Wildcats have a record setting defense. Unfortunately, they aren't setting the records that they want to be setting. Last week, the allowed LaMichael James to rack up 288 yards on the ground, setting an Oregon rushing record. This week, Arizona fell victim to Matt Barkley's 468 passing yards, good enough to set a school record for USC.

Arizona dug themselves into a hole early, stalling on their first drive and then allowing a 2 play 91 yard touch down drive. Matt Barkley went to Sophomore sensation Robert Woods on both plays, the second an 82 yard reception which would set the tone for the rest of the afternoon. Of Barkley's passing yards 255 of them went to Woods who fell just 5 yards short of breaking the USC receiving mark for a single game. With under a minute in the first, Barkley connected with Marquis Lee for 38 yards and a score and it appeared the rout was on.

Arizona would not go quietly. Nick Foles continued to show his passing prowess as he also threw for over 400 yards. His streak of passes thrown without an interception was broken though when T.J. McDonald got his hands on the ball at the USC 30, stopping a promising drive from the Wildcats. Arizona continued to battle back though and got within a touch down at 34-27 as Ka'Deem Carey showed some signs of life for the previously anemic Wildcat running game. But it was not to be as the squads exchanged touchdowns, the final coming through the air as Foles connected four four yards to Austin Hill to render the final score 48-41 USC.

The Wildcats' skid against FBS foes continues as they have not beat a FBS squad in nearly a year. They have their best shot of the season so far when they go on the road to visit Oregon State who have struggled their way to a 0-4 record but showed some fight against Pac-12 South favorite Arizona State. The secondary for the Beavers looks to be improving and could provide problems for one of the Pac-12's most accurate passers. USC on the other hand have a week and a half to prepare to travel to AT&T park in San Fransisco to face the California Golden Bears. Cal will be playing their second consecutive Thursday night game as they travel to Eugene to play the #9 Oregon Ducks.