No. 6 Southern California remained unbeaten in coach Lincoln Riley’s first season with a 42-25 victory over Arizona State. Caleb Williams passed for 348 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for another score while marching the Trojans up and down the field for 485 total yards.
But Arizona State was nearly as effective on offense, making three straight scoring drives longer than 50 yards to stay within 21-17 at halftime. Jones went 9 of 11 for 117 yards, while Valladay rushed for 57 yards and made a 29-yard TD reception.
USC's defense again struggled to get important stops, continuing a theme for a unit that didn't get the massive influx of elite transfer talent received by the offense. The Trojans also committed six penalties in the first half, including an offensive holding call that erased an 82-yard TD catch by Mario Williams.
Hudson scored his first career touchdown with 10:54 to play. Valladay replied with 6:16 left, but Addison recovered an onside kick before Dye put it away with several gritty runs leading up to his second TD with 3:46 to play.Caleb Williams committed USC’s first turnover of the season on the opening drive of the second half, underthrowing Addison in the end zone for an interception by Timarcus Davis. The Trojans had been the only team left in the FBS without a turnover.Arizona St.
USC: Caleb Williams is the engine driving the Trojans' powerhouse offense, and he was in elite, feisty form. If he stays healthy, USC has the potential and talent to outscore just about anybody.Arizona St.: Hosts Washington on Saturday.