When you talk about USC vs. History of Arizona State in football, you usually think that USC – Arizona State football programs have nothing in common. USC is dominant and has 11 football national championships to its name. Unfortunately, the state of Arizona does not have college football championships. Arizona State’s football history pales in comparison to USC’s number of national football championships.

However, recent history has shown that USC cannot take any PAC-10 team lightly. Despite having a record of 58-9-4 before their game with Oregon State in the 2008 season, they lost 27-21. Oregon State has now beaten USC three of the last five times at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, and the last two in a row. USC would probably rather never play there again.

As for Arizona State though, they have a 9-15 record against USC. They beat USC the first time they played in the conference in 1978, so they’re probably expecting more of the same this weekend. I don’t think it happens. Last year, ASU was ranked higher than USC in this matchup and still took a beating. While the Trojans suffered a tough loss at Oregon State, they have now rebounded from that and Mark Sanchez looks good at quarterback, although he may miss this weekend due to injury. The Sun Devils allowed three touchdown passes last week, their offense is even worse, and they’re on a three-game losing streak. They’ll probably fight like any PAC-10 team does against football giants USC, but they won’t do enough to win. The key will be for the USC defense to shut down their stumbling offense.

So my USC football preview for this week is a convincing win, but not a thud. The past at USC vs. Arizona State history shows that ASU actually has one of the best records in college football. However, I think USC is not letting its guard down enough right now. Wait later in the season for that. Even without Mark Sanchez, they are at home and their defense will take it from their opponents.

You can watch the showdown on Saturday, October 11 at 3:30pm EST. It will air on ABC and ESPN360.com.