Johnson is averaging 25.5 yards a reception, Williams 15.5 and Turner 15.1. They will operate against a Sun Devils defense ranked sixth in the Pac-10 against the pass.
Carpenter or Sullivan will rely on receivers Michael Jones, Kyle Williams, Chris McGaha and Kerry Taylor, especially if the Sun Devils' rushing attack provides no support.
Return engagement
Underdog Arizona State could use a big play or two from its special teams. USC needs to avoid mistakes that would give the Sun Devils advantageous field position.
Stafon Johnson takes over punt-return duties for the Trojans, replacing the fumble-prone McKnight. Johnson's main mission is to catch and secure the ball, but the junior is fully capable of electrifying returns.
Arizona State's Williams is averaging 14 yards a return.
Flag football
The Trojans are a four-touchdown favorite over Arizona State, which began the season with victories over Northern Arizona and Stanford before losing to Nevada Las Vegas, Georgia and California.
But USC could keep Arizona State in the game if it continues to amass nearly nine penalties a game, worst in the Pac-10. The Trojans average 86 penalty yards.
Arizona State is averaging 57.8 penalty yards.
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By the numbers
*--* USC CATEGORY ASU 38.0 Scoring 23.0 11.8 Points given up 20.8 301.0 Passing off. 269.4 153.3 Rushing off. 85.4 454.3 Total offense 354.8 159.3 Passing def. 196.4 84.8 Rushing def. 128.4 244.0 Total defense 324.8 *--*
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gary.klein@latimes.com
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NO. 8 USC (3-1, 1-1) VS. ARIZONA STATE (2-3, 1-1)
Today at the Coliseum, 12:30 p.m., Channel 7
