ESPN College Football

Three matchups to watch in each of the games on the Top 25 schedule.

No. 2 USC at No. 14 Arizona State
1. USC RB Reggie Bush vs. Arizona State MLB Dale Robinson
Robinson leads the Sun Devils in total tackles (36) and tackles for loss (7.5). He is the unit's best run stopper, using an impressive combination of size, instincts and quickness to make plays from sideline-to-sideline. If protected by his front line, Robinson has enough physical tools to keep Bush relatively in check on the ground. Where Robinson does not stack up, however, is in coverage. The senior middle linebacker is much more effective rushing the passer (two sacks this season), as he shows good straight-line burst when coming forward but lacks ideal hip fluidity when forced to turn-and-run in man-coverage. As a result, look for the Trojans to work this matchup as often as possible. The more they can get Bush the ball in space as a receiver out of the backfield -- on screens, wheel routes, angle-routes, etc. -- the better the Trojans' odds become of remaining undefeated.

2. Arizona State QB Sam Keller vs. USC S Darnell Bing
Keller has confidence that boarders on arrogance and that belief has allowed Keller to pick up right where former star QB Andrew Walter left off. The 6-foot-4, 227-pound junior has already thrown for 1,443 yards and 16 touchdowns this season and is guiding the nation's second-ranked passing attack. But sometimes Keller believes he can do too much and will unnecessarily force throws as a result. There is lots of talk regarding the injury-hobbled USC secondary, but Bing is healthy now and ready to make an impact in what promises to be the best challenge that the Trojans' pass defense faces this season. Bing is a versatile safety who will line up all over the field. He will be active versus the run and will play many different roles in coverage, including deep-zone, underneath-zone, man-to-man versus RB Rudy Burgess and man-to-man versus TE Zach Miller (expected to return from injury). Keller must account for Bing on every presnap read, as well as on every progression read during his drops. If not, Bing will add to Keller's interception total (two) in a hurry.

To continue reading this article you must be an Insider