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Fourth-ranked USC outlasts Arizona

Oct 26, 2008 - 6:20 AM TUCSON, Arizona (Ticker) -- After three straight laughers, Southern California had to settle for a smile.

The fourth-ranked Trojans were tested severely by Arizona before escaping with a 17-10 victory in a Pac-10 game on Saturday.

The winning touchdown came in the third quarter when Mark Sanchez hit fullback Stanley Havili with a 30-yard scoring strike. After that, it was a case of survival.

"This was a tough football game," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "The defense was so tough. It will not give in in any situation. (Safety) Kevin Ellison and (linebacker) Brian Cushing did a fantastic job."

A key play came with six minutes left in the fourth quarter when the Wildcats had fourth-and-inches. They attempted a quarterback sneak by Willie Tuitama, but the Trojans stuff him. Arizona is 1-of-8 on fourth-down attempts on the season.

USC was pinned deep in its own territory in the final three minutes when it caught an enormous break. Stafon Johnson fumbled after a short run, and tight end Anthony McCoy picked the ball up in full stride and rumbled 23 yards, advancing the ball to the 39.

The Trojans then ran the clock down to nine seconds before punting. Mike Thomas fielded the kick and lateraled to Derrick Barkum, who returned it 42 yards to the USC 34 before being tackled with no time on the clock.

Sanchez, a long shot Heisman contender, was 21-of-35 for 216 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

"Mark could be better,'' Carroll said.

A record-setting QB at Arizona, Tuitama was shut down, going 14-of-30 for 88 yards with an interception.

USC outgained Arizona overall, 367-188.

The Trojans (6-1, 4-1) have given up 20 points in four games since losing to Oregon State. Overall, they have allowed 30 points in their six wins. The only touchdown Arizona scored came on a short drive after Sanchez fumbled and Arizona recovered at the USC 15.

After the teams exchanged field goals, USC scored the game's first touchdown with 5:03 left in the second quarter.

The 17-play, 80-yard drive took 7:53 and was capped by Johnson's 2-yard run that made the score 10-3.

Sanchez was sacked and fumbled at the USC 15 on the opening drive of the second half.

Arizona (5-3, 3-2) recovered and went in for the equalizer, tying the game at 10 on Nicholas Grigsby's 5-yard run.