Arizona State quarterback takes friendly jab at USC’s Antwaun Woods

A little friendly motivation never hurt anyone.

And it could be exactly what USC nose tackle Antwaun Woods needs Saturday against Arizona State at the Coliseum.

Woods has yet to record a sack this season, but Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici crowned himself Woods’ best target.

Bercovici, Woods’ best friend and former Woodland Hills Taft High teammate, joked with reporters in Arizona on Tuesday and said that Woods would need an oxygen mask during the game.

“They’re not going to be able to say anything about anything because they are going to be sucking wind,” Bercovici said, chuckling.

Arizona State’s offense is averaging almost 80 plays per game.

Woods said it would be exciting to play against Bercovici, and that the friendly ribbing was expected.

“I knew he would say something,” Woods told The Times, smiling.

Bercovici said he has not spoken to Woods this week.

“I’ll talk to him on Sunday after we beat him,” Bercovici said, “and I’ll say ‘Hey buddy, if you want to come over for dinner some time we can set that up after the season’.”

“I’m going to be the humble one,” Woods said. “And I’ll be doing my trash talking after the game.”

Staff writer Gary Klein contributed to this report.

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