1. Establish the run. USC tailback Chauncey Washington rushed for a career-best 108 yards in 22 carries and scored the game-winning touchdown on a two-yard run. Washington gained 64 yards in 10 carries during the decisive 14-play drive. C.J Gable scored on a two-yard run for the Trojans. Arizona State tailback Ryan Torain gained 57 yards in nine carries and scored a touchdown.
2. Tight ends. USC quarterback John David Booty completed 12 of 25 passes for 148 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, but did not complete a pass to tight end Fred Davis. Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter completed 12 of 21 passes for 124 yards. He completed four passes to tight end Zach Miller, including an eight-yard touchdown pass.
3. Turnovers. For the first time in three games, USC created a turnover that gave the ball to its offense, recovering a muffed punt in the first quarter to set up Gable's scoring run for a 14-0 lead. Booty, however, turned the ball over twice with a fumble and an interception that was returned for a touchdown. USC recorded two sacks, ending a two-game drought.
— Gary Klein