Aca’Cedric Ware makes the most of his opportunity to run the ball for Trojans

Opportunities are scarce for running back Aca’Cedric Ware, so although USC was leading Arizona by a wide margin in the fourth quarter Saturday, he still felt as though he had something to prove.

Lined up in the pistol formation, he took a handoff to the right side, cut back and slapped away an arm tackle. Suddenly, he was in space. He raced down the middle of the field until he was chased down by cornerback Dane Cruikshank, 37 yards later. He arose with his shoulders slumped, upset he didn’t score.

So he tried again. On the next play, he skipped through a yawning hole carved by the line and cruised 21 yards into the end zone.

It was a career day for Ware, who had 12 carries for 103 yards to lead USC’s 48-14 victory.

“It felt great,” Ware said.

Ware’s second-half performance, and what Coach Clay Helton called a dominant performance by the offensive line, helped replace the production normally provided by starter Justin Davis, who is out because of a high-ankle sprain. Ronald Jones II, Saturday’s starter, contributed 81 yards, and Dominic Davis had 91.

USC hopes Justin Davis will return by its next game, against California, but Saturday his absence provided USC’s rushers with an rare opportunity for touches.

“When he comes back, he’s going to take over again,” Ware said. “But until then we need to hold it down.”

USC has tried to cycle Ware into its usual rotation. Against Utah, the coaches gave him a series even though Justin Davis had begun to find a rhythm. But since then, Helton has made giving Justin Davis more carries a priority.

Dominic Davis, too, made the most of playing time in the fourth quarter. He had an 85-yard run. Cruikshank also chased him down near the goal line.

Jones was Saturday’s workhorse, Helton said. He had 81 yards in 16 carries, both season highs. But the electrifying runs that have propelled him to the USC freshman rushing record last season remained elusive.

He came close to breaking loose. Once, he careened into the secondary, collided with the safety, spun out and nearly slipped free. But he could not hold himself up as he stumbled forward.

“I had a couple one on ones,” he said. “I need to make the safety miss and take it to the house.”

1/18

USC receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) celebrates with Darreus Rogers after scoring a touchdown against Arizona during the second half of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

2/18

USC running back Ronald Jones II (25) crashes into the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of a game against Arizona on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

3/18

USC quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles for yardage during the first half of the game against Arizona on Oct. 15.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

4/18

USC defensive back Adoree’ Jackson heads upfield after recovering a fumble against Arizona on Oct. 15.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

5/18

Arizona tight end Matt Morin (15) plays quarterback during the second half of a game against USC on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

6/18

Arizona running back Zach Green carries the ball during the second half of a game against USC on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

7/18

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate is pressured by USC defensive end Porter Gustin during the first half of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

8/18

Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate is taken down by USC defensive end Porter Gustin during the first half of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

9/18

USC running back Ronald Jones II (25) runs for a first down during the first half of a game against Arizona on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

10/18

Arizona running back Nick Wilson stiff arms USC defensive back Marvell Tell III (7) during the first half of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

11/18

Arizona receiver Trey Griffey can’t haul in a pass while being defended by USC defensive back Iman Marshall during the first quarter of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)

12/18

Tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe celebrates his touchdown with receiver Deontay Burnett during the second quarter of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)

13/18

USC running back Aca’Cedric Ware finds running room against Arizona on Saturday.  (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)

14/18

USC quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the second quarter of a game against Arizona on Oct. 15.

  (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)

15/18

USC receiver Darreus Rogers is hit by Arizona safety Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (6) and cornerback Jace Whittaker (17) during the first quarter of a game on Oct. 15.

  (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)

16/18

USC quarterback Sam Darnold throws downfield during the first half against Arizona on Oct. 15.  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

17/18

USC Coach Clay Helton talks to an official during the first half of a game against Arizona on Oct. 15.

  (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

18/18

Arizona Coach Rich Rodriguez reacts on the sideline during a game against USC on Oct. 15.

  (Chris Coduto / Getty Images)

For Arizona, it was an unwanted sequel just with a different lead actor.

A season ago, Jones, then a modestly used back, broke out against the Wildcats with a 177-yard performance. This time, it was Ware.

“We really challenged all three backs,” Helton said.

“I thought they did their job.”

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand