ASU notebook: Devils’ D steps up

While Arizona State’s rushing defense leads the Pac-10, the secondary has been under scrutiny for giving up big pass plays this season.

Turnovers doom Devils against USC

Freshman QB Osweiler thrown into the fire

Slideshow: ASU vs. USC

The Sun Devils headed into Saturday’s game against USC allowing 215.9 yards per game through the air, but held true freshman quarterback Matt Barkley and the Trojans in check all night.

Barkley finished just 7-of-22 for 112 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The touchdown was on a screen pass in which Damian Williams eluded multiple defenders en route to a 75-yard score, totaling nearly 67 percent of the total passing yards on a throw that was barely past the line of scrimmage.

It was the only scoring the Arizona State defense would give up in the contest.

“We didn’t give up anything,” ASU coach Dennis Erickson said. “You can’t ask our defense to play any better than that.”

Two changes were made to the secondary following last week’s 23-21 loss to Cal.

Clint Floyd was inserted at safety in place of Jarrell Holman and Deveron Carr took a cornerback spot from Pierre Singfield.

Floyd had an interception and Carr covered USC’s receivers well throughout the contest.

On Floyd’s pick, the ball bounced off two different players’ hands and cornerback Terell Carr’s foot before landing in his arms.

Both players finished with two tackles and Carr had two pass breakups.

“I thought (Carr and Floyd) played really well,” Erickson said.

USC’s other points came on a 55-yard interception return for a touchdown by safety Will Harris.

TURNOVER BUG

Arizona State has been good at winning the turnover battle in games this season, but didn’t fare so well against the Trojans, coughing the ball up four times in the contest.

The first turnover came on a fumble by Cameron Marshall inside the USC red zone on ASU’s opening drive.

The next two were interceptions thrown by Danny Sullivan, the second one the most costly because USC returned it for a touchdown.

The final one came on Brock Osweiler’s desperation Hail Mary with no time left on the clock.

Despite the Sun Devils winning the majority of the statistical categories, giving up the football took its toll.

“You know what the biggest stat is: turnovers,” Erickson said. “Against USC, you can’t do that.”

FIRST TIMER

Marshall started for the first time in his career. He finished the game with 16 carries for 42 yards and the fumble.

Dimitri Nance, who has been nursing a shoulder injury, carried the ball eight times for 21 yards.

Both averaged 2.6 yards per carry.

EXTRA POINTS

Former Arizona State shortstop and 2008 American League MVP Dustin Pedroia led the football team onto the field.

Everson Griffin, a USC defensive end from Avondale Agua Fria, did not travel because of a sprained toe.

Devon Kennard, a true freshman defensive end from Phoenix Desert Vista, finished with two tackles for the Trojans. He chose USC over a list of schools that included Arizona State.