Arizona State Football: QB Manny Wilkins Looking For First Win vs. USC

Manny Wilkins, a senior quarterback for the Arizona State football program, hasn’t beaten USC in his collegiate career.

What was once a very promising season for the Arizona State football program has turned into something else. They’re still a good team, that’s not debatable, but their record is a mere 3-4 because they’ve continues to drop close games. Unfortunately, things won’t get much easier as their upcoming schedule is tough.

All of their losses so far have been one-score games against respectable opponents. Now, as they look to get back to .500, they’ll face USC on their turf. Luckily, they have a leg up in the quarterback department: Arizona State has an experienced senior under center, Manny Wilkins, while USC has a freshman third-stringer, Jack Sears, getting ready for his first start.

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While Wilkins and Arizona State are in a better spot with Sears starting, rather than their No. 1 or No. 2 options, the senior has never beaten USC in his career. And playing at the Coliseum, regardless of quarterback, is a tough task for anyone.

Manny Wilkins History vs. USC

• 2017: On October 28th, 2017, Wilkins and company lost to USC 48-17 at Sun Devils Stadium. The game was never really close as Arizona State’s defense was absolutely torched by eventual No. 1 pick Sam Darnold. At one point in the first half, the Trojans were up 31-3 and they never really let up. Wilkins, to his credit, didn’t turn the ball over but USC outgained the Sun Devils 607 total yards to 357.
• 2016: On October 1st, 2016, Arizona State traveled to USC with a 4-0 record but left with a 41-20 beatdown at the hands Sam Darnold and JuJu Smith-Schuster. Wilkins, unfortunately, went down with an injury and didn’t appear in the second half. At that point, though, the game was already one-sided as USC was beating Arizona State 27-6

In total, Manny Wilkins has faced USC twice and neither has been very close. This time around, even if they lose, I expect a close game (as all of their losses have been). But if Wilkins can stay accurate and make good decisions, coupled with a solid defensive effort, it’s quite possible he snags his first W against the Trojans.

ABC will broadcast the game nationally at 3:30 P.M ET.