ASU Volleyball: Sun Devils face a tough test against No. 22 USC

(Photo: Jacob Franklin/WCSN)

The Arizona State Sun Devils travel to Los Angeles, California, to take on the No. 22 USC Trojans Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 7:00 p.m. PT. For the Sun Devils, a win could give them a great start as they look to get their season back on track.

After losing on Friday against Oregon and Sunday against Oregon State at home last week, the Sun Devils have now lost their last six games. The two home losses they have already accumulated this year is just one less than they had all of last season.

Part of the struggles for ASU is its inability to convert on the offensive side of the net. The Sun Devils rank last in the Pac-12 in hitting percentage, assists per set, and kills per set.

Despite these struggles, the Sun Devils still have a great chance to turn their season around; and it starts with their matchup against USC.

On the surface, the Trojans look like a menacing team. They are ranked 22^nd in the nation, and freshman outside hitter Khalia Lanier is having one of the better freshman seasons of all freshman in the country this year.

Plus, USC playing at home is never going to be an easy task to overcome.

However, USC is a beatable team for the Sun Devils. The Trojans have not looked as dominant as they have in years past. A slow start to the season featured three straight losses in as many games, including a loss to Santa Clara, whom the Sun Devils beat in mid-September.

The Trojans do not pose a huge threat as blockers either, ranking just 6^th in the Pac-12 in blocks per set. As a smaller team, the Sun Devils have been outmatched in the blocking category all year, but in the match against the Trojans that could change for them.

ASU is in need of a big win that can change the direction of the season. Losing six straight games, including two at home, has put the Sun Devils on the wrong track. But a win against a ranked Trojan team on the road will provide a huge spark of momentum, and that is just what they need to turn the season around.

The match will be broadcasted on the Pac-12 Networks.

If you have an comments or questions, you can contact John Engelbert via Twitter @john_engz or via email at jengelbert97@gmail.com.