ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥

Not too many predicted ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ to have the season its having at this very moment even with sophomore quarterback Khalil Tate as the starter. The Wildcats are ranked No. 23 in the AP Top 25 and bowl eligible after thumping Washington State by three touchdowns. 

Now the Cats take their talents to Los Angeles against a No. 17 USC team that was once a hopeful for the College Football Playoff.

With ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ State losing to the Trojans last week, Saturday's matchup will determine which team will control its destiny to represent the Pac-12 South in the conference championship. It's not a for-all-the-marbles type of game, but it's certainly an essential game for both teams moving forward. 

ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ head coach Rich Rodriguez held a press conference Monday to recap the win over Wazzu and looking forward to USC: 

RichRod on Khalil Tate’s passing abilities this season compared to 2016:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s “explosiveâ€� offense and the limited number of plays this season:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on Sam Darnold: “He needs to go ahead and declare for the draft.�

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on fan support and ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Stadium not filling up every week:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on Michael Eletise’s diet and special teams stepping up through the season.

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s success leading to better recruiting: “Guys are answering their phones quicker.â€�

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on USC RB Ronald Jones, freshmen playing on national stage and Jarrius Wallace’s production:

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)

RichRod on Khalil Tate’s nickname: “Is that like a standard protocol when someone is going off the charts?�

— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster)