LOS ANGELES — University of Arizona football head coach Rich Rodriguez continues to struggle against the USC Trojans after a 49-35 loss Saturday, Nov. 4 at L.A. Memorial Coliseum.
During the Rich Rod era, the Wildcats have only been able to beat the Trojans once, back in 2012. Arizona’s lifetime record against USC is 8-33.
USC is consistently one of the most talented teams in the country, whereas Arizona remains inconsistent with the recruits it brings in.
One look at USC’s recruiting would help tell part of the story. A program that enjoys a plethora of four and five-star recruits, the Trojans consistently rely on their athletic ability to out perform teams like Rodriguez’s. For Rodriguez, a coach that relies on finding diamonds in the rough to match his scheme, matching up with teams that are more dynamic athletically seems to be a riddle he has yet to solve.
In 2012, the Wildcats defeated the Trojans at Arizona Stadium, 39-36, during Rodriguez’s first season as head coach for Arizona. The ‘Cats ended the 2012 season, 8-5.
RELATED: Arizona fights back, but is unable to hold of Trojans
The following season is where the losing streak began for the Wildcats as they lost to USC, 38-31. Arizona running back Ka’Deem Carey ran 174 yards during the game, which was the most on the team. The Wildcats put up a battle against the Trojans in 2014, but fell short by two-points, 28-26. Arizona lost on a last-second play, but despite the loss against the Trojans the Wildcats came out on top winning the Pac-12 South Division.
During Rodriguez’s fourth year as head coach in 2015, Arizona lost to USC 38-30, giving up all 38 points in the final three quarters.
Last season Arizona had its worst loss to the Trojans, 48-14, and experienced its worst season going 3-9. Quarterback Khalil Tate saw playing time on the field during this game against the Trojans but only completed 7 of 18 passes.,
Arizona football hoped to break the losing streak in Saturday’s game, but the Wildcats started off slow giving USC the opportunity to run the ball getting into the end zone early. Going into half time Arizona was behind 21-6, but the Wildcats refused to give up. Ultimately, the Trojans came out on top for the fifth season in a row.
Follow Teagan Rasche on Twitter
