No. 6 USC holds off Arizona 17-10

[October 27, 2008]  TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- Mark Sanchez threw for 216 yards and a touchdown, and No. 6 Southern California used its dominant defense Saturday night to hold off Arizona 17-10 and keep its national title hopes alive.

The Trojans' stalwart defense throttled the potent Wildcats, who had averaged 40.4 points per game, ninth in the nation.

The tense, tight game ended in confusion. Arizona punt returner Mike Thomas fumbled and the Wildcats returned the ball into USC territory as the clock expired.

USC (6-1, 4-1 Pac-10) harried Arizona quarterback Willie Tuitama all night. The senior star completed 14 of 30 passes for 88 yards and threw an interception.

The Wildcats (5-3, 3-2) gained a season-low 188 yards and couldn't even pick up an inch on a Tuitama sneak on fourth down late in the fourth quarter.

[Associated Press; By ANDREW BAGNATO]

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