USC Trojans

What did USC interim head coach learn from Arizona's Rich Rodriguez?

Published Nov. 5, 2015 5:47 p.m. ET

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When USC interim head coach Clay Helton became running backs coach for Memphis in 2000, he was tasked to visit Clemson.

According to ESPN, Memphis head coach Tommy West told Helton to study Clemson's offense. The coordinator: Rich Rodriguez.

“I’ve always been a fan of Rich Rodriguez -- a guy I truly respect,” said Helton, in the report. “He’s always done such a great job taking his personnel and adapting it to what he needs offensively. I remember a long time ago he was one of the premier pass guys in the world."

Rodriguez, now with Arizona, plays USC this weekend. USC (5-3) needs a win vs. Arizona (5-4) to stay alive in the Pac-12 South race. Arizona has lost two games in a row.

(h/t ESPN)