NO. 10 USC AT STANFORD: WHO HAS THE EDGE?
No. 10 USC AT STANFORD
When: Today, 4:30 p.m.
Where: Stanford Stadium
TV/radio: Ch. 7 /790 AM
Records: USC 1-0; Stanford 1-0
Line: USC by 8
Notable injuries: USC: PROBABLE: RB Raleek Brown (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: DT De'jon Benton (arm), CB Domani Jackson (leg); OUT: TE Jude Wolfe (foot); Stanford: QUESTIONABLE: OG Branson Bragg (undisclosed)
What's at stake?: After opening-week losses for Oregon and Utah and USC's rise from No. 14to No. 10in The Associated Press poll, there is reason for the Trojans to believe they can accomplish a lot more in their first season under Lincoln Riley than previously expected. At the same time, this is the first true test for the Trojans after some batting practice last week against Rice. A convincing win over Stanford would send a better message than the Week 1victory. For the Cardinal, a win against a rival is its own reward. But a win over the Trojans would immediately catapult Stanford into the contender category for the Pac-12, too.
Who's better?: After one week, it would appear to be the Trojans. While USC had a seamless win over Rice, not showing any glaring mistakes or weaknesses, Stanford gave up four turnovers against Colgate. Those kinds of mistakes against USC would make it difficult for Stanford to overcome.
Matchup to watch:
Stanford QB Tanner McKee vs. USC's secondary. The Trojans have a young set of defensive backs who struggled in the first series against Rice before settling down. McKee, however, is a different type of quarterback, receiving NFL hype during the preseason. If USC's young DBs are ready for the big time, they'll show it against McKee. The Trojans don't let the Cardinal extend drives, improving on the USC defense's 6-for-15 mark on thirddown conversions against Rice. This will prevent Stanford from winning the timeof-possession battle and give the USC offense time to operate. Prediction: USC 42, Stanford 24. Travis Dye and Austin Jones offset the Stanford rushing attack and USC's defense shows that it can win again without three picksixes to buoy it.
USC wins if: