No. 15 USC (5-2, 3-1) at
No. 14 OREGON (6-1, 2-1)
Today, 12:30 p.m.
Autzen Stadium
TV -- Ch. 7. Radio -- KMPC (1540)
WHEN USC HAS THE BALL
Quarterback Carson Palmer burned Washington with play-action passes and the Trojans will probably employ the same strategy against a Duck defense that ranks last in the Pacific 10 Conference in pass defense at 291.6 yards a game. Freshman receiver Mike Williams caught three of Palmer's four touchdown passes against Washington and will probably start again in place of Kareem Kelly, who has a sprained right ankle but will play. Sultan McCullough will start at tailback and probably receive the bulk of the carries, but Justin Fargas is expected to get increased opportunities. Linebackers Kevin Mitchell and David Moretti lead the Oregon defense, which is giving up 21 points and 367 yards a game.
WHEN OREGON HAS THE BALL
Onterrio Smith is the Pac-10's leading rusher at 133.7 yards a game. Quarterback Jason Fife, who played at Lake Elsinore Temescal Canyon High, is second nationally in passing efficiency and throws to a corps of receivers that includes Keenan Howry and Samie Parker and tight end George Wrighster. Kicker Jared Siegel beat USC last season with a field goal with 12 seconds left and has made 12 of 13 attempts this season, including a 59-yarder in a 31-30 win over UCLA. USC's defense is the stingiest in the Pac-10, allowing 18 points and 286.1 yards a game.
