Trojans will feel the heat in the Arizona desert

USC last week tuned up for a game with Pacific 10 Conference title implications by rolling through Washington State, 69-0, the Trojans' second consecutive shutout. Arizona's victories are over Idaho, Toledo, UCLA, Washington and California, so it remains to be seen if the Wildcats are legitimate. Times staff writer Gary Klein looks at some of the key issues and matchups surrounding today's game:

Take a pass

Arizona State's Rudy Carpenter was slowed by an ankle injury against USC, so Arizona's Willie Tuitama qualifies as the most experienced passer the Trojans will face during the conference schedule.

Tuitama struggled with consistency his first three seasons but as a senior has passed for 15 touchdowns with three interceptions. He will go against a veteran USC secondary that, led by safety Kevin Ellison, ranks first nationally in pass defense.

The last time Arizona saw USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, he was a nervous sophomore making the first start of his career. The Wildcats intercepted two passes on Oct. 13, 2007, but Sanchez came though in the clutch with a fourth-quarter touchdown pass that sent the Trojans to victory at the Coliseum.

Sanchez has passed for 19 touchdowns with six interceptions and leads the conference in passing efficiency, but the Wildcats rank second in the Pac-10 in pass defense.

Backfields in motion

USC tailbacks Broderick Green, Stafon Johnson and C.J. Gable each rushed for more than 100 yards last week against Washington State and Joe McKnight amassed 143 yards in his last game two weeks ago against Arizona State.

McKnight is back from a toe injury, so who gets the ball tonight?

Gable and Johnson will probably be the workhorses against the conference's sixth-best rushing defense.

USC is first in rushing defense, but the last time the Trojans faced a smallish back such as Arizona freshman Keola Antolin, a guy named Jacquizz Rodgers darted and spun his way to 186 yards and led Oregon State to victory.

Antolin and running back Nic Grigsby might go right at a defensive line that includes tackle Fili Moala, who is nursing a sore ankle.

They're receptive

Arizona receiver Mike Thomas is regarded as one of the Pac-10s best playmakers. The 5-foot-8 senior from Texas averages six catches and 82 yards receiving a game. He also averages 15 yards per punt return.