USC addressed some, but not all, of its problems last week in a bounce-back victory over Washington State. Meanwhile, California imploded at Oregon with a head-scratching defeat that sent it spiraling out of the top 10 in national polls. Times staff writer Gary Klein looks at some of the USC-Cal game's key issues and matchups:
Emotional rescue
Both teams come into the game with mental baggage that could inspire or derail their effort.
USC's Stafon Johnson is in the hospital recovering from emergency throat surgery necessitated by a weightlifting accident that shook the Trojans early this week. USC is motivated to play well in the senior tailback's absence, but Coach Pete Carroll has cautioned players about letting it overwhelm their play.
Cal is dealing with confidence and identity issues after its 42-3 loss at Oregon, a defeat that fueled the Golden Bears' reputation for blowing it every time they're on the cusp making a true national statement.
Whatever is Best
Speedy Cal tailback Jahvid Best has triple motivation for burning the Trojans:
* Last season, USC held Best to 30 yards rushing.
* Oregon limited the junior to 55 yards last week.
* A big performance against a Trojans defense giving up only 1.7 yards per rushing play would put Best back into the Heisman Trophy discussion.
With Johnson sidelined, USC will rely on juniors Joe McKnight, Allen Bradford and C.J. Gable.
Starts and stops
USC quarterback Matt Barkley says he still feels pain in his right shoulder when he throws. However, his velocity appears to have returned. So let's see whether play-caller Jeremy Bates allows the freshman to make longer throws as he did against Washington State, or whether the Trojans revert to conservative ways out of fear that Barkley might try to be too aggressive and commit turnovers.
Barkley has completed 60% of his passes and thrown for three touchdowns with one interception. His two touchdown passes within a 10-second span against Washington State were big-time throws.
The Trojans' third-down conversion rate is a Pacific 10 Conference-worst 25%, and Cal's defense features a veteran secondary and is second behind USC in sacks.
Cal quarterback Kevin Riley will be on the spot, especially if USC is able to contain Best. Riley has completed 57% of his passes and has thrown for five touchdowns without an interception.
Cal has converted 43% of its third-down opportunities.
