California @ Southern California preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 3, 2009 ) Southern California 30, California 3

With the offensive units at California and Southern Cal hitting on all cylinders, this Pac-10 matchup has the potential to be a real shootout.

Even though Southern Cal (4-2, 1-2) has lost two straight games for the first time since 2001, the Trojans offense can't be faulted. The Men of Troy are averaging 35.7 points, 213 yards rushing and 262 yards passing, which places them second in the conference in total offense. But California (3-2, 1-1) isn't far behind; the Golden Bears average 212 yards rushing and 192 yards passing and 35.8 points.

Southern Cal sophomore quarterback Matt Barkley gets much of the credit, since he's thrown for 252 yards per game, with 15 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Barkley helped uncover a new star last week in the loss to Sanford; freshman receiver Robert Woods, who had given an indication of his ability earlier in the season with a 97-yard kickoff return against Minnesota, caught 12 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Woods now has 25 receptions and four touchdowns.

The California offense is run with efficiency by senior Kevin Riley, who has thrown for 931 yards and nine touchdowns. Junior running back Shane Vereen has rushed for 577 yards and eight touchdowns; he had 151 yards against UCLA. The Bears offensive line will be helped by the return of center Chris Guarnero, who missed last week's game with a sprained ankle.

The Cal defense has allowed only one touchdown in consecutive games against Arizona and UCLA. The Bears have shown an ability to slow the run; UCLA rushed for only 26 yards. But Cal's passing defense will be seriously tested by the Southern Cal aerial game. Cal cornerback Darian Hagan will be ready; he was the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Week after getting his first two career sacks and an interception against UCLA. Linebacker Mychal Kendricks (a team high 4.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss) needs to apply pressure to Barkley.

The Southern Cal defense allowed Stanford to gain 478 yards last week and, more importantly, couldn't prevent the Cardinal from driving downfield in the final 1:02 to kick a game-winning field goal. The Trojans hope to get defensive end Wes Horton back in the lineup; he's missed two straight games with an ailing back. Injuries have stripped the USC defense, which allows 428.67 yards per game and is ranked No. 100 in the nation.

Southern Cal coach Lane Kiffin still isn't sold on kicker Joe Houston. He opened competition for the spot after Houston botched two kicks against Washington, but allowed Houston to kick extra points. No field goals were attempted.

Southern Cal has played California more than any other opponent and leads the series 62-30-5. USC has won the past six meetings and eight of the last nine.