Minnesota @ Southern California preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 18, 2010 ) Southern California 32, Minnesota 21

THE STORY: USC opens 2011 serving the second of its two-season bowl ban, a penalty that results from NCAA infractions committed during the Pete Carroll era. Minnesota is in rebuilding mode under new coach Jerry Kill, formerly of Northern Illinois. USC defeated Minnesota last year, 32-21, in Minneapolis.

TV: ABC/ESPN2. Line: USC -21

ABOUT MINNESOTA (2010: 3-9, 2-6 Big Ten): Kill will try to return Minnesota to prominence after the school fired coach Tim Brewster, who posted three losing seasons in his four-year tenure. Brewster left the cupboard mostly bare for Kill, who has had to be resourceful. Kill shifted junior MarQueis Gray from wide receiver to quarterback in a move that could ultimately determine how much success the Golden Gophers have in 2011.

ABOUT USC (2010: 8-5, 5-4 Pac-12): For the second straight year, coach Lane Kiffin must find a way to keep his Trojans motivated despite there being no possibility of postseason play. QB Matt Barkley, among 13 returning starters, should provide plenty of leadership. The defense, which allowed 26.7 points per game in 2010, must make big strides for the Trojans to be elite.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. USC has won its last 13 season openers by an average score of 35-11.

2. The Trojans have won four straight against the Golden Gophers, who are winless in their last three meetings against Pac-12 teams.

3. Marc Tyler, USC’s starting running back, won’t play against Minnesota due to a suspension.

PREDICTION: USC 38, Minnesota 17 -- The Gophers played the Trojans tough for three quarters last year. But this year's squad won't be able to hang with a team of this caliber just yet.