Arkansas State @ USC preview

Following an eventful training camp, No. 10 USC turns its focus toward the field for Saturday’s season opener against visiting Arkansas State. Senior quarterback Cody Kessler is primed to lead the Trojans to national championship contention, but he’ll need to navigate a difficult schedule that includes games at Notre Dame and Oregon.

Coach Steve Sarkisian drew plenty of attention for his drunken appearance at a booster event last month, but that shouldn’t overshadow the Trojans’ formidable talent on the field. USC, which returns 16 starters and was picked to finish first in the Pac-12 South Division, boasts an offense that averaged 36 points last year and could be even more potent this season. The defense lost tackle Leonard Williams to the NFL but should be among the nation’s best with Adoree' Jackson, Kevon Seymour and Iman Marshall leading the secondary.

TV: 11 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network LINE: USC -27

ABOUT ARKANSAS STATE (2014: 7-6): Dual-threat quarterback Fredi Knighten, a preseason All-Sun Belt Conference First Team selection, leads an up-tempo Red Wolves offense that averaged 476.5 yards in total offense last season. Running back Michael Gordon rushed for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns last year while wide receivers Tres Houston, Dijon Paschal and JD McKissic are big reasons why the Red Wolves were picked to finish third in the Sun Belt preseason poll. The defense recorded 37 sacks last season but allowed 27.8 points per game and could have a long evening trying to slow down USC’s dynamic offense.

ABOUT USC (2014: 9-4): Sarkisian has turned the play-calling duties over to offensive coordinator Clay Helton, who might have one of the best jobs in the country considering the Trojans’ talent at every position. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster looks to build on a strong freshman season while running backs Justin Davis and Tre Madden should pick up right where NFL pick Javorius Allen left off last year. The Trojans have struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks in the past but should be able to contain Knighten, with Jackson and linebacker Su’a Cravens (17 tackles-for-loss last season) leading the way.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Trojans have won their last 17 season openers.

2. Arkansas State is seeking its first road win over a non-conference opponent since 2008.

3. Since the start of the 2001 season, USC is 68-6 when holding opponents to 300 yards of total offense or fewer.

PREDICTION: USC 45, Arkansas State 13