Utah State @ USC preview

USC hopes it has solved its quarterback issues while Utah State has endured no such problems at the position with star Chuckie Keeton giving the Aggies a solid chance at springing an upset when they visit the Trojans on Saturday. USC sophomore Cody Kessler has distanced himself from Max Wittek after completing 15-of-17 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s win over Boston College. Keeton has completed 78.1 percent of his throws and is tied for the national lead with 12 touchdowns.

Keeton, a junior, is a rising NFL prospect who has passed for 923 yards and rushed for 187 yards while helping the Aggies average 49.3 points over the first three games. “This is a dynamic player,” USC coach Lane Kiffin told reporters. “We’re going to have to a great job covering because he can throw the ball, and we’re going to have to do a great job tackling because he’s so elusive.” The Trojans are playing superb on defense, ranking fourth in total defense (212.3 yards per game) and tied for eighth in scoring defense (10.0).

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN2. LINE: USC -6.5.

ABOUT UTAH STATE (2-1): The Aggies rolled up 122 points while beating Air Force (52-20) and Weber State (70-6) the past two weeks and rank 12th nationally in total offense (550.3). Keeton has dependable targets in sophomore Bruce Natson (team-high 19 receptions) and senior Travis Van Leeuwen (13 catches for 226 yards) as well as capable running backs in junior Joe Hill (171 yards) and senior Joey DeMartino (153). Utah State ranks 13th in total defense (286.0) and is led by senior middle linebacker Jake Doughty (team-best 30 tackles) and junior outside linebacker Zach Vigil (23 tackles, two forced fumbles).

ABOUT USC (2-1): Junior running back Silas Redd (knee) has yet to play this season and sophomore Tre Madden (362 yards) has taken advantage by becoming the first Trojans back since Marcus Allen in 1981 to put together three consecutive 100-yard outings. Junior receiver Marqise Lee (17 receptions, 221 yards) finally found the end zone with an 80-yard scoring reception against Boston College as that preseason Heisman Trophy candidate chatter has dissipated. Junior safety Dion Bailey leads the Trojans in tackles (21) and interceptions (two), junior defensive end George Uko has a team-high three sacks and senior outside linebacker Morgan Breslin is nearing top form after a preseason ankle injury caused him to miss the opener and limited his effectiveness upon returning.

EXTRA POINTS

1. USC is 4-0 against Utah State and won the most recent meeting, 66-10, in 1989.

2. The Aggies have converted 30-of-46 third-down opportunities and the 65.2 percent success rate is fourth-best in the nation.

3. Lee has 208 career receptions, eight behind second-place Dwayne Jarrett (2004-06) on the school’s all-time list.

PREDICTION: USC 30, Utah State 27