USC begins final banned season Saturday against Minnesota

USC begins its second season under Coach Lane Kiffin, its last under an NCAA-mandated bowl ban, against Minnesota on Saturday afternoon at the Coliseum. Staff writer Gary Klein looks at the game’s key issues and matchups:

Distraction factor

Just when the Trojans thought NCAA-related issues were behind them and they could concentrate on the season, they got more bad news.

The resignation of secondary coach Willie Mack Garza, whose alleged pre-USC connection to former Texas-based scout Willie Lyles is reportedly related to his stepping down, might impair a position group hoping to bounce back from a rough 2010.

For sure, it gives more responsibility to former USC and NFL defensive back Sammy Knight.

That could be a good thing. Knight is a graduate assistant, but players respect his background as a top college and professional player.

Cost of containment

MarQueis Gray, a converted receiver, makes his debut as Minnesota’s quarterback.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound junior is expected to be a greater threat running than passing.

“The biggest thing is staying in our pass-rush lanes because we know he’s going to scramble,” USC defensive end Wes Horton said. “He’s going to chuck it deep, but at the same time he’s going to pull the ball in and run, so that’s what we’re gearing for.”

Minnesota is familiar with Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley. The Golden Gophers intercepted two of Barkley’s passes in USC’s 32-21 victory last season at Minneapolis, but also gave up two touchdown passes.

On the line

Jeremy Galten arrived at USC in January, a midyear enrollee from San Mateo College who was thought to be merely a warm body to help with depth issues.

Now the 6-5, 285-pound junior is ready to start at left guard.

“They haven’t sat me down and told me, but I’ve taken the reps,” he said.

Asked if he imagined in January that he would be in the starting lineup on Saturday, Galten said, “To be honest, no. But I just did everything I could to be able to be where I am right now. I feel like it’s paid off.”

The offensive line was USC’s biggest question mark at the start of training camp, and it remains so going into the opener.

Matt Kalil is in his second season as the starting left tackle, the only member of the unit with extensive game experience at his position. Center Khaled Holmes is a former starting guard. Right tackle Kevin Graf, right guard John Martinez and Galten are starting for the first time.

Kiffin acknowledged concern.

“It’s one thing when a receiver plays bad or somebody on defense, but when your offensive line plays bad it affects the health of your quarterback,” he said.

Technology time

USC will unveil a 6,000-square-foot video board at the west end of the Coliseum.

The screen is 150 feet wide and 40 feet tall, among the largest in college football.

USC and stadium officials tested the board this week and were working to fix sound issues by game time.

A free “USC Football Gameday App” also is available through iTunes.

gary.klein@latimes.com

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