The Locals

USC (2-2) at ARIZONA STATE (3-2)

* KICKOFF: 12:30 p.m., Channel 7.

* STORYLINE: The loser can pretty much forget about contending for the Rose Bowl, making this a pivotal game in each team’s season, much as it was last year. USC lost in double-overtime, 48-35, and won only two of its final six. Arizona State survived to take an undefeated record into the Rose Bowl before losing to Ohio State.

* USC UPDATE: The Trojans are still trying to put together a consistent performance, and another outing like the one against Nevada Las Vegas could be fatal. Youngsters will be manning most of the key offensive positions Saturday, with sophomore John Fox at quarterback and freshmen Malaefou MacKenzie and Ted Iacenda starting in the backfield.

* ARIZONA STATE UPDATE: The rebuilding Sun Devils fell out of the top 25 this week after a 26-14 loss to Washington, and their 23-12 victory over Miami no longer looks so impressive, considering Florida State’s 47-0 demolition of the Hurricanes. The defense has been solid, giving up only 14.2 points a game, but freshman quarterback Ryan Kealy is learning on the job as he tries to replace Jake Plummer.

* EDGE TO USC: The line favors Arizona State at home, but Sun Devil victories over New Mexico State, Miami and Oregon State don’t prove much. USC’s most impressive result is still its 14-7 loss to Florida State in the opening game.

* THE LINE: Arizona St. by 2 1/2