THE LOCALS

* USC (2-3) at NOTRE DAME (2-4)

* KICKOFF: 12:30 p.m. PDT, Channel 4.

* STORYLINE: For the first time since 1960, USC and Notre Dame bring losing records into their storied rivalry. It’s also the first time since 1985 neither team is ranked. New Notre Dame Coach Bob Davie is already under fire and USC Coach John Robinson, 62, says he’ll resign if the Trojans don’t turn their season around.

* USC UPDATE: What effect Robinson’s announcement will have on his players’ performance has been difficult to read, but falling behind early could spell trouble. The offense is averaging only 19 points a game, quarterback John Fox is coming off a shaky performance and the Trojans are banged up at tailback.

* NOTRE DAME UPDATE: The Fighting Irish actually feel as if they they’re on a roll after breaking a four-game losing streak with a 45-21 victory over Pittsburgh. Cornerback Allen Rossum got Notre Dame rolling with a 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and two backs rushed for 100 yards--Autry Denson and Clement Stokes.

* EDGE TO NOTRE DAME: USC hasn’t won in South Bend since 1981, and it took a 27-20 victory in overtime by an inspired USC team in the final game of the season last year to end a 13-game streak without a Trojan victory.

* THE LINE: Notre Dame by 6.