USC vs. San Diego State

* Time: 7:30 p.m.

* Site: Coliseum

* Television: Fox Sports West 2

* Radio: AM 690, 1540, 1170

The Offenses

* Youth is the story, with both teams expected to play two quarterbacks and none of the four more experienced than a sophomore. USC sputtered early against Purdue, but freshman quarterback Carson Palmer sparked a comeback with a 42-yard completion. Starter Mike Van Raaphorst looked especially sharp in practice Thursday, and both may have easier jobs today, with star receiver R. Jay Soward back from a one-game academic suspension. San Diego State’s quarterback, sophomore Spencer Brinton, threw two interceptions in a 26-14 loss to Wisconsin, and the offense managed only one touchdown, a short run by backup quarterback Brian Russell. Still, tailback Jonas Lewis, a 1,000-yard rusher last season, can take advantage of open space created by the Aztecs’ pass-oriented offense.

The Defenses

* Linebacker Chris Claiborne, the backbone of the Trojan defense, played almost every down against Purdue, despite the heat. The secondary will have to hold up against a wide-open attack for the second consecutive game. And USC is not at full strength, with safety Grant Pearsall out because of a knee injury and linebacker Mark Cusano available for only limited duty, if at all, because of an ankle injury.

Defense is the key for San Diego State as well, and end Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila had 12 sacks last season. The linebacker corps is also strong. Joe Tuipala forced two fumbles against Wisconsin.

* The keys to the game: USC has speed, an advantage that is likely to give San Diego State trouble on offense and defense. But the Trojans learned last year how an unheralded Western Athletic Conference team can spell trouble. USC trailed Nevada Las Vegas in the fourth quarter before rallying to victory.

* Fast fact: San Diego State has never played in the Coliseum, and despite the schools’ proximity, they have met only once before, in a 31-31 tie in 1992 at San Diego.

* The line: USC by 19.