USC Scouting Report

* Time: 12:30 p.m. PDT.

* Site: Arizona Stadium, Tucson.

* TV: Channel 7.

* Radio: XTRA (690).

* The offenses: Arizona’s quarterback tandem of Keith Smith and Ortege Jenkins is effective--they each complete more than 63% of their passes--and Dennis Northcutt is one of the Pacific 10’s top receivers. Running back Trung Canidate has three consecutive 100-yard games, but his yards-per-carry average is nearly two yards off his stunning 7.3-yard average last season--and he’ll be going against the strength of USC’s defense. USC quarterback Mike Van Raaphorst should have receivers R. Jay Soward and Windrell Hayes at his disposal today. (Soward sat out most of last week’s game because of illness, and Hayes was out because of an ankle injury.) The Trojan running game will go against the most vulnerable part of Arizona’s defense, at least statistically, with the Wildcats giving up an average of 196 yards rushing.

* The defenses: Arizona’s deficiencies are well-chronicled. The only question is whether this is the week the Wildcats finally get it together and recover from the loss of cornerback Chris McAlister and defensive lineman Daniel Greer from last season’s 12-1 team. Arizona’s defensive scheme depends on its cornerbacks to hold the fort, and they figure to be tested by the speed of Soward and Kareem Kelly. Linebacker Marcus Bell is a standout, but he can’t do it all by himself. USC’s defense is developing a reputation for helping out its offense, with four touchdowns this season. But linebackers Zeke Moreno and Markus Steele need to make sure the rest of the defense keeps up the intensity. The young secondary faces a test from Northcutt.

* Key to the game: If USC can run the ball against Arizona anywhere near as well as Penn State (262 yards), Texas Christian (224 yards) or Stanford (214 yards) did, it’s hard to imagine the Trojan offense won’t put more points on the board than the USC defense will allow. Of course, that’s a big “if” until USC proves itself capable: The Trojans have averaged only 144 yards rushing.

* Fast fact: This is the first time Arizona and USC have played since 1996, a 14-7 USC victory. The Trojans lead the series, 19-4.

* Line: Arizona by 1.

HOW THEY COMPARE

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USC ARIZONA 38.3 Scoring 25.6 22.5 Points allowed 33.0 249.3 Passing offense 254.0 144.0 Rushing offense 153.0 393.3 Total offense 407.0 245.8 Passing defense 200.8 83.5 Rushing defense 196.2 329.3 Total defense 397.0

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