THE LOCALS

USC (3-3, 0-3)

at Stanford (2-4, 1-2)

* Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Stanford Stadium, Channel 7.

* Story line: These are two teams headed in the wrong direction fast. Both have played well below preseason expectations. Both are on three-game losing streaks and desperate to put their seasons back on track. Only one of them will get the needed victory.

* USC update: The Trojans have been working on their shaky passing attack, especially the long ball and throws to the tight end. Carson Palmer and his top receiver, Kareem Kelly, have been fit enough to practice together for the first time in weeks.

* Stanford update: The Cardinal is struggling with many of the same problems that have plagued USC, namely turnovers and a tendency to surrender big plays on defense. “But at the same time,” Coach Tyrone Willingham said, “I really think that our team is getting better and has a chance to finish the season strong.”

* Edge to USC: The Trojans believe they can keep their resurgent ground game rolling and play enough defense to contain a team that has averaged only eight points in the last three games. But Stanford will be more dangerous if, as expected, quarterback Randy Fasani is healthy enough to play.

* Line: USC by 6.