THE LOCAL

San Jose State (2-1) at No. 9 USC (2-0)

* Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Coliseum, Fox Sports Net 2.

* Story line: San Jose State is the sort of team USC should roll over. Or is it? The Trojans are big favorites, but the Spartans come to town with their usual, wide-open passing attack bolstered by the emergence of Deonce Whitaker as the nation’s No. 3 rusher.

* USC update: The defense--the strength of the USC team--might have to test its depth Saturday. Defensive end Lonnie Ford expects to sit out the game because of a twisted back. Cornerback Kris Richard may play.

* San Jose State update: Sophomore quarterback Marcus Arroyo is growing into the starting role after redshirting last season. He has thrown seven touchdown passes and two interceptions in three games.

* Edge to USC: The Trojans face something of a defensive challenge trying to keep track of San Jose State’s multiple weapons but, on offense, they should have a break-out game against a defense that gives up 519 yards a game.

* Line: USC by 23.