HOW THEY MATCH UP

When USC has the ball: The USC running game has swung 180 degrees in the space of a week. Out goes Sultan McCullough with his breakaway speed. In come Sunny Byrd and Chad Pierson, big backs who like to lower their pads and run right at tacklers. The Irish defense had trouble stopping the run last week as West Virginia gained 179 yards on the ground.

When Notre Dame has the ball: The Irish have won two in a row by simplifying their offense and, as a result, cutting down on turnovers. Sophomore quarterback Carlyle Holiday has passed only 10 or so times a game, preferring to hand off or run the option. And that’s where USC must worry.

Key to the game: Last season, when the going got tough, the Irish ran all over USC for a 38-21 victory at the Coliseum. This time, the Trojans will use lighter, quicker players in hopes of offsetting Notre Dame’s strength up front.The inexperienced linebackers cannot afford to miss too many assignments.

Fast fact: Notre Dame has a 15-game winning streak in October. The last time the Irish were defeated in this month was 1997. Former USC kicker Adam Abrams made a 37-yard field goal with 1:05 remaining to win that game, 20-17, in South Bend.

The pick: Notre Dame has the better record and a considerable home-field advantage. But USC’s losses have come against stronger opponents, by only a few points each, and the Trojans bring more offense to the table. Their biggest concern is not getting trampled on defense. The edge: Trojans.

The line: Pick ‘em.