USC AT A GLANCE

NO. 10 USC (6-2, 4-1)

at STANFORD (2-6, 1-4)

Today, 4 p.m., Stanford Stadium

TV -- Channel 7

Radio -- KMPC (1540)

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WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

The Trojans are not expected to repeat the 608-yard performance they turned in against Oregon two weeks ago, but it could be another big day for the offense. Carson Palmer is completing a conference-best 62% of his passes. Justin Fargas will start again at tailback, but Sultan McCullough probably will get more than the two carries he had against Oregon. Wide receiver Kareem Kelly used the bye week to rest his injured right ankle, making a Trojan receiving corps that also includes freshman Mike Williams and junior Keary Colbert even more formidable. Stanford sophomore safety Oshiomogho Atogwe, senior safety Colin Branch and junior middle linebacker Jake Covault lead a defense that ranks seventh in the Pac-10.

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WHEN STANFORD HAS THE BALL

The Cardinal, a veritable passing machine through the years, ranks last in the Pac-10 in passing at 181.4 yards a game. Quarterback Chris Lewis, a redshirt junior from Long Beach, did not play the last two games because of a bruised shoulder, but the Trojans expect to see him. Redshirt freshman Kyle Matter from Newhall started the last two games. Wide receiver Teyo Johnson, who stands 6 feet 7 inches, has 31 receptions; tight end Alex Smith 23. The Cardinal ranks third in the conference in rushing at 149.4 yards a game. Kerry Carter averages 48 yards, Casey Moore 41.8.

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KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Avoid complacency. USC is in contention for the Rose Bowl and cannot afford to look past the Cardinal with games against No. 25 Arizona State, UCLA and No. 9 Notre Dame coming up.

2. Maintain the running game. Fargas helped open up the passing game against Oregon and the Trojans need another productive day from their tailbacks to keep the Cardinal guessing.

3. Special teams. This is a perfect opportunity for the Trojans to play a complete game. No blocked field-goal and extra-point attempts would be a good place to start.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC Stan 31.0 Scoring 22.5 19.9 Points Allowed 33.4 303.6 Passing Offense 181.4 116.9 Rushing Offense 149.4 420.5 Total Offense 330.8 204.6 Passing Defense 245.9 97.2 Rushing Defense 115.8 301.9 Total Defense 361.6

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