USC AT A GLANCE

ARIZONA ST. (7-4, 4-2)

vs. No. 8 USC (7-2, 5-1)

Today, 4 p.m., at the Coliseum

TV -- TBS.

Radio -- KMPC (1540).

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Carson Palmer is at the controls of an offense that averages 33 points a game and has scored 40 or more in the last three games. Palmer passed for 1,113 yards and 13 touchdowns with only two interceptions in the victories over Washington, Oregon and Stanford. Freshman wide receiver Mike Williams will play, despite a sore left ankle, and senior Kareem Kelly appears to be back at full speed. Justin Fargas got only nine carries against Stanford, but he will start again at tailback. Eric Torres will start in place of Lenny Vandermade at left guard. Tackles Winston Justice and Jacob Rogers will try to control Sun Devil defensive end Terrell Suggs, who leads the nation with 19.5 sacks.

WHEN ARIZONA STATE HAS THE BALL

Sun Devil quarterback Andrew Walter passed for 477 yards last week against California, his fourth 400-yard game of the season. Receiver Shaun McDonald ranks third in the Pac-10 with 71 receptions for a school-record 1,207 yards and is averaging 17 yards a catch. The Sun Devils rushed for only 166 yards in their last five games. Cornell Canidate, who has gained a team-best 493 yards, is injured and will be replaced by junior Mike Williams. USC safety Troy Polamalu is still nursing a high right ankle sprain but made a team-best 13 tackles last week against Stanford. The Trojans rank first in the Pac-10 in pass defense, surrendering only 200.2 yards a game. Marcell Allmond and Darrell Rideaux will start at cornerback, but freshman Justin Wyatt also will play.

KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Prevent the big play. As often as Arizona State throws the ball, quarterback Andrew Walter is certain to accumulate yardage. But if the Trojans limit Walter to short completions, they will wear down the Sun Devils.

2. Contain Terrell Suggs. Arizona State’s defensive end loves the big stage and is capable of disrupting the Trojan offense. The offensive line must keep the national sack leader away from quarterback Carson Palmer to avoid tackles for losses, or worse.

3. Avoid looking ahead. With UCLA and Notre Dame up next, the Trojans must focus on the Sun Devils. Turnovers, penalties and other costly mistakes could start USC on a season-ending slide.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC ASU 33.0 Scoring 34.4 19.6 Points Allowed 29.0 306.2 Passing Offense 306.3 113.6 Rushing Offense 94.2 419.8 Total offense 400.5 200.2 Passing Defense 245.7 95.1 Rushing Defense 107.6 295.3 Total Defense 353.4

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