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By David Wharton

Aug. 31, 2008 12 AM PT

USC (1-0)

vs. OHIO STATE (1-0)

Sept. 13, 5 p.m.

Channel 7

The second-ranked Buckeyes visit the Coliseum to play the third-ranked Trojans in the most eagerly awaited game of the early season. The winner gets a head start on the race for a berth in the Bowl Championship Series title game. The Buckeyes have lost badly in the last two BCS games but return with a veteran squad. USC is off next Saturday, giving the Trojans two weeks to rest and prepare. Ohio State will play host to Ohio. It will be the first matchup of these teams since 1990 and Ohio State’s first visit to the Coliseum in almost two decades.

-- David Wharton

USC Sports

David Wharton

David Wharton has filled an array of roles – covering the courts, entertainment, sports and the second Persian Gulf War – since starting as a Los Angeles Times intern in 1982. His work has been honored by organizations such as the Society for Features Journalism and Associated Press Sports Editors and has been anthologized in “Best American Sports Writing.” He has also been nominated for an Emmy and has written two books, including “Conquest,” an inside look at USC football during the Pete Carroll era.

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