USC vs. Arkansas State: How the teams match up for season opener

USC is looking to improve upon its 9-4 finish in 2014. The Trojans begin their quest against Arkansas State, a team USC has never played. Times staff writer Gary Klein examines the matchups and story lines:

Late start

By the time USC and Arkansas State kickoff Saturday night at the Coliseum, it will be after 10 p.m. Central time. Arkansas State Coach Blake Anderson, who is in his second season, is not complaining.

“We could play at 8 in the morning, 8 at night or anywhere in between and these guys are going to be ready to go and play,” he said.

If recent history is any indication, Anderson might not be at Arkansas State much longer.

Hugh Freeze coached the Red Wolves for one season in 2011 and left for Mississippi. Gus Malzahn ran the program in 2012 and left for Auburn. Bryan Harsin coached in 2013 before leaving for Boise State. Arkansas State is the favorite to win the Sun Belt Conference this season.

Leading men

USC quarterback Cody Kessler, a fifth-year senior, is coming off a record-setting season.

He passed for 39 touchdowns, with five interceptions, and completed 70% of his passes in 2014. Kessler worked during the spring on running with the ball more and also made a concentrated effort to make more throws farther downfield.

Arkansas State quarterback Fredi Knighten is a dual threat. Last season, he completed 62% of his passes, 24 for touchdowns, with seven interceptions. He rushed for 779 yards and 11 touchdowns, and also caught a touchdown pass.

“We don’t want to pile pressure on him but we all know that position — it’s got a different job description than everybody else,” Anderson said.

On the run

Fifth-year senior Tre Madden will start at tailback for the Trojans.

Madden sat out the 2014 season because of a foot injury, but he has looked powerful, nimble and fast during training camp. Madden rushed for more than 100 yards four times in the first five games in 2013 before suffering a hamstring injury.

With junior Justin Davis sidelined because of a rib injury, freshmen Ronald Jones, Dominic Davis and Aca’Cedric Ware will back up Madden.

Arkansas State’s Michael Gordon rushed for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He has averaged 6.8 yards per carry during his career.

Catching on

USC’s JuJu Smith-Schuster, who caught 54 passes last season as a freshman, is expected to move into the No. 1 receiver role.

Sophomore Steven Mitchell Jr. and junior Darreus Rogers also will start. Starting cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who caught 10 passes last season, is expected to have a larger role on offense.

Arkansas State features receivers Tres Houston and J.D. McKissic, who caught 53 and 52 passes last season. McKissic has a school-record 237 career receptions.

Action Jackson

Jackson will start at cornerback opposite senior Kevon Seymour. He also will play receiver and return punts and kickoffs.

Last season, Jackson caught three touchdown passes and returned two kick-offs for touchdowns. He did not intercept a pass.

Jackson also kicked a field goal during training camp, but he is not expected to get that opportunity in the opener.

In their defense

USC’s defensive line is eager to show it can be productive without Leonard Williams, the sixth player chosen in the NFL draft.

Antwaun Woods, Delvon Simmons and Greg Townsend Jr. are expected to start.

Freshman Cameron Smith could start at middle linebacker and fellow freshmen linebackers Porter Gustin, Osa Masina and John Houston Jr. will play on defense and special teams.

Arkansas State’s defense amassed 37 sacks last season. Defensive end Ja’Von Rolland-Jones had eight. End Chris Stone, linebacker Xavier Woodson and defensive back Rocky Hayes are other top defensive players.

2014 per game; USC; Arkansas State

Points scored; 35.8; 36.7

Points given up; 25.2; 30.5

Passing offense; 296.6; 260.1

Rushing offense; 160.9; 216.4

Passing defense; 274.5; 216.0

Rushing defense; 133.4; 205.2

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein