USC begins preparations for Pac-12 opener at Stanford

USC is set to return to practice Tuesday morning to begin preparations for Saturday’s Pac-12 Conference opener at Stanford.

The Trojans are feeling confident after their 52-13 victory over Fresno State at the Coliseum, but that game was long regarded as a tuneup for one of the most pivotal games of the season for the Trojans.

USC upset Stanford, 20-17, last season at the Coliseum.

The Cardinal routed UC Davis, 45-0, in its opener, increasing its nation-best home winning streak to 17 games. Quarterback Kevin Hogan passed for three touchdowns, one to receiver Ty Montgomery, who also returned a punt for a touchdown.

Stanford defeated a then-No. 2-ranked USC team, 21-14, at Stanford Stadium in a Pac-12 opener in 2012.