Stanford Stadium at 12:30 p.m. PT on ABC and WatchESPN
Cardinal to Watch: Senior WR Ty MontgomeryThe speedster can affect the game as a receiver and a return man. He earned All-American honors last season thanks to his 30.3 yards per kick return, and he set a Stanford record averaging 37 yards per punt return last week. While the Cardinal are known as a power run team, David Shaw could open up the offense more this season with veteran QB Kevin Hogan and a dangerous receiving corps led by Montgomery.
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3 Keys
Clash of Styles
Isn't it amazing how quickly things can change? In recent years, USC's goal was to slow down high-speed Pac-12 offenses, but now the Trojans are running a play every 22.2 seconds, which is in stark contrast to the nation's sixth slowest offense in 2013. USC will not be able to match the Pac-12 record 105 plays from the season opener, but third down efficiency will decide the overall tempo of the game. If Stanford can extend drives, the Cardinal can wear USC down. If Cody Kessler controls the ball, he can exploit mismatches on the edge and force Stanford out of its comfort zone.
Kid Nation
USC played 11 true freshmen in week one, which is more than any other Pac-12 team. While the youth movement is partly out of necessity for the scholarship-strapped Trojans, the kids are more than alright. JuJu Smith posted the best freshman debut in USC history, and Adoree' Jackson never comes off the field. Can they match that same production against an elite opponent on the road? They will need to at least hold their own against Stanford's grizzled vets.
Big Man's Game
At the end of the day, USC-Stanford always comes down to the battle in the trenches. The Trojans did not back down from the challenge last year, and they will be ready for the fight once again. "It's going to be a dogfight. That's Stanford-USC football," said defensive captain Hayes Pullard. "Just bringing your lunch pail and being able to go out there and just fight toughness with toughness."
