Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum at 8 p.m. PT on Pac-12 Networks
Red Wolf to Watch: Senior QB Fredi Knighten
Let the dual threat QB parade begin! Knighten accounted for 36 touchdowns last year (24 pass, 11 rush and one reception), so he is a formidable foe for the USC defense in week one. He is looking to run a third of the time when he drops back, attempting 432 passes (completing 62.3%) and a team-leading 211 rushes in 2014. Through the air, Knighten will spread the ball equally to his three top targets - Tres Houston, Dijon Paschal and J.D. McKissic.Click here for more on the Red Wolves.
3 Keys
Faceless Opponent
USC constantly preaches that every opponent is the same, so the Trojans don't get too high or low based on the opposition. While USC should be fully hyped for the season opener, Arkansas State has a much better recent resume than its brand recognition would suggest. The Red Wolves have made four consecutive bowl games, and return head coach Blake Anderson after becoming the launch pad for big school hires in each of the last three years (Hugh Freeze to Ole Miss, Gus Malzahn to Auburn and Bryan Harsin to Boise State).
Eye on Fredi
Knighten's unconventional spelling of his first name matches the Red Wolves' unorthodox offensive approach. Arkansas State loves trick plays, so the Trojans need to be prepared for anything at anytime. If the Trojans down linemen can push the offensive line back into its quarterback and collapse the pocket, Justin Wilcox's defense can unleash its pass rush and take advantage of all the fresh bodies in the new platooning system. Knighten and his trio of experienced receivers will also test USC's secondary which is deep at cornerback but still working things out at safety.
Time to Shine
Senior QB Cody Kessler returns with high expectations and an offense loaded with weapons. If the offensive line creates a pocket, he can carve up the Red Wolves' defense. However, Arkansas State is known for its pass rush, ranking Top 25 nationally with 36 sacks last year. The Trojans can soften up A-State with Tre Madden's power running, and then go big with Kessler's arm and the freshmen running backs.
