Southern California @ California preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 16, 2010 ) California 14, Southern California 48

THE STORY: After falling apart in the second half of its 43-15 loss at Oregon last week, California is eager to move forward, starting this Thursday against visiting Southern Cal. The game features two of the top wide receivers in the country in the Trojans’ Robert Woods and the Golden Bears’ Keenan Allen.
Southern Cal figures to throw early and often against California, which will likely be without starting cornerback Marc Anthony (shoulder). True freshman Stefan McClure will start if Anthony is out. California won its first three non-conference games before losing at Washington and Oregon, while Southern Cal is well-rested after its bye week.

TV: ESPN. LINE: Southern Cal - 3.5

ABOUT SOUTHERN CAL (4-1, 2-1 Pac-12 South): Woods leads the nation in receptions at 13.6 per game, and quarterback Matt Barkley has thrown for 1,587 yards and 14 touchdowns with four interceptions. Coach Lane Kiffin has been disappointed with the Trojans’ running game, and he’s hinted that former wide receiver George Farmer could make his debut at tailback against the Golden Bears. If he doesn’t play Thursday, the highly touted freshman will likely redshirt this season. Kiffin called cornerback Isiah Wiley the MVP of last Sunday’s practice, and the junior transfer could get his first start against California.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (3-2, 0-2 Pac-12 North): Quarterback Zach Maynard has thrown 11 touchdowns and just three interceptions, but he ranks 10th in the Pac-12 in pass efficiency and completion percentage. After a promising start to the season, Maynard looked rattled against Oregon. Allen leads California in the key receiving categories, and he’s sixth nationally in receiving yards with 134 yards per game. Linebackers Mychal Kendricks and D.J. Holt lead the California defense, which was strong against the run until last week, when Oregon’s LaMichael James rushed for 239 yards.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Since 1955, Southern Cal is 53-16-1 after open dates.

2. Southern Cal owns a seven-game winning streak over the Golden Bears - Cal has averaged just 10 points in each of those losses - and the Trojans have won nine of the last 10 meetings.

3. During California coach Jeff Tedford’s final four seasons as the offensive coordinator at Fresno State (1994-97), Kiffin played quarterback and worked as a student assistant coach for the Bulldogs.

PREDICTION: Southern Cal 41, California 34. The shaky California pass defense will be overmatched by Barkley and his talented group of receivers, but the Trojans will struggle to put away the persistent Golden Bears.