:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/4626881/20121113_mje_al2_729.0.jpg)
The USC Trojans are at risk of their season getting away from them just as it begins, with a four-game losing streak leaving them at 3-5. They face the No. 14 Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday.
Offense has been what troubles the Trojans, who average only 64.3 points per game and have shot 41.5 percent on field goals. They had a season-high 52.9 percent against the No. 18 New Mexico Lobos on Wednesday but were still outgunned in the 75-67 loss. J.T. Terrell leads the offense with 12.5 points per game and 32.6 percent shooting.
Things aren't likely to get any easier against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota is going for head coach Tubby Smith's 500th career win on Saturday, and their +11.8 percent shooting percentage margin has helped them to a 9-1 record. Their only loss came against the No. 5 Duke Blue Devils.
USC had been looking to get off to a good start after a dismal 2011-2012 campaign. The window on that is closing, and it isn't likely to get any wider in a battle with Minnesota.
Game Time: 7:30 p.m. PT
Television Coverage: Pac-12 Network