The USC Trojans (1-0) and the Syracuse Orange (0-1) are set to take the big stage on Saturday, as they face off at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. In the home of the Giants and Jets, Heisman hopeful quarterback Matt Barkley will be looking to put on an entertaining show on what will be his 22nd birthday.
The Trojans are fresh off a 49-10 romping of Hawaii, while Syracuse narrowly lost to Northwestern, 42-41, last weekend. If Syracuse could steal this one, it would probably be the program's greatest victory in over two decades. However, they'll undoubtedly have their hands full with a USC team that's looking to prove to the coaches that dropping them to No. 2 in their poll was a massive mistake.
Barkley is sure to put up some serious fireworks now that Marquise Lee has emerged as one of the nation's most intimidating pass catchers (10 receptions, 197 yards and one touchdown last week). For Syracuse to hang, they'll have to rely on senior quarterback Ryan Nassib (44-of-65, 470 yards and four touchdowns against NW) to put up similar numbers from last week against a far more talented secondary.
Game Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
TV Schedule: ABC
Radio Schedule: 710 ESPN
Odds: USC favored by 26
For news, discussion and more: For more on USC football, head on over to Conquest Chronicles or the Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes. If the Syracuse Orange are more your cup of tea, pay a visit to Troy Nunes is an Absolute Magician, SB Nation New York or the Big East blog Big East Coast Bias.