THE OPPONENT
NCAA sanctions mean no bowl or Pac-12 title game for USC. But if they're motivated, the Trojans still have plenty of Top 25 talent.
GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. USC DEFENSE
The Trojans gave up 400 yards per game last season, and it sometimes seemed as though most of them came in the fourth quarter. But USC believes a physically imposing defensive line will correct those problems, and in this game the line will focus its energy on stopping MarQueis Gray. USC coach Lane Kiffin said as much this week: He plans to stack eight men near the line and force Gray to throw the ball. In his first game as a starter, that's a tall order. Advantage: USC
GOPHERS DEFENSE VS. USC OFFENSE
Junior quarterback Matt Barkley is mistake-prone, and the offensive line is considered the weakest in several years. That means an aggressive Gophers defense should be able to make some big plays. Still Barkley might be the best QB the Gophers face this year, and WR Robert Woods is a likely first-round NFL pick. Advantage: USC
SPECIAL TEAMS
The Gophers thought they were en route to a stunning upset last season, before Woods returned a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown. He's back, and he's just as dangerous. The Gophers kicking game should be greatly improved, but they have no Woods on their roster. Advantage: USC
INTANGIBLES
The Gophers have the advantage of surprise, since their coaching staff is entirely new. But playing a Top 25 team in front of an opening-day crowd that could number 70,000 will create an atmosphere that the young Gophers haven't experienced. Advantage: USC
PREDICTION
These are far from the national championship Trojans, so there is reason for Gophers optimism. With two young teams playing on such a big stage, expect plenty of mistakes, and a bunch of big plays. If Gray can elude a defense focused on him, the game could be surprisingly close. USC31, Gophers24
NUMBERS TO KNOW
1986: The last time a Gophers coach (John Gutekunst) won his debut.
