The Pac-12 Conference opener against Stanford is USC's third consecutive home game, and the sixth-ranked Trojans' first real test. Staff writer Gary Klein examines the matchups and story lines:
Close finishes
The Trojans and the Cardinal know drama. Their last five games have been decided by eight points or fewer, including three decided by late field goals.
2010: Quarterback Andrew Luck engineered a drive that culminated with Nate Whitaker's 30-yard, last-second field goal to give No. 16 Stanford a 37-35 victory at Stanford Stadium.
2011: Luck rallied the fourth-ranked Cardinal for a 56-48 triple-overtime victory at the Coliseum that was not ensured until USC tailback Curtis McNeal fumbled in the end zone.