USC VS. ARIZONA STATE

* Time: 4 p.m.

* Site: Coliseum

* Television: Channel 7

* Radio: XTRA (690)

THE OFFENCE

* After totaling only 23 yards passing in a 30-10 loss to Florida State, USC has to do better--especially with questions about tailback Chad Morton’s fitness because of a back strain. Subtracting the Seminole pass rush and quarterback Mike Van Raaphorst’s illness should help, and getting receiver Mike Bastianelli and tight end Antoine Harris involved would be a definite plus. Arizona State is explosive. Ryan Kealy, a somewhat streaky sophomore quarterback, passed for 281 yards against the Trojans in last season’s 35-7 Arizona State victory, and versatile threat J.R. Redmond and receiver Lenzie Jackson can do plenty of damage.

THE DEFENCES

* Arizona State has righted itself after a disastrous debut in which the Sun Devils gave up 42 points to Washington and 26 to Brigham Young in an 0-2 start. Still, the defense is young and inexperienced. USC junior linebacker Chris Claiborne has been stellar in what is starting to look like his farewell tour, with his NFL stock rising rapidly. But USC would do well to keep the defense from trying to battle against Arizona State in good field position all day.

* Keys to the game: If USC’s offense can manage some sustained drives and spring wide receiver R. Jay Soward and Morton for big plays, the Trojans can win. Otherwise, it’s probably too much to ask USC’s stalwart defense to hold down the high-scoring Sun Devils again and again without much chance to rest.

* Fast fact: Arizona State is the only Pacific 10 Conference school with a winning record against USC; the Sun Devils hold an 8-6 lead in a series that began in 1978.

* Line: USC by 3 1/2.