USC SCOUTING REPORT

* Time: 11:30 a.m. PDT.

* Site: Notre Dame Stadium, South Bend, Ind.

* TV: Channel 4.

* Radio: XTRA (690), KCTD (1540).

* The offenses: This won’t be the same bumbling Notre Dame offense USC throttled last season, 10-0. Jarious Jackson, who sat out that game because of a knee injury, has completed 62% of his passes for an average of 234 yards a game--and is an option threat as well. USC’s offense hasn’t been the same without quarterback Carson Palmer, and the coaching staff intends to give running backs Sultan McCullough, Malaefou MacKenzie and perhaps Frank Strong opportunities. The Trojans’ big-reputation receiver, R. Jay Soward, might be less than 100% after last week’s concussion. USC’s starting offensive line today, from left tackle to right: Trevor Roberts, Faaesea Mailo, Eric Denmon, Zach Wilson, Travis Claridge. Donta Kendrick and Brent McCaffrey are available, but Jason Grain will be sidelined one to two weeks after undergoing an arthroscopic procedure on his knee. Notre Dame senior flanker Raki Nelson, the team’s leading receiver, will sit out a second consecutive game because of a knee injury that is expected to sideline him at least a month. Joey Getherall, a 5-foot-7, 175-pound junior from La Puente Bishop Amat, will start at flanker.

* The defenses: USC had its worst defensive performance of the season last week against Arizona, giving up big plays and missing tackles. Now the Trojans have to try to stop the option, a nagging doubt ever since last season’s Sun Bowl loss to Texas Christian. The Irish defense is also strong against the run, having held teams to an average of 122.5 yards. Arizona State managed only 17 points last week against the Irish.

* Key to the game: Turnovers could be the Trojans’ best weapon. USC is among the nation’s top five in turnover margin and its defense has scored five touchdowns. Notre Dame hasn’t committed a turnover in the last two games--but the Irish have lost eight fumbles and had six passes intercepted.

* Fast fact: The game is the 147th consecutive sellout at Notre Dame Stadium.

* Line: Notre Dame by 7 1/2.

HOW THEY COMPARE

USC NOTRE DAME

35.4 Scoring 31.1

24.2 Points allowed 22.8

257.6 Passing offense 234.7

111.2 Rushing offense 201

368.8 Total offense 435.7

245.2 Passing defense 237.5

128.2 Rushing defense 122.5

373.4 Total defense 360