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USC Trojans @ Minnesota Golden Gophers Football Preview

As one of a handful of teams to have never scheduled an FCS opponent, USC is not at risk of following in the footsteps of Mississippi or Virginia Tech in losing to one of the little guys.

Being upset by Minnesota this week, though, might be the next worst outcome.

The Golden Gophers lived up to their nickname by digging themselves into a hole with a 41-38 loss to South Dakota at home last week. The defeat was a humiliating blow to the program and coach Tim Brewster. A blowout at the hands of USC on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. PT in Minneapolis may bring the team closer to Brewster’s last stand.

USC’s listlessness has been the story of its first two games as well. Though infrequently challenged by Hawaii and Virginia, the Trojans haven’t managed to dominate their out-of-conference foes as they did under Pete Carroll.

Minnesota’s defense may provide the boost that the Trojans’ offense so sorely needs coming off a sluggish performance. South Dakota rolled up 352 passing yards last week against the Golden Gophers, who only return two defensive starters. That should excite Matt Barkley, who is looking to return to the form he showed against Hawaii. Assistance may be on the way, however, as senior safety Kyle Theret will play after sitting out the first two games due to suspension.

Fourth-year starter Adam Weber controls the Gophers’ offense at quarterback. But the team’s most dangerous threat is running back Duane Bennett, who is averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Even after showing progress against Virginia, USC’s defense still has something to prove as it sits ninth in the Pac-10 in yards per game.

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The outdoor confines of TCF Bank Stadium could pose a problem for a USC roster mostly stocked with Californians. The coldest climates the Trojans have experienced have been in their trips to the Pacific Northwest, where they have largely struggled over the past four years. But an afternoon kickoff should keep temperatures from dipping too low – the overnight low is projected to be 51 degrees. 

Saturday will be somewhat of a homecoming for Lane Kiffin, who attended high school in the area while his father, Monte Kiffin, was an assistant coach with the Minnesota Vikings. Former USC offensive line coach Tim Davis, who served on Carroll’s staff now holds the same position and coordinates the running game for the Golden Gophers.

Though USC has lost its third game of the season in each of the last two years, the Trojans have several historical trends working in their favor. USC has won its last 10 games against Big Ten schools by an average of 21.7 points per game.

By Mike Schwartz
DFN Sports Staff Writer