USC-Arizona Preview Capsule

Southern California (3-2, 2-1 Pac-12) at No. 10 Arizona (5-0, 2-0), 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Line: USC by 2 1-2.

Series Record: USC leads 29-8.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Arizona has been one of the biggest surprises in college football, exceeding expectations by moving into the top 10 and to the top of the Pac-12 South. The Wildcats can further legitimize their stature by beating the Trojans, who are trying to rebound after losing to Arizona State on a Hail Mary last weekend.

KEY MATCHUP

USC's pass defense vs. Arizona QB Anu Solomon. The Wildcats' redshirt freshman is gaining confidence and playing well beyond his years. He has held up under the pressure so far, pulling off a Hail Mary to beat Cal and guiding the Wildcats to a win at No. 2 Oregon last week. USC has been decent against the pass, but has yet to face anyone as prolific as Solomon.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

USC: QB Cody Kessler. If the Trojans aren't able to slow Solomon and the Wildcats, Kessler will need to have a big game. He may anyway. Kessler is seventh nationally with a 69.5 percent rate and has not thrown an interception in 182 passes.

Arizona: LB Scooby Wright. He's tied for the lead in the Pac-12 and is ninth nationally with 11.6 tackles per game (58 total), including five sacks. The Trojans must account for Wright to prevent the disruptions he tends to cause.

FACTS & FIGURES

Arizona is 5-0 for the first time since 1998. ... USC has won eight straight games in Tucson. ... Arizona is one of five FBS teams averaging 300 yards passing and 200 rushing, with Alabama, Baylor, Oregon and Arizona State. ... USC beat Arizona 38-31 at the Coliseum last season.