California (4-2, 1-1) at No. 20 USC (3-2, 1-1)

Today, 3:30 p.m., Coliseum

TV--Fox Sports Net.

Radio--KMPC (1540).

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Is this the game the Trojans finally throw deep? Quarterback Carson Palmer passed 50 times last week, the majority short routes. Wide receiver Kareem Kelly got back into the swing with a team-best eight receptions, but totaled only 66 yards. Sultan McCullough will start at tailback and Malaefou MacKenzie, who has been the Trojans’ best catch-and-run receiver, will play some at fullback. Linebacker Marcus Daniels and end Tully Banta-Cain lead a Cal defense that features a fast and physical secondary.

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WHEN CALIFORNIA HAS THE BALL

Coach Jeff Tedford installed the same offense he ran as coordinator at Oregon, and quarterback Kyle Boller is reaping the benefit. Running back Joe Igber has gained 537 yards and is averaging 4.4 yards a carry. Geoff McArthur, who played at Palisades High, has a team-best 30 receptions for 359 yards. Cal has scored 25 of 26 times it has been inside the 20. A high ankle sprain might keep USC safety Troy Polamalu out of the lineup.

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KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Control Kyle Boller. After getting beat up the last three seasons, Cal’s senior quarterback bulked up and is thriving in Jeff Tedford’s offense. Boller, who played at Newhall Hart High, has passed for 1,478 yards and 16 touchdowns.

2. Establish a running game. Sultan McCullough rushed for 38 yards in the Trojans’ first scoring drive last week against Washington State before USC all but abandoned its rushing attack.

3. Convert extra-point and field-goal attempts. USC’s Ryan Killeen missed 47- and 52-yard field-goal attempts and a critical extra point last week, a day after Trojan coaches switched holders. Killeen worked with Tom Malone all week and kicked reliably in practice.

4. Avoid penalties. USC was penalized a season-high 10 times for a season-high 103 yards against Washington State.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC CAL 27.6 Scoring 40.5 15.4 Points Allowed 25.8 268.8 Passing Offense 272.3 105.2 Rushing Offense 117.5 374.0 Total Offense 389.8 143.8 Passing Defense 274.0 123.4 Rushing Defense 129.3 267.2 Total Defense 403.3

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