USC rushed for 302 yards in beating Stanford, 42-24, back in early September. That's the most yards Stanford has allowed since David Shaw became its coach in 2011. I don't see that happening again in this rematch, which will decide the Pac-12 championship.

Stanford hasn't allowed more than 24 points during its last eight games - seven games against Pac-12 opponents in a wide open throwing conference and powerful Notre Dame. During this span, the Cardinal are giving up an average of 15.6 points a game. The Under has won in seven of these last eight Stanford games.

Stanford has the pass rushers, particularly senior Harrison Phillips, to bother Sam Darnold and also will be very aware of the run knowing how USC dominated on the ground in the first meeting. Phillips is No. 1 in the country in tackles for losses with 16 1/2.

Note, too, that the first meeting was played at USC. This one is at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, which is known for having a very loose and slippery grass field.

I see the Trojans doing well on defense also. The Cardinal is now going with redshirt freshman quarterback K.J. Costello. He's averaging 130 yards passing a game. The Cardinal relies heavily on running back Bryce Love, who isn't 100 percent because of an ankle injury. Stanford is very methodical on offense, which runs clock.