Noteworthy facets to continue monitoring in likely USC blowout

USC is expected to win against Missouri State and do so by multiple touchdowns. That will not prevent Trojan fans from tuning in, as it has been months since the Cardinal and Gold last stepped foot on the field.

It is important to not allow any spreads from Vegas or scorelinepredictions to overlook the fact that this is indeed an important matchup. A lot of change has occurred during this past offseason. Now is the chance to see how it translates against actual competition.

This is when it becomes important to be able to watch and analyze a game without being beholden to only reading the final score. In a game like this in which the Trojans are heavy favorites, it becomes that much more important to assess the qualitative nature of how things unfold on Saturday.

On offense, it is clear that the Bears are going to have a difficult time keeping tabs on Makai Lemon and Ja'Kobi Lane. While everyone has thoughts as to who the third option out wide could be, actually witnessing who steps up and makes a case for the WR3 role is an example of something to be on the lookout for that may not be immediately obvious.

Questions for USC offensive line

One of the more telling aspects that will dictate success is how the coverage holds up. Especially with the courts not allowing DJ Wingfield to suit up for USC, what unit goes out there and where the individual linemen play will be somewhat telling early on. Then making sure that each person holds up in protection is a must. While Missouri State has legitimate Division I athletes on their defensive line, if the Trojans struggle to keep Jayden Maiava upright in the opener, immediately people will be worried about what could potentially come against the Big Ten opponents.

Most importantly, even if the Trojans are unable to preserve a shutout, USC fans simply want to see this team compete through 60 minutes and go about things the right way. From there, whether it is by three touchdowns or six is a side aspect.