How to watch Fresno State vs. USC: Preview, TV schedule, odds, more

We’ve got a rare bowl rematch in Week 1, as last year’s two Las Vegas Bowl participants will square off in Los Angeles Saturday night. USC defeated Fresno State 45-20 last postseason, but the new-look Trojans will be breaking in head coach Steve Sarkisian against one of the most consistent small-conference programs in the country.

Statistical outliers predict the Trojans to have a breakout season in 2014, but they’ll have to deal with a new head coach and one of the toughest conferences in the nation to get there first. They have their quarterback battle settled now (more on that later), a trio of running backs who averaged more than 5 yards per carry and an excellent linebacking corps.

Fresno State may have lost star quarterback Derek Carr and receiver Davante Adams, but the Bulldogs return a considerable amount of talent and experience at running back, offensive line and across the defense. They’re expected to challenge for the Mountain West title, and could give the Trojans a run for their money if the transition to Sarkisian is a rocky one.

TV: 7:30 p.m. ET, FOX

Radio: ESPN Radio broadcasts all USC home games

Online streaming: FOX Sports GO

Rankings and records: USC is ranked No. 15 in both the AP and Coaches Poll. This is the first game of the year for both teams.

Vegas: USC is a 21-point favorite, with an over/under of 58 points.

Weather forecast: It’s Los Angeles. 80s and sunny.

Cody Kessler, QB, USC. Kessler has the job now -- the competition, Max Wittek, is now walking on at Hawaii -- so that should provide a bit of stability to a Trojan offense that struggled at times last season. Kessler’s not a surefire bet, but he showed pretty massive improvement throughout the 2013 season and has some dangerous weapons to play with.

Leonard Williams, DE, USC. The Trojans have top-end talent on the defensive line, but not a whole lot of depth. Williams leads the way (12.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks in 2013) and will need to stay healthy and productive to ensure USC’s defense operates at maximum efficiency (and scariness).

Cody Wichmann, RG, Fresno State. The redshirt senior is a three-year starter for the Bulldogs, leading one of the best units in the Mountain West. While starters Austin Wentworth and Lars Bramer are gone, the offensive line should still be strong but will have a lot to deal with when faced against Williams.

USC’s hire of Sarkisian received a certain level of criticism, especially when Washington responded by hiring Chris Petersen. A big win against a strong opponent would quiet some of those critics.

Fresno State has the tools to be a top Mountain West team this season. A win against USC could push the Bulldogs close to the Top 25, and could set them up with two wins out of their tough opening slate of USC-Utah-Nebraska.

For more on Fresno State and the rest of the Mountain West, visit Mountain West Connection. For USC coverage, check out Conquest Chronicles.