How to watch USC vs. Cal on TV or online, plus 3 things to know

If this game was being played two weeks ago, it might have had a different outlook. USC started the season 3-3, with losses to Stanford, Notre Dame and, somehow, Washington, and the Trojans fired coach Steve Sarkisian. But now things are looking up for this ultra-talented USC team, which played Notre Dame tough and dominated Utah in interim coach Clay Helton’s first home game.

Cal is looking the other direction. After an exciting start to the season, the Bears have fallen back to reality, with consecutive losses to Utah and UCLA. And now things stay tough against a talented USC team. While Cal should get to a bowl game for the first time under coach Sonny Dykes, that might not be enough for Bears fans. This game could prove that Cal is, in fact, on the right path. A loss drops Dykes to 0-8 against USC, UCLA and Stanford.

Neither of these teams are likely to win the Pac-12, but they will both have their chances to do so if they get hot. In many ways, it’s a barometer game for both teams. Win this one, and the fan base is thoroughly on board. Lose it, and there are going to be a lot of questions about what has gone wrong this season. No pressure, though.

TV: 3 p.m. ET Saturday, FOX

Radio: Cal, USC

Online streaming: FOX Sports Go

Spread: USC is favored by 5.5 points.

Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at California Golden Blogs for Cal fans and Conquest Chronicles for USC fans.

1. USC’s defense has been inconsistent, but it was relentless last week against Utah. Can it do the same against Cal quarterback Jared Goff. That matchup could decide the game.

2. USC’s offense has gotten on track in its two weeks under Clay Helton. Cal’s defense is improving, but still not great. Can the Bears stop the Trojans?

3. How will this game affect coaching stock? If USC wins, it could send Helton’s stock soaring and Dykes’ stock plummeting.