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FACTS & STATS: Site: Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (92,000) -- Los Angeles, California. Television: FX. Home Record: Syracuse 2-0, USC 2-0. Away Record: Syracuse 0-0, USC 0-0. Neutral Record: Syracuse 0-0, USC 0-0. Conference Record: Syracuse 0-0, USC 1-0. Series Record: USC leads, 2-0.

GAME NOTES: The Syracuse Orange will travel across the country to meet USC in Los Angeles this weekend in a non-conference battle of unbeatens.

Despite the difference in talent-level, Syracuse's two wins have come in similar form. The Orange opened with a thrilling 36-29 overtime win over Wake Forest, then followed with a 21-14 win over FCS-foe Rhode Island last weekend after quarterback Ryan Nassib engineered a tie-breaking fourth-quarter scoring drive. Syracuse is 2-0 for the first time since 1999, and following its trip to USC this weekend, will face Toledo next weekend before opening Big East play at Rutgers October 1st.

USC is 2-0 after two down-to-the-wire finishes against Minnesota and Utah. Last weekend's Pac-12 opener against the Utes featured Trojan heroics in the final seconds, as lineman Matt Kalil blocked a potential game-tying field goal as time expired, with corner Torin Harris picking up the block and returning it for an exclamation touchdown. Behind consistent play from quarterback Matt Barkley, the Trojans are on the cusp of being a nationally-ranked squad and making a legitimate run in the Pac-12, which is about all the program can hope for with sanctions barring them from any postseason play.

USC leads the series 2-0 over Syracuse, with the last win coming in 1990 when the Trojans beat the Orange 34-16 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford.

Nassib has been impressive in his first two starts, and Syracuse enjoyed his leadership in the win over Rhode Island, as he threw for three touchdowns. Nassib hit Michael Acchione for a touchdown pass after driving Syracuse 80 yards in eight plays to break the 14-14 tie midway through the fourth quarter. Nassib tied the school record for completions in a game (29) last weekend, and became the eighth quarterback in school history to surpass 3,000 yards in his career after throwing for 318 yards. Syracuse is averaging 28.5 points per game and are averaging 326.5 yards per game. One of the big questions for the Orange heading into the season was how the team was going to replace running back Delone Carter, and although Antwon Bailey hasn't exactly put up monstrous numbers, he's been effective. Bailey has rushed for 157 yards in two games (4.1 ypc) and two touchdowns.

The Syracuse defense has done enough to help its team to a 2-0 start, although the unit's numbers have been mediocre. What has defined the squad's success thus far is coming up with stops late, including turning back Wake Forest's offense in overtime. Safety Phillip Thomas was named the Big East Defense Player of the Week after picking off two Rhode Island passes last weekend, including one on the final drive that ended any ideas of an upset bid. Syracuse is allowing 21.5 points per game and 336 yards of total offense, but has held opponents to just an average of 96 yards rushing per game. The unit has registered six sacks, with Dyshawn Davis posting two and Marquis Sprill earning 1.5.

Pressure will be paramount for Syracuse this weekend when facing USC quarterback Matt Barkley, who is averaging 284 yards passing in the first two games and has tossed four touchdowns. Robert Woods has been one of the country's best receivers the first two weeks of the season, catching 25 passes (second in the nation) for 279 yards and three touchdowns for the Trojans, who also benefited from having running back Marc Tyler back from suspension last week against Utah. Tyler, who led the team in rushing a year ago, posted his fourth-career 100 yard game against the Utes, rushing 24 times for 113 yards and a touchdown. The Trojans will try to get their offense on track for all four quarters against Syracuse, after being held scoreless in the second half against Minnesota and scoring just one offensive touchdown in the final two quarters again Utah after a fast start.

The Trojans' defense has a strong veteran core, and has played well against two BCS conference teams in as many weeks. The Trojan offense has been high and low at times, but the defense is only giving up 15.5 yards per game, and is playing well against the run (allowing 95.5 yards per game and 3.2 ypc). This is an aggressive unit that feeds off pressure, with six sacks in two games to show for. Don't forget about the big plays that have come on special teams, including two blocked kicks by Kalil, and the second half big plays. That includes Harris, who not only returned the blocked kick for a touchdown against Utah, but also posted an interception late against Minnesota that sealed the 19-17 win.

Nassib is a dangerous player, and Syracuse has to be commended for playing well in the clutch through the first two weeks. That's why the team is 2-0. But Barkley is simply better. He has Woods, and a running attack that is only going to get better with Tyler returning to the lineup. The USC defense will take this team as far as it can go in 2011, and that will include a win over Syracuse to end a three-game homestand.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: USC 38, Syracuse 17