SPORTS WEEKEND : Week 5 Primer : The Locals

No. 16 USC (2-0, 0-0)

vs. Oregon (2-1, 0-0)

* Kickoff: 7:15 p.m. Saturday at Autzen Stadium, Fox Sports West.

* Story line: Since Arizona’s implosion, both teams see themselves as Pac-10 contenders, but only one will emerge with a 1-0 start.

* USC update: Some old bugaboos cropped up in the Trojans’ surprisingly close 24-21 victory over San Diego State--penalties on both sides of the ball and difficulties with the running game, among them a failed fourth-down attempt from the one-yard line. With sure-handed receiver Windrell Hayes out because of a sprained right ankle, Oregon is free to double-cover R. Jay Soward, who is still looking for a breakout game. That is, unless the Ducks prefer to focus on freshman Kareem Kelly, who leads USC with 11 catches for 202 yards after two games.

* Oregon update: The Ducks followed a 27-20 loss to now 19th-ranked Michigan State in their first game with a 47-28 victory over Texas El Paso and a 72-10 blowout of Nevada. The big question before the season was, who would replace quarterback Akili Smith, the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft? A.J. Feeley, with his 7-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, has been the answer. Tailback Reuben Droughns has recovered from last season’s serious ankle injury.

* Edge to Oregon: Unless USC corrects its mistakes, Oregon’s momentum at home can carry the Ducks.

* Line: Pick ‘em.