The Arizona Wildcats visit the USC Trojans on Thursday. Kickoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET. Listen to the live radio broadcast HERE.
Interim coach Ed Orgeron takes over the USC football program after last week's dramatic firing of Lane Kiffin. At 3-2, Orgeron can begin making a case to retain the Trojans' head coaching job with a win on Thursday.
Even with the coaching shakeup, Arizona doesn't think it'll have an easier night.
"I think our challenge is going to be more difficult because they're going to play extremely fired up, loose, relaxed, with a chip on their shoulder and all those things," Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez told the Tucson Citizen. "I think we're going to get their very best shot."
The Trojans will rely on quarterback Cody Kessler having a big game. Kessler helms the second-worst passing attack in the Pac-12, according to The Citizen. The sophomore has completed 66-of-104 passes for 832 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions.
Arizona nose tackle Tevin Hood believes Kessler's height is a factor.
"He's kind of a shorter guy who holds the ball too long," said Hood. "Personally, I think he can't see over the line so he makes some bonehead throws."
Still, USC has a strong defense. Rodriguez believes the Trojans' front four can all make it in the NFL, and Wildcats running back Ka'Deem Carey knows his team must come out swinging.
"They're athletic, they're physical, they're big. They're 'SC," said Carey. "We have to play our football, go fast and just hit them in the mouth early."
Wildcats quarterback B.J. Denker, meanwhile, has completed 45-of-90 passes for 445 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
