5 offensive keys for USC vs. Stanford

#USC does not want to play from behind against a methodical Stanford team. A strong first quarter from the offense would be huge in this game.

The USC Trojans and Stanford Cardinal kick off the Pac-12 slate in Week 2 in a battle soaked in history.

A year ago, the Trojans got upset at home against Stanford, and Clay Helton was fired in what sparked an endless coaching search.

A year later, things are very different. Stanford crushed Colgate in Week 1 and the Trojans handled Rice at ease. This game has all types of storylines and could make for some fascinating Pac-12 action.

Here are five keys for the USC offense against Stanford, as the Trojans hope to have a smooth ride on The Farm in Palo Alto against David Shaw, who thinks he can spring an ambush.