THE LOCALS

USC (0-2, 0-1) at CALIFORNIA (2-0, 0-0)

* KICKOFF: 4 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium, Channel 7.

* STORYLINE: The Trojans haven’t been 0-3 since 1960, and no one will care if they beat Nevada Las Vegas next week. Arizona State, Notre Dame, Washington and Stanford wait not far behind.

* USC UPDATE: It’s past time to find some offensive rhythm other than 1-2-3-kick. LaVale Woods starts at tailback over Delon Washington, offensive guard Chris Brymer returns from an injury, and sophomore quarterback John Fox and new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson have two games under their belts.

* CAL UPDATE: The Bears have beaten Houston and a lackluster Oklahoma team with new quarterback Justin Vedder and standout receiver Bobby Shaw. But even a defense that is much improved over last year’s isn’t close to the level of Florida State or Washington State. Penalties have been a problem, costing Cal 319 yards in two games.

* EDGE TO USC: The Trojans’ sense of urgency ought to count for something, and USC is better than its record, whereas the Bears probably aren’t as good as theirs.

* THE LINE: USC by three.