The USC Trojans get what’ll likely be a nice warmup game to ring in the 2015 season when Arkansas State comes to town. Below is the USC vs. Arkansas State prediction and game preview. 

USC vs. Arkansas State Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

Troy has been treated like a national championship contender this offseason, with the talent to back it up. A visit from Arkansas State provides the Trojans an opportunity to begin backing up the hype … and talk about something other than head coach Steve Sarkisian’s off-field missteps in August. The Red Wolves are one of the Sun Belt Conference favorites, as they kick off a season with the same head coach, Blake Anderson, for the first time since 2010.

Why Arkansas State Will Win

The Red Wolves will be led all year by one of the top offenses among Group of Five schools. QB Fredi Knighten is a dynamite all-around playmaker, Michael Gordon is a 1,000-yard back and the receiving corps is deep. USC still has a lot to prove up front in the aftermath of All-American Leonard Williams’ early departure to the NFL.

Why USC Will Win

Yeah, Arkansas State houses a pair of quality edge rushers, Chris Stone and Ja’Von Rolland-Jones. But the back seven has a new look, which is troubling news when facing QB Cody Kessler and the Trojans. As one of the most accurate passers in the country, Kessler will have few problems finding WR JuJu Smith and dissecting the Red Wolves’ D.

Player Who Matters

Trojan Adoree’ Jackson is one of the most exciting players in America, and Sarkisian plans to employ him accordingly this season. Jackson is a top cornerback and punt returner by trade, but he’ll also play some offense as the team looks for unique ways to get the ball into his hands.

What’s Going To Happen?

For Arkansas State, this is a great chance to see the West Coast and become battle-tested long before Sun Belt play begins. For USC, it’ll be a tune-up that shakes off the rust from a long offseason. Kessler and backup Max Browne will each throw a pair of touchdown passes as the Trojans coast from wire-to-wire for a blowout win.

Arkansas State vs. USC Score Prediction

USC 49, Arkansas State 17

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