LOS ANGELES -- Heading into Saturday's game with visiting Syracuse after last week's less-than-stellar performance against Utah, USC's secondary looks to be the big question mark. Fittingly, Syracuse and pass-happy quarterback Ryan Nassib come to town. Through two games, Nassib has completed 75 percent of his passes for almost 500 yards and six touchdowns, with one interception. The 6-foot-2, 229-pound junior also is among Syracuse's career top 10 for passing yards, touchdown passes and completions.

Nassib has two good-looking receivers to throw to: Alec Lemon and Van Chew. The 6-2, 202-pound Lemon is ranked ninth in the nation for yards per reception with an average of 18.6 yards per catch. Chew has 12 receptions and is averaging 16.2 yards per reception.

With USC's secondary in flux, the Trojans still have playmakers in T.J. McDonald and Nickell Robey. Considering the threats that the Syracuse passing game possesses, they're going to need some players to help pick up the slack. This week, coach Lane Kiffin has opened up the other cornerback spot, with competition ongoing between Torin Harris, redshirt freshman Anthony Brown and redshirt junior Tony Burnett.

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Kyle Williams | email

Analyst, WeAreSC.com

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• USC Trojans analyst
• Played offensive tackle at USC from 2002-06
• Joined ESPN.com in 2011