It's been nearly two weeks since the firing of Lane Kiffin. Today, the Ed Orgeron era begins as USC's interim head coach leads the Trojans into a matchup against the visiting Arizona Wildcats in USC's first-ever non-Thanksgiving Thursday home game. Marqise Lee and Morgan Breslin, arguably USC's biggest stars on either side of the ball, are questionable. Also questionable is the performance of quarterback Cody Kessler, who looked brilliant for most of USC's 62-41 loss to Arizona State, but also threw two momentum-killing interceptions. However, running back Silas Redd will make his return tonight, and the increased energy in the Coliseum should be palpable as Orgeron's intensity carries over into game mode.

We've already previewed the Trojans' outlook but to bring in another perspective, we talked with James Kelley, co-sports editor of the Daily Wildcat, to hear his thoughts on tonight's matchup. 

SEE MORE: USC Football Preview: Trojans Again Look To Arizona As Turning Point

Jacob Freedman: The Wildcats blitzed their first three opponents before falling 31-13 at Washington two weeks ago. Coming out of the bye, what do you think the team needed to improve on the most to ready themselves for the rest of the Pac-12 slate?

James Kelley: They need to pass the ball better. They can run the ball well, but everyone sees it coming and will make quarterback B.J. Denker beat them, and he hasn't shown he can.

Freedman: Denker has struggled throwing the ball for Arizona, tossing for barely over 100 yards per game. Rich Rodriguez has said he's sticking with Denker despite a putrid performance (14-of-35 for 119 yards and two interceptions) against Washington. Are there any signs the senior quarterback can improve, or could he possibly be replaced mid-game on Thursday?

Kelley: To be fair to Denker, they didn't need him to pass in the Wildcats' first three games, so his first true test came in the rain at a Washington team that nearly won at Stanford. Still, he hasn't shown that he can be accurate enough. Head coach Rich Rodriguez showed at Michigan he isn't adverse to switching quarterbacks, but last week co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Rod Smith said there was still a big gap between Denker and backup Javelle Allen.

Freedman: The Wildcats topped then-No. 9 USC when the sides played last October, and played the Trojans close in the two previous matchups. How confident are players on this team about going into the Coliseum, and what seems to be the team morale following the bye week?

Kelley: They still see it as a big game. Many Wildcats are from Southern California and the defense is still embarrassed about 2012's game, but since U of A has split their last four games with USC, the game has lost some of its mystique it seems. They lost their first game of the season before the bye week, but other than Denker, they seem to be positive. 

SEE MORE: USC Football Notebook: Orgeron's Second Shot

Freedman: We all know the prowess of Wildcats running back Ka'Deem Carey after he ran for nearly 2,000 yards in 2012. He's averaging almost 2 yards less per carry than last year so far, though. What's been the reason for his downtick in yardage in the three games he's played? 

Kelley: He has had to fight more for his yardage, and except for his first carry of the season at UNLV, he hasn't had many long runs. Teams are cheating against the run and the offensive line isn't as good as last year's.

Freedman: They have Carey, but after Austin Hill tore his ACL in April and was lost for the season, other Arizona offensive weapons have stepped up in spurts but not consistently. Who should the Trojans defense look for to be a difference-maker on Thursday?

Kelley: It's still Carey. Senior running back Daniel Jenkins was hyped by the coaches after he decided to return rather than transfer to Washington State, but except for a 91-yard run against Northern Arizona, he hasn't made much of an impact. He has more speed than Carey but hasn't impressed, while the receiving corps hasn't made up for the loss of Hill and Dan Buckner to the NFL.

Freedman: What's your prediction for Thursday's game?

Kelley: In 2011, Arizona fired head coach Mike Stoops, then defeated UCLA 48-12 on Thursday night under interim Tim Kish while coming off a bye. The Wildcats were much looser and played miles better, and USC is like that squad except with much more talent. Arizona's defense is much-improved, but the offense has too far to go. USC, 17-10.

A special thanks again to James Kelley, co-sports editor of the Daily Wildcat.

Neon Tommy Editor Predictions

Jacob Freedman: USC 27, Arizona 17

Max Meyer: USC 28, Arizona 13

Jeremy Bergman: Arizona 28, USC 25