Thursday marked the last USC football practice before the Trojans head to Sun Devil Stadium. Arizona State hopes to redeem itself after a tough loss to Illinois last week, and USC seems to be riding high after its first convincing win of their season, against Syracuse.

ROAD WARRIORS: After opening the season with three straight home games, USC finally hits the road, for a night game under the desert sky. The Trojans will travel to Tempe to face ASU, a school they currently hold an 11-game win streak over. 

However, USC actually finds itself as an underdog for this contest. Coach Lane Kiffin knows it will be a tough task for his young team, and is calling for a narrow focus this week. That message seems to have gotten through to the team, as they have acknowledged the noise and hostility they will be facing, among other factors.  

Offensive lineman Kevin Graf talked about how the chemistry between the linemen and QB can be an issue. "We've just got to really listen," Graf said. "Matt [Barkley]'s going to be louder for us, so no, we should not have any problems at all."

BURFICT FACTOR: Arizona St. linebacker Vontaze Burfict is probably as well known for his exploits between plays as he is for his game play. USC QB Matt Barkley has been faced Burfict since the two were in high school, and Barkley made his feelings on the Sun Devils' star clear. 

"He's a dirty player. His switch is always on. And it's not a good switch," Barkley told the LA Times.

Left Tackle Matt Kalil, who is from the same city as Burfict, said he's not intimidated by him. 

"If I see him standing around, I drill him. I drilled him a couple times last year," Kalil joked. "[I've] got to show who really represents Corona."

HOMECOMING FOR DK: USC DE Devon Kennard hails from Arizona. In fact, the junior lineman played high school football just a few miles away from ASU, so this game is a homecoming of sorts for him. It will be the last time he gets a chance to play in front of his hometown crowd, as ASU travels to the Coliseum next year, so he is really embracing the moment. 

"There's just a little bit more excitement for me," Kennard said. "This is home for me, and I can't wait to play there one last time."

ROSTER UPDATE: Offensive lineman Abe Markowitz has been lost for the season due to a foot injury that will require surgery next week, Lane Kiffin said.  It's a tough blow to the O-line, which is already without guard Martin Coleman. 

Also of note is the middle linebacker position. Freshman Lamar Dawson likely will miss the game with an ankle injury. That means, should Chris Galippo need to come out, Will Andrew (who earned a scholarship during fall camp) will be called into action. 

Finally, freshman RB Amir Carlisle is back from injury and could be a part of the backfield rotation on Saturday, Kiffin said.

FEELING THE HEAT: Kickoff temperatures Saturday night are expected to be in the mid to high 90's. After a relatively mild summer in Southern California, it will be interesting to see how the Trojans deal with their first real bout with weather.

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