It's just another game, or so Lane Kiffin says. In truth, Saturday's matchup against Boston College is a true testament to Kiffin's ability to coach. The doubters expect a slog of a game, more similar to last week's 10-7 loss to Washington State than any semblance of passing offense seen the last four years with Matt Barkley at the helm. The optimists are hoping for a significant improvement on last week's 54 passing yards, with Cody Kessler showing strides after a full week of being the no-doubt starting quarterback. The Trojans are favored by almost two touchdowns according to the Las Vegas odds, but here's a breakdown of how each side stacks up by position.

Quarterback

Chase Rettig is a four-year starter at QB for the Eagles. The Orange County product has had a tough go of it at Boston College when it comes to winning games, but has 33 starts under his belt. He doesn't have a rocket arm, but has his favorite receiver in Alex Amidon and knows how to find him, something USC hasn't been as effective in doing with Marqise Lee. 

For USC, Cody Kessler is making his third career start, with all of them coming this season. Lane Kiffin said this week that he is tailoring the offensive system for Kessler's strengths, but declined to add much about what to expect against the Eagles. Kessler looked impressive in spring and fall camp, but didn't attempt many throws outside of bubble screens and check-downs against Washington State. His one risky pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown. There's little doubt he or Max Wittek are talented, but they've yet to prove they can lead this team. Rettig is prone to interceptions (13 in 2012) and is anything but mobile outside of the pocket, but he has the experience and veteran know-how.

Advantage: Boston College

Running Game

For Boston College, Andre Williams is six feet and 227 pounds of toughness, and rushed for 204 yards last week in B.C.'s win over Wake Forest. He's not shifty and won't make anyone miss with his moves, but he's capable of running the ball 40 times and pounding out the yards while munching on the clock for four quarters. He was the ACC Player of the Week for his performance last week, and new Boston College head coach Steve Addazio has shown no qualms about heavily favoring the run two games into his tenure. Fortunately for USC, the defensive line is among the nation's best. Williams has proven to be much more effective running with the lead and struggles in adverse situations, and should have his worst day of the season.

Tre Madden was the lone bright spot on offense last week for the Trojans, rushing for 151 yards on 32 carries. He's a big running back like Williams, but is faster and can run to the outside. He's also injury-prone, and said himself that he can't continue to carry the ball over 30 times a game. This means true freshman Justin Davis and Buck Allen should see more carries this week, as Penn State transfer Silas Redd is not expected to play for the third straight week. Even with Redd out, USC has a bevy of depth to combat a B.C. run defense that didn't look impressive against Villanova in Week 1.

Advantage: USC

Receivers

Boston College is a one-man band in the receiving corps, as Alex Amidon has 18 receptions for 239 yards through two games. He's played four years with Rettig, and is unafraid to put himself in harm's way to make a catch. No other B.C. wideout has more than one reception in a game for the Eagles this year though, and their tight end unit has just one catch. 

He's had a rough go of it in 2013, but Marqise Lee is still the best of the best college wide receivers today. He'll be able to show more if USC throws down the field, but can never be ignored either way. Nelson Agholor has had a quiet 2013 too, but he and Darreus Rogers are more than able No. 2 and 3 receivers, while tight end Xavier Grimble is underutilized but a valuable 6-foot-5 target and blocker.

Advantage: USC 

Offensive Line

Boston College's offensive line has 77 career starts among them, and is a big unit with no starter under 6-foot-3 and under 298 pounds. Addazio has them jumping off the line, especially to clear holes for Williams to barrel through. However, Rettig has been under constant pressure this season, and USC's pass rush is much more adept than Villanova or Wake Forest's. 

Much of the blame for last week's loss is put on Kiffin and the quarterbacks, but the offensive line wasn't perfect either. Redshirt freshman left tackle Chad Wheeler still gets beat, while the right side of the line has yet to mesh. However, the run blocking was above average, and will be relied upon again if USC's offensive strategy continues. The biggest thing this line needs is time together, and showed improvements in Week 2 that should expected to carry over into Week 3.

Advantage: USC

Front Seven

The Eagles have six sacks so far in 2013, but also allowed 197 yards rushing to Villanova, a FCS squad. They improved against Wake Forest, but are a relatively young unit and and will be tested by a USC offense that figures to run straight into defensive backfield early and often. The Eagles' line did stop Wake Forest twice at the goal-line last week as well as forced two fumbles, but will face a legitimate offensive line unit for the first time this Saturday.

The Trojans' front seven looked like USC's best chance to put points on the board last Saturday, and going against an iffy B.C. line, should continue that trend again this week. Morgan Breslin missed Week 1, but returned to the tune of two sacks and looks poised to build upon his 13-sack campaign in 2013. Devon Kennard has been the leader of the defensive line and seems to find his way into every way, while linebackers Hayes Pullard and Lamar Dawson have adjusted well to USC's new 5-2 system and provide a valuable second line of defense.

Advantage: USC

Secondary

The B.C. secondary has held both of their opponents to under 200 yards passing, and cornerback Bryce Jones was everywhere last week, recovering a fumble, nabbing an interception, and was named ACC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts. Fellow cornerback Manny Asprilla is known for being everywhere on the field, while safeties Sean Sylvia and Spenser Rositano have been solid for the Eagles as well.

The Trojan secondary was the ugliest unit on the defense last year, and little has changed. Kevon Seymour and Anthony Brown started the season starting, but both have been injured throughout. Even if they play, they won't be 100 percent. Safety is strong with Dion Bailey, Su'a Cravens and others manning the field, but the persistent issues with the cornerbacks makes pass defense a persistent issue.

Advantage: Boston College

Special Teams

The Eagles have made both field goals they've taken this year. While they've been unspectacular on returns and punting this year, they haven't made any glaring mistakes. The Trojans can't say the same, as Marqise Lee has fumbled multiple returns while Andre Heidari missed two field goals (one was blocked) against Washington State, either of which could have helped USC avoid the loss. 

Advantage: Boston College

Prediction

USC has looked lost the past two weeks, and expect plenty of hiccups this Saturday as well. However, the Trojans match up well against the Eagles, with their strong defensive line able to contain Williams while B.C.'s shaky defensive line gives USC another chance to pound the ball. It won't be pretty, but Kiffin and company will get off the schnid. USC, 24-17.

Jeremy Bergman: USC 24, Boston College 10

Max Meyer: USC 24, Boston College 10

Reach Senior Sports Editor Jacob Freedman here. Follow him here.