THE LOCALS

* NEVADA LAS VEGAS (2-2) at USC (1-2)

* KICKOFF: 7 p.m. Saturday at Coliseum, Fox Sports West 2.

* STORYLINE: Coach John Robinson can get his 100th college victory, and the Trojans finally get a breather--or at least it should be one.

* USC UPDATE: This could be the night for some big rushing numbers with the blocking much improved and workhorse LaVale Woods leading a group of players likely to get carries. One of the defensive goals is to avoid giving up a fourth-quarter touchdown for the first time this season. The other subplot is the quest for an effective kicker.

* UNLV UPDATE: Sophomore Jon Denton is a dangerous quarterback who had an extraordinary freshman year, finishing fifth in the nation in passing last season with 3,591 yards. The Rebels were 1-11 last season but are are off to a better start with wins over Hawaii and Illinois State and a one-point loss to Air Force.

* EDGE TO USC: This should be a confidence-building blowout, but with a tough road ahead and plenty of areas that still need work, the Trojans need to play with precision the entire game.

* THE LINE: USC by 25.