The set-up: USC has to replace three key offensive pieces, but I think it'll have more than enough on opening night to bury its overmatched opponent.

The teams: UNLV was 5-7 last year, losing to FCS school Howard in its opener as a 45-point favorite. The Runnin Rebels turned things around late by winning three of their final five to finish with a .500 record in league play. Armani Rogers is back under center and he threw for 1,471 yards, six TD's and also ran for 780 yards. RB Lexington Thomas is back as well and he had 1,336 yards and 17 TD's last year. The defense was a weakness last season and it's a bit of a question mark heading into this year with the loss of its top two finishers in tackles to graduation (note that UNLV allowed 31 or more points seven different times last year and it also finished second to last in the nation with just 11 sacks total.)

USC was 11-3 last year and it'll have to replace its No. 1 QB, RB and WR. The battle at QB begins between Matt Fink, Jack Sears and JT Daniels. The Trojans were deep at RB, and now it's time for the trio of Aca'Cedric Ware, Stephen Carr and Vavae Malaepeai to battle it out on the ground (they combined for 871 yards last year.) The defense was tied atop the FBS with 46 sacks, but its weakness was against the pass, allowing 22 TD's through the air.

The pick: Fortunately for the Trojans though they face a team which is dealing with QB issues of its own. I think the home side defense turns out to be the difference maker in this one. Lay the points and expect a rout.