USC vs. Arizona: interim Coach Ed Orgeron starts his audition USC plays its first game under interim Coach Ed Orgeron, who begins an eight-game audition for the full-time job. Times staff writer Gary Klein examines the story lines: Pivotal game Last season's 39-36 loss at Arizona was a turning point for a USC team that had entered the game with a 6-1 record and was ranked No. USC lost five of its last six games, placing immense pressure on former coach Lane Kiffin and Athletic Director Pat Haden. This game could be another turning point for USC. Haden fired Kiffin after the Trojans' 62-41 loss to Arizona State on Sept. A victory for Orgeron would help restore the Trojans' confidence and possibly spark a bowl run. Air about them USC quarterback Cody Kessler completed 20 of 29 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns with two passes for interceptions in the loss at Arizona State. Kessler is completing 64% of his passes, six for touchdowns, with four interceptions. New play-caller Clay Helton is expected to give Kessler the opportunity to spread the ball around and use tight ends Xavier Grimble, Randall Telfer and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick. Arizona quarterback B.J. Denker has completed only 50% of his passes for 445 yards and two touchdowns with two passes for interceptions. Denker is averaging 70 yards rushing per game and has run for six touchdowns, including three of 30 yards or more. Senior tailback Silas Redd, USC's leading rusher in 2012, could make his season debut after sitting out the first five games while recovering from knee surgeries. Sophomore Tre Madden will start. Madden rushed for 128 yards against Arizona State and is averaging 116.6 yards a game. Freshman Justin Davis rushed for 122 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona State. He has been nursing a sprained left ankle. Arizona running back Ka'Deem Carey led the nation is rushing last season, when he ran for 119 yards and a touchdown against USC. Carey sat out the opener against Northern Arizona because of a suspension. He is averaging 143.7 yards a game this season. Daniel Jenkins has averaged 6.5 yards a carry and has scored a touchdown. There's a catch Last season against Arizona, USC receiver Marqise Lee caught 16 passes for a Pac-12 Conference record 345 yards and two touchdowns. Don't expect a repeat performance. The Biletnikoff Award winner has not practiced since suffering a knee injury against Arizona State and is not expected to play.