LOS ANGELES — The Ohio State Buckeyes head west to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Halloween night for a Big Ten showdown against the USC Trojans, a matchup that could have significant implications for both programs as the season enters its final stretch.

Ohio State will look to regroup and maintain its momentum while navigating uncertainty at quarterback. Meanwhile, USC enters the contest searching for answers after an upset loss to Wisconsin last week, a defeat that has intensified questions surrounding coach Lincoln Riley and the direction of the Trojans' program.

With two teams facing pressure for different reasons, Saturday's matchup has the potential to deliver a four-quarter battle in one of college football's most recognizable venues.

Ohio State turns to Newcomer under center

For Ohio State, the biggest storyline entering Halloween night is the introduction of a new starting quarterback.

Luke Fahey is projected to take over the starting role, presenting both an opportunity and a significant challenge for the Buckeyes. Fahey has thrown two touchdown passes and two interceptions in limited action this season, leaving questions about how he will respond when thrust into a much larger role against a USC team eager to bounce back.

There is an undeniable element of uncertainty surrounding the decision. For a program with national championship aspirations, turning to an inexperienced quarterback in a hostile road environment is far from an ideal scenario.

Fahey's ability to process the game quickly, protect the football and establish a rhythm with his receivers will be critical. At 6 feet tall, his physical stature could also present challenges against a USC defense looking to disrupt Ohio State's offensive timing. However, his effectiveness will ultimately depend more on his decision-making, pocket awareness and ability to execute the game plan than his height alone.

The Buckeyes can help ease that transition by establishing a dependable running game.

Ohio State's rushing attack has been inconsistent at times this season, struggling to find the sustained rhythm necessary to keep opposing defenses off balance. Against USC, that inconsistency could become particularly costly if the Trojans are able to focus their attention on Fahey and force him to make difficult throws.

Establishing the run early would give Ohio State more flexibility offensively. It would help control the tempo, create manageable third-down situations and open opportunities for play-action passes downfield.

More importantly, a productive ground game would prevent Fahey from shouldering the entire offensive burden in his first major test as the starter.

If Ohio State can find consistency on the ground and limit costly mistakes, the Buckeyes should have the offensive pieces necessary to remain competitive throughout the evening.

USC faces questions after Wisconsin upset

For USC, the circumstances surrounding this matchup are considerably different.

Riley and the Trojans entered the season hoping to reestablish themselves among college football's elite programs. Instead, last week's upset loss to Wisconsin has renewed questions about whether USC is making meaningful progress under its head coach.

Once one of the sport's most dominant programs, USC has spent recent years attempting to recapture the success that defined its early-2000s dynasty. The Trojans possess the recruiting resources, tradition and national profile to compete for championships, but translating those advantages into consistent results has proved challenging.

Now, with Ohio State coming to town, USC has an opportunity to respond to adversity against one of the nation's premier programs.

The pressure on Riley is growing, and another disappointing performance would only intensify scrutiny of his leadership. Losing to a Buckeyes team breaking in a new starting quarterback would be particularly frustrating for a USC program looking to prove it can win the games that define a season.

Still, the Trojans cannot afford to overlook the challenge Ohio State presents. Despite the uncertainty at quarterback, the Buckeyes remain talented enough to capitalize on defensive mistakes and make USC pay for giving them additional opportunities.

For Riley, the priority will be getting his team to respond with discipline and urgency. USC must play with greater consistency, avoid self-inflicted mistakes and take advantage of an Ohio State offense still adjusting to a new quarterback.

A victory would provide a much-needed response to last week's disappointment. Another loss, however, could deepen concerns about the program's trajectory and raise further questions about Riley's ability to return USC to national championship contention.

Maiava gives Trojans an experienced presence

While Ohio State faces uncertainty at quarterback, USC has a more established option in Jayden Maiava.

The UNLV transfer has accumulated significant experience during his time with the Trojans and gives USC a quarterback who should be more comfortable operating the offense in a high-pressure environment.

Maiava's experience could be a meaningful advantage, particularly against an Ohio State defense that will need to create pressure without sacrificing its coverage responsibilities.

The Buckeyes' front seven will be central to that effort.

Ohio State must do a better job of controlling the line of scrimmage, closing running lanes and making Maiava uncomfortable in the pocket. Allowing him time to survey the field and work through his progressions could give USC the opportunity to exploit openings in the secondary.

The Buckeyes cannot afford to rely exclusively on their pass rush, either. If USC establishes a productive running game, Maiava could benefit from favorable down-and-distance situations that allow Riley to open up the passing attack.

Ohio State will need a balanced defensive performance, combining disciplined gap assignments with consistent pressure.

The goal should be to force Maiava into hurried decisions, limit explosive plays and create opportunities for turnovers. Against an experienced quarterback, simply rushing aggressively will not be enough. The Buckeyes must ensure that pressure translates into disrupted possessions rather than open passing lanes.

If Ohio State's defensive front can control the line of scrimmage, it could neutralize one of USC's biggest advantages entering the game.

Players to watch

Bo Jackson — Ohio State

Bo Jackson is one of the key Buckeyes to watch as Ohio State looks to establish its offensive identity.

His ability to contribute to the rushing attack could be particularly important with Fahey expected to take over at quarterback. If Jackson and the Buckeyes' offensive line can generate consistent production on the ground, Ohio State will have a better chance of controlling the tempo and keeping the pressure off its inexperienced signal-caller.

A strong performance from Jackson could help establish the physical presence Ohio State needs to succeed on the road.

Jeremiah Smith — Ohio State

Jeremiah Smith must remain a key offensive weapon for the Buckeyes. Regardless of who is throwing the ball.

His ability to create separation, win contested catches and generate explosive plays could be especially valuable as Fahey settles into the starting role. Ohio State will need to find ways to get Smith involved early, allowing the new quarterback to build confidence while forcing USC to account for one of the Buckeyes' most dangerous receiving options.

If Smith can produce explosive plays downfield, he could change the complexion of the game and prevent USC from committing additional defenders to stopping the run.

Luke Fahey — Ohio State

All eyes will be on Fahey as he prepares for what could be the most important start of his young career.

The Buckeyes do not necessarily need him to deliver a spectacular statistical performance. They need him to make sound decisions, protect the football and capitalize on opportunities when USC's defense gives him room to operate.

Avoiding turnovers will be especially important. A giveaway in hostile territory could quickly shift momentum toward a Trojans team eager to make a statement.

If Fahey can manage the game effectively and deliver a few timely throws, Ohio State could be in a strong position late.

Kaden Dixon-Wyatt — USC

Kaden Dixon-Wyatt is another name to watch for the Trojans.

The former Ohio State commitment ultimately chose USC late in the recruiting process and has emerged as an important part of the Trojans' offense after earning a starting role.

His connection to Ohio State adds an intriguing subplot to an already compelling matchup. More importantly, his production could help USC take advantage of the attention the Buckeyes are likely to devote to other offensive threats.

Ohio State's secondary will need to account for Dixon-Wyatt and prevent him from turning routine receptions into game-changing plays.

Prediction: Expect a four-quarter battle

On paper, Ohio State has the talent to win this game. However, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position makes this a more complicated matchup than the Buckeyes might prefer.

USC will be playing at home, where the Trojans will have an opportunity to respond to last week's upset and restore some confidence in their season. With Maiava's experience and Riley's offensive background, USC has the tools to challenge Ohio State if it can execute consistently.

The Buckeyes, meanwhile, will need to lean on their defense while finding a way to take pressure off Fahey. A productive running game, disciplined defensive play and an emphasis on protecting the football will be essential.

Turnovers could ultimately determine the outcome. In a matchup between two talented teams, an extra possession or a costly giveaway could prove decisive, particularly if the game remains close in the fourth quarter.

My prediction is that this game will be much closer than many Ohio State fans would like. The Buckeyes have the personnel to leave Los Angeles with a victory, but the quarterback transition creates enough uncertainty to give USC a legitimate opportunity.

Expect a competitive, four-quarter contest that could come down to which defense makes the decisive play.

On Halloween night, the scariest scenario for Ohio State may not be the trip to the Coliseum. It may be the possibility of a turnover giving USC the opening it needs to pull off another upset.