Alabama has begun game-scenario preparations for its Week 1 season opener against USC, which takes place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Tex. on Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. ET.

So have the Trojans, who are more familiar with the Crimson Tide than one might expect, considering the two teams haven’t seen each other since 1985.

“Alabama is Alabama,” said USC offensive coordinator Tee Martin on Tuesday, per AL.com. “They have size and speed across the board. What is different about them – and similar to when we play the Notre Dames and Stanfords of the world – is the execution of what they try to do. That’s what makes a defense like that good.”

Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, now in his third season with the Tide, was the head coach at USC from 2010-12 but was fired just a few games into the 2013 season.

“It’ll be interesting to watch,” Martin said, directing his attention to Kiffin. “A couple of years ago, Lane pretty much adopted what we do on offense. From how they get plays in, the way their mechanics on offense, Alabama and Lane pretty much adopted what we do here at Southern Cal.”

It’s not just on offense, though. Both teams have an idea of what to expect on the defensive side of the ball, too.

“We’re friends. A lot of us talk,” said Martin. “Over the years, we have shared ideas. The Alabama defensive staff came out and visited with our defensive staff last year. We’re familiar with a lot of what they do, and they are familiar with what we do.”