As Saturday’s season opener against USC approaches, what are the essentials every Alabama fan needs to know about the opposition? Let’s explore:

1. Trojans’ defensive leader

Early in the offseason when reporters began approaching USC head coach Clay Helton about Alabama, he told them he was ready to get a large bowl of popcorn to watch the coaching battle between former USC head coach and current Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin against current USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast.

One of the more intriguing aspects of the matchup is Pendergast’s 5-2 defensive formation. It is the same formation the team ran in 2013 when Kiffin was still at the helm in Los Angeles, but some Alabama fans probably aren’t familiar with it. For those unfamiliar, it functions similarly to the 4-3 under defense, except one of the linebackers stands up at the line of scrimmage instead of lining up in a 3-point stance (gross oversimplification but captures the essence of the matter).

Pendergast guided USC to the top-ranked defense in the Pac-12 in 2013, so it will be interesting to see what he is able to do with this season’s defense. Up front, the Trojans are inexperienced and probably the team’s biggest weakness. However, the secondary is exceptionally good. If the secondary is opportunistic, the Trojans might force turnovers and have a chance to win.

2. USC’s starting cornerbacks

Adoree’ Jackson and Iman Marshall. Marshall earned freshman All-American honors last season, while Jackson earned the same honors one season earlier. Both players are strong contenders for All-Pac 12 honors this season. Jackson has incredible speed, while Marshall is big and physical. Expect Jackson to challenge Calvin Ridley and Marshall to challenge ArDarius Stewart. Having a third option like a healthy Robert Foster could be a huge advantage for Alabama. Marshall led the Trojans last season with 9 pass breakups and 3 interceptions.

3. Tossing for the Trojans

USC starting quarterback Max Browne is one of the biggest X-factors in this game. If he is able to exploit Alabama’s secondary by connecting downfield with JuJu Smith-Schuster or others and doesn’t create turnovers, USC has a chance to win the game. Browne has great arm strength, so USC won’t be afraid to take shots down the field.

Alabama fans may recall Browne because Alabama was one of four finalists during his high school recruitment. Ultimately, he chose USC and consequently, Alabama landed Cooper Bateman. Now, the two quarterbacks may very well square off against one another. This will mark Browne’s first collegiate start. However, he earned Gatorade Player of the Year twice and went to the state championship three times in high school.

He also looked cool under pressure in the U.S. Army All-American Game as he earned MVP, so playing under the bright lights shouldn’t faze him. Like Bateman, Browne has plenty of experience in backup duty. Still, facing Alabama’s defense is quite the first test.

4. Tough up front

Help keeping Browne upright and giving him time to make throws rests on the capable shoulders of one of the nation’s best offensive lines coached by former Alabama offensive line coach Neil Callaway. Zach Banner is probably the best offensive tackle not named Cam Robinson. Banner was a First-Team All-Pac 12 selection last season who possesses tremendous size at 6-foot-9, 350 pounds. Banner is former Pro Bowl offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy’s son.

The Trojans’ offensive line also has all-conference talents Chad Wheeler at left tackle and Damien Mama at left guard. Mama will be critical to the team’s chances of matching Alabama with a strong running game.

5. Running options

Senior tailback Justin Davis finished last season on a high note, finishing the season with close to 600 yards in the final six games, more than 900 for the entire season. Davis is the bigger, more physical option as the Trojans have two go-to running backs with Ronald Jones being more of the quicker change-of-pace back.

However, the team will likely turn to Davis more heavily against Alabama. USC needs to establish a strong enough running game for time of possession purposes, and also in order to open up the more explosive passing game. Teams that are able to run the football against Alabama tend to have better odds of beating the Crimson Tide.