USC vs. Stanford, Pac-12 Championship Game preview, predictions, viewing info

Matchups to watch 

JJ Arcega-Whiteside vs. Iman Marshall

With Costello emerging as at least a threat to throw the ball down the field, Arcega-Whiteside has emerged as a huge target to spark the Stanford offense in recent weeks.

Arcega-Whiteside torched Washington for five receptions and 130 yards before reeling in seven catches against California and registering a touchdown against Notre Dame. At 6-3, 222 pounds, Arcega-Whiteside is going to have a size advantage in just about any matchup, and Stanford has found great success simply lobbing the ball to him in the end zone.

The Trojans will hope for a big game from their secondary, particularly Marshall, who is recovering well from a midseason knee injury and made nine tackles against UCLA two weeks ago. Marshall is a terrific cornerback with ideal physical tools at 6-1, 205 pounds, but will still be giving up some size to the massive Arcega-Whiteside.

Nico Falah vs. Harrison Phillips

The depleted USC offensive line has shown improvement in recent weeks as it gets adjusted to new lineups, and will now face its most difficult challenge of the season.

While Stanford has a number of physically imposing players in the front seven who can wreak havoc in the backfield, Phillips will be USC’s focus of attention. The senior has been unblockable this season with 14 tackles for loss and seven sacks and has the best ability of any Cardinal defender to force some mistakes out of Darnold.

Philips will be matched up on the interior against center Nico Falah, who has experience with 25 career starts after emerging out of nowhere earlier last week. Few defensive tackles have the combination of size and athleticism that Phillips posses, so Falah will face a unique challenge on Friday night.