The USC Trojans (25) will have its third acting head coach of the season when they take on the Fresno State Bulldogs (20) Saturday for the Royal Purple Las Vegas Bowl.

Lane Kiffin's tenure ended after a rocky 3-2 start and interim coach Ed Orgeron brought the team back on track, leading them to six wins in eight games. Despite Orgeron's outspoken desire for the job, USC decided to hire Steve Sarkisian, but before he officially takes over, offensive coordinator Clay Helton will lead the team.

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USC's players seemed to paly inspired football under Orgeron, including a win over Stanford, ranked fourth overall at the time.

"After the Coach O meeting, guys were freaking out," quarterback Cody Kessler told reporters. "It was unreal. I was really proud of the way [Sarkisian] handled that situation. The guys like me who know him well, we weren't surprised how he immediately came in and helped guys start to get over it."

While Sarkisian was head coach at Washington, he recruited Kessler, which could help him weather the storm in Southern California. Players were vocal about their support of Orgeron and the interim coach was vocal about his desire for the job.

USC will have its hands full on defense, trying to stop an explosive Fresno State offense, lead by quarterback Derek Carr. Playing in the Mountain West, the Bulldogs had an easier schedule and finished 11-1 on the season.

The Bulldogs led the nation in average passing yards per game, finished third in total yards per game and fifth in points scored per game. On average, USC allows 21.3 points per game, including holding Stanford to 17 points in their upset win.

Carr will try to finish off his stellar senior season before entering the NFL Draft, where he projects to be a high pick. Carr has thrown for 48 touchdowns, seven interceptions and 4,866 yards.