THE PARTICULARS

• Time: 1:15 p.m.

• Line: 49ers by 5 1/2

• Records: 49ers 0-0, Seahawks 0-0

• TV: FOX40 – Dick Stockton (play-by-play), John Lynch (color).

• Radio: ESPN (1320 AM), KNBR (1050 AM) – Ted Robinson (play-by-play), Eric Davis (color).

• Why watch? - Because of the history between the two head coaches. Jim Harbaugh was Pete Carroll's scourge in the Pacific-10 Conference, and he hopes to do the same to the reigning NFC West champions. Carroll won last year's season opener against San Francisco. Harbaugh hopes for payback.

• Rewind: In Week 14 last season, Alex Smith posted a career-high 130.5 passer rating, throwing for 255 yards and three touchdowns in San Francisco's 40-21 blowout win. The point total was a season high for the 49ers, who intercepted Matt Hasselbeck four times.

– Matthew Barrows

49ERS' THREE KEYS

• The key to the 49ers' offense is its inconsistent offensive line. That unit played well in two preseason games and was terrible in two others. Frank Gore and the 49ers' other running backs will play an important role in picking up the Seahawks' blitzes.

• Gore has averaged 126.7 rushing yards per game against the Seahawks since 2006. He and the running game will be crucial, especially early in the season, as the 49ers' passing attack finds its footing.

• Seahawks quarterback Tarvaris Jackson struggled in the preseason. But he has a big arm and can buy time with his feet. The 49ers' secondary, especially safety Madieu Williams, must maintain coverage.

SEAHAWKS' THREE KEYS

• As was the case with the 49ers last season, the Seahawks will start two rookies – tackle James Carpenter and guard John Moffitt – on the offensive line. How quickly they adjust to the NFL game will be crucial.

• Seattle ranked 31st in rushing last season. New offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell comes from Minnesota, where he had great success with Adrian Peterson. He'll hope for similar results from former Cal star Marshawn Lynch.

• Defensive end Chris Clemons led Seattle with a career-high 11 sacks last season. He missed time this past week because of an ankle injury, but he also played most of last season with a similar injury.

MATCHUP TO WATCH

Seattle quarterback Tarvaris Jackson vs. 49ers free safety Madieu Williams

Williams is not the 49ers' first choice at free safety nor even the second. However, Dashon Goldson and Reggie Smith are dealing with knee injuries, which will give Williams, a free-agent signee, his first start. Williams, however, should be well-versed in what to expect from Seattle's offense. He most recently played with Minnesota, where key parts of the Seahawks' offense – Jackson, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and wide receiver Sidney Rice – played last season. Rice (shoulder) did not practice this past week.

INJURY REPORT

49ERS

Doubtful: S Dashon Goldson (knee)

SEAHAWKS

Out: T Jarriel King (ankle)

Doubtful: G Robert Gallery (knee), WR Sidney Rice (shoulder)

Probable: DE Chris Clemons (ankle), LB David Hawthorne (knee)

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