COLLEGE FOOTBALL : DAILY REPORT : USC : Pass Protection Needs Improvement

USC’s Rob Johnson has been sacked nine times in two games.

“Our pass protection right now is our Achilles’ heel on offense,” Coach Larry Smith said. “It’s something we’ve really got to work hard on to improve because we can’t afford to let Johnson take the hits he’s been taking. When we do protect, we make big plays.”

Johnson has completed 37 of 60 passes for 479 yards and five touchdowns, with two interceptions. He leads the Pacific 10 in passing efficiency and ranks fifth nationally.

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USC’s Curtis Conway leads the Pac-10 with 195 yards receiving and is averaging seven catches a game, tying him for the conference lead with Phillip Bobo of Washington State. . . . The USC-Washington game Oct. 3 at Seattle will be televised to 80% of the country by ABC. . . . Washington has allowed only 330 yards passing in three games, leads the Pac-10 in passing defense and has given up only 31 points.