COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : USC : Trojans Inspired by Loss to Oregon

Coach John Robinson, on the turnaround his team has made, having won five straight since a 22-7 loss to Oregon Oct. 1:

“It’s a combination of our young players getting game experience and everyone making maximum efforts on every play. When everyone has a maximum effort on every play. . . . That’s what causes big plays.”

Said Keith Burns, who coaches the safeties: “A lot of guys got mad after that Oregon loss. We noticed . . . seven or eight guys were just flying through the air out here (in practice).

“Then after the Oregon State game, it was nine or 10 guys. After Stanford, it was 13 or 14. Now, just about everyone is playing hard in practice and the games.”

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Wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson ranks fifth in Pacific 10 Conference receiving statistics only because the rankings are pegged to catches per game. But Johnson is first in average yards per catch, 20.8. Of his 41 catches, 36 have been for first downs. He has had five consecutive 100-yard games.

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Quarterback Rob Johnson is the Trojans’ only conference statistical leader, with a 157.20 pass efficiency rating.