Trojans Moving Up in the World

USC is back in the Associated Press Top 25 poll for the first time since last September, when the Trojans were ranked No. 23 after a season-opening loss to Florida State.

The Trojans’ No. 22 ranking is their highest since October 1996, when they were ranked 17th with a 3-2 record after starting the season ranked No. 7.

Six of USC’s remaining 11 opponents are also ranked: No. 2 Florida State, No. 6 UCLA, No. 10 Notre Dame, No. 11 Washington, No. 14 Arizona State and No. 24 Oregon. (USC doesn’t play No. 21 Arizona this season in its Pacific 10 schedule.)

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USC’s game against San Diego State and former Trojan coach Ted Tollner on Saturday at the Coliseum will mark only the second meeting between the Trojans and the Aztecs.

In 1992, a San Diego State team led by running back Marshall Faulk rallied and tied No. 24 USC, 31-31, and might have upset a USC team led by quarterback Rob Johnson if not for two missed field goals in the final minute.

Tollner, who coached at USC from 1983-86, is 25-22 at San Diego State, including Saturday’s loss to Wisconsin.

His record at USC was 26-20-1.

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About 2,000 disadvantaged youth will attend the San Diego State game as part of the Touchdown for Youth program conducted by USC and the Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation. Organizers are seeking additional contributions, with $25 providing a ticket and refreshments for a youngster.

Information: (213) 482-6343.