Hackett Expects a Strong Response

The Florida State game was such a focal point that it has been hard to look ahead to what probably is the most crucial stretch of USC’s schedule.

Now it’s here, and how the Trojans bounce back could tell the tale of their season.

“Clearly we’ve had a disappointment and a setback at Florida State,” Coach Paul Hackett said. “Now we come back to the games that count for the Rose Bowl.”

USC last beat Arizona State three seasons ago, 31-0. But since then, the Sun Devils have handed USC a couple of stinging defeats--48-35 in double overtime in 1996 and 35-7 last season in the game that prompted John Robinson to say he’d quit if USC didn’t turn things around.

After playing Arizona State and Cal at home the next two weeks, the Trojans hit the road for most of the rest of the season, with only one more Pacific 10 Conference game at home, against Washington on Oct. 31.

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Kickoff for the Cal game Oct. 10 at the Coliseum has been set for 3:30 p.m. It will be televised on Fox Sports West 2.

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Tailback Chad Morton reported that his back felt considerably better Monday. He sat out the fourth quarter against Florida State because of an aggravation of a recent back strain.

Next UP for USC

Who: Arizona State

Where: Coliseum

When: Saturday, 4 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Radio: XTRA (690)