Trojans Insist They’re Not Playing Out String

What’s this, another streak?

USC buried its eight-game losing streak against UCLA last week.

Now, in the season’s anticlimactic finish today at the Coliseum, the Trojans’ task is to end Louisiana Tech’s eight-game winning streak, a run that started after season-opening losses to Florida State and Texas A&M.;

“A lot of people don’t think we’ll be ready to go, or our season’s over and this is an extra game,” tailback Chad Morton said. “But there is a big momentum factor going into next year.”

The idea is to avoid another off-season like the one that began with the Sun Bowl loss to Texas Christian last year.

“That left a sour taste in our mouths,” said Morton, a senior. “We can end our season on a win, and the guys who are coming back can go into next year with a lot more confidence.”

The twist in this game is that despite their 5-6 record, the Trojans are slight favorites over the 25th-ranked Bulldogs (8-2).

But make no mistake, Louisiana Tech, with quarterback Tim Rattay on the verge of becoming the second-most prolific passer in NCAA history, is a dangerous team.

“We haven’t seen this caliber of quarterback,” USC Coach Paul Hackett said.

“We’ve been the favorite a lot this year, and you see what good that has done. It doesn’t mean a thing once the ball is kicked off. We’ve got our hands full.”

Louisiana Tech broke into the top 25 for the first time this week, and the Bulldogs--who upset Alabama in September--still have a shot at a bowl game if they can beat USC and make a splash on the national scene.

“Our plan was to schedule people like USC, Florida State, Texas A&M; and Alabama, go play them and try to beat them,” said Louisiana Tech Coach Jack Bicknell III. “That’s the way we’ve tried to elevate our program. . . . That’s been our thing, we’ll play anybody, anywhere.”

USC’s first task is to zero in on the game after the euphoria of the UCLA victory and the distractions of Thanksgiving.

“That’s an issue,” linebackers coach Shawn Slocum said. “This group is one that can come in and embarrass you if you’re not prepared.”

The next challenge is to contend with the nation’s No. 1 passing offense--Louisiana Tech averages almost 403 yards a game--and do it with a defense that is without starting cornerback Antuan Simmons, who had back surgery.

“It’s going to be very difficult,” safety Ifeanyi Ohalete said. “Antuan is one of our most reliable players. When you go against a team with [four- and five-receiver sets], you’re going to need as many defensive backs as possible. We’re going to have to play everybody. Everybody will have to step up.”

Kris Richard is the other starting cornerback, and Hackett gave him the game ball against UCLA for holding a group of inexperienced corners together.

Senior safety David Gibson, who had two interceptions against UCLA and played what Hackett called “probably the finest game he’s played in a long, wonderful career here,” is the anchor.

Starting in Simmons’ place is freshman Darrell Rideaux, who got a tough indoctrination against the Bruins. Behind him are freshman Kevin Arbet, sophomore Eric Reese, freshman Troy Polamalu and senior Tanqueray Clark.

“We’ll have to play six and maybe seven [defensive backs],” Hackett said.

They’re going to get tired.

Louisiana Tech averages about 50 passes a game, and barely even shows an interest in a running game, ranking 112th in the nation in rushing.

Rattay, known for his quick, accurate passes in a spread offense, knows exactly the opportunity he has today.

“It’s going to be a great chance for us,” said Rattay, who grew up in Phoenix. “Obviously, they’re a great team and everybody has heard of them before.

“I’ve seen a lot of tape. I think they’re really good. They have some good young defensive backs, and their linebackers are big and physical.”

But Rattay is also confident.

“We need to score 25 or 30 points and I think we’ll win the game,” he said. “Obviously, our defense will have to hold them, but we usually think if we can score 30 we can win.”

Opportunity? It’s there for USC too.

Louisiana Tech is the only ranked team USC has played all season.

“That makes it even bigger for us,” Morton said. “Beating a top-25 team would be a big accomplishment. That would bring a little pride back.”

One thing is clear: It will either be a big win--or a big loss.

“It’s an important game that will allow us to get to .500,” Ohalete said. “There’s a pride factor. Nobody wants to have a losing season.”

TODAY

USC vs. Louisiana Tech

3:30 p.m.

At Coliseum

Fox Sports Net