COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT / USC : TCU Loss May Finally Serve Purpose

“Remember El Paso” might as well be the Trojans’ theme this week.

Hawaii is riding the nation’s longest losing streak at 18 games--and seems a far less formidable opponent than Texas Christian did before the Horned Frogs upset USC in the Sun Bowl last year.

“I really don’t have to say much,” USC Coach Paul Hackett said. “Because of El Paso, they understand the magnitude of not preparing and the consequences. This is where something good can come out of El Paso. We will be very serious about this game.”

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Tailback Malaefou MacKenzie, slowed during training camp by a hamstring problem related to rehabilitation from knee surgery, has made big strides recently and looks strong.

“Probably now Jabari Jackson and Malaefou MacKenzie are as healthy as Frank Strong and Sultan McCullough,” Hackett said.

“We’ll go with Chad [Morton], but I can’t tell you how it will develop right now. Malaefou was excellent on Sunday so he’s back in there now.

“And Chad tells me he can play the entire game. He’s done a great job of preparing himself for the season.”

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The kickers’ duel continued with more poor results Tuesday.

David Newbury made one of three from about 40 yards, and David Bell was 0 for 3.

Their combined effort didn’t please Hackett, who called off kick-blocker Antuan Simmons to try to “set the stage” for success.

Instead, they’ll try again today.

“Yeah, I’m concerned. Real concerned,” Hackett said. “I’d like to have a number of attempts Saturday, no matter how far out. That’s one thing the first few games you have to do, get a guy who’s going to be confident down the stretch.”

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R. Jay Soward has been dropping passes again after seeming to overcome his struggle during camp.

“Today was not good,” Hackett said. “One thing we know about R. Jay is that concentrating at the level he needs to play consistently has always been an area he’s got to work on.”