THE SCOUTING REPORT

NO. 10 USC (3-1, 1-1) at ARIZONA ST. (2-2, 0-1)

TODAY, 12:30 P.M.

SUN DEVIL STADIUM

TV -- Channel 7. Radio -- KMPC (1540).

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

The Trojans may start with a rotation at tailback, but Coach Pete Carroll said they would turn to whoever is most effective. Freshman LenDale White, who has shown good burst to the line, is expected to have an increased role. Quarterback Matt Leinart, who ranks sixth in the Pacific 10 Conference in passing efficiency, has a groin strain but will start. Junior Matt Cassel will replace Leinart if he is injured or ineffective. Junior John Drake will start at right tackle in place of Winston Justice, who suffered a sprained ankle against Cal and did not make the trip. Arizona State’s defense is led by safeties Jason Shivers, who has three interceptions, and Riccardo Stewart. Arizona State has 18 sacks in four games.

WHEN ARIZONA STATE HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Andrew Walter has passed for 892 yards and eight touchdowns with five interceptions. He is looking to get back on track after poor performances against Iowa and Oregon State. Wide receiver Skyler Fulton has caught 19 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns. The Sun Devil running game got a boost last week from sophomore Hakim Hill, who rushed for 115 yards in 24 carries and caught six passes for 92 yards. USC ranks third in the Pac-10 in rushing defense (73.8 yards a game) and last in pass defense (289.8). Junior Daniel Urquhart will start at middle linebacker in place of Lofa Tatupu, who sustained a sprained ankle against Cal.

KEYS TO USC VICTORY

Wake-up call. USC’s defense played as if in a daze during the first half against Cal and fell behind, 21-7. The Trojans need to play with intensity from the start today.

Establish the running game. USC tailbacks gained only 66 yards in 20 carries against Cal. Coach Pete Carroll wants his team to run the ball about 35 times a game.

Avoid turnovers. Tom Malone had a punt blocked, Leinart threw three interceptions and Hershel Dennis lost a fumble in overtime against Cal. Struggling Arizona State will take any help it can get.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC ASU 37.5 Scoring 19.8 21.0 Points allowed 24.0 239.5 Passing offense 238.8 114.2 Rushing offense 104.8 353.7 Total offense 343.6 289.8 Passing defense 253.0 73.8 Rushing defense 106.5 363.6 Total defense 359.5

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