HAWAII (1-0) at No. 4 USC (2-0)

HAWAII (1-0) at No. 4 USC (2-0)

TODAY, 1 P.M., COLISEUM

TV -- Fox Sports Net

Radio -- KMPC (1540)

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

The Trojans will try to balance the offense by getting their sluggish running game in gear. Last week, BYU’s 3-3-5 alignment gave USC blockers fits, so the Trojans will be happy to see Hawaii’s 4-3 scheme. Quarterback Matt Leinart, who has passed for four touchdowns in two games, is looking to avoid the mistakes of last week when three of his passes were intercepted, two on tipped balls. Wide receiver Mike Williams will probably remain Leinart’s main target, but the Trojans hope to involve Keary Colbert and other receivers more. Hawaii has an experienced secondary that features safety Hyrum Peters and also includes cornerbacks Abraham Elimimian and Kelvin Millhouse, who played at Crenshaw and Santa Ana Mater Dei highs, respectively. Defensive tackle Isaac Sopoaga made six tackles in the opener against Appalachian State.

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WHEN HAWAII HAS THE BALL

The Warriors are led by junior quarterback Timmy Chang, who sat out the opener against Appalachian State for academic reasons. Chang operates the Warriors’ run-and-shoot offense out of the shotgun formation. Chang passed for 4,474 yards and 25 touchdowns with 22 interceptions last season and has amassed 8,615 yards passing in his career. Jeremiah Cockheran caught seven passes for 154 yards in the opener. Chad Owens, Britton Komine and Clifton Herbert are other receivers. John West and Mike Bass are principal ballcarriers for a team that ran the ball 27 times against Appalachian State. Will Poole will start at left cornerback for USC in place of the injured Kevin Arbet. Strong safety Darnell Bing has a high ankle sprain but will probably start.

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KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Establish a running game. The Trojans are averaging only 97 yards a game after last week’s 71-yard effort against Brigham Young. They need balance to make the passing game work effectively.

2. Control Timmy Chang. Hawaii’s quarterback is going to get his yards passing, but the Trojans need to pressure him and shut down scoring opportunities. The secondary must stifle receivers and give the defensive line time to get to Chang.

3. Maintain intensity. The Trojans cruised to a 21-0 first-quarter lead against BYU, then found themselves in a struggle in the fourth quarter. If they lapse again, Hawaii could make them pay.

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HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC HAWAII 29.0 Scoring Average 40.0 9.0 Points Allowed 17.0 213.5 Passing Offense 359.0 97.0 Rushing Offense 91.0 310.5 Total offense 450.0 217.0 Passing Defense 137.0 44.5 Rushing Defense 122.0 261.5 Total Defense 259.0

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-- Gary Klein