They’re Expecting a Bear of a Game

Third-ranked USC has overwhelmed all but one opponent during its 11-game winning streak, winning the last 10 games by an average of 23.6 points.

But theg streak, second in the nation to Ohio State’s 18-game run, began with a come-from-behind, 30-28 victory over California last Oct. 12.

The 3-0 Trojans, therefore, say overconfidence will not be a problem heading into Saturday’s Pacific 10 Conference opener at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. The Golden Bears are 2-3 after a 31-24 victory over Illinois.

“They are a cutting-edge team in our conference,” Coach Pete Carroll said of Cal. “They gave us fits last year.”

USC overcame a 21-3 deficit to defeat the Golden Bears, a victory the Trojans did not nail down until they recovered an onside kick by Cal in the final 30 seconds at the Coliseum.

Almost a year later, the Trojans are enjoying their highest ranking since 1988, when they were No. 2 for the last four weeks of the regular season before losing to top-ranked Notre Dame.

USC defensive end Omar Nazel, who attended high school in Oakland, echoed the comments of several teammates when asked if the ranking meant anything.

“We could lose at any time -- who knows what’s going to happen?” Nazel said. “The only thing we have in mind right now is Cal.”

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USC’s winning streak is its longest since it won 11 in succession during the 1979 and 1980 seasons.

USC defensive linemen are also proud of another streak: No runner has rushed for more than 100 yards against the Trojans in the last 16 games.

“We’re definitely aware of the streak,” said junior defensive tackle Shaun Cody, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against Cal last season. “Our goal as a defensive line is to allow no rushing game. We know when we do that, we have more opportunities to rush the passer.”

USC, which defeated pass-oriented Brigham Young and Hawaii in its last two games, has not allowed a touchdown rushing in 22 quarters. This season, opponents are averaging 50.7 yards rushing a game and 1.9 yards a carry.

Cal is averaging 119.4 yards rushing a game. Senior running back Adimchinobe Echemandu is averaging a team-best 69 yards.

“Cal is going to be more balanced [than BYU and Hawaii],” Cody said. “It’s going to be harder because you don’t know what they’re going to do.”

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Recent history does not favor Cal in its attempt to upset USC.

According to Cal’s sports information office, the Golden Bears have not defeated a top-five opponent since knocking off fourth-ranked USC, 28-14, on Nov. 1, 1975, at Memorial Stadium.

The Golden Bears have not played a top-five team since losing to fourth-ranked UCLA, 56-17, on Oct. 20, 2001.

The last time Cal defeated a team ranked as high as USC was in 1951 when the Golden Bears upset third-ranked Stanford, 20-7.

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Freshman Steve Smith was one of the most impressive newcomers during USC’s training camp and easily won the No. 3 receiver job.

Smith, however, has only one catch for seven yards.

“People might think I’m frustrated or upset, but I’m not,” Smith said. “We’re 3-0 and I’m playing for a team that’s ranked third in the nation. I just have to keep working hard.”

Offensive coordinator Norm Chow said Smith was playing well despite limited opportunities backing up senior Keary Colbert.

“He’s doing a good job,” Chow said. “He’ll get his chances.”

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The Trojans resume practice today after taking Monday off.... Sophomore punter Tom Malone ranks second nationally, averaging 49.3 yards a kick.... USC’s game at Arizona State on Oct. 4 will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised regionally by ABC.... Auburn had a bye and Brigham Young and Hawaii both lost Saturday, giving USC’s first three opponents a combined record of 4-6.