Three Turnovers a Magic Number

California quarterback Aaron Rodgers enters today’s Pacific 10 Conference opener against third-ranked USC without an interception in 79 attempts this season.

That streak is in jeopardy if the Trojan defense continues one of its many streaks.

USC has intercepted a pass in 13 consecutive games.

Junior free safety Jason Leach returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown in the Trojans’ last game two weeks ago against Hawaii. “Our main thing is to get three turnovers a game,” said Leach, who has five career interceptions. “If we do that, we figure the other team’s offense is going to have a tough time going down the field against our defense.”

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USC punter Tom Malone ranks second in the nation, averaging 49.3 yards per kick.

“I’m kind of in a groove right now,” said Malone, a sophomore who averaged 42.1 yards per kick last season. “I have a lot more confidence in how the protection works. That helps tremendously.”

Malone said placement, not distance, was his main focus this week as he prepared for today’s game. “I’ve missed a couple opportunities down inside the 10, so I want to make sure to get that down,” he said.

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USC has played Cal more than any other opponent.

The series dates to 1915 and has been played without interruption since 1926.

USC won the last two games and leads the series, 56-29-5. The Trojans are 29-12-1 on the road against the Golden Bears and have won six of the last eight games played at Memorial Stadium.

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USC has scored at least 30 points in 10 of its last 11 games.... Cal has averaged 5.4 sacks in its last five games against USC.... Cal defensive end Ryan Riddle, who played at Culver City High and El Camino College, is the grandson of John Riddle, who played running back for USC in 1922-24.... A crowd of about 50,000 is expected today. The forecast is for scattered clouds and temperatures in the 70s.