Leinart Expects a Tough Test

USC quarterback Matt Leinart expects Michigan’s defense to present the toughest challenge of the season when the top-ranked Trojans play the No. 4-ranked Wolverines today in the Rose Bowl.

Leinart, who has passed for 35 touchdowns with nine interceptions, will be going against a unit that is familiar with the Trojan passing game because the Wolverines run a similar offense.

Michigan ranks seventh nationally in total defense and sixth against the pass. The Wolverines give up 15.9 points a game. USC is averaging 42.2.

“They disguise very well, and they have a ton of different coverages,” Leinart said. “You might not see the same coverage more than one play in a row. So they’re very good all around.”

Coach Pete Carroll, who also serves as defensive coordinator, said the Michigan offense rates as the best the Trojans will have faced since he became coach before the 2001 season.

He compared the combination of quarterback John Navarre and running back Chris Perry to a 2001 Oregon offense that featured quarterback Joey Harrington and running back Onterrio Smith.

USC’s defensive line has taken over games this season, but Carroll said pressuring Navarre will be a challenge.

“They have a really good protection scheme,” Carroll said. “They get the ball out quick.”

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Backup quarterback Brandon Hance said he is ready to face the Wolverines for the second time in three years if called upon.

Hance was the starting quarterback at Purdue in 2001. He completed 16 of 33 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown against the Wolverines in a 24-10 loss before 110,450 at Ann Arbor, Mich.

“We need Matt to have another big game,” Hance said. “But if something happens where I need to go in, I know I can get the job done.”

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USC players intend to take advantage of a setting that they expect will resemble a home game.

“There’s going to be a lot of cardinal and gold in that crowd,” offensive lineman Lenny Vandermade said.

“We need to score early and get our fans into it so they can be a factor.”