Carroll Is Primed for a Big Finish Against Rivals

After taking three days off around its third and final open date, top-ranked USC returns to practice today in preparation for Notre Dame.

The game Saturday at the Coliseum, the 76th meeting in the rivalry, is the final home game for USC seniors. The Trojans conclude the regular season Dec. 4 against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

“This cycle, on our end of it, is as much football and as much fun as you could hope for,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said last week. “To finish with two big rivalry games and big stadium opportunities and huge stages and all of that ... I don’t know how you can ask for more than this.”

USC is 10-0 and has clinched the Pacific 10 Conference title and a berth in the Rose Bowl. But the Trojans, who have won 19 games in a row and 20 consecutive home games, are trying to earn their first trip to the bowl championship series title game. That game will be played Jan. 4 at the Orange Bowl.

The Trojans remained atop the Associated Press media poll Sunday, but lost three first-place votes -- one to second-ranked Oklahoma and two to third-ranked Auburn.

Like USC, Notre Dame (6-4) also is coming off an open date.

USC defensive lineman Mike Patterson said the Trojans would not concern themselves with the tradition of the intersectional rivalry.

“If you think about the history and all that, it can kind of mess you up -- as a team we ignore it,” he said. “We don’t want to lose track of what we’re here for. Afterward, if you win, you can enjoy it with the fans.”

ESPN’s “College GameDay” show, which made its first USC appearance Oct. 9 for the game against California, will emanate again from the sold-out Coliseum.