The Scouting Report

No. 1 USC (10-0) vs.

Notre Dame (6-4)

Today, 5 p.m. at Coliseum

TV: Channel 7.

Radio: KMPC (1540).

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Carson Palmer clinched the Heisman Trophy two years ago by torching a Notre Dame team that ranked fifth nationally in total defense. Today Matt Leinart faces a Fighting Irish team ranking 107th in pass defense. For the first time this season, Leinart has a complete arsenal to work with. Flanker Steve Smith is back from a broken leg and rejoins a receiving corps that is even better than when he went down. Tight end Dominique Byrd and wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett emerged as go-to receivers in Smith’s absence and Jason Mitchell and Chris McFoy have stepped up. Then, of course, there’s the Reggie Bush factor. USC will try to set up opportunities for all of them by handing the ball to LenDale White. Linebacker Mike Goolsby leads a Notre Dame defense that ranks 11th nationally against the run.

WHEN NOTRE DAME HAS THE BALL

The Fighting Irish are hoping that freshman Darius Walker and senior Ryan Grant can rush the ball effectively, taking pressure off sophomore quarterback Brady Quinn. That won’t be easy against a Trojan defense that ranks second nationally against the run. Quinn has matured since last season, when USC sacked him four times at South Bend. He is completing 54% of his passes, with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions. USC’s defense ranks in the top five nationally in most major categories.

KEYS TO USC VICTORY

1. Stop the run. Neutralizing Walker and Grant will create obvious passing situations, allowing the front seven to harass Quinn into mistakes.

2. Protect Leinart. The Trojans’ most valuable asset has been unharmed through 10 games. With a national title possibly at stake, they cannot afford to lose him now.

3. Avoid turnovers. USC has not been hurt badly by a rash of fumbles in recent games but needs to break the habit against a team that has shown it can beat ranked opponents.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC ND 37.1 Scoring 25.8 11.6 Points allowed 21 255.3 Passing offense 229.5 179.5 Rushing offense 127.5 434.8 Total offense 357 197.2 Passing defense 261.2 69.2 Rushing defense 95.5 266.4 Total defense 356.7

*--*

-- Gary Klein