KEYS TO A USC VICTORY

By Gary Klein

Dec. 3, 2005 12 AM PT

1. Protect Leinart: The Trojans have kept the Heisman Trophy winner out of harm’s way since he absorbed a major (late) hit against Arizona State. They must do it for one more game to reach the Rose Bowl.

2. Rattle Olson: USC, which has intercepted 11 passes in the last three games, must pressure UCLA’s highly efficient quarterback into uncharacteristic mistakes.

3. Special teams: Kicker Mario Danelo must make field-goal and extra-point attempts. Punter Tom Malone cannot out-kick coverage and allow Maurice Drew to get rolling.

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Gary Klein

Gary Klein covers the Los Angeles Rams for the Los Angeles Times. Before that, he covered USC’s football program and athletic department. He began working for The Times in the San Fernando Valley edition and has reported on high school, college and pro sports. He grew up in Southern California and graduated from Cal State Northridge.

KEYS TO A USC VICTORY

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