Moala Will Start Again in Ramsey’s Place

Fili Moala has only one tackle this season, but the redshirt freshman will make his second consecutive start at defensive tackle today when the top-ranked Trojans play Arizona at the Coliseum.

Moala will start in place of senior LaJuan Ramsey, who suffered an ankle injury against Oregon on Sept 24. Ramsey could play, but probably will be held out so that he’ll be ready for next week’s game at Notre Dame.

Moala started last week at Arizona State but didn’t record a tackle. Backup Travis Tofi made one tackle.

“We need more production out of the position ... but they’re coming along,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

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Backup quarterback John David Booty got only two snaps last week against Arizona State and both plays were nullified because of penalties.

Booty said the experience still was valuable and that he would be ready if Matt Leinart were forced to leave a game again because of injury.

“I was ready to go,” Booty said. “I was calm and think I would have done well, but it was good that Matt was able to come back.”

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After rushing for a career-high 197 yards last week, LenDale White said he would not mind showing people that he can also catch the ball.

White has two receptions for 30 yards.

“I’d like to receive a little bit more, but due to the high amount of fresh receivers around here it’s hard to do all that,” White said, laughing. “I expect to help my team. Whatever they need me to do, I’m going to do it.”

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Fewer than 2,000 tickets remained available for today’s game, USC officials said Friday. ... Off-site parking is available at Staples Center and the Los Angeles County Autopark. Fee at both facilities is $10. Shuttles from Staples Center begin four hours before the game and stop running an hour after the game. Shuttles from the auto park begin two hours before and end an hour after the game.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

Arizona (1-3, 0-1)

at No. 1 USC (4-0, 2-0)

Today, 12:30 p.m.

TV: FSN. Radio: 1540

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WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Matt Leinart passed USC past its first two opponents and Reggie Bush and LenDale White ran over the next two behind one of the best offensive lines in the nation. Leinart’s head seems to have cleared after he suffered a concussion against Arizona State. Bush is rushing for an average of 123 yards a game, White 109. Arizona ranks first in the Pac-10 and 14th nationally in pass defense but last in the conference in rushing defense. Free safety Darrell Brooks and linebackers Dane Krogstad and Sean Jones are Arizona’s leading tacklers.

WHEN ARIZONA HAS THE BALL

The Wildcats, last in the Pac-10 in scoring and rushing, were shut out last week by California. Quarterback Richard Kovalcheck ranks ninth in the conference in passing efficiency. Running back Mike Bell is eighth in rushing with an average of 81 yards a game. USC middle linebacker Oscar Lua dislocated a finger during practice, but will play.

KEYS TO A USC VICTORY

1. Protect Leinart. USC had a close call last week when Arizona State got to Leinart, causing a concussion that threw him off his game.

2. Remain focused. The Trojans can’t afford to look past struggling Arizona with Notre Dame up next.

3. Snap to it. USC must eliminate penalties that plagued it in the first half of each of its last two games.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC Arizona 54.0 Scoring 19.8 18.8 Points allowed 24.5 339.8 Passing offense 248.5 279.8 Rushing offense 85.2 619.5 Total offense 333.8 262.5 Passing defense 157.5 97.5 Rushing defense 200.0 360.0 Total defense 357.5

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-- Gary Klein