Carroll May Meet Match in Weis

As USC’s coach and defensive coordinator, Pete Carroll overmatched many less-experienced counterparts during the Trojans’ run to three consecutive appearances in bowl championship series games and two straight national championships.

It could be a more even playing field this week when the top-ranked Trojans travel to ninth-ranked Notre Dame.

Charlie Weis, the Fighting Irish’s first-year coach, arrived in South Bend with an impressive NFL resume that included three Super Bowl titles as offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots.

Carroll was the Patriots’ coach from 1997 to 1999, but he has never worked with Weis and said he had probably spoken to him only a few times over the years.

“There’s a nice little ring to it because of our NFL backgrounds,” Carroll said Sunday. “Everyone wants to see what’s going to happen.”

Notre Dame defeated Pittsburgh and Michigan before suffering its only loss, 44-41, in overtime to Michigan State at South Bend. The Fighting Irish rebounded with victories against Washington and Purdue and had an open date last week.

“They had two weeks to prepare for us, so it should be a great game,” USC split end Dwayne Jarrett said on Saturday after the Trojans’ 42-21 victory over Arizona.

Quarterback Brady Quinn, who is 11th nationally in passing efficiency, and running back Darius Walker, who is averaging 106 yards rushing, lead Notre Dame’s offense.

Carroll said Weis was “a really good offensive coach,” and that he had installed much of the Patriots’ scheme in South Bend.

“It’s different than the college-style stuff and definitely has his mark all over it,” Carroll said. “It’s going to be fun.”

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Carroll said running back Reggie Bush, who suffered a right knee sprain in the first quarter against Arizona, “tested out fine” Sunday but would have a precautionary MRI exam today and would practice either today or Tuesday.

Bush said after the game that he was injured on the Trojans’ first possession when he ran the ball three times for 16 yards during a 96-yard scoring drive. Desmond Reed replaced Bush on USC’s next possession and lost a fumble that led to Arizona’s tying touchdown.

Bush returned and finished with 110 yards rushing, but he caught only two passes for 16 yards and finished with a season-low 143 all-purpose yards. Bush was unable to return any of Danny Baugher’s six punts, which averaged 46 yards and forced the Trojans to start drives deep in their territory.

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Carroll said the Trojans would work this week to shore up their pass coverage after Arizona receivers beat cornerbacks for two long gains, including a 42-yard touchdown.

He also said that players such as linebackers Thomas Williams and Oscar Lua could rejoin a kickoff-coverage unit that gave up several long returns.

Linebacker Dallas Sartz, who missed three games because of a dislocated shoulder, said Saturday that he had been cleared to practice today and would play against Notre Dame.

Defensive tackle LaJuan Ramsey, who sat out two games because of an ankle injury, also is expected to play Saturday, Carroll said.

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USC’s victory over Arizona kept the Trojans No. 1 in the Associated Press poll for the 25th consecutive poll. The Trojans also remained atop the coaches’ poll.