A ‘Home’ Game for One Trojan

USC won’t celebrate homecoming until next week, but today’s game against Washington will serve as a homecoming for Trojan fullback David Kirtman.

Kirtman, a fifth-year senior, is from Gig Harbor, Wash. He starred at Mercer Island High and said about 30 family members and friends would be at Husky Stadium when the top-ranked Trojans resume Pacific 10 Conference play.

“I’m looking forward to this, it’s going to be a good time with a lot of people there watching me,” Kirtman said.

Kirtman has not carried the ball this season, but he is the Trojans’ fourth-leading receiver. He has caught 12 passes, including seven against Arizona State, and has scored one touchdown.

Kirtman did not catch a pass last week against Notre Dame, but he is not complaining.

“Everybody wants lots of chances to get the ball, but we have so many guys; I can’t decide when I’m going to get it,” Kirtman said. “When I do get the ball, I have to make the most of it.”

*

Offensive tackle Winston Justice says he considers today’s game a chance to redeem himself after struggling against Arizona and Notre Dame.

Notre Dame sacked Trojan quarterback Matt Leinart twice and also hit him several times.

Justice said he spent this week improving his technique and “awareness” on the field.

“Everyone can play better,” Justice said. “This is my week to play better.”

*

Today’s game is the 76th in a series that began in 1923. USC leads the series, 45-26-4. ... USC is the first No. 1 team in the Associated Press poll to visit Husky Stadium since 1969, when Ohio State defeated Washington, 41-14. ... Washington is 1-7-1 against No. 1-ranked teams, its only victory coming against Minnesota in the 1961 Rose Bowl. Five of the losses came against USC, including last season’s 38-0 defeat at the Coliseum.