A True Test for Run Defense Is Ahead

With the run-and-shoot offense a fading Hawaiian memory, top-ranked USC has turned its attention to preparing for what could be its first real defensive test.

“It’s time to get back to a little more fundamental football and see where we are,” Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday.

Hawaii had 377 passing yards in USC’s 63-17 season-opening win, but the unorthodox attack left unanswered questions about the Trojans’ ability to stop the run and control the line of scrimmage. Hawaii running backs rushed the ball only eight times for 26 yards, barely testing defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and LaJuan Ramsey and middle linebacker Oscar Lua -- all of whom started for the first time.

Meanwhile, Arkansas, which visits the Coliseum on Sept. 17, is the nation’s top-ranked rushing team after running 51 times for 483 yards in a 49-17 victory over Division I-AA Missouri State.

“We better get ready,” said Carroll, whose team has an open date this week.

Arkansas plays Vanderbilt, a 24-20 winner over Wake Forest, on Saturday. “We’ve definitely already started working,” Carroll said.

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Much like Jason Leach the previous two seasons, Josh Pinkard is capable of playing free safety or strong safety.

On Wednesday, the sophomore from Oxnard continued to work with the first unit in place of strong safety Darnell Bing, who returned an interception for a touchdown against Hawaii in the first quarter but suffered a hip injury later in the game.

Bing did not practice for second day in row. And while Carroll said it was too early to rule Bing out for Arkansas, it appears that Bing’s injury could be more serious than first thought.

“He did it at full speed. It wasn’t just something he felt after the fact. He felt it right at the moment,” Carroll said. “He’s got something going on there.”

Bing missed three games last season because of a shoulder injury. If he is not ready by next week, Pinkard will start against Arkansas.

Pinkard, who played well against Hawaii, said: “I’m more nervous in practice than I am in the game. Once we got out on the field, it was, ‘OK, just play.’ ”

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Freshmen Cary Harris and Kevin Thomas are battling to become the fourth cornerback, a job Carroll hopes will be won by next week.

Harris, who played at Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High, said guarding “the top receivers in the nation” has challenged him and that he could emerge if he continued to show a strong work ethic.

Thomas, who played at Oxnard Rio Mesa, said he has “evolved” and improved a part of his game every day since training camp. But he was more specific about his main obstacle.

“I tend not to show a sense of urgency; I’m kind of complacent on the field at times,” he said. “I need to get that out of my system. I have to get out of that habit real soon.”

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Running back LenDale White (hamstring) did not practice for the second day in a row.... Defensive end Kyle Moore (knee sprain) said he had an MRI exam on Wednesday and would learn results today.... Freshman running back Michael Coleman (hip) did individual drills and could participate in team drills by next week, according to Carroll. Receiver Whitney Lewis (shoulder) also is close to returning, Carroll said.... Carroll and a group of players visited patients at USC Women’s and Children’s Hospital.