Sacks won’t be so easy to come by

BERKELEY -- USC’s defensive line recorded six of the Trojans’ season-high nine sacks against Oregon State last week.

Today, the unit is aiming for a repeat performance when the 12th-ranked Trojans play 24th-ranked California at Memorial Stadium.

It won’t be easy. Cal has given up only eight sacks, tied for third fewest in the nation.

“It just motivates us to get to them more,” junior defensive end Kyle Moore said.

Freshman end Everson Griffen had 3 1/2 sacks against Oregon State, senior end Lawrence Jackson had 1 1/2 and senior nose tackle Sedrick Ellis added one for a defense that was once last but now ranks tied for second in the Pacific 10 Conference with 29 sacks.

Jackson said USC coaches “put a great game plan together last week and everybody executed it perfectly. . . . I think they have a lot of confidence in us.”

Cal quarterback Nate Longshore has been slowed by injuries and will be challenged to avoid the Trojans’ rush.

“It’s a key to keep our quarterback standing,” Cal Coach Jeff Tedford said.

Today’s game marks the sixth time Tedford will go against USC Coach Pete Carroll.

In 2002, USC overcame a 21-3 halftime deficit to defeat the Golden Bears, 30-28, at the Coliseum. Four years ago, USC lost here, 34-31, in triple overtime, the last defeat before the Trojans began a 34-game winning streak.

“That one has carried weight for a long time,” Carroll said.

USC and Cal played another thriller in 2004, the Trojans winning, 23-17, with a dramatic defensive stand.

The Trojans won, 35-10, here in 2005 and had a convincing 23-9 win at the Coliseum last season.

“There has been a new history written a little bit about us playing against each other that’s made for great matchups,” Carroll said. “And I think the world of Jeff and what he’s doing.

“I thought the NFL was looking good to him a couple years ago. I wish he had gone. I couldn’t get him to do it.”

Cal tight end Craig Stevens changed his jersey number to 19 this season to honor Mario Danelo. Stevens grew up in San Pedro with the late Trojans kicker, who died in January. . . . Showers are predicted for early this afternoon and possibly continuing throughout the game.

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gary.klein@latimes.com

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

KEYS TO THE GAME

No. 12 USC (7-2, 4-2 Pac-10) at No. 24 California (6-3, 3-3) Today, 5 p.m., Memorial Stadium, Berkeley TV: Channel 7. Radio: 710, 1330.

1 Under pressure. USC, coming off a nine-sack performance against Oregon State, goes up against a Cal offensive line that has allowed only eight sacks all season. If USC gets to quarterback Nate Longshore, it could be a long day for the Golden Bears. If Longshore gets protection, Cal receivers can make the Trojans pay. Cal’s defense has recorded a conference-worst 18 sacks, which bodes well for Trojans quarterback John David Booty.

2 Running story line. USC running back Stafon Johnson finally looked like his pre-foot injury self in practice this week and will rotate with Chauncey Washington and Joe McKnight. Cal’s Justin Forsett averages nearly 112 rushing yards a game and Jahvid Best has a dangerous McKnight-like skill set.

3 The DeSean factor. Cal wide receiver/punt returner DeSean Jackson said before the season that he would rather beat USC than win the Heisman Trophy. He won’t win the Heisman. Will he get his other wish? Jackson’s presence can open up opportunities for other receivers.

-- Gary Klein