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The shock hasn’t worn off yet

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Times Staff Writer

Looking back at No. 10 USC’s 24-23 defeat by Stanford.

Rewind

As expected: After one of the biggest upsets in the history of college football, “as expected” gets the week off.

Unexpected: Few, other than perhaps first-year Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh and his players, believed the 41-point-underdog Cardinal and inexperienced quarterback Tavita Pritchard would play so poised in the clutch, let alone be in position to do so and win the game in the final minute.

Stepped up: Tight end Fred Davis caught five passes for a career-best 152 yards, including a 63-yard touchdown.

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Defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis had three sacks.

Stepped back: Quarterback John David Booty, who broke a bone in the middle finger of his throwing hand in the first half, had four passes intercepted in the second half.

The offensive line gave up four sacks, one more than the Trojans had surrendered all season. USC gained only 95 yards rushing.

Receiver Patrick Turner dropped several passes, the defense gave up 17 points in the fourth quarter and USC had an extra-point attempt blocked.

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Coach’s quote: Pete Carroll: “It’s real clear that we have fallen out of line with our philosophy that has guided this program for years; we’re turning the ball over too much.”

Carroll said the Trojans’ struggles began when offensive linemen Chilo Rachal and Kris O’Dowd were injured on the same play against Washington: “We were fine and something hit the fan. . . . There’s been a big fallout and it hasn’t felt the same way since. There’s a marker point we have to overcome, whatever that is.”

Injury report: Booty’s finger will be an issue throughout the week and could affect his availability for Saturday’s game against Arizona.

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Running back Stafon Johnson (foot) will try to return. “Not having Stafon was a huge difference in the game. He has been a playmaker in every game he has played in,” Carroll said.

Center Matt Spanos (laceration), linebacker Thomas Williams (ankle) and snapper Will Collins (hamstring) are expected to come back from injuries suffered against Stanford.

Carroll said Rachal (knee) would be evaluated Tuesday and Wednesday.

Looking ahead to the game vs. Arizona (Saturday, Coliseum, 12:30 p.m., Ch. 7).

Fast forward

First look: Arizona is coming off a 31-16 loss to Oregon State.

Topic of the week: Carroll said he would not consider starting sophomore Mark Sanchez at quarterback unless Booty is unable to practice. “I’m not doing that. That’s not what I would be thinking right now. It’s not just a one-guy deal,” he said of interceptions.

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Season log (4-1)

Sept. 1: Idaho (1-5); Won, 38-10.

Sept. 15: at then-No. 14 Nebraska (4-2); Won, 49-31.

Sept. 22: Washington State (2-4, 0-3 in Pac-10); Won, 47-14.

Sept. 29: Washington (2-3, 0-2); Won, 27-24.

Oct. 6: Stanford (2-3, 1-3); Lost, 24-23; As Dick Enberg would say, “Oh, my!” Cardinal pulls off one of biggest upsets in college football history.

Saturday, Arizona (2-4, 1-2); Struggling Wildcats will arrive at Coliseum believing they have a chance to beat USC for first time since 2000.

Oct. 20: at Notre Dame (1-5)

Oct. 27: at Oregon (4-1, 1-1)

Nov. 3: Oregon State (3-3, 1-2)

Nov. 10: at California (5-0, 2-0)

Nov. 22: at Arizona State (6-0, 3-0)

Dec. 1: UCLA (4-2, 3-0)

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