USC REWIND & FAST FORWARD - Opener goes as expected

Looking back at USC's 38-10 victory over Idaho.

As expected: USC controlled the game, rushed the ball against the smaller Vandals and the Trojans' first-team defense limited Idaho to a field goal for an outcome that was decided the day the contract between the schools was signed.

John David Booty passed for three touchdowns and was protected well by the offensive line, sophomore tailback Stafon Johnson showed the tenacity he displayed throughout training camp and fullback Stanley Havili infused the offense as a runner, blocker and receiver.

Unexpected: A game-time decision to hold out veteran Patrick Turner forced Booty to work with a group of split ends and flankers that began the game with only one college reception between them. Booty struggled at times, but sophomore Vidal Hazelton impressed in a starting role despite sitting out much of training camp because of a groin problem. Redshirt freshman David Ausberry got his feet wet with five catches and senior Brad Walker caught the first two passes of his career.

The Trojans recorded only two sacks. They recovered a fumble but lost the turnover battle, 3-1.

Stepped up: There are reasons why no true freshman had started a game at center for USC, too much responsibility being only one. But with Matt Spanos out because of a torn triceps, Kristofer O'Dowd made history and showed he was anything but intimidated. O'Dowd flawlessly handled snaps, protected Booty and helped the Trojans rush for 214 yards.

Hazelton's one-handed touchdown catch was highlight-video material and sophomore cornerback Shareece Wright also made several impressive plays.

Stepped back: No single player on a first-unit defense that gave up only three points will find his job in jeopardy, but the Trojans created only one turnover and failed to get enough pressure on redshirt freshman quarterback Nathan Enderle.

Coach quote: Pete Carroll said, "The [pass] coverage was generally pretty good. We took a couple too many chances, risk-taking a little bit more than we need to. I like that the guys were stretching in an attempt to make things happen. It didn't hurt us in that game. We can learn from that and grow."