Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen will get his first look at USC
USC FOOTBALL
The sophomore quarterback for the Fighting Irish didn't play in last season's loss to the Trojans. USC Coach Pete Carroll says 'it's obvious to see' how Clausen has improved.
USC's game against Notre Dame will be Fighting Irish quarterback Jimmy Clausen's first chance to play against the Trojans since leaving the Southland for South Bend, Ind.
Clausen, the former Westlake Village Oaks Christian High star, started nine games last season as a freshman but did not play when the Trojans defeated the Irish, 38-0.
Clausen completed 56% of his attempts and passed for seven touchdowns with six interceptions in 2007.
This season, he is completing 60% of his throws and has passed for 20 touchdowns with 15 interceptions.
"He got through his first-year experience and is really coming around," USC Coach Pete Carroll said. "He can throw any ball you want.
"He's way more comfortable, just in control of stuff. It's obvious to see that."
Last week in a 24-23 loss against Syracuse, Clausen completed 22 of 39 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Clausen completed a 40-yard pass on fourth and 10 late in the fourth quarter to set up a potential game-winning field goal, but the kick was short.
Klein is a Times staff writer.
gary.klein@latimes.com
