USC's Matthews will put rush on Ohio State

Clay Matthews should have been thrilled.

In USC's season opener at Virginia, Matthews tied for the team lead in tackles, had a sack and also forced and recovered a fumble.

It was an impressive performance for a fifth-year senior playing rush end for the first time.

"I was not as happy as everyone thought I would be," Matthews said. "I had some mistakes out there."

Matthews spent the last two weeks sharpening his pass-rushing moves as the top-ranked Trojans prepared for Saturday's game against fifth-ranked Ohio State at the Coliseum.

The former walk-on is eager to further develop a role in a defense that caused four turnovers in the 52-7 victory at Virginia. It was a solid start for a unit determined to put USC back among the national leaders in turnover margin.

"I want to be seen as one of those guys that's a ball hawk," Matthews said.

Against Virginia, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Matthews utilized speed and quickness to maneuver past 6-6, 315-pound tackle Eugene Monroe.

On Saturday, Matthews will try to penetrate past 6-8, 312-pound left tackle Alex Boone or 6-4, 312-pound right tackle Bryant Browning.

"He's shown throughout his career here that nothing is going to stop him from getting the job done," Coach Pete Carroll said. "He has a chance to really be a factor."

Not that Matthews would be satisfied.

"I don't think I'll ever play a perfect game," he said. "There's always something I can do better."

gary.klein@latimes.com