#6 USC 50, Arkansas 14

So much for rebuilding. Six different Trojans scored touchdowns, including career firsts for four of them, and Mario Danelo chipped in three field goals as USC wore down Arkansas, 50-14 in front of a record Fayetteville crowd. John David Booty looked sharp in his first game as starter, throwing for three TDs as it seemed co-offensive coordinators Lane Kiffen and Steve Sarkisian slowly broke Booty into the game with short, safe routes and a lot of running plays. Booty did not have many mistakes, and did not throw an interception while finding eight different receivers in the game. Dwyane Jarrett and Steve Smith made their share of catches, but they were mostly used as decoys to free up Fred Davis, Patrick Turner, and Ryan Powdrell, who caught his first TD as a Trojan. The running game was solid as Coach Pete Carroll rotated several running backs to keep fresh legs in the game, which became more and more effective as the Razorback defense tired as the game progessed. C.J. Gable scored USC's first touchdown of the night, which was also his first touchdown as a Trojan, and Emmanuel Moody and Allen Bradford also had their first USC scores in garbage time. It was encouraging to see Chauncey Washington and Desmond Reed receive carries as well, after injuries should have kept them out of the game. The only problem on the offense was T Kyle Williams, who was flagged for several penalties for false starts or illegal formation. But the defense was very effective in stopping the Razorbacks and coming up with opportunistic turnovers, forcing three fumbles and recovering two, including one on the third play of the game. USC also intercepted three passes as the defense showed off their speed and awareness. Though Arkansas scored two touchdowns, the USC made them earn their points, forcing them to score on long drives. Arkansas freshman QB Mitch Mustain looked to have created a QB controversy in Fayetteville, but Robert Johnson, though ineffective, should hold on to his job for at least next week's game. The Trojans special teams were indeed special, but I use the term in a positive light today. K Troy Van Blarcom booted 9 of his 10 kickoffs for touchbacks, which helped the Trojans with field position. PK Mario Danelo had 3 field goals, including a career long 44 yarder at the end of the half when the game was still in doubt. P Greg Woidneck had all three of his punts land inside the 20 yard line. All in all, it was an impressive debut for the new look Trojans, who should face a stiff test from Nebraska in two weeks.

Game balls:
Offense - John David Booty: 24-35, 261 yards, 3 TD
Defense - The entire defensive unit did their job, no one player stood out, but with a defense this good, that's not a problem Carroll has to worry about
Special Teams - Hard to choose here, as Danelo put points on the board while the game was still close, but Van Blarcom's kicks really helped with field position, which became huge when the defense came up with turnovers in Razorback territory.

Season pick'em
W-L - 1-0
Against the spread - 1-0

Next week: The Trojans have a bye. Next game is September 16th against Arkansas.
Games to watch:
Penn State @ Notre Dame
Arizona @ Louisiana State
Minnesota @ California
Georgia @ South Carolina
Ohio State @ Texas
Oregon @ Fresno State