Down 13-0 in the second quarter, USC (3-0, 1-0) responded like a two-time defending champion with 45 unanswered points to defeat Oregon (3-1, 0-1) 45-13 in both teams' Pac-10 opener Saturday night.
Quarterback Matt Leinart threw an interception on USC's first drive that led to Oregon's only touchdown in the first quarter. However, Leinart responded by throwing three touchdowns, including an 11-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett early in the third quarter that gave USC its first lead, which it would never relinquish.
The USC defense, without linebacker Dallas Sartz and cornerback Terrell Thomas due to injuries, shut out the Ducks in the second half, as the Trojans came back from three points down at the break to win by 32.
California
Led by a quarterback and running back that began the season as backups, California (4-0, 1-0) beat New Mexico St. 41-13 Friday night to get off to its best start in nine years.
Sophomore running back Justin Forsett, starting in place of the injured Marshawn Lynch, rushed for 235 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, while junior quarterback Joe Ayoob had three rushing touchdowns and one through the air.
The 4-0 start is the best opening to a season for the Golden Bears since 1996.
Washington
Three costly turnovers that ended three potential scoring drives kept Tyrone Willingham from getting to exact any revenge on his former team, as Washington (1-3, 0-1) fell to Notre Dame 36-17 Saturday.
The Washington offense moved the ball 82 yards on its opening drive, but receiver Craig Chambers fumbled as he dove for the end zone and Notre Dame recovered.
Then, down 9-3 in the second quarter, junior Isaiah Stanback threw an interception in the end zone after his 69-yard pass to Marlon Wood had moved the Huskies to the Irish 6-yard line. Running back Kenny James' fumble in the third quarter as Washington drove into Notre Dame territory down just nine was the final backbreaker in the Huskies' upset bid.
Reach the reporter at matthew.storey@asu.edu.