DEFENSE DOMINATES SHOW DURING USC SCRIMMAGE.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

Several suspicions about the USC football team were confirmed during the team's first scrimmage Saturday.

The defense demonstrated that it is substantially ahead of the offense and should be the strength of the team.

As for the offense, well, it showed that it has a long way to go before the season starts.

The Trojans' offense mustered three field goals and a touchdown in the 70-play scrimmage that was highlighted by defensive end Sultan Abdul-Malik, who had two sacks and four tackles for losses.

``Defense wins games,'' Abdul-Malik said. ``We're going to be much, much better. We're a more upfield-and-make-plays kind of defensive line. I see more sacks for us this season.''

USC coach Paul Hackett was not surprised by the defense's dominance, but he said the offense was ``maybe a little behind'' where he expected them to be.

``The big thing is we had no touchdowns,'' Hackett said. ``That's the concern.''

Hackett was also concerned about the offense's frequent penalties.

``We're not going to be a good enough offensive team to afford them,'' Hackett said.

The scrimmage did little to alter the quarterback depth chart, with Mike Van Raaphorst still the designated starter and freshman Carson Palmer right behind him.

Van Raaphorst and Palmer were limited by soreness, so backups Quincy Woods and Jason Thomas took most of the snaps.

Van Raaphorst completed three of five passes for 20 yards while Palmer was one for two for 33 yards. Woods completed one of six passes for one yard and an interception while Thomas was two for six for 20 yards.

Hackett said he hopes to decide where the quarterbacks stand in the next few days.

``I think going into Monday this thing will sort itself out,'' Hackett said.

The scrimmage did seem to come to life when the trio of freshman tailbacks were inserted into the mix.

Frank Strong led all backs with 36 yards in six carries, while Sultan McCullough had 22 yards in seven carries and a touchdown. Miguel Fletcher of Alemany had 20 yards in three carries.

``Their speed showed,'' Hackett said. ``You can't miss that.''

Starting tailback Chad Morton had minus-four yards in five carries.

A few veterans were held out of the scrimmage.

Linebacker Mark Cusano did not play because of a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Larry Parker was also held out, as Hackett tries to bring him back slowly from last season's foot surgery. Fullback Marvin Powell had a sore knee and did not play.

One veteran who did play was John Fox, who was used at tight end for the first time in a simulated game.

Huber to redshirt: Tight end Scott Huber, who will be out for at least the next six weeks after suffering a hip injury in practice, will redshirt this season.

Hackett said he will wait until the third or fourth game to decide which other freshmen will redshirt.

Iacenda out: Fullback Ted Iacenda has missed the past two days of practice after experiencing pain in his shoulder. Iacenda had surgery on both shoulders last winter.

``It got tweaked a little and I'm being very cautious with it,'' Hackett said.