IS USC FALSELY RAISING EXPECTATIONS?; TROJANS HAVE YET TO BE TRULY TESTED.

Byline: Scott Wolf Daily News Staff Writer

Three weeks into Paul Hackett's first season at USC, and the Trojans are undefeated and ranked 16th in the nation.

USC is off to its best start in three years - wasn't this supposed to be a rebuilding year? - but few questions have been answered because of the generous opening schedule.

Expectations are probably already too high following victories over Purdue and San Diego State, but that's what happens after years of mediocrity.

USC remains a bit of a mystery, full of encouraging signs that could immediately disappear if the Trojans lose to a quality opponent. Problem areas, like the offensive line, remain as unproven today as they were before the season.

Any lingering doubts probably will persist after Saturday, when the Trojans host perennial Pacific-10 doormat Oregon State. With a victory over the Beavers, USC could easily be ranked in the top 15 heading into its Sept. 26 encounter with Florida State.

``I wish we had played Florida State earlier,'' linebacker Chris Claiborne said. ``Win or lose, at least you get to see where you are.''

Claiborne's not overlooking Oregon State, but he's experienced enough to realize the difference when you play a marquee opponent, especially in Tallahassee, Fla.

``We need to find out who the leaders are and who's going to step up in the big games,'' Claiborne said. ``You get to find out who's going to step up and stand with you.''

In other words, USC's players will be thrilled with a 3-0 start, but they realize the first three games are not going to signal a return to the glory days.

``I don't feel like we've been truly tested,'' offensive lineman Travis Claridge said. ``We have to wait until we're in a pressure cooker, when the crowds are loud.''

Don't think the Trojans are ignoring Oregon State. It is the conference opener, and with few exceptions, players are almost programmed by Hackett to give comments that will not antagonize an opponent.

``I guess there are doubts every game,'' Claridge said. ``I pray to God no one is looking past Oregon State.''

It's a tough temptation not to ignore a lesser opponent, but if there is a silver lining, the Trojans' confidence is as high today as it's been in the past three years.

``Honestly, as of right now, I don't think anybody can beat us as long as we do our job,'' wide receiver Billy Miller said. ``No matter who we play. As long as we keep building, we might have something special.

``I was never really thinking this was a rebuilding year. We lost a couple games last year by only seven points. It's my senior year. I think when we came into the season, we had nothing less on our mind than a national championship.''

That's a slightly loftier goal than Hackett ever mentioned. He usually stops at going to the Rose Bowl. But all along, Hackett has tried to slowly build up

the Trojans, realizing that Florida State awaits them.

``I thought it was important to get a good start, which we've done,'' Hackett said. ``And it's more important to beat Oregon State, because it's in the conference. After (this week), we go on the road and go to Florida, which will be something.''

In an effort to avoid getting caught up in the schedule, Hackett has stressed to the Trojans that they should worry only about themselves. Especially when it comes to the polls.

``I wouldn't have thought we'd be ranked this high at the beginning of the season, but a lot of teams have lost,'' linebacker David Gibson said. ``We're probably where we should be, but that means nothing right now.''

USC's ascent in the national polls has been so rapid that the Trojans may not even drop out of the rankings if they lose to Florida State. It's an ironic thought considering USC was not even ranked in the first preseason polls.

``The way people are losing, we're moving up the polls fast. But we've got a lot to prove still,'' Claiborne said. ``This season, we're on the road for respect.''

The real danger for the Trojans could be that they read too much from their Florida State encounter, win or lose.

``Playing a stronger opponent will give you an edge, but it's not until the end of the season when you know you've arrived,'' Gibson said.

QUICK STARTS

A victory by USC on Saturday would mark the eighth time in the past two decades the Trojans have started the season 3-0. Six of the past seven earned a postseason bowl bid:

Year Start Finished Postseason

1995 6-0 9-2-1 Rose Bowl

1988 10-0 10-2 Rose Bowl

1986 4-0 7-5 Citrus Bowl

19814-0 9-3 Fiesta Bowl

1980 5-0 8-2-1 No postseason x

1979 5-0 11-0 Rose Bowl

1978 4-0 12-1 Rose Bowl

x -Pac-10 was on probation

Note: USC has started 3-0 a total of 45 times

CAPTION(S):

Box

Box: QUICK STARTS (See Text)