NOTEBOOK: LEACH MAKES MOST OF START FOR TROJANS.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

MIAMI - USC sophomore strong safety Jason Leach didn't know until after the opening kickoff he would start in place of All-American Troy Polamalu, but it didn't faze him.

Leach intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble Thursday in the Trojans' 38-17 Orange Bowl victory over Iowa at Pro Player Stadium.

``On the first kickoff, as I came off the field, coach (Pete) Carroll said, `You're in,' and I was like, `Uh, OK,' '' Leach said. ``I went in and did what I had to do.''

Polamalu was bothered by a hamstring injury that tightened up before the game and was a late scratch from the lineup.

``I don't think he could play full speed,'' Carroll said. ``His hamstring was bothering him, and he couldn't get going.''

Leach intercepted Iowa quarterback Brad Banks, who entered the game with only four interceptions all season.

``I had seen that play before, and I knew they were going to the tight end again, so I just waited and got in front of him,'' Leach said.

--Record watch: USC freshman wide receiver Mike Williams set two NCAA freshman records and tied a third. He had the most receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,265) in a season and tied a record with 14 touchdowns.

--He's No. 1: Wide receiver Kareem Kelly set the USC record for career receptions, surpassing Johnnie Morton with 204.

--Working on the chain gang: Florida Sen. Bob Graham, who is expected to announce next month whether he will run for president, worked as a member of the chain gang on the sidelines, holding the down marker and also the chains.

Graham, asked whether it was more tempting to work the game because Iowa holds the first presidential primary, said, ``The answer is yes ... and of course I also will be very interested in the people of California.''

Graham said he was not rooting for the Hawkeyes, even though about 50,000 potential voters were in Pro Player Stadium.

``I'm going to be completely impartial,'' Graham said.

Coincidentally, Graham's crew worked the Iowa sideline.

``This is where they put me, but I'm happy to be here,'' Graham said.

Graham entered the field with the USC players, right next to quarterback Carson Palmer.

``Those are big guys,'' Graham said.

--Sideline visitors: Former USC players Keyshawn Johnson, Rodney Peete, Sam Anno, Mark Carrier, Brian Kelly and Tony Boselli attended the game. Also in attendance was former USC offensive coordinator and current Washington Redskins assistant coach Hue Jackson.

--Not leaving: Senior center Derek Graf was the last player to leave the field, kneeling on the grass and watching the fans celebrating.

``I don't want to leave the field,'' Graf said.

--Streaking: USC amassed more than 400 yards of offense for the ninth consecutive game and 10th time this season.

--Hard hitter: Linebacker Matt Grootegoed forced two fumbles and sacked Banks once.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

USC receiver Mike Williams (1) didn't make this catch against Iowa's Grant Steen, but htat didn't stop him from setting NCAA freshmand records for most receptions (81) and receiving yards (1,265).

Joe Rimkus Jr./Associated Press

Box:

NO. 5 USC 38, NO. 4 IOWA 17

- Scott Wolf