QUESTIONS ANSWERED USC GETTING CHANCE TO PAUSE AFTER STRONG START.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Thanks to a convoluted and TV-rigged schedule, USC gets the first of three byes on its schedule this week.

The mini-break, after just three games, forces the fourth-ranked Trojans to take stock of their perfect start, which is slightly better than anticipated because most expected USC to stumble at Auburn.

USC coach Pete Carroll certainly has no complaints, and even feels relieved after getting a three-game trial peek at the Trojans.

``We answered a lot of questions,'' Carroll said. ``We found a quarterback and established depth at running back. We didn't know what we would be like there. You couldn't ask for more from this recruiting class.

``We're going to feed off this start of the season.''

With a resounding 61-32 victory over Hawaii, Carroll went a step further analyzing the Trojans.

``That (victory) was a statement. I feel I know our team pretty well now,'' he said. ``Our style is there. We're developing a style that's hard to beat.''

What Carroll means by ``style'' is fielding a multifaceted team that can't be easily suppressed if one area falters. The defense, a trademark the past three seasons, is strong as ever. The offense, expected to be the Achilles' heel, finally showed glimpses of a running game to go with a fairly effective passing attack.

Or to put it another way, the offense wasn't a burden to the defense against Hawaii. Unlike, say, at Auburn.

``I think this shows what we are capable of doing,'' quarterback Matt Leinart said. ``We always knew we could do it.''

The offense's coming-out party also provides a morale boost for the bye week.

``You don't want to go into a bye week feeling iffy,'' Leinart said.

While this week's bye is appreciated, it also sets up what could be the biggest trap of the Trojans' season. USC plays road games four of the next five weeks beginning Sept. 27.

During that stretch the Trojans travel to California, Arizona State, Washington and Notre Dame.

All of those teams are better than Hawaii, so while some questions were answered against the Warriors on Saturday, they aren't completely resolved.

For example, the running game remains open to debate, even within the team.

``If we have the same mistakes against the better teams we play, it will hurt us,'' offensive tackle Winston Justice said.

Offensive guard Fred Matua didn't think USC's 123 yards rushing against Hawaii would convince skeptics.

``If we can do it against Cal, then maybe it will take off the heat,'' Matua said.

Maybe. But then people will wonder if it can be done against Arizona State.

--Notes: Offensive lineman John Drake did not play against Hawaii because of a stiff back. ... Carroll said sophomore Dallas Sartz will continue playing safety and linebacker. Sartz, a linebacker, got his first experience at safety against Hawaii. ... Tailback Chauncey Washington's status for the Cal game is questionable because of his sprained ankle.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

UP NEXT

Sept. 27

at Cal

TBA 

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REPORT CARD: USC 61, HAWAII 32