SC NOTEBOOK: USC'S HEISMAN HYPE REVS UP FOR PALMER.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

After eight games, USC has begun to push quarterback Carson Palmer as a Heisman Trophy candidate.

Palmer was named Pacific-10 Conference offensive player of the week after throwing for 448 yards and five touchdowns against Oregon. He also was named player of the week by CNN-SI, USA Today and the Sporting News.

This week, he also will receive more national media exposure as USC begins to increase his profile.

In the past two weeks, almer has thrown for 796 yards and nine touchdowns and is on pace to be the Pac-10's all-time leader in total offense and passing yardage.

--One at a time: Although the Trojans have the week off and then play lowly Stanford (2-5, 1-3), Carroll said he would make sure nobody thought ahead to the Nov. 16 game against Arizona State (7-2, 4-0), which is tied for first place with Washington State.

``In this conference, we're not taking any time looking down the road,'' Carroll said.

--Point of contention: USC's victory over Oregon had many good aspects, but kickoff coverage was not one of them. The Trojans allowed 179 yards on kick returns, including 144 by tailback Onterrio Smith.

--Rose Bowl scenario: USC can control its destiny if Arizona State defeats Washington State on Saturday and the Trojans win their remaining four games, including against nonconference opponent Notre Dame. If that happens, USC will go to the Rose Bowl.

--BCS update: USC moved up three spots to No. 11 in the BCS rankings announced Monday. Computer analyst Jerry Palm predicted USC would be ninth, but the Trojans were still behind Iowa and North Carolina State in the actual rankings.

--Stat check: USC wide receiver Mike Williams needs to average 73 yards a game to break Florida receiver Jabar Gaffney's NCAA freshman-receiving record of 1,185 yards that was set two years ago.

--Defensive mark: USC is allowing 301 yards a game, its lowest average since 1989 when the Trojans allowed 238 yards.

No Pac-10 team has allowed fewer than 300 since Arizona in 1995, and the Trojans have not led the Pac-10 in total defense since 1998.

--Surprising effort: Converted defensive end Doyal Butler received his first significant playing time against Oregon and responded with a sack and one quarterback hurry.

``He really stepped up and gave us something we didn't have before, depth-wise,'' defensive line coach Ed Orgeron said.

Butler is helping give starter Omar Nazel a break. Nazel has been bothered by several injuries, including a cracked sternum.

--Community visit: USC offensive tackle Eric Torres and linebacker Oscar Lua will visit Evergreen Avenue Elementary School in Boyle Heights this morning. Game tickets will be given to 25 honor students.

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CARSON PALMER

USC quarterback was named Pacific-10 Conference player of the week.