USC FOOTBALL: ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF Staff Writer

With the number of critics growing by the week, USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson answered back to those tired of the Trojans' string of unimpressive victories.

``Nobody talks about how (last year) Oregon was a close game for a half or how Arizona State shellacked us in the first half. Or how Fresno State was a really close game. We had some low points last season,'' Jackson said.

USC spent much of the first half of last season slumbering through the start of games before overpowering opponents in the second half. This year, the Trojans are different, blowing a 21-point first half lead to Arizona State on Saturday before squeaking out a 28-21 victory.

``We've won all our games, you can't do any better,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``But the style and makeup of our team is different than it's been. We're going to keep tweaking.

``There's a tremendous amount of improvement (to be had) out there. But we haven't trailed much.''

Priority No. 1 for improvement in the eyes of many would be quarterback John David Booty, who committed two turnovers and passed for just 148 yards. But Carroll put the blame on the lack of a supporting cast with starting receivers Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith bothered by injuries.

``This was a game where it was hard for (Booty),'' Carroll said. ``But look at how Matt Leinart played without those guys. It didn't happen often.''

If only the fans were as forgiving as the Bowl Championship Series computers.

USC was ranked No. 2 in Sunday's first BCS rankings, which pleased Carroll, who generally ignores them.

``I know that we've played a very difficult schedule relative to other teams, '' Carroll said. ``I don't know how that stacks up with, particularly, Ohio State and Michigan ... I don't even know how they rate the schedule right now, but so I'm sure that enters into this thinking in particular the scientific part, the computer part of it.''

With next weekend off, Carroll said younger players, such as wide receivers Vidal Hazelton and Travon Patterson, must get playing time in two weeks, whether Jarrett or Smith return.

``We've done it in practice but we need to do it in games,'' Carroll said.

Also: Cornerback Kevin Thomas will undergo surgery this week on his broken foot and could return in time for a bowl game. Cornerback Mozique McCurtis will be the new nickel back. Jarrett and Smith are expected to be healthy by the time USC plays its next game against Oregon State on Oct. 28.

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CAPTION(S):

photo, 2 boxes

Photo:

Trojans quarterback John David Booty completed 12 of 25 passes for 148 yards in Saturday's victory over Arizona State.

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Box:

(1) REPORT CARD

USC 28, ARIZONA STATE 21

(2) COLLEGE FOOTBALL: top 25