KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Leading men. USC quarterback John David Booty completed 23 of 40 passes for 243 yards and a touchdown with one interception behind a line that did not give up a sack. Washington quarterback Isaiah Stanback was 17 for 38 for 212 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. He also rushed for 33 yards and converted eight of 16 third downs.

2. Secondary importance. USC’s cornerbacks and safeties knocked down several passes and did not give up a completion longer than 24 yards. They also avoided the pass interference penalties that plagued them against Washington State. With Dwayne Jarrett and Steve Smith nursing injuries, Patrick Turner stepped up with 12 receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown against a Washington defense that entered the game ranked last in the Pac-10 against the pass.

3. Field position. Troy Van Blarcom overcame a groin strain and kicked the ball into or through the end zone for five touchbacks. Washington punter Sean Douglas had one punt blocked and another traveled only 19 yards, but the Trojans could convert the opportunities into only three points.

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--GARY KLEIN