Orange County Register

Welcome to the first of 12 USC opponent previews as we inch toward Pac-10 media day (July 30) and the start of training camp (Aug. 8).

Foe: San Jose State

When: Saturday, Sept. 5, 12:30 p.m. PT

Where: The Coliseum

TV: Fox Sports Net

Last meeting: USC 21, San Jose State 10, on Sept. 1, 2001, at the Coliseum

Fun fact: The last meeting with the Spartans was Pete Carroll’s first game as coach of the Trojans. The attendance was 45,568, one of three home crowds of fewer than 50,000 that season. There hasn’t been one since.

Spartan to watch: WR Kevin Jurovich, a converted safety, caught 85 passes for 1,183 yards and nine touchdowns in 2007. He was off to a similar start in ‘08 with 15-183-1 through two games before mononucleosis KO’d him for the season.

Cause for concern: Um … looking ahead to Ohio State? That certainly wasn’t a problem for USC in last year’s opener at Virginia (W, 52-7), although it actually can be easier to focus on the road, where there are fewer distractions.

What they’re saying: “If you’re looking for the sleeper in the WAC race, this could be it. There are trips to Boise State, Fresno State, and Louisiana Tech that could end the dream to win the title, but thanks to the job that (Dick) Tomey has done to build up the athleticism and talent, this will be an interesting team to watch out for.” — Pete Fiutak, CollegeFootballNews.com

Lev’s look: I see an outcome similar to Virginia ‘08, but with more rushing and less passing. (Remember, Mark Sanchez threw for 338 yards and three TDs in that game.) Carroll’s record at USC is almost impeccable when he has extra time to prepare for an opponent, and the Spartans are unlikely to taint it.

Opponent preview schedule:

• Thursday, July 9: San Jose State
• Friday, July 10: Ohio State
• Monday, July 13: Washington
• Tuesday, July 14: Washington State
• Wednesday, July 15: Cal
• Thursday, July 16: Notre Dame
• Friday, July 17: Oregon State
• Monday, July 20: Oregon
• Tuesday, July 21: Arizona State
• Wednesday, July 22: Stanford
• Thursday, July 23: UCLA
• Friday, July 24: Arizona

More from the USC blog:

• USC football: Charges reportedly dropped
• USC basketball recruiting: Trojans score two verbal commitments
• USC football: Two Trojans reportedly arrested
• USC football video: Debating the quarterbacks
• USC football recruiting: Midsummer roundup
• USC football: 2-for-1 ticket offer
• USC basketball recruiting: Will Arizona’s poaching ever end?
• USC football: Which will be the real Joe McKnight?
• USC football: Eight potential All-Americans? Check!
• USC football: Who’s the best No. 55 in Trojans history?
• USC football: August practice schedule released
• USC football: Who’s the best No. 42 in Trojans history?
• USC football: Who’s the best No. 16 in Trojans history?

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