If there are any knocks against the second-ranked Southern California Trojans, the only logical one could be their inability to win the close games.
After all, they've lost the only close game they played ÷ a 34-31 overtime loss at California. But you could probably blame the lack of tight finishes on Trojans offensive coordinator Norm Chow and his prolific offense.
No. 2 USC (9-1, 5-1 Pacific 10 Conference) had its best game of the season offensively in Saturday's 45-0 rout over Arizona (2-9, 1-6). The Trojans set new season highs in total yards (587), passing yards (367), first downs (32) and offensive plays (85), and set a host of new USC school records.
"We were OK. We were efficient and didn't make a lot of mistakes," Chow said. "We had a chance to let a lot of guys play, so it was OK."
With the deadline for UA athletic director Jim Livengood to pick a new head coach less than half a month away, Chow's team helped made a case for him Saturday night. USC sophomore quarterback Matt Leinart was 22 of 30 for 296 yards, throwing four touchdowns and running his streak of consecutive passes without an interception to 165 ÷ breaking a school record set last season by Carson Palmer. Through nine games, Leinart's numbers are even better than Palmer's Heisman Trophy-winning campaign last year ÷ Chow's first season in Troy. Leinart, whose gaudy numbers against Arizona also came in just over 2 1-2 quarters, attributed his interception-less streak to his comfort in Chow's system.
"(It's) just my experience and being comfortable within the system. I mean, coach Chow is just a great coach," Lienhart said. "The coaches, they do a great job of preparing me and the offense."
Sophomore Trojan wide receiver Mike Williams had 11 catches for 157 yards against Arizona, including touchdowns of 15, 22 and 26 yards, despite not playing most of the second half. Williams' three scores tied a school record, and his mark of 26 TDs in just two years broke the school's record for career touchdown receptions.
"Mike was unbelievable. He had a great night again tonight," said USC head coach Pete Carroll. "(He) was just strong, competitive (and) on the ball. They weren't all easy catches for him. You can see the confidence that Matt has in him. There's a lot of chemistry that's working for us right now."
In addition to their 367 yards passing, the Trojans also had 220 yards rushing.
"They are well coached. They are a really balanced team," said UA senior defensive back Clay Hardt. "If you take away their run game, they are gonna throw the ball. They kind of did what they wanted to do."
USC's running game was very balanced. LenDale White had 90 yards on 15 carries, Reggie Bush had 64 yards on 11 carries and Hershel Dennis had 52 yards on 10 rushes. White, who had two touchdown runs, broke the Trojan record for rushing scores by a freshman on Saturday.
"They have a lot of depth and can attack you from every angle," said UA sophomore free safety Darrell Brooks. "They know how to exploit (a defense). They have a talented offensive coordinator who can run your scheme against you."
Chow, whose job this year was made tougher since the Trojans lost their All-American quarterback, top two running backs, starting fullback and a starting wideout, complimented Arizona after the game, saying the Wildcats played hard.
"I thought they were a pretty good football team," Chow said. "When we saw them on tape we were real concerned about them."
Chow, expected to be a top candidate for the Arizona job, said he aspires to be a head coach.
"Sure, but I don't worry about it," Chow said. "I learned a long time ago: You do the best you can and whatever happens, happens."
When asked what he thought about the Arizona head coaching post, Chow said, "I think it would be a nice job ÷ a good job for somebody."
Leinart was not worried about Chow's name being linked to Arizona's top post.
"I'm not too worried about that," Leinart said. "That's not on my mind and I don't think coach Chow's really worrying about that. We've got a season left to play. That's just something we'll see in the offseason. I won't worry about that. Coach Chow's doing a great job here."
The hiring of Chow would figure to help Arizona avoid embarrassing situations like some that occurred on Saturday. Freshman quarterback Kris Heavner incurred an intentional grounding penalty while trying to spike the football to save time ÷ the lowlight of a string of eight plays inside the USC 20 yard-line without a score. The loss may have ended UA interim head coach Mike Hankwitz's bid to earn the job on a permanent basis.
"Their ability contributed to making us look ineffective," Hankwitz said.
USC's offense has been so good that Trojan punter Tom Malone, who has the best average punt distance in the country, isn't recognized as the nation's punting leader because he doesn't have enough punts. Needing four punts against Arizona to qualify for the list, Malone had only one.
Also, with six extra points on Saturday, Trojan kicker Ryan Killeen has 49 for the season, tying a school record with two games and a bowl remaining.
"They schemed us and executed," Brooks said. "They outplayed us."
If Livengood forgets about the Dec. 1 deadline, he may get to see two potential candidates battle head to head in the Jan. 4 Sugar Bowl. Mike Stoops, No. 1 Oklahoma's defensive coordinator, is also rumored to be a top candidate. Stoops may lead his defense against Chow's offense in the Sugar Bowl.
÷ Charles Renning contributed to this report.