University Southern California Trojans
USC-San Jose State Preview
September 20, 2000 | Football
Sept. 20, 2000
LOS ANGELES (AP) - The Southern California Trojans play for just the third time since Aug. 27 when they meet the San Jose State Spartans Saturday in their 500th game at Los Angeles Coliseum.
Ninth-ranked USC (2-0) beat Penn State 29-5 in the Kickoff Classic on Aug. 27, was off for two weeks, beat Colorado 17-14 on a late field goal Sept. 9, and will have another two weeks of idle time before facing San Jose State on Saturday.
"I feel that the momentum that we were able to build through the end of last year and into this year has been somewhat minimized because we haven't had a chance to play," USC coach Paul Hackett said.
The Trojans have won five straight games dating back to last season.
"We're certainly rested ... we're certainly fresh," Hackett said. "But can we get this energy going again? Can we get re-geared up, if you will, to play against a solid San Jose State football team? That's really going to be the question."
San Jose State (2-1) lost its first game to No. 1 Nebraska, 49-13, but has outscored opponents 87-34 in winning its last two contests.
Quarterback Marcus Arroyo and running back Deonce Whitaker have led the way in the last two games for the Spartans. Arroyo has thrown for 351 yards and six touchdowns, while Whitaker is the nation's No. 3 rusher with 548 yards.
"(Whitaker) is really the spark for their football team," Hackett said. "You can see that when you see him run against Nebraska, and you see him bounce off of everyone. He has great balance and excellent quickness.
"The quarterback is probably the biggest difference for them. He has showed some poise."
The game marks just the second meeting between USC and San Jose State, with the Trojans winning 45-7 at home in the first meeting in 1995.
