USC Trojans improve to 3-0

MINNEAPOLIS – Hit by scholarship penalties and knowing there will be no postseason bowl appearances for the next two years, USC isn’t looking all that much like USC these days.

Lane Kiffin’s group bears little resemblance to the bunch that won titles and scared opponents. Except, of course, where it matters most – the record.

It took Robert Woods returning a kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown to jump-start USC’s sluggish offense Saturday as the 18th-ranked Trojans pulled away for a 32-21 nonconference victory over Minnesota.

The Trojans (3-0) have struggled with lower-tier competition in the first three weeks of the season and fought through the distractions of the ongoing Reggie Bush saga, but still have found a way emerge undefeated heading into Pac-10 play.

“That is the goal, always, to win every game we play,” Kiffin said.

Allen Bradford rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries as the Trojans returned to a power running game with quarterback Matt Barkley struggling.

Barkley threw for 192 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw his first two interceptions of the year.

“We’re excited to be 3-0, but we obviously realize we have a long, long way to go and a lot of stuff to work on,” Kiffin said.

USC’s defense took a step in the right direction, holding Minnesota to 83 yards rushing. Duane Bennett was held to 8 yards on seven carries after averaging 145.5 yards in the first two weeks.

Adam Weber had a tough day for the Golden Gophers (1-2). He was just 15 of 29 for 224 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

USC trailed 14-13 with less than 6 minutes to go in the third quarter when Woods came through with his big return. The Trojans scored 19 straight points before a Minnesota garbage-time touchdown.

“It was a huge momentum boost,” Barkley said of Woods’ big play. “Everyone on our sidelines was going crazy. It got everyone in the game.”