AUBURN, Ala., Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Playing in Alabama for just the third time in history, eighth-ranked Southern Cal kicked off the season with a 23-0 victory over No. 6 Auburn.
USC improved to 3-0 all-time in the state. In their previous visit, in 1978, the Trojans defeated Alabama and went on to capture their last national championship in 1978.
USC's defense set the tone early as freshman safety Darnell Bing intercepted Jason Campbell on the game's opening possession, giving the Trojans the ball at the Tigers 20.
Matt Leinart's first career pass went for a touchdown, a five-yard strike to Mike Williams over the middle 2:22 into the contest.
Leinart turned in a mistake-free performance in his first game as Carson Palmer's successor, completing 17-of-30 passes passes for 192 yards.
