USC Faces Solid Test in Opener

CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. — Late in the fourth quarter of last season’s game against USC at the Coliseum, Boston College quarterback Mike Power decided to run, rather than pass, on fourth-and-1 from the USC 33-yard line.

It was the wrong decision. Power was thrown for a 1-yard loss by linebacker Delmar Chesley.

The Trojans had dodged a bullet with three minutes left and went on to win, 23-17.

“He had some people open, but he scrambled,” Boston College Coach Jack Bicknell said. “Still, I shouldn’t have put him in that position.”

Power was inexperienced at the time, but he’s a veteran now, as are most of his teammates.

That’s reason enough for USC Coach Larry Smith to be concerned as his team opens the season here tonight against Boston College at Alumni Stadium in a game that will be televised nationally by ESPN, starting at 4:30 p.m., PDT. Bicknell concedes that he has a mature team at most positions, adding, “We had a pretty good team last year.”

The Eagles had a 5-6 record, breaking down in an 11-game schedule without an idle weekend. Boston College, an independent, played some of the nation’s better teams, such as USC, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Notre Dame and Syracuse.

The Eagles led Notre Dame in the second half, 25-12, only to lose, 32-25. They had a 17-0 lead over Syracuse, only to falter again, 45-17.

Boston College lost Joe Wolf, a 6-foot 6-inch, 284-pound offensive guard, in the fourth game. Eric Lindstrom, an accomplished defensive end, was injured before the season and did not play. Wolf, an Outland Trophy candidate, and Lindstrom have returned, along with other proven players.

After his late lapse against USC, Power recovered nicely, completing 57% of his passes for 2,071 yards and 10 touchdowns while throwing only 9 interceptions. He ranked 11th nationally in passing efficiency.

The Eagles are a pass-oriented team--one may remember passer Doug Flutie and his younger brother, Darren, a receiver--but they also have an effective running game.

Tailback Jim Bell gained 1,015 yards playing just nine games last year, and Bicknell, now in his eighth season at Boston College, said he has never had more depth at running back.

Even though Darren Flutie has graduated, Power has another big-play receiver in Tom Waddell, who caught 43 passes for an 18-yard average in 1987.

The offensive line, led by Wolf, is experienced.

Defensively, there are veterans in most positions. Three of the four starters return in the secondary, Peter Gray and Mark Murphy are once again the starting tackles, and Lindstrom and his replacement last year, Kevin Pearson, are the defensive ends.

There are some holes, though, as there are on most teams. Bicknell lost his starting inside linebackers, All-American Bill Romanski and John Galvin, and there is limited experience at the position.

The Trojans faltered in their season opener last year, losing to Michigan State at East Lansing, Mich., 27-13. USC looked ragged then, committing costly turnovers.

The Trojans regrouped, though, and wound up sharing the Pacific 10 Conference championship with UCLA and getting the Rose Bowl bid by upsetting the Bruins, 17-13.

According to quarterback Rodney Peete, the team is more together now than it was at this time last year because of greater familiarity with Smith’s system and coaching style. Last season was Smith’s first with the Trojans.

The Trojans aren’t at full strength, though. Offensive linemen Brent Parkinson and Mark Sager and cornerback Dwayne Garner were left home with injuries. Tailback Steven Webster, coming back from knee surgery, and defensive tackle Tim Ryan, who has an ankle injury, aren’t expected to play much. Tight ends Paul Green and Scott Galbraith are also bothered by knee problems.

“I’m not crying wolf, but I’m really concerned,” Smith said. “It would be different if we were opening against a mediocre opponent.

“What we have to do is avoid turnovers, and we have to rush for more yards than they do to achieve balance and keep their offense off the field. I think we have a good passing attack, but for (pass) protection purposes, we have to be able to run.

“The third element is in conjunction with the other things. We need to win the time of possession and also the kicking game.”

Anything else, coach?

Trojan Notes

Alumni Stadium has been refurbished to seat 32,000. Boston College has won 72% of its games on its home field, but USC is listed as a six-point favorite. . . . The weather in Boston has been mild, but it rained earlier in the week. . . . USC has a 16-5 record in season-opening games on the road. The Trojans will play three of their first four games and three of the last five away from home.