COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : USC : Freshmen Provide Winning Experience

USC’s starting lineup in its 34-16 season-opening victory over Syracuse included four redshirt freshmen and a true freshman, outside linebacker Willie McGinest from Long Beach Poly High School.

McGinest replaced junior Kurt Barber, who was held out of the starting lineup because he was late for a team meal. Barber replaced McGinest after the first series.

The other freshman starters: center David Apolskis, defensive tackle Terry McDaniels, cornerback Marcel Brown and free safety Howard McCowan.

Marv Marinovich, on speculation that his son, Todd, USC’s starting quarterback, will leave school early to make himself available for the NFL draft: “In my opinion, and a lot of other people’s opinions, he could play right now for some (NFL) teams, but that doesn’t mean he should go ahead and do it. Because he has the ability to do it doesn’t mean he should do it immediately.

“It’s very flattering to have people bring that up, and I think he’s demonstrated a lot of ability, but he’s still got a lot of work to do and a long way to go. (The NFL is) something I know he’s not thinking about at this time.”