Trojans survive opener

LANDOVER, Md. -- Southern California found a new big-play receiver in its backfield.

Tailback Reggie Bush caught three long touchdown passes to help the top-ranked Trojans beat Virginia Tech 24-13 in a sloppy opener Saturday night in the Black Coaches Association Classic.

USC quarterback Matt Leinart found few open targets in the first half, going 8-for-16 for 102 yards. Leinart picked it up in the second half and finished 19-for-29 for 272 yards, hitting 11 straight at one point.

The underdog Hokies, un-ranked entering the season for the first time since 1998, took a 10-7 lead into halftime.

The Hokies had things going their way in the second half, too, until an offensive pass interference call on Hyman wiped out a long gain and led to a punt.

USC took advantage on the next possession, sending Bush deep for the lead.