Golden boy

SI.com: What did you learn from your tiny scare two weeks ago against Arizona State

Leinart: We learned that it's going to take four quarters to beat us. We also learned that we can battle through adversity, being down a lot of points against a very good team. We came together. We fought through the heat and hostile environment, and were able to come through. We learned a lot about ourselves.

SI.com: What do you fear the most about playing Notre Dame this week?

Leinart: I don't really fear anything about Notre Dame. They're a good football team. They've beaten some pretty good opponents, but I'm not afraid of anything about them.

SI.com: Given the NCAA's ban on Native American mascots, how insensitive do you find Notre Dame's caricature of the belligerent Irish leprechaun?

Leinart: (Heh, heh) To be honest, I really don't even think about it.

SI.com: How many complaints has the USC Athletic Department received from offended Hellenists about the Trojan mascot?

Leinart: Gosh man, (sigh) I don't even know. I don't know what's going on with the mascot.

SI.com: If Notre Dame has a national television contract, why shouldn't USC

Leinart: It's hard being on the West Coast -- the time difference and all that. It's tough. I think they're the only team that has [national television contract]..