COLLEGE FOOTBALL USC gains 24-13 win over Tech

Reggie Bush caught three TD passes in the season opener.
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) -- 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.
Bryan Randall led the Hokies with his arm and legs, throwing for a score and rushing for 82 yards. It was enough to make the defending champions work hard, but not nearly enough to pull the upset.
Williams missing
The Trojans played their first game in two seasons without receiver Mike Williams. USC found out Thursday that Williams would not be reinstated after his failed attempt to enter the NFL draft.
Breaking in a new group of starting wideouts, Matt Leinart found few open targets in the first half, going 8-for-16 for 102 yards. And the Trojans' rebuilt offensive line was providing sketchy protection.
So the junior looked to Bush, and the explosive sophomore came through when the Trojans looked as if they were in big trouble -- trailing 10-7 late in the third quarter.
Bush lined up as a wide receiver, blew by Virginia Tech's best cornerback, Jimmy Williams, and cradled in a perfect over-the-shoulder throw from Leinart for a 53-yard touchdown with 1:55 remaining in the third.
Bush also opened the scoring by taking a middle screen 35 yards for a TD in the first quarter.
Leinart picked it up in the second half and finished 19-for-29 for 272 yards, hitting 11 straight at one point. He finally found a wide receiver for long-gainer when he hit Steve Smith for 46 yards in the fourth quarter.
Miami (Ohio) 49, Indiana St. 0
OXFORD -- Josh Betts passed for three touchdowns and ran for a score to lead Miami.
Betts, making his first start as the replacement for first-round NFL draft choice Ben Roethlisberger, led the RedHawks to six touchdowns in the seven possessions he played. He completed 17 of 27 passes to help Miami win its 14th straight game, the longest streak in Division I-A.