Auburn, AL (My Sportsbook) - Matt Leinart threw for a touchdown on his first pass completion and the Southern California defense pitched a shutout, as the eighth-ranked Trojans throttled sixth-ranked Auburn, 23-0, in the season- opener for both schools at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Hershel Dennis added a touchdown run in the fourth quarter and Ryan Killeen kicked three field goals for the Trojans (1-0), who have won six straight season-openers. Southern California is also riding a nine-game winning streak dating back to the 2002 season, which ended with a victory over Iowa in the Orange Bowl.

Auburn (0-1) was blanked at home for the first time since September 3, 1998 against Virginia. The Tigers, who managed only 164 yards of total offense, also lost to Southern California in last year's opener at the Coliseum.

"We didn't do a lot of fancy things or anything like that," said Southern California head coach Pete Carroll. "We just played ball."

Leinart, making his first start in place of graduated Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer, completed 17-of-30 passes for 192 yards. Mike Williams was his favorite target, catching eight passes for 104 yards and a score.

Jason Campbell struggled for Auburn, completing just 12-of-26 passes for 121 yards. The Tiger ground game managed only 43 yards, led by Carnel Williams' 40 on 12 carries.

"We couldn't sustain any drives," said Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville. "When you turn it over three times against a team like that, you're not going to have much chance to win the ball game. There's no excuses, they just beat us up front."

The Southern California defense came up with the first big play, as Darnell Bing intercepted a tipped pass on the third offensive play to give the Trojans the ball at the Auburn 20.

"It set the tone for the rest of the game," said Bing. "We used it as a motivator and never looked back."

Leinart needed just three plays to put his team in the end zone, completing the quick march with a five-yard touchdown pass to Mike Williams just 2:22 into the contest.

After a series of punts, the Trojans drove to the Auburn 11 late in the opening quarter. The Tiger defense stiffened and forced a 28-yard field goal from Killeen, as Southern California increased its lead to 10-0 with 3:21 left in the period.

Neither team mustered much offense in a scoreless second quarter.

Auburn finished the half with its final six possessions ending in punts. The Tigers' deepest penetration was the USC 33 late in the first half.

The Trojans took the second half kickoff and drove for another Killeen field goal. The 42-yarder capped a nine-play, 56-yard march.

After a trade of punts, Auburn started its second third-quarter series from its own 18. Ben Obomanu fumbled after a reception on second down and Bing recovered for the Trojans at the Tiger 22.

Southern California could not turn the miscue into a touchdown, but Killeen booted a 35-yard field goal with 7:22 left in the third to give the Trojans a 16-0 advantage.

Auburn then marched from its own 33 to the USC 33, but three plays lost seven yards and the Tigers were forced to punt again.

The next Auburn possession ended in another turnover, as LaJuan Ramsey stripped Campbell of the ball and Omar Nazel recovered at the Tiger 14.

Dennis scored on the next play for the Trojans, taking a handoff up the middle and breaking three tackles on his way to the end zone for a 23-0 lead with 13:51 left in the contest.

Auburn never seriously threatened again, crossing midfield just once on its final two possessions.