Clausen different since last year's loss to USC

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Jimmy Clausen isn't the same quarterback who walked out of the Los Angeles Coliseum seven games ago following USC's 38-3 win over Notre Dame.

No one was talking about Clausen as a Heisman Trophy candidate that day after he passed for just 41 yards, was sacked four times and had two interceptions.

Since then he has completed more than 70 percent of his passes for 1,945 yards with 17 touchdowns and two interceptions. That's a 194 pass efficiency rating through six games, well above the NCAA record of 186.

USC coach Pete Carroll says Clausen is in better command and is making a lot of good decisions.

The 25th-ranked Irish (4-1) face No. 6 USC (4-1) on Saturday.