Sarkisian sidesteps distractions to coach No. 15 USC against Fresno St. in his debut game

Published February 05, 2015

If Steve Sarkisian was a newcomer to Southern California, he might have been astounded this week when his head coaching debut with the Trojans was overshadowed by one player's bizarre lies about injuries and another player's accusations of racism.

Instead, this former USC assistant coach knows all about the circus that seems to follow the Trojans everywhere. Sarkisian can't wait to become the ringmaster Saturday when Fresno State visits No. 15 USC.

The teams met in the Las Vegas Bowl last December, and USC capped a tumultuous season with a 45-20 victory.

Although 16 Fresno State starters return from last season's powerful team, the Bulldogs must figure out life after quarterback Derek Carr and his 27 school records.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/sarkisian-sidesteps-distractions-to-coach-no-15-usc-against-fresno-st-in-his-debut-game