Moala has a hand (and an elbow) in Trojans’ victory

Defensive tackle Fili Moala had a busy day in eighth-ranked USC’s 28-0 victory over Arizona State on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Moala recovered a fumble, preserved the shutout by blocking two third-quarter field-goal attempts and made three tackles.

Moala tied an NCAA record with his two blocks in the same quarter.

“We knew they were weak up front and we just took it to our advantage,” Moala said.

Moala blocked Thomas Weber’s attempt from 29 yards with about 10 minutes left in the third quarter and then blocked a 48-yard attempt about two minutes later.

Both kicks were on a low trajectory.

“One hit me in my elbow, one hit me dead in my hand,” said Moala, who did not jump on either play. “I just put my hand up. I was lucky enough to be 6 foot 5 with long arms.”

Big play day

Cornerback Kevin Thomas’ 46-yard interception return for a touchdown marked a high point for a player who has struggled through numerous injuries in his career.

Thomas picked off a pass by Arizona State quarterback Rudy Carpenter and raced untouched to the end zone to give the Trojans a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.

“My receiver tried to run a comeback on me and the quarterback was looking at him the whole time,” said Thomas, who also had a sack. “He let the ball go, I made a break on the ball and caught it and that was that.”

One tough Carpenter

Carpenter started and played for most of the game despite a sprained ankle. The former Westlake High star completed 11 of 20 passes for 126 yards and elicited praise from USC Coach Pete Carroll.

“The more he gets hit, the more he likes it,” Carroll said. “That’s the kind of guy he is.”

Arizona State Coach Dennis Erickson finally pulled Carpenter in the third quarter. “He started limping and I was not going to leave him in like that,” Erickson said.

Not worth the wait

The Trojans had been practicing a fake field goal since training camp and, as Carroll said, “We’ve been waiting to do it for a while.”

With a 21-0 lead in the second quarter, deep in Arizona State territory, Carroll figured a trick play was worth the risk. Reserve quarterback Garrett Green took the snap and ran left with kicker David Buehler trailing as an option.

But the defense came up to cover the pitch and cornerback Terell Carr tackled Green short of a first down.

“If I had it back, I’d have some more moves in me,” Green said. “I’m bummed.”

Seats were available

For the second time in as many weeks, the Trojans played to a less-than-full house.

Last week, the lukewarm turnout could be blamed on drizzly weather and several conflicting events, including a Neil Diamond concert and a Dodgers playoff game just up the freeway.

Saturday, with blue skies and not much else on the calendar, the stands appeared about two-thirds filled. USC officials announced the paid attendance at 84,956.

Special captain

Ryan Davidson, a teenager from Wisconsin who developed close ties to USC’s football program in 2004 during his battle with cancer, served as an honorary team captain and participated in the coin toss with Trojans captains Mark Sanchez, Brian Cushing, Jeff Byers and Kevin Ellison.

Carroll presented Davidson with a game ball. “I hope he had a beautiful weekend with us because it was absolutely great having him there with us,” Carroll said.

Headed for the hall

Former linebacker Junior Seau, quarterback Rodney Peete and Coach John Robinson are among 22 inductees into USC’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

The class will be honored at a black-tie dinner on May 9, 2009, at USC’s Galen Center.

Other inductees: John Abdun-Nur (team doctor), Rink Babka (track and field), Pete Beathard (football), Julius Bescos (football, basketball, baseball), Rex Cawley (track and field), Al Centofante (donor), Al Cowlings (football), Bob Falkenburg (tennis), Sherman Finger (golf), Tim Hovland (volleyball), Lennox Miller (track and field), Bernice Orwig (water polo), Richard Saukko (rode mascot Traveler), Mike Walden (broadcaster), Dave Wharton (swimming), Gus Williams (basketball), Wally Wolf (swimming and water polo), Stan Wood (golf) and Hank Workman (baseball).

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gary.klein@latimes.com

david.wharton@latimes.com

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UP NEXT

USC

(4-1, 2-1)

vs. WASHINGTON ST.

(1-6, 0-4)

Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

at Pullman, Wash., FSN

The Trojans will again face the challenge of getting up for a struggling opponent. Washington State’s only victory came against Portland State. The Cougars figure to be anything but confident after getting hammered by Oregon State, 66-13, on Saturday. Washington State amassed more penalty yards (170) than total yards (132) and gave up more than 60 points for the third time this season.

-- Gary Klein