LOS ANGELES (AP) Clay Helton is still in charge at Southern California after its first losing season in 18 years. The folksy head coach realizes he probably won't be for much longer if he can't get the Trojans back on top almost as swiftly as they fell to 5-7.

The obstacles along that path are daunting, and they start with a schedule that could put even a much-improved team below .500 heading into October.

But the ever-optimistic Helton is downright excited about the daunting challenge of reviving USC and extending his unlikely tenure atop the West Coast's glamour program.