LOS ANGELES — USC athletic director Pat Haden didn't understand the noise, but he felt encouraged by it.

Haden walked inside USC's locker room before Thursday night's game against Arizona and expected the normal scene, with players sitting at their lockers, headphones on, deep in quiet, contemplative thought.

Instead, Haden, 60, found himself in the middle of a rollicking Coliseum house party.

"Guys were having a blast," Haden said. "There was music playing. I don't know what the music was. It is not on my iPod, I can promise you. It was weird music, but they loved it. I mean, the music was blaring until they came out of the locker room. ... It was remarkable. I've never seen anything like it."

Welcome to the Ed Orgeron era. The Trojans gave their interim coach a 38-31 victory in his first game since he replaced Lane Kiffin on Sept.29. The game was like Orgeron himself: a bit rough around the edges but encouraging. Haden, who fired Kiffin and will pick his full-time replacement, was pleased.

"It was awesome," Haden said. "It was just fun watching our kids have a blast. The game is supposed to be a game of joy, and they played with a lot of joy."

Haden had particular praise for the way Orgeron and offensive coordinator Clay Helton spread the ball around. Six players had at least one carry and six had at least one reception.

"We have people who ... they have hope now," Haden said. "A lot of players touched the ball on offense. I think that's a good thing. Everybody feels like they have a role."

Haden said the positive chance did not make him second-guess himself for not firing Kiffin sooner. As for Orgeron, Haden was asked if the interim coach had a chance to become the permanent coach.

Haden said, "Sure," but then when asked what Orgeron needed to do in order to make that a reality, Haden smiled and said, "Let's worry about next weekend."

USC plays at rival Notre Dame next Saturday.

INJURY REPORT

Receivers Marqise Lee (sprained knee), Darreus Rogers (sprained ankle) and De'Von Flournoy (sprained ankle), and linebacker Morgan Breslin (strained hip) all missed Thursday's game. The receivers are all expected to be ready for the Notre Dame game, but Breslin's status remains unknown.

During Thursday's game, tailback Tre Madden hurt his hamstring, receiver Victor Blackwell hurt his ankle and tight end Xavier Grimble hurt his shoulder. Madden and Blackwell each declared himself to be fine after the game, but Grimble's status is unknown. Orgeron is expected to give an injury update after Sunday's practice.

REDD'S RETURN

Madden, Justin Davis, Javorius Allen and Ty Isaac all had carries against Arizona, but the most critical handoffs of the game went to Silas Redd, who was making his season debut after a lengthy knee injury.

Redd tore his meniscus during spring ball and underwent surgery, then needed a followup procedure in late August. After another five weeks of rehab, Redd finally was declared ready to play against Arizona.

Redd finished with 19 carries for 82 yards. With USC nursing a seven-point lead and four minutes left, Redd, a senior who was USC's leading rusher last season, got seven consecutive carries and picked up three critical first downs.

"I'm just so happy that they called my name and put their trust in me to carry the ball for my team," Redd said. "It's a great honor."