USC's equipment is getting a head start for this weekend's trip to Ohio State.

The Trojans aren't leaving for Columbus until Thursday, but a portion of their gear is already en route. About 1,700 pounds of the team's equipment -- everything from medical to video to football gear -- departed as U.S. Airways cargo at 6:30 a.m. this morning and will arrive in central Ohio later today. The shipment will be delivered to the team's hotel and be waiting for when the team arrives on Thursday.

The remainder of the equipment will go in two waves on Thursday, some on the Trojan Marching Band's charter plane on Thursday afternoon and the majority on the team's charter that evening. About 1,600 pounds of gear is going with the band, while a whopping 9,800 pounds are going with the team on its charter.

All in all, the USC equipment staff is responsible for getting more than 13,000 pounds -- 6½ tons -- of stuff from L.A. to Columbus for this weekend's trip, which includes a practice, walk-thru and game.

But the fun part of it all?

Getting everything back after the game.