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Justin Davis’ return leaves USC with a dilemma at running back

USC running back Justin Davis runs against Colorado on Oct. 8.
(Shotgun Spratling / Los Angeles Times)
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Both guards missed blocks on Ronald Jones II’s first touchdown run against Oregon, and it did not matter.

The two defenders hit Jones in the backfield at about the same time. Jones spun and rolled off, and both defenders fell to the ground. Jones then scurried to the outside, scooted around a block and burst into the end zone.

On the sideline, fellow running back Justin Davis smiled big and clapped. His eyes were wide, as if he’d seen a ghost.

“When you actually just sit on the sideline not dressed up ready to play, you really see how good of a back he is,” Davis said. “I take it for granted.”

Davis, USC’s starting running back, had been similarly carving up defenses by the middle of the season. He rushed for 126 yards in 10 carries against Utah and 123 in 14 against Arizona State. Against Colorado, he had 92 yards in 13 carries, but in the second half, he fell to the turf. He’d suffered a high-ankle sprain and sat out USC’s next three games.

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In Davis’ absence, Jones has discovered the rhythm that had eluded him earlier in the season. Now, with Davis nearing a return for USC’s game Saturday against Washington, USC has decisions to make.

How many touches can Davis handle? And even if he’s fully healthy, how should USC split carries between him and Jones?

Jones said his ankle felt “great,” but said he spoke to Coach Clay Helton this week about his workload.

“I just told coach right now that I know I’m coming back off of injury, and Ronald has had two fantastic games,” Davis said. “And I don’t want to stop his flow just to get me in and I’m not up to par yet, just to get me in and get as much carries. I’m just totally playing it for whatever the team needs.”

Helton said he asked Davis to keep him informed about the ankle’s status. He wanted Davis to be sure he could trust it.

“But in either case he’s just not in a spot where he’s ready to go carry 25 carries,” Helton said.

Before his injury, Davis was taking almost twice as many carries as Jones. He received 45% of USC’s non-quarterback carries to Jones’ 26%.

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The Trojans envisioned a more equitable split at the beginning of the season. Jones, who broke USC’s freshman rushing record, outgained Davis by a slight margin last season. But Jones sputtered early, and Davis’ surge forced offensive coordinator Tee Martin to feed him the ball.

Jones has posted huge numbers recently, though it has been against suspect defenses. He posted the most rushing yards in a game (223) for a USC runner since Reggie Bush against the worst rushing defense in the nation, California. He tied the USC record for most touchdowns in a game (four) the next week against the No. 116 rushing defense, Oregon.

Homecoming for Banner

Zach Banner will technically be playing in front of a home crowd Saturday when he returns to Seattle, where he grew up.

“They’re not gonna treat me like a home crowd,” Banner said, laughing.

When he was deciding which school to attend, Banner was torn between Steve Sarkisian at Washington and Lane Kiffin at USC. Ultimately, of course, he would play for — and outlast — both coaches at USC.

USC lost to Washington last season at the Coliseum, but Banner has not yet played at Husky Stadium. The last time USC played a game there, in 2012, Banner was a redshirt.

“I’m getting bickered at online, but that was expected,” Banner said. “I’ve been getting it for the past four years since I made the decision to go to USC.”

Quick hits

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Defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (knee) did not practice, but Helton said he is hoping he can return this week. ... Cornerback Iman Marshall (hamstring), defensive back Jonathan Lockett (hip) and Damien Mama (sore knee) did not practice. ... Linebacker Michael Hutchings (calf) participated in practice. ... Running back Aca’Cedric Ware (knee) was a limited participant. ... USC mixed in dog barks and air-raid horns into its usual audio of crowd noise during practice. Helton said Washington uses such sound effects and he wants USC to be prepared. The team also practiced for 15 minutes with a wet ball in case it rains Saturday. “We’re trying to get the them comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Helton said.

zach.helfand@latimes.com

Follow Zach Helfand on Twitter @zhelfand

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