Peete Will Be Trojans’ Quarterback

USC Coach Ted Tollner, as expected, announced Thursday that sophomore Rodney Peete will start at quarterback in the Trojans’ season opener against Illinois Sept. 13 at the Coliseum.

Kevin McLean, who had been competing for the starting position, said: “I’m not really that disappointed. It was a fair decision because Peete was a starter at the end of last year. I’m more mature now. I take the little downers and put them aside.”

Tollner said that tailbacks Aaron Emanuel and Ryan Knight would split playing time against Illinois.

The Trojans held their last preseason scrimmage Thursday, and the only casualty was All-American safety Tim McDonald, who sprained his left ankle while tackling fullback Todd Steele.

“The ankle feels tight but it should be all right,” McDonald said. X-rays were taken as a precautionary measure.

In the scrimmage, Peete completed 9 of 11 passes for 79 yards, while McLean hit 10 of 12 for 71 yards and one touchdown. Emanuel gained 46 yards in 10 carries, including a 5-yard touchdown; Knight gained 34 yards in 8 carries.