Several Bears Will Be Missing Against USC

Bruce Snyder’s fuse was three questions long. No more.

Fielding questions from Southland reporters on the eve of the USC-California game here today, the Cal coach found the No. 1 topic was Russell White, the former record-breaking Crespi High School running back. The only running White is doing in his freshman year is between classes, after he was forced to sit out this season because of academic problems.

Finally, after the third White question, Snyder had a question of his own.

“I would like to talk about the football game,” he said. “Can we do that?”

Sorry, but when your team is 2-3, 0-2 in the Pacific 10 Conference, and on the verge of elimination from the Rose Bowl race--and is playing just up the freeway from the World Series--Russell White seems as good a topic as any.

“We’re struggling a bit, but our attitude is good, and it’s just a matter of trying to get us to where we’re hitting on all eight cylinders,” Snyder said.

Some of the hitting absorbed by the Bears has resulted in a breakdown of several of their key components.

Two defensive performers--tackle Joel Dickson (ankle) and cornerback John Hardy (ankle and shoulder)--have each appeared in only two games this year. Neither will suit up today nor perhaps for the rest of the year.

Quarterback Troy Taylor has not been free of aches and pains, either. He has had bruised ribs, a bruised back and a bout with the flu and is now limping on a sprained foot, but is expected to play today.

You could hardly blame him if he didn’t. Facing USC’s defense, No. 1 in the nation against the rush, the first requirement is to have two good feet. Even that didn’t help a year ago when the Trojans sacked Taylor 10 times en route to a 35-3 victory. Taylor’s father named him Troy because he was such a big USC fan. But when he dreamed of his son playing on the Coliseum floor, surrounded by Trojans, that’s not exactly what he had in mind.

It wasn’t only USC that pestered Taylor last season. Cal surrendered 42 sacks for losses of 283 yards. This season, the Bears have already given up 17 sacks.

When he has had the time, Taylor has completed 55% of his passes for 903 yards and five touchdowns with three passes intercepted.

“It’s really been kind of a struggle early for him,” Snyder said. “I think when he’s healthy and has practiced, and if his receiving corps (is free of injury), then I think we have a chance to have a decent passing attack.”

Snyder seems to have already conceded that this is the best he can expect against the Trojans.

“It would be nice to be able to establish a run, particularly against SC, but nobody else has been able to do that,” he said. “So I don’t think you want to spend much time trying to establish a running game if it’s never going to come around.”

The Bears’ leading rusher is junior tailback Anthony Wallace, who has gained 316 yards, averaging 3.7 yards a carry, and scored one touchdown.

The defensive leader is senior linebacker David Ortega.

He played a big role in last week’s 26-21 victory over San Jose State. The Spartans were poised for a comeback victory, having moved to the Cal one-yard line in the fourth quarter, when Ortega stripped the ball from San Jose tailback Sheldon Canley as Canley crossed the goal line.

Already hurt by the loss of Dickson and Hardy, Cal has also lost starting nose guard John Belli, who was in for only two plays against UCLA two weeks ago and hasn’t been back since because of a shoulder sprain. He is out today.

Troy Auzenne, the starting left tackle on offense, is still trying to recover from an ankle injury suffered against the Bruins. The former Bishop Amat High player is listed as doubtful for today. Wide receiver Brian Treggs, suffering from a stiff neck, is probable. Tight end Brent Woodall, who has a shoulder injury, is questionable.

Ask Larry Smith about his offense, which has come together sooner than expected under redshirt freshman quarterback Todd Marinovich, and the USC coach will smile.

Ask him about his defense, which is giving up only 36 yards a game rushing, and he will beam.

Ask him about his special teams, and stand back.

“Our special teams are bad,” Smith said. “I’d like to use another term. It isn’t what were doing. It’s how we’re doing it. It’s lousy. It stinks.”

Trojan Notes

Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Absolutely. Finally. You’ve heard of a floating pocket? This game had a floating kickoff. First, it was 1 p.m. Then, it was moved to 7:30 p.m. to be shown on ESPN. Then it was considered for a 12:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC. It will be shown on Prime Ticket. . . . USC tailback Aaron Emanuel will not play because of a shoulder separation . . . Neither will fellow tailback Scott Lockwood, who has been out since opening night with a dislocated thumb. “I doubt if we’ll get him all year,” Coach Larry Smith said. “If he gets that dinged one more time, it’s Operation City.” . . . Free safety Mark Carrier, suffering from bruised ribs, will play. So will Cleveland Colter at strong safety, despite his thumb fracture. . . . USC has won four consecutive games since losing its opener to Illinois.