USC FOOTBALL WATCH : AN INSIDE LOOK

Can’t miss. Or can he? USC receiver John Jackson needs one reception Saturday against UCLA to tie former Trojan Randy Simmrin’s Pacific 10 record of 36 consecutive games with at least one catch.

Jackson, already USC’s all-time leader in catches, still hasn’t convinced some scouts of his suitability for pro ball. The knock on him? Lack of speed.

Trivia time: Larry Smith is only the second Pac-10 coach to reach the Rose Bowl his first three seasons. Name the first.

Doesn’t miss: When senior defensive lineman Dan Owens takes the field Saturday, it will mark his 47th consecutive start. He hasn’t missed a game in any of his four years.

Rarely miss: The Trojans have not only been a dominating team on the field, but even before they take the field. The club is 9-1 in coin flips.

Will probably miss: Linebacker Scott Ross, who sprained knee ligaments against Arizona, was on crutches Monday and is listed as doubtful for Saturday.

Will definitely miss: Fullback Scott Lockwood and nose guard Don Gibson will finish the regular season Saturday right where they started it--on the sideline. Gibson tore knee ligaments in training camp and hasn’t played a down. Lockwood was knocked out of the opener against Illinois with a dislocated thumb and never returned.

Trivia answer: Stanford coach Claude Thornhill went to the Rose Bowl after the 1933-34-35 seasons.

Intriguing postscript: Like Smith, he lost his first two, but won the third time, beating Southern Methodist, 7-0.