COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT / WEEKDAY UPDATE : USC : Craig Gibson Takes Over at Center

Redshirt freshman Craig Gibson, younger brother of defensive guard Don Gibson, is the third Trojan center to move to the top of the depth chart this season.

Gibson started in Saturday’s 35-26 loss to Arizona, and Coach Larry Smith liked what he saw. “He’s got the best snap and the best (first) step of any young player I’ve ever coached, and I coached centers at Michigan for four years,” Smith said. “The kid is quick, he’s smart. . . . The first two plays, he had his man on his back.”

Gibson played so well, Smith said, that former starter David Apolskis and his predecessor, Titus Tuiasosopo, might be moved to guard.

Handle with care: Flanker Gary Wellman, knocked out of the Arizona game with a concussion, wore a strip of tape on his helmet this week on which was written: “Can’t Touch This.”

USC gave up 410 yards in its 31-0 loss to Washington last month and has not given up fewer than 313 yards in a game this season. Last season, only two opponents gained more than 300 yards against the Trojans--Washington State and Notre Dame.