COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : USC : Smith Says Ervins Remains a Mystery

Tailback Ricky Ervins hasn’t played since Sept. 29, when he left the Ohio State game with a sprained ankle.

Coach Larry Smith said Ervins was available to play last Saturday but never left the sideline during the 31-31 tie with California. Monday, Ervins didn’t fully participate in practice, Smith said.

“I’m puzzled,” Smith said. “I’m going to tell him that if he feels healthy enough to practice, he’s got to practice at the No. 1 or No. 2 spot. If not, I’m going to get (Deon) Strother and (Scott) Lockwood and (Mazio) Royster ready to play. Last week, he had some excellent practices. It’s frustrating to him, and it’s frustrating to us.”