DAILY REPORT : JOHN HANCOCK : Artificial Turf Concerns USC’s Smith

USC Coach Larry Smith says the hospitality in this Texas city has been great, but the condition of the football field something less.

He wants the artificial turf at the Sun Bowl on the UTEP campus watered before kickoff of the John Hancock Bowl against Michigan State Monday. “The turf is too dry,” said Smith, whose team has practiced there three days. “It’s dangerous. Players could get hurt even without any body contact.”

Hancock Bowl Executive Director Cricket Musch said a decision whether to hose down the field probably won’t be made until the morning of the game. Michigan State Coach George Perles wouldn’t reveal his preference, wet or dry.

Smith said he wants to start as many seniors as possible against Michigan State. Penciled in at tight end is Frank Griffin, the senior who underwent knee surgery after the Washington State game the fifth week of the season.

“Griffin’s recovery has been incredible,” Smith said. “He’s gone through everything we’ve done in practice for this game.”