COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Crayton on the Bench Until the Fumbles Stop

Reserve tailback Estrus Crayton, a highly touted transfer from Rancho Santiago College in Santa Ana, earned a place in Coach Larry Smith’s doghouse by fumbling twice in five carries against Penn State. The Nittany Lions recovered the second, converting it into a field goal to cut USC’s lead to 14-10.

Crayton also dropped the ball twice in the Trojans’ opener against Memphis State, although he was not officially charged with a fumble in that game.

“He’s not going to play until he hangs onto the ball,” Smith said. “He’s carried the ball six times (not including one reception) and fumbled it four. I think a lot of it is, he just needs to settle down a little bit. We’re going to put him through some drills and hopefully he can get that corrected. He’s not going to play until he does.”

No. 1 tailback Mazio Royster, who missed the Penn State game because of a sprained knee, is expected to participate in contact drills today and should be ready to play Saturday against Arizona State at the Coliseum. . . . Because of injuries to starter Willie McGinest and backups J. R. Chesley and Junior Moi, tackle David Webb and safety Lamont Hollinquest will practice at outside linebacker this week. McGinest is expected to play against Arizona State, Chesley is possible and Moi is out with a dislocated elbow.

Unsung heroes: Smith said that Ron Dale, who averaged 44.8 yards in eight punts, had his best game as a Trojan against Penn State. Smith also said the Trojans’ best offensive player was tackle Tony Boselli, a second-year freshman from Boulder, Colo. Boselli’s primary responsibility was linebacker Reggie McKenzie, who made one tackle.