COLLEGE FOOTBALL : DAILY REPORT : USC : Conway May Be Used More at Quarterback

Curtis Conway, who led a 73-yard touchdown drive that was one of the few highlights for USC in last week’s 32-25 loss to Arizona State, may be used more frequently at quarterback in Saturday night’s game against Oregon at Eugene, Coach Larry Smith said.

“It worked well the other (day),” Smith said. “And if it continues to work well, you could see Curtis more. If he goes in and has another drive like that--the more drives he (sustains), the more he’s going to play.”

Usually a flanker and kick returner, Conway has been used at quarterback for three series--one against Penn State, two against Arizona State.

Smith expects Reggie Perry to develop into a good passer.

“I think he’s had young-quarterback problems,” Smith said of his sophomore starter from Denison, Tex. “One week he plays very well and the next--well, let’s face it, he didn’t throw the ball very well (against Arizona State). He knows it. We know it. But I think he can be an excellent quarterback. But he’s very inexperienced. . . .

“If he couldn’t hit the side of a barn, or if he had a weak arm, or poor mechanics, we’d take both (Perry and Conway) and just be an option football team. But we have the belief that (Perry) has the ability to do both--throw and run the option.”

Perry has completed 50.7% of his 71 passes for 414 yards and one touchdown, with five interceptions. He has rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in 39 carries.

Conway has run for 45 yards and a touchdown in nine carries. His only pass was intercepted.