COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Royster, Strother Both Will Play

Coach Larry Smith said both Mazio Royster and Deon Strother will be used at tailback Saturday when USC plays Stanford at the Coliseum.

Each ran for more than 100 yards Saturday in the Trojans’ 34-27 victory over Washington State at Pullman, Wash.

“People say, ‘You’ve got a controversy at tailback,’ ” Smith said. “Well, you’re doggone right we do. And I’m glad about it. I don’t think I myself or anybody on the team really cares how we get it done.

“The other night, our tailback position carried the ball 45 times and we gained over 200 yards. If that’s what it takes, fine. If it takes three guys to do it, I’ve got a third guy that can do it. If it takes four, I’ve got a fourth guy that can do it.

“If it’s tailback by committee, let’s do it. The bottom line is to win. To me, it’s a positive thing. It’s not a controversy.”