COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Smith Considers Redshirting Strother

Coach Larry Smith said he has considered redshirting tailback Deon Strother, who was the Trojans’ leading rusher last season but has yet to play this year because of an ankle injury.

“The bottom line is, how quickly will he be able to come back, and how soon?” said Smith, adding that Strother probably will not play Saturday against No. 1-ranked Washington at Seattle.

If Strother is able, Smith would like him to play this season.

The starting time for USC’s game against California on Oct. 17 at the Coliseum has been changed to 3:30 p.m. to accommodate ABC, which will televise the game regionally. USC’s home opener against Oregon on Oct. 10, also scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. start, will be televised by Prime Ticket.