COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Smith: Webb No Surprise

USC Coach Larry Smith said that he is not surprised by the development of David Webb, who has prospered since being moved from linebacker to defensive tackle before last season.

“I expected that,” Smith said. “I think we all saw last year after the first half of the season that he was right at home (at defensive tackle) and when he really learned the position, he was going to make things happen. . . .

“Really, it’s a very simple position to play. We just ask him to be aggressive and intense--go like heck all the time and pressure the quarterback. That’s what he’s done, and he’s getting better and better at it.”

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Smith is impressed with Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who leads the unbeaten Cougars against USC on Saturday at the Coliseum.

“He’s fun to watch throw because he’s so fluid,” Smith said. “He’s just a beautiful player. If you could draw (how) you’d want a quarterback to throw the football, he is picture perfect. He’s beautiful to watch.”

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Washington State Coach Mike Price plans to keep the ball away from USC’s Curtis Conway, who is second in the Pac-10 in kickoff return yardage, third in punt return yardage and second with an average of 176 all-purpose yards.

“If he’s going to catch a punt or kickoff, he’d better buy a ticket (in the stands) because that’s where the ball’s going,” Price said.