COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : USC : Ailing Johnson Only Watches Practice

Rob Johnson is the latest to join the injured on USC’s pass offense.

The senior quarterback aggravated a sore back in the Penn State game. Johnson was suited up at practice Wednesday, but took no snaps. Instead, backups Brad Otton and Matt Koffler did all the throwing.

Starting wide receivers Ed Hervey and Keyshawn Johnson, who did not play against Penn State, did not practice Wednesday.

Defensive end Elic Mahone and tight end John Allred turned ankles Wednesday, and had to leave practice. Both were expected to be ready by USC’s next game, Sept. 24, against Baylor.

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Baylor (2-0), which plays at Oklahoma State (1-0) on Saturday before visiting USC, is led by a true freshman quarterback, Jeff Watson.

Considered one of the best Texas high school quarterback recruits last year, Watson (six feet, 205 pounds) has led eight touchdown drives in two games, thrown three touchdown passes and no interceptions.

And he isn’t the only standout freshman on offense. Of Baylor’s 792 yards in total offense so far, 460 were accounted for by freshmen.

Baylor defeated San Jose State on Saturday, 54-20, getting six sacks. San Jose had a minus 22 yards rushing.

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A lot of old Trojans weren’t happy with USC’s 38-14 drubbing at Penn State, and one of them was Willie McGinest, last season’s defensive end who plays for the New England Patriots.

“Willie called me at home and wanted to know what happened back there,” said USC wide receiver Ken Grace, McGinest’s friend.

“He was really upset. But the reason was, there (are) five Penn State guys on the Patriots. Willie had made a bet with them. He has to wear a Penn State hat and T-shirt all week.”