COLLEGE FOOTBALL / DAILY REPORT : USC : Well, It Doesn’t Hurt to Dream

Coach John Robinson says he would claim the national championship for his team if the Trojans go 11-0 and beat, say, an undefeated Ohio State team in the Rose Bowl.

But what if an undefeated Nebraska beats, say, an undefeated Florida State?

“No way,” Robinson said. “We’re the national champions. But then that’s me voting and you [media] voting . . . and let’s face it, that’s not a stellar group.”

He made the remark as a preface to saying he favors a two or four-team playoff for a national championship.

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As a gag, tight end Tyler Cashman reported for practice Wednesday with strips of masking tape covering the “8” on his jersey number, 83. Three is Keyshawn Johnson’s number.

“Figured I’d get more balls this way,” he explained. “Didn’t work.”

Thursday, Johnson practiced wearing 83, and Cashman wore Johnson’s jersey.

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Among the numerous NFL scouts at a Trojan practice Wednesday was ex-Ram running back Lawrence McCutcheon, now a Ram scout.

He wasn’t there, he said, to scout his son, cornerback Daylon McCutcheon, prized USC freshman recruit.

“No, he’s too young,” Lawrence said. “Got a long way to go yet.”