COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : NCAA Denies Washington’s Appeal

USC’s appeal of the NCAA decision to add two games to starting tailback Delon Washington’s one-game suspension was denied Wednesday, university general counsel Robert Lane said.

It means Washington, like tailback Shawn Walters, can’t play until the Sept. 21 Houston game.

“We are disappointed because we believe the length of the penalty is excessive and unwarranted,” Lane said in a news release.

Washington, a junior, was suspended for one game by the school for what USC calls an “ethical violation.” The school cites privacy laws in not commenting on the case, but the matter is believed to be related to a class exam.

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Freshman cornerback/tailback/kick returner Chad Morton has been a standout in the last three practices. Moving to shore up depth, Coach John Robinson has brought Morton to the offense as a backup tailback.

Morton had four snaps Monday at tailback, a dozen Tuesday and about 15 Wednesday.

“Chad is the third tailback [behind LaVale Woods and Rodney Sermons], and he’ll see some action at Illinois,” Robinson said after practice. “He’s got lots of speed, but he also needs lots of work.”

Morton served as the scout team tailback in Rose Bowl practices last year, and spent all of last spring practicing at tailback.