Independence Declaration

With its options dwindling, USC has told the Independence Bowl it is interested in playing in the Dec. 28 game in Shreveport, La.

The Independence is considering USC, Virginia, Notre Dame and Iowa for a probable matchup against No. 16 Louisiana State.

“The Independence is one with an opponent we like,” Athletic Director Mike Garrett said.

The Independence likes the television-ratings potential USC would bring, particularly since the bowl is looking for a new title sponsor with Poulan/Weed Eater in its final year.

Ken Antee, chairman of the Independence selection committee, said the group was meeting Sunday night but he expected to delay a decision because of the uncertainty of the alliance picture.

“There are too many questions out there,” he said.

In another development, the Sun Bowl has emerged as something of a longshot possibility for USC. After Washington’s acceptance of a conditional Aloha bid Sunday, Garrett said the Pacific 10 has told him that if UCLA is picked up by the alliance, USC might fill the Pac-10’s commitment to the Sun Bowl instead, with Washington sticking with the Aloha.

“I told the conference office it’s important for our kids to get the [extra] practice, and I would take whichever bowl was most solid,” Garrett said, indicating he would accept an Independence bid if the Sun is only an outside possibility.

Garrett said USC is not in the running for any bowls other than the Independence or the Sun.

“Those are the only two,” he said, indicating the Las Vegas Bowl is not being considered.