MVP Honor Goes to Jefferson

USC is still waiting to learn if its season is officially over, but the Trojans held their awards banquet Thursday and named defensive tackle Cedric Jefferson the team’s most valuable player.

Jefferson, a senior, was the leader of a defensive line that helped USC finish eighth in the nation in rushing defense. He had 34 tackles, including 12 for losses, and was credited with four sacks, a forced fumble and two pass deflections.

Senior cornerback Brian Kelly was named most inspirational player and chosen as a co-captain, with senior center Jonathan Himebauch.

Running back LaVale Woods received the John Wayne memorial scholarship, a 10,000 grant for postgraduate study.

USC has lingering hopes of receiving a bowl bid after a 6-5 season, but its chances hinge largely on whether UCLA is picked for an alliance bowl.

If UCLA ends up in the alliance, USC figures to fulfill a Pacific 10 Conference bowl commitment, although a controversy over the Aloha’s conditional selection of Washington last week might follow. The Aloha is already selling tickets for a Washington-Michigan State matchup. But if UCLA goes to the alliance, the Sun Bowl would have a contractual claim to Washington and USC could argue that the Trojans should go to the Aloha and not the Sun.

The Trojans also are among teams being considered by the Independence Bowl, but are something of a longshot.

Athletic Director Mike Garrett has maintained he won’t evaluate Coach John Robinson until the season is officially over, although Robinson indicated last week he is “probably” coming back.