Players to Confront Issues

A players-only meeting is supposed to finally take place today--perhaps a couple of weeks too late. While cornerback Daylon McCutcheon said it may be time for people to “get things out,” Coach John Robinson believes the issue is personal responsibility.

“It’s important to me that this football team, each man, face this issue,” Robinson said. “We all go through something in life where you’ve got to say, ‘Hey, man, there’s no excuses. It’s nobody else’s fault. It’s not the weather. It’s not El Nino. It’s me. I’ve got to stand up and do the best I can.’

“We’re all in that position. I relish the chance.”

McCutcheon said the team is trying not to let divisiveness between the defense and the struggling offense take over.

“I don’t worry. If the defense goes out and gets a shutout we won’t lose any games.”

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Tailback Malaefou MacKenzie’s shoulder injury proved to be a separation, but he is listed as probable. . . . Receiver Mike Bastianelli has a slightly sprained knee and R. Jay Soward has a slight leg injury, but both are probable. . . . Mike Van Raaphorst is officially the backup to John Fox, overtaking Quincy Woods, and is expected to get more snaps in practice this week because of Fox’s sore ankle and his performance last week.

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NEXT FOR USC

Who: Notre Dame

Where: Notre Dame Stadium

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 4

Radio: KLSX-FM (97.1)