Fox Can Sense Footsteps Behind Him

Offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said there is increasing competition at quarterback, though John Fox remains the starter ahead of Mike Van Raaphorst, who has relieved Fox the last two games.

“I think Mike is breathing down his neck and he feels it,” Jackson said. “There are things John knows he needs to do better. Mike’s come in the game and done well.

“You want your starter to feel comfortable he’s not going to get yanked, but he also needs to understand when he’s not playing well, I’m not afraid and Coach [John] Robinson is not afraid to play the next guy.”

*

A decision on whether receiver Mike Bastianelli will play Saturday against Oregon after being held out of the Notre Dame game because of an academic issue is expected later this week. . . . Tailback LaVale Woods isn’t expected to be ready for Saturday’s game, but may recover from his ankle injury in time to play at Washington on Nov. 1. . . . Game time for the Washington game has been set at 12:30 p.m.

(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)

NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Oregon

WHERE: Coliseum

WHEN: Saturday, 7:15 p.m.

TV: Fox Sports West

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)