Van Raaphorst Could Replace Fox

For the first time this season, quarterback John Fox isn’t assured of starting Saturday and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson said he’ll make a decision between Fox and backup Mike Van Raaphorst later this week.

Fox watched during a good portion of practice Tuesday as Van Raaphorst, a redshirt freshman, took a higher number of snaps.

“What we’re doing is evaluating what’s best for us as a team,” Jackson said. “In no way is this a slap to John.

“Mike obviously is taking more reps and probably will through the week. A lot of times it’s good for someone to sit back and watch and evaluate.”

Coach John Robinson called Fox’s performance against Oregon “erratic.”

“The first half was very good. The second half, he’s going through periods of loss of focus. He kind of seems to lose track,” Robinson said. “If it’s a recurring thing, we’ve got to be able to rest him and calm him down. We’re not thinking of a wholesale change, but we do need to address some of these periods that are recurring.”

Saturday’s victory over Oregon marked the third game in a row Fox and Van Raaphorst have played.

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Robinson attributed tailback Malaefou MacKenzie’s four fumbles Saturday to a shoulder injury that may involve a nerve, affecting feeling in his hands. “It was obvious that he couldn’t hold onto the ball, and a little stunning. He was running with the ball, and the ball just came loose,” Robinson said, calling MacKenzie “stoic” because he insists he is fine. . . . Kickoff for the Stanford game Nov. 8 at the Coliseum has been set for 12:30 p.m.

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NEXT FOR USC

WHO: Washington

WHERE: Husky Stadium

WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

RADIO: KLSX-FM (97.1)