Van Raaphorst Hopes for Action

Mike Van Raaphorst is USC’s forgotten quarterback. Or one of them. There’s John Fox too.

Van Raaphorst was the Trojans’ starter the first eight games of the season but hasn’t taken a snap in a game since freshman Carson Palmer took over the job against Washington on Oct. 31--a move many had been clamoring for since the first game of the season.

There’s no telling if Van Raaphorst will get into the Sun Bowl game either.

“It’s tough. I try to do what I can to help the team,” Van Raaphorst said. “It’s taught me a lot.”

As disappointed as he is, he said one thing is certain: He won’t leave USC.

“Definitely not,” said Van Raaphorst, a redshirt sophomore. “I’m so far along academically. I’ll graduate in December with my undergraduate degree and enroll in a master’s program. For me to leave would be stupid, financially. It’s not going to happen.”

Maybe the game will allow Coach Paul Hackett a chance to get Van Raaphorst in as a favor for his attitude after being benched--but don’t count on it.

“I think it’s dangerous to talk about what you would do if you have the luxury,” Hackett said. “Cal haunts me. We went back to Van Raaphorst against Cal, and he was ineffective. He couldn’t get himself back [into a rhythm] after being out.”

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USC returned to the Sun Bowl for practice Tuesday, partly because Hackett is concerned about playing on artificial turf for the first time since October games at Washington State and Oregon.

He’s particularly worried about the timing between the quarterbacks and receivers, partly because of the substantial “crowning” of the field to assist drainage, leaving the middle higher than the sidelines.

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USC defensive tackle Aaron Williams wasn’t able to practice because of renewed soreness in his ankle and is questionable for the game. “I’m not going to say he’s out. I think he might be able to play some,” Hackett said. “It’s disappointing.” . . . Linebacker David Gibson and tailback Chad Morton, recovering from minor injuries, are both expected to be OK. . . . The teams are continuing to enjoy unseasonably warm weather in El Paso, with clear skies and temperatures approaching 70 degrees.

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NEXT UP FOR USC

WHAT: Sun Bowl TCU (6-6) vs. USC (8-4)

WHERE: El Paso

WHEN: Thursday

TIME: 11 a.m.

TV: Channel 2

RADIO: XTRA (690)