Garrett Liked Morton All Along

USC Athletic Director Mike Garrett says Chad Morton was his choice for tailback as much as two seasons ago--just another difference of opinion with John Robinson and his coaching staff.

“I never lobbied,” Garrett said. “When I talked to the coaching staff and they would say, ‘Who do you like?’ I’d say, ‘The best guy we’ve got is Chad Morton, and he’s on defense.’ They looked shocked. But I’ve said that for a long time.”

Morton became the starter this year after switching from defensive back late last season and is averaging 95 yards a game with two 100-yard performances. He’s on a pace to become only USC’s second 1,000-yard rusher in the last eight seasons. (Delon Washington was the other, in 1995.)

Washington, LaVale Woods and Malaefou MacKenzie all started last season before Morton moved over from defense, though he didn’t start. His slight build was one reason the previous coaching staff hesitated to use him full-time at tailback, out of concern for injuries.

“Offenses have changed so much, you don’t have to have a big bull ballcarrier,” Garrett said. “With the open offenses, you don’t have to be as big.”

He also believes the risk of injury is higher for players who run the ball only occasionally.

“I always say you get better the more you play. It’s when you’re unsure and the skill level is not there that you tend to get injured,” Garrett said. “Now Chad is more sure of himself, and he’s only getting better.”

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About 10 Florida State players--including quarterback Chris Weinke and most of the offensive line--came down with nausea and didn’t practice Tuesday.

“Duke said they had food poisoning for our game--and now we have the same thing. Half our team is sick,” said Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden, who limited practice because of the illnesses.

The No. 10 Seminoles face USC on Saturday.

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USC tight end Antoine Harris re-injured his troublesome right ankle during practice, and might be week-to-week all season. . . . With centers Eric Denmon and Matt McShane expected to sit out another game, Jason Grain is scheduled to start again.

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Next Up For USC

WHO: Florida State

WHERE: at Tallahassee, Fla.

WHEN: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

RADIO: XTRA (690)