Simmons Happy at Home

Antuan Simmons, the USC cornerback who had to watch part of the victory over UCLA from his hospital bed after undergoing unscheduled back surgery last week, is resting at home and doing fine.

But he watched only the first half from his room at USC University Hospital.

“I got to come home during halftime,” he said. “No, I didn’t miss any of it. I was happy.”

Simmons’ ability to cheer, however, was severely limited after undergoing surgery Thursday to relieve pressure on a nerve.

“I couldn’t really jump around, but I was so proud,” he said.

Simmons’ recovery is expected to take two to three months.

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USC’s defensive line has been something of a no-name unit this season, with the exception of tackle Ennis Davis, who made first-team all-conference as a sophomore last season.

But some young players have started making names for themselves, and the Trojans combined for six sacks against UCLA’s injury-depleted offensive line.

Sophomore Lonnie Ford, sophomore Ryan Nielsen and junior Matt Childers each had two sacks against the Bruins.

The entire line will be back next season, along with other contributors, such as Shamsud-Din Abdul-Shaheed, Kori Dickerson and freshman Bernard Riley.

And Davis, slowed early this season after off-season knee surgery but still displaying a knack for big plays, seems poised for a strong senior season.

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Looks as if Louisiana Tech, USC’s opponent Friday, isn’t exactly schooled in USC lore. The team’s itinerary for the trip refers to the Coliseum as Los Angeles Memorial Stadium.