COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT / USC : Hackett Wants No More Celebrating

Coach Paul Hackett called linebacker Sultan Abdul-Malik’s 15-yard excessive celebration penalty against San Diego State “unacceptable,” but he defended aggressive defensive play even as he addressed the Trojans’ ongoing penalty problems.

“We’re not going to have celebrating on this team or any other,” he said, saying officials “absolutely” made the right call by flagging Abdul-Malik for his fist-pumping celebration after a sack on the first defensive play.

Abdul-Malik also was flagged for roughing the passer later, but Hackett had no problem with that, calling it “a combat foul.”

“Aggressive penalties, I can live with. What I cannot live with is stupid penalties that cost our team because it’s too damn selfish. I’m not going to have it.”

Abdul-Malik said he was overly excited about his first sack at a new position after moving from defensive end.

“I was just exuberant,” he said. “I did one too many chops. I’ve calmed down.

“We’re a real aggressive defense, and you’re going to have aggressive penalties. I’m still going to celebrate, but I know when to stop. I know the limits.”

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Receiver Windrell Hayes caught some passes and jogged a few steps after practice and clearly wants to play against Oregon despite being listed as doubtful because of his sprained right ankle.

“It feels better than they thought it would,” Hayes said. “I’m looking forward to Saturday, even if I’m in a limited role like playing third downs.”

Hayes said he is cleared to begin jogging Thursday.

“Windrell Hayes moved around better than we thought,” Hackett said.

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Freshman receiver Steve Stevenson, who didn’t play Saturday because of a sprained arch, is expected to return, as are freshmen cornerbacks Darrell Rideaux (back) and Kevin Arbet (ankle). . . . Tailbacks Malaefou MacKenzie and Frank Strong remain questionable, but ran some plays in practice. “They’re both very ginger, very tentative,” Hackett said.