COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT / USC : Soward Trying to Break Out

R. Jay Soward is trying to break out of his early-season funk, and if practice is any indication, he might do it this week.

“He’s doing awesome,” quarterback Carson Palmer said. “He came out today and caught just about every single ball I threw at him, a lot of deep balls and stuff.

“We’ve got our connection back going again. I think we’ll do real well together this game.”

Soward practiced well last week too, before catching only two passes and being involved in two plays that led to interceptions against San Diego State. He did have a touchdown catch but it was called back because of a holding penalty.

The Trojans need him desperately this week against Oregon with Windrell Hayes doubtful despite a second day of surprising progress as he tests his sprained right ankle.

Freshman Kareem Kelly is slated to start for Hayes, but didn’t run any plays in practice Wednesday in a precautionary move because of a stiff back.

“I think it helps him out knowing that we’re going to bring the ball to him,” Palmer said of Soward. “That gets him more fired up, more revved up to go.

“He looks real quick to me, he’s moving better. He just looks swifter. I mean, he’s getting his confidence back too, which is good.”

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Linebacker Markus Steele left practice early after tweaking his elbow, but Coach Paul Hackett said it shouldn’t affect him Saturday. . . . Tailback Frank Strong (bruised knee) practiced, but Malaefou MacKenzie (hamstring) looks as if he won’t be available Saturday.