Hackett: Time to Get Back to Work

Coach Paul Hackett ended Tuesday’s practice by letting his players know, in no uncertain terms, that the fun was over.

That big victory over Penn State? Forget about it.

The problem is, last season the Trojans opened with a 62-7 defeat of Hawaii, had a week off, then barely got past San Diego State, 24-21. Hackett does not want the pattern repeated this season.

“It’s definitely a problem,” he said.

After a light workout Tuesday, USC begins preparations for its Sept. 9 game against Colorado in the Coliseum.

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Malaefou MacKenzie is expected to miss practice this week as he rests an injured hamstring. The junior tailback battled soreness in the final days of training camp and played briefly against Penn State, running three times for eight yards and catching one pass for six yards.

“He tried,” Hackett said. “He just couldn’t go.”

MacKenzie was one of three tailbacks--along with Sultan McCullough and Petros Papadakis--expected to share time early this season. McCullough rushed for 128 yards and Papadakis scored on a short run.

Also resting this week is left guard Trevor Roberts, still bothered by a strained foot. Papadakis and defensive lineman Ryan Nielsen will practice sparingly as they nurse minor injuries.

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Two players who left the team during camp--linebacker Darryl Knight and center Carlos Acosta--returned to practice this week.

Knight has a family history at USC. His brothers Ryan and Sammy starred at tailback and safety, respectively, for the Trojans.

“He just got frustrated,” Hackett said of the reserve. “But he’s back ready to go and that’s what is important. He can help us on special teams and he’s got a future as a linebacker here.”