Rotation Offers Change of Pace

The tailback rotation will continue its new look when USC plays Washington State at the Coliseum Saturday.

After gaining a career-best 72 yards last week, Chad Pierson will get plenty of action behind starter Sultan McCullough. Coach Paul Hackett likes the idea of changing pace from McCullough’s speed and moves to Pierson’s straight-ahead style.

“You’re looking at a guy who runs very low to the ground,” Hackett said of Pierson. “And Chad brings the punch of another 30 pounds.”

Malaefou MacKenzie should be healthy enough to take his share of snaps at tailback too, Hackett said. Petros Papadakis will be limited to goal-line situations.

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Kareem Kelly missed practice Thursday, still feeling the effects of a twisted ankle he suffered a day earlier. Hackett said the injury is not significant and that his top receiver will play Saturday. Kelly did not start in earlier games, against Arizona and Oregon, because of a lingering thigh injury. . . . Among other injured Trojans, linebacker Markus Steele has been ruled out for Saturday’s game, Hackett said. The news was better for cornerback Darrell Rideaux and defensive linemen Ryan Nielsen, Lonnie Ford and Ennis Davis, all of whom practiced Thursday. Center Eric Denmon is available but not expected to start.