They’ll Be on Receiving End

Receivers Keary Colbert and Matt Nickels are expected to get the first starts of their USC careers today.

The pair will replace the injured Kareem Kelly, who is questionable, and Marcell Allmond, who will be held out for several plays as punishment for an outburst on the sidelines last Saturday.

Colbert, a speedy freshman, has already made a name for himself by catching seven passes for 113 yards.

Nickels is a senior who started as a walk-on but earned a scholarship with his performance in spring and summer practice. He has two touchdown catches and has established a rapport with his high school buddy, quarterback Carson Palmer.

“He’s thrown to me in a couple of tough situations and I’ve come through,” Nickels said. “Hopefully he’ll keep throwing to me.”

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Team doctors will decide this morning on Kelly’s status. The sophomore, USC’s leading receiver, missed practice because of a sore leg this week but said he feels strong enough to play.

The medical staff also will wait until game time to make a decision on tight end Antoine Harris (neck) and defensive tackle Ryan Nielsen (back).

Another injured player, cornerback Kris Richard, said he has grown accustomed to playing on a sore knee. “I just had to get it out of my head,” he said. “I’ve played some games on it so I don’t believe it will set me back.”

Meanwhile, Coach Paul Hackett said this week that offensive lineman Trevor Roberts might be well enough to play for a series or two. Hackett has said as much before but the senior guard, a projected starter this summer, has yet to appear in a game.

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Former USC tailback Marcus Allen will be at midfield for the coin toss today and will be honored between the first and second quarters.

Allen was college football’s first 2,000-yard rusher and won the Heisman Trophy in 1981. He had a long career in the NFL, playing for the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs.

He is being honored for his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, scheduled for December.