It’s a Rare Round of Cheers

The way things have gone for USC on special teams, the players actually pay attention when the field-goal unit practices at the end of each day. Thursday, the Trojan kickers drew cheers by making four of five attempts.

John Wall, who kicks from 40 yards or less, made three of three after having a number of misses earlier this week. David Bell, who now handles longer attempts, made one of two from about 50 yards.

“The long ones are almost easier,” Bell said. “It takes a little pressure off.”

David Newbury, the starting kicker for much of the season, will not travel to Stanford for Saturday’s game.

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Though his knee still hurts, cornerback Kris Richard is determined to work his way back into the lineup.

“It’s one of those things that probably won’t be well until the end of the season,” he said. “So I’ve got to suck it up and deal with it.”

The junior dislocated a kneecap a month ago. He was cleared to play after undergoing an MRI but his duties will be greatly limited against Stanford.

The same is probably true for safety Ifeanyi Ohalete, who hopes to play a portion of the game.

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USC got a scare in practice when linebacker Kori Dickerson collided with tight end Alex Holmes on a routine kicking drill. X-rays were negative. . . . Center Eric Denmon and defensive lineman Bobby DeMars will miss the trip to Stanford because of injuries. Defensive tackle Ryan Nielsen did not practice but might play.