Medical Report Generally Upbeat

Coach Paul Hackett was pleased enough with practice this week that he kept his players in helmets and shorts Thursday, putting them through a session to polish the game plan for San Jose State.

“We have a pretty good feeling for what we need to do,” Hackett said. “Now we’ve just got to go out and do it.”

Cornerback Kris Richard, who sprained his right knee against Colorado, participated in drills and is still expected to play at least part of the game on Saturday.

The news was, once again, not good for Trevor Roberts. Earlier in the week, Hackett said the offensive guard might play a series or two against San Jose State. Now he says Roberts is not responding to treatment for his injured foot. A final decision will be made closer to game time.

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The Trojan kickers went to their coaches with a concern. As punter Mike MacGillivray put it: “The Coliseum is our home field but it doesn’t feel that way.”

The field is lumpy and the wind swirls through the peristyle, they said. So the coaches let MacGillivray, kicker David Newbury and kickoff specialist David Bell hop in a golf cart and ride to the stadium for practice kicks a couple of times this week.

“It helps,” MacGillivray said. “You get a feel for the place.”

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The Los Angeles Sports Council Foundation and USC will take nearly 2,500 disadvantaged youngsters to Saturday’s game. The annual “Touchdown for Youth” program is funded by $25 donations from individuals and corporations. Anyone interested in contributing can call (213) 482-6345.