Utah’s Hunter Is Likely to Play

Utah running back Dameon Hunter--the man USC will focus on stopping in the Las Vegas Bowl--received good news Monday when a reexamination of his aching right elbow confirmed the joint is not fractured. Hunter was hurt near the end of the Utes’ 38-37 loss at Air Force on Saturday, a game in which he rushed for a career-high 226 yards. His injury has been diagnosed as a bone bruise and he is listed as probable for the Christmas Day game.

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Although Norm Chow has been approached by several schools, the USC offensive coordinator said he is not chomping at the bit to be a head coach.

“I’ve never gone out looking for jobs,” he said. “Of course, it’s always flattering when people call.”

Chow, who recently took himself out of the running for the Southern Methodist opening, said he might be interested if the right circumstances arose.

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Offensive lineman Norm Katnik had an MRI on his twisted right knee but coaches characterized the exam as merely precautionary.