Simplified Ground Game a Key

Chances are, USC will take a simple, straightforward approach to running the ball against Arizona State at the Coliseum today.

Coach Pete Carroll believes the Trojans found a formula for success with their improved ground game at Washington last week: He and offensive coordinator Norm Chow trimmed the game plan to three or four basic running plays.

“You don’t need a lot of plays, you just need to run them well,” Carroll said. “We have turned to that approach more so than we normally have.”

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Norm Katnik, who replaced Lenny Vandermade at center last week, won a tense competition in practice this week to retain his position. However, Carroll expects to rotate the two, along with starter Faaesea Mailo, through the center and guard positions.

The coaching staff won’t decide until today whether senior Ryan Nielsen or freshman Mike Patterson will start in the spot left vacant when Bernard Riley suffered torn knee ligaments last week.

Nielsen has the experience but has missed two weeks because of a separated shoulder and must play with a brace.

Patterson has been trying to learn as much as possible in a short time, with help from Riley, who has walked the sideline in practice with a stiff, heavy brace on his right leg.

“He’s always giving me tips,” Patterson said. “In films, he tells me to watch this or watch that.”

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It was also unclear whether linebacker Chris Prosser will be available. Prosser, suffering the lingering effects of a concussion, would serve as a backup to starter Matt Grootegoed, who returns after missing several weeks because of a shoulder injury.

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USC officials are reminding fans to arrive earlier than usual for today’s 3:30 p.m. game because of stricter security measures.

As was the case for the Stanford game last month, all bags and containers will be checked at entrance gates and no large bags will be allowed inside.

Air space above the Coliseum will be restricted too.