Trojans Sensing a ‘Cat Fight

With the game against No. 12-ranked Kansas State getting closer, USC practice got a little louder, a little more intense Wednesday.

Cornerback Kevin Arbet leveled receiver Keary Colbert on a short route. Linebacker coach Nick Holt screamed at the top of his lungs when one of his players missed an assignment. There was pushing and shoving after plays.

“Big opponent coming in,” tackle Eric Torres said. “You can see the excitement in people’s eyes.”

The enthusiasm pleased Coach Pete Carroll, who was less than satisfied with the effort the previous day. He challenged his players to work harder when they took the field.

For punter Mike MacGillivray, that meant working on angling his kicks toward the sideline, all the better to hem in Kansas State’s Aaron Lockett, the top returner in the nation last season.

For defensive end Kenechi Udeze, it meant getting ready for a quick quarterback and the option play: “I can’t let anything get outside of me. I’ve got to be tough in there.”

For receiver Kareem Kelly, it meant preparing for a game that he suspects will require something extra. Kelly figures that USC’s new spread offense showcases the team’s natural speed because receivers are asked to turn short passes into long gains. But they must play smart, too, running precise routes and making reads at the line of scrimmage.

“We had a fast team last year but if we don’t execute we can’t do anything,” he said.

The Trojans are still playing a waiting game at linebacker. Frank Strong was limited to running in practice and said his sprained knee felt stiff but did not hurt. A fitted brace was scheduled to arrive today and he was hoping to participate in a full practice.

Backup linebacker Chris Prosser, suspended for the opener, was still waiting to hear from the NCAA about his eligibility. “I’m preparing as if I’m eligible,” he said. “If they tell me right before kickoff, I’m out there.”

So the Trojans continued to shuffle strongside linebacker Matt Grootegoed to the weakside and fill his spot with a backup, senior John Cousins.

Also on Wednesday, word came from Manhattan, Kan., that 6-foot-5, 290-pound Thomas Barnett, a three-year starter at right tackle for the Wildcats, is not expected to play Saturday and could be out for the rest of the season because of an undisclosed injury. He will be replaced by another 6-foot-5, 290-pound senior, Oshin Honarchian.

Kansas State Coach Bill Snyder had said his line could adapt with versatile veterans: “We’ve got a lot of players who have athletic ability

Carroll did not think the loss would hurt the Wildcats.

“I think they’re expected to win,” he said. “They’ve earned that right.”

UP NEXT FOR USC

Who: Kansas

When: 9:30 a.m. PDT Sat.

Where: Lawrence, Kan.

TV: Fox Sports Net

Radio: KLAC (570)