Defensive Line Sets Sight on Oregon’s Harrington

After playing the first two games this season against teams that either possessed a top running back or greatly favored the run, the USC defensive line sees Saturday’s matchup against No. 7 Oregon as a chance to get after the quarterback.

“It’s Pac-10 time,” end Lonnie Ford said. “You still have to be conscious of the run, but there’s a lot more passing.”

The Trojans have only two sacks this season and will need an improved pass rush when they face the Ducks, who feature Heisman Trophy candidate Joey Harrington at quarterback. While not much of a threat to break into the open field as a runner, Harrington possesses a strong arm and quick release.

“We’re going to have to get to him,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “We’re also going to have to cover [the receivers] to make him hold the football.”

For defensive tackle Bernard Riley, that extra second could be the time he needs to bull his way into the backfield. Ford said he has been looking forward to this game for two weeks, trying to get off the line quicker, working his hands, setting up his moves.

“You’ve just got to keep working the pass rush,” he said. “It’s going to come.”

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It is a common sight at USC practices. Players who show up late for meetings or otherwise break a team rule can be seen paying their penance along the sideline, doing up-downs or crawling on hands and knees the length of the field.

On Wednesday, the guilty party was free safety Antuan Simmons, whose punishment for missing a weightlifting session stretched until dusk. But strong safety Troy Polamalu came to his rescue. With a student manager giving chase, Polamalu stole a motorized cart used for hauling equipment and whisked a tired Simmons to the locker room.

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Center Lenny Vandermade has recovered from a shoulder injury and got plenty of work at practice .... The news remained relatively bleak for outside linebacker Matt Grootegoed and his injured shoulder. Carroll said it is doubtful he will make the trip to Oregon .... David Newbury, who usually handles kickoffs, has been attempting field goals from 50-plus yards in practice and could be called upon as a kicker in long-range situations.