Quarterbacks Pass an Early Audition

USC’s practice Monday, the last of the season at Howard Jones Field, turned into a showcase for the four quarterbacks who are challenging to succeed Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer next season.

Redshirt sophomore Matt Cassel, redshirt freshmen Matt Leinart and Billy Hart and transfer Brandon Hance all moved the offense with authority as the Trojans went through a mock game before adjourning for a two-day break.

“Every guy did something that was really good to see,” Coach Pete Carroll said.

Cassel, who has been No. 2 on the depth chart behind Palmer, guided the Trojans efficiently down the field.

Leinart connected with wide receiver Mike Williams for a gain of more than 40 yards and also completed a touchdown pass.

Hart made one of the most athletic plays of the day when he rolled to his left and, without breaking stride, threw back over the middle for a completion that set up a touchdown pass.

Hance, who is redshirting after transferring from Purdue, also threw a touchdown pass.

“The quarterback competition is certainly well underway,” Carroll said. “I don’t want to leave this thing wide open forever. We’ve got to make some decisions, so spring football obviously will be really important. We’d like to come out of it with the top two guys and decide who’s No. 1.”

Hance, who is coming off shoulder surgery, said he was aiming toward the spring.

“This was good work, but the main thing is to be ready for the spring,” he said. “That’s when all of us are going to try and step up and win the job.”

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Underclassmen formed a tunnel after practice and seniors traveled through it on their way out of Howard Jones Field for the final time.

“That was a fun way to end it,” said senior safety Troy Polamalu, a two-time All-American. “There were a lot of good things and a lot of bad things that happened out there over the years.

“I’ll be back to visit. You’re a Trojan for life.”

Carroll said the tunnel would become a Trojan tradition.

“We’ll always be indebted for all that [the seniors] have done,” he said. “They’ve given us a chance to jump-start our program and get a lot of enthusiasm and excitement back.”

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Offensive coordinator Norm Chow, one of the leading candidates to become head coach at Kentucky, said he had spoken again with Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart but did not expect to hear from Kentucky representatives again until after Christmas.

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Freshman linebacker Oscar Lua will report to the hospital this morning for surgery in the afternoon to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Family members will spend Christmas Eve in the hospital with Lua, who is scheduled to return home Christmas Day.

“It bums me out a little bit, but it’s the right thing to do,” Lua said.