Players Ponder Injuries

Wide receiver Mike Williams wore a boot and offensive lineman Lenny Vandermade wore a look of uncertainty Monday as eighth-ranked USC began preparations for their Pacific 10 Conference game against Arizona State.

Williams’ left ankle was encased in protective plastic because of pain that caused him to limp off the field after the Trojans’ 49-17 victory over Stanford. The win helped USC move up two spots in the Associated Press poll on Sunday, but the Trojans remained ninth in the bowl championship series standings.

Williams, who became the Pac-10 record-holder for receptions in a season by a freshman, said he aggravated an ankle sprain suffered earlier in the season but would definitely play against Arizona State.

Confident the injury was not serious, Williams said he skipped an appointment for X-rays Monday morning to register for classes.

He will be examined by a team doctor today.

“It’s probably the same exact injury,” said Williams, who has 58 receptions for 913 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Vandermade, the starting left guard, also will be examined for a right biceps injury. He said he was hurt on a running play against Stanford when he, “caught a helmet,” in his arm.

Vandermade finished the second-half series but was replaced by junior Eric Torres, who would start if Vandermade can’t play Saturday.

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Tailback Sultan McCullough said he was not discouraged after getting seven carries as Justin Fargas’ back-up.

After all, that was five more than he received Oct. 26 against Oregon, two weeks after rushing for 176 yards in 39 carries against Washington.

McCullough gained 14 yards and scored the Trojans’ final touchdown on a six-yard run against the Cardinal.

“My goal is still to try and get 1,000 yards,” said McCullough, who leads the team with 596 yards. “But if we win, that’s all that matters.”

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Wide receiver Kareem Kelly could wind up with the NCAA record for consecutive games with a reception but still be tied with Oregon’s Keenan Howry for the Pac-10 record. That’s because the NCAA does not count bowl games played before this season but the Pac-10 does.

The NCAA record of 46 consecutive games with a catch was set by Carl Winston of New Mexico in 1990-93.

Howry has receptions in a Pac-10 record 45 consecutive games, including three bowl games. But in the NCAA’s eyes he is at 42 with two regular-season games and a bowl game left.

Kelly has catches in 44 consecutive games including one bowl game. The NCAA credits him at 43 with three regular-season games and a bowl game left.

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Cornerback William Buchanon did not practice because of a neck strain.... USC officials said there are fewer than 3,000 tickets left for the Trojans’ Nov. 23 against UCLA at the Rose Bowl. The game will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will be televised regionally by ABC.... Only a few end-zone seats are available for the Trojans’ Nov. 30 game against Notre Dame at the Coliseum. The game is expected to sell out by today.

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Saturdays vs. Arizona State,

4 p.m., TBS