Coaches Expecting Trick Plays

USC expects the unexpected from UCLA.

Trojan coaches and players are certain that Bruin Coach Bob Toledo will add a trick play or two for Saturday’s game at the Rose Bowl.

USC Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday that a bye last week provided the No. 25 Bruins with a perfect opportunity to prepare a surprise for the No. 7 Trojans.

“They have a trick play list that’s long,” Carroll said. “Anybody can lay back and wait for stuff to happen, but [we] have to go real hard and get after it and be disciplined at the right time.”

Carroll said the Trojans would rely on the experience of such players as senior safeties Troy Polamalu and DeShaun Hill and sophomore linebacker Matt Grootegoed to thwart any trickery.

Freshmen Drew Olson and Matt Moore are playing quarterback for UCLA, a situation that Carroll expects will inspire even more creativity by the Bruins.

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Daryl Gross and Steve Lopes, senior associate athletic directors at USC, returned to Los Angeles after meeting with Sugar Bowl officials in New Orleans and Orange Bowl officials in Miami.

If the Trojans defeat UCLA and Notre Dame, they would receive consideration for an at-large berth in a bowl championship series game.

“We just wanted to get out in front of it and let them know we’re here,” Gross said. “I think that was accomplished.”

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Wide receiver Mike Williams, who is nursing a thigh bruise, participated in the entire practice.... Freshman cornerback Justin Wyatt hurt his left knee during a competitive drill but said he would practice today.... Freshman running back Hershel Dennis worked with the scout team and Carroll said he provided the Trojan defense with a good approximation of UCLA running back Tyler Ebell’s speed.