Kicker Now Takes Blame for Miss

USC kicker Ryan Killeen said Monday that he was at fault for missing a critical extra-point attempt against Washington State that let potential victory--and his lock on the position--slip away.

“Everything was going my way ... I think I took it for granted,” Killeen said. “I’m kind of glad the competition is on again. I need that.”

Killeen’s miss prevented the Trojans from taking a four-point lead with 4:10 remaining and allowed Washington State to tie the score with a field goal and send the game into overtime.

After the Trojans lost, 30-27, Killeen said holder Tom Malone placed the ball in a spot he was not expecting. Malone and Killeen were paired by Trojan coaches only a day before the game.

“I jumped the gun on that,” Killeen said. “After seeing the film, it was my fault. I didn’t get the job done.”

Malone, who worked almost exclusively with left-footed kicker David Davis this season, will remain Killeen’s holder this week. Left-handed quarterback Matt Leinart will hold for Davis.

Killeen supplanted Davis two weeks ago against Oregon State, but he said his performance against Washington State opened the door for Davis to reclaim the position.

Davis did not travel to Washington State after suffering a contusion and aggravating a nerve in his left leg when he was hit in practice Thursday. But he worked out Monday and looked strong.

*

All-American safety Troy Polamalu did not practice because of a high ankle sprain that sidelined him for much of the game against Washington State, but he said he hoped to be ready for Saturday’s game against California.

“Even if it’s only having me play a certain defense to get three plays in the game, I’ll dress and be ready to play,” Polamalu said. “Time will tell.”

Jason Leach will probably start in Polamalu’s place at strong safety with freshman Mike Ross as the backup. However, Carroll said DeShaun Hill could be moved to strong safety and redshirt freshman John Walker to free safety, if needed.

*

With defensive end Omar Nazel still nursing a sore shoulder, Van Brown took reps with the first unit defense and is expected to backup Nazel against California. Nazel played every down against Washington State.

“I couldn’t be fully aggressive,” Nazel said. “It hindered me.”

Brown, a 6-foot 5, 255-pound transfer from Pasadena City College, was slowed during training camp by injuries and has played sparingly.

“I’m happy to get the opportunity,” Brown said. “I just have to take advantage of it.”

*

USC’s game against Washington Oct. 19 at the Coliseum will begin at 12:30 and be televised by ABC. Gary Klein