Graf May Get Chance in Line

Derek Graf persevered through four injury-plagued years, hoping to start one day on the offensive line for USC.

Graf, a fifth-year senior who is the son of former Trojan guard Allan Graf, might get an opportunity tonight if freshman Fred Matua is held out because of a bruised right knee.

Graf worked throughout training camp as a backup to center Norm Katnik but practiced with the first-unit offense at guard after Matua was injured Thursday.

If Matua starts, he would be the first true freshman to start an opener on USC’s offensive line since Travis Claridge in 1996. USC Coach Pete Carroll said Matua’s status for Auburn would be a game-time decision.

Graf said he would be prepared if called upon.

“It doesn’t matter where you play on the offensive line, you have to be ready to step up when you’re needed and wherever you’re needed,” Graf said.

“I hope Freddie is OK. But if they need me, believe me, I’m ready.”

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A crowd of about 70,000, including nearly 10,000 Auburn supporters, is expected at the Coliseum for tonight’s game.

Four Navy F-18 jets will fly over the stadium at the conclusion of the national anthem. One of the pilots will be Marc Preston, a punter for the Trojans in 1988 and 1989.

There also will be a fireworks show after the game.

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Tonight’s game is USC’s first against a Southeastern Conference opponent since Auburn defeated the Trojans, 16-7, in the 1987 Citrus Bowl.

USC is 13-10-1 against SEC schools but is 0-5-1 in its last six games against that conference’s teams. The Trojans’ last victory over an SEC team came Sept. 12, 1981, when they defeated Tennessee, 43-7, at the Coliseum in USC’s season opener.

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USC players are wearing football-shaped stickers on their helmets emblazoned with GOUX, in honor of legendary Trojan assistant Marv Goux, who died in July of cancer.