Carroll Sees Hope for Running Game

USC hoped to unleash an improved running game Monday against Auburn, but the numbers told an old, downtrodden story:

* The Trojans rushed for 84 yards, worse than last season’s 87.7 average.

* They averaged 2.3 yards per carry, worse than last season’s 2.55 average.

By falling short of those barrel-scraping levels, USC showed it still has a long way to go before entertaining any thought of having a balanced offense this season.

Yet, Coach Pete Carroll was cautiously optimistic that the Trojans could correct the mistakes they made in Monday’s 24-17 victory and get the ground game in better shape for their next game, Sept. 14 at Colorado.

Carroll pointed to three factors that slowed USC against Auburn. Senior tailback Sultan McCullough, who got the bulk of the carries, is still not at full speed after suffering from hamstring problems; the offensive line is not at full strength because of injuries; and senior Justin Fargas, perhaps the team’s best tailback, sat out the opener because of a strained hamstring.

Carroll said Fargas will use this week to get sound and hopefully be able to practice at full speed Tuesday. The Trojans, who took Tuesday off, resume practice today.

“We’re really counting on him playing against Colorado,” Carroll said. “He gives us a little more punch because of his great speed and attack at the line of scrimmage.”

USC ran 37 times, most successfully late in the game, and attempted 32 passes against Auburn.

“That’s a good mix,” Carroll said. “They’ll be games when we’ll be running over 40 times.”

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Several freshmen contributed to USC’s victory, a fact that pleased Carroll.

“I’m kind of excited about it,” he said. “We need them to grow and be part of things. [After Monday], they won’t be as big-eyed the next time.”

Cornerback Justin Wyatt, who was playing for Compton Dominguez High at this time last year, played the entire second half after starter Ronald Nunn suffered a hip injury. Wyatt helped the Trojans shut down Auburn’s limited passing game.

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Defensive tackle Mike Patterson, a 6-foot, 285-pound sophomore, led USC with eight tackles, most coming in the second half when the Trojans held Auburn to 35 yards.

“He was very quick off the ball in the second half,” Carroll said. “He made a couple of adjustments, found himself in the backfield and caused some problems. His leverage and quickness made it hard for [Auburn] to block him.”

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Outside linebacker Matt Grootegoed and reserve safety Sandy Fletcher suffered mild concussions against Auburn and are listed as day to day.... Senior guard Zach Wilson is still recovering from a sprained arch and is questionable for the Colorado game.