Fargas’ Debut Is a Cameo

Justin Fargas’ long-awaited debut as USC’s tailback lasted one play.

That was more than enough for the senior transfer from Michigan, who had not carried the ball since 2000, when he was playing running back for the Wolverines in a game against UCLA at the Rose Bowl.

Fargas was not expected to play because of a hamstring strain he has been nursing since training camp.

But he entered the game with 6:06 left in the first quarter, took a handoff from quarterback Carson Palmer and ran off right guard for four yards. He was immediately pulled from the game.

“It felt good just to get on the field against an opposing team,” Fargas said. “It was great to get in there and get that first carry out of the way.”

Fargas got in because he convinced running backs coach Kennedy Pola that he felt strong. USC Coach Pete Carroll was surprised when he saw Fargas in the game.

“After warmups, I told the trainers to get his helmet and don’t give it back to him,” Carroll said. “Somehow he found it. I just wanted him to go through warmups and he talked Kennedy into putting him in.”

Carroll said Fargas would play more against Kansas State.

“I’m looking forward to doing more,” Fargas said.

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Wide receiver Kareem Kelly had four receptions for 36 yards.

Kelly has caught a pass in all 37 games he has played for the Trojans. The streak ties John Jackson’s school record for consecutive games with a reception.

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USC shored up the problems it had with special teams against Auburn, but new ones emerged against Colorado.

David Davis had an extra-point and field-goal attempt blocked and also missed an extra-point attempt when the ball hit the right upright.

“I was doing everything possible to fix my mechanics and at least get that extra point up, but I tried too hard,” Davis said. “It’s a good thing the offense and defense brought their A games.”

Trojan punter Tom Malone had a kick blocked and the Trojans botched a punt return when a Colorado player knocked Marcell Allmond into Kelly as he tried to catch the ball after signaling for a fair catch.

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It was raining, but Mike Garrett doesn’t remember that. He remembers that Folsom Field had more of a crown in 1963 and that it didn’t have an upper deck full of seats.

But mostly what Garrett remembers about his collegiate debut as a USC tailback, against Colorado, was that he kept on telling himself: “Don’t make a mistake. Don’t make a mistake.”

It’s tough being a rookie. Garrett was back at Folsom Field on Saturday in his job as USC athletic director. He said he really had no idea how many yards he had gained in USC’s 14-0 win (58 in 11 carries). All he remembered was that “I was very, very nervous,” and that he got chewed out by Coach John McKay the following Monday because the Trojans got a penalty when the teams got into a fight after he ran out of bounds.