Passing Game Is a Bit Off

USC practiced with verve after four days off, but the top-ranked Trojans looked out of sorts in two key areas Saturday as they began preparing for their Rose Bowl game against fourth-ranked Michigan.

“We weren’t throwing and catching the ball as well as we have,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “I didn’t feel like we were miles and miles off, but I don’t think this was as sharp a day as we normally have out here.”

Part of the problem might have been the absence of sophomore wide receiver Mike Williams, who missed a scheduled flight from Orlando, Fla., where he had attended an awards show on Thursday and dinner on Friday with fellow All-Americans Jacob Rogers and Kenechi Udeze.

Rogers said Williams overslept and missed the players’ scheduled departure from their hotel at 5:30 a.m. EST on Saturday.

Carroll would not comment on Williams’ absence or how it would be dealt with when he practices today.

“We’ll take care of our own issues,” Carroll said.

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USC vs. Michigan is a dream matchup for Rose Bowl organizers.

However, senior flanker Keary Colbert said his girlfriend thinks otherwise.

“She has kind of mixed feelings,” Colbert said.

Sierra Hauser-Price, who attended Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High, is a junior guard for the Michigan women’s basketball team and a sprinter for the Wolverine track team.

Hauser-Price will play in a Big Ten Conference basketball game at Minnesota on Jan. 1.

But Colbert anticipates that she will root for USC in the Rose Bowl.

“She’s got to be with the Trojans,” Colbert said.

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Sophomore fullback Brandon Hancock, who sat out the final two regular-season games because of a knee sprain, practiced and said he hoped to be cleared for full contact early this week.... Tight end Gregg Guenther said a slight tear in a left knee ligament is healing well and that he expects to practice next week.... Linebacker Matt Grootegoed (ankle) did not practice.... Linebacker Keith Rivers of Lake Mary, Fla., and defensive back Tedd Ginn of Cleveland were among high school recruits at practice.... Former Nevada coach Chris Tormey attended practice.... Tight end Alex Holmes, a redshirt because of a back injury, continues to practice in preparation for a return during spring practice.