BCA Payout Could Reach $1 Million

USC’s football program will earn between $600,000 and $1 million when the Trojans open next season against Virginia Tech in the Black Coaches Assn. Classic at FedEx Field, an official with the game’s promoter said Tuesday.

FedEx Field, near Washington, was selected over Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as the site. The game will be played Aug. 28 and will be televised by ESPN, with kickoff at 4:45 p.m. PDT.

USC and Virginia Tech, who will play each other for the first time, are each guaranteed either $600,000 or 30% of revenue generated, whichever is greater, said Lou Lacy, vice president of events for Blue Ridge Sports & Entertainment Inc.

USC and Virginia Tech signed letters of agreement to play in the game during the last few weeks, but the BCA held off on an official announcement until the site was set. As the process went on, USC Coach Pete Carroll said that he welcomed the opportunity to play the Hokies or any major program at any venue.

Lacy said FedEx Field, which seats more than 80,000 and serves as home to the NFL’s Washington Redskins, was selected because of its location. It is within driving distance for Virginia Tech’s fan base, and also serves the purpose of the BCA, which annually sponsors a summit in conjunction with the game to discuss equity in hiring and other issues.

“D.C. obviously was a huge opportunity because it’s a political center,” Lacy said. “That should give the summit a huge boost.”

The game gives USC a 12-game schedule in a season when most schools will play only 11. It will be the Trojans’ first appearance in the BCA Classic, which has been played seven times.

Virginia Tech was on the field and ready for kickoff in the 2000 game against Georgia Tech, but that game was canceled because of lightning storms.

*

Though he has not practiced, junior linebacker Matt Grootegoed refused to declare himself out of the Rose Bowl against Michigan.

“I’m not done,” said Grootegoed, who will attempt to practice next week.

Grootegoed said an MRI exam on Monday showed “pretty much the same,” torn ligaments in his left ankle that forced him to sit out all or most of the Trojans’ last six regular-season games. He said he might have arthroscopic surgery for the injury after the season.

“I want to play in the game,” he said. “Maybe there’s not a place for me to play ... that’s up to the coaches. If they want me to play special teams or whatever, I’ll do anything I can to get on the field.

Carroll said Grootegoed’s frustration was obvious.

“He’s like a bear with a bad tooth, you don’t want to be around him right now, so we’re just hoping he can get a sense of feeling a little bit better by next week,” Carroll said. “I think he’s doubtful at best, but we’d never rule him out.”

*

Senior defensive end Omar Nazel had a pin removed from his surgically repaired right thumb and was cleared to play in the Rose Bowl.... Carroll said senior offensive lineman Eric Torres, who has not practiced this week, was “very doubtful” for the Rose Bowl because of wear and tear on his surgically-repaired right ankle. Torres was injured in the Orange Bowl last season.... The Trojans have no players in question of sitting out the Rose Bowl because of academic reasons, Carroll said.... Offensive tackle Jacob Rogers did not attend practice because of illness. Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu was absent so that he could make a flight home to Massachusetts.... The Trojans will take today and Thursday off.