Practice Is Disrupted

In a bow to forces stronger than any offered by opposing teams, USC opted for safety on Wednesday and practiced indoors for the first time under Coach Pete Carroll.

The Trojans began their workout in the rain on Howard Jones Field, but players traded cleats for sneakers and moved indoors to the nearby Lyon Center when lightning was spotted.

“There was a moment there when we had sunshine, blue skies, a rainbow and thunder and lightning,” said Carroll, who is in his third season at USC. “What more could you ask for in one day?”

Once inside, the Trojans were interrupted for about five minutes when a power failure caused the lights to go out.

“This reminds me of back home,” said freshman quarterback John David Booty, who is from Shreveport, La. “We were in the gym at least once every two weeks because of weather.”

*

Sophomore Tom Malone was selected one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented annually to the top punter.

Malone’s 49.2-yard average is better than any of the other semifinalists, but he is not on the NCAA list because he has kicked only 32 times in nine games. He is one kick shy of meeting the standard of 3.6 punts a game. Matt Prater of Central Florida is atop the NCAA list at 47.7 yards a kick.

USC’s prolific offense is to blame for keeping Malone on the sidelines and off the NCAA list. Malone has kicked four times in the last two games.

“As long as we keep winning and moving the ball, that’s OK with me,” Malone said.

*

USC’s defense, already handicapped because of injuries that have depleted the linebacker corps, could be without defensive end Omar Nazel against Arizona.

Carroll said the senior was questionable after he was examined by doctors and fitted with a new cast for the dislocated right thumb he suffered against Notre Dame.

Strong-side linebacker Matt Grootegoed had an MRI exam on his left ankle and was awaiting results Wednesday night. Carroll said it was unlikely that Grootegoed would play against Arizona.

Bobby Otani, Salo Faraimo and Collin Ashton continued to work at weak-side linebacker in place of Melvin Simmons, who is nursing a leg injury.

*

Quarterback Matt Leinart was chosen one of 15 players to watch for the Walter Camp Player of the Year Award.