Hance Prepares to Start, Just in Case

Junior quarterback Brandon Hance got the majority of work Tuesday as USC prepared for the possibility that starter Matt Leinart would not play, or would be severely limited, in Saturday’s game against Stanford.

Junior Matt Cassel and freshman John David Booty also shared snaps as Leinart sat out for the second consecutive day because of a high ankle sprain sustained during the ninth-ranked Trojans’ victory over Arizona State.

Leinart has been fitted for an ankle brace and said he hoped to practice today.

“It was pretty painful when I was trying to run,” Leinart said. “It’s only been a couple days. I feel I’m going to start Saturday.”

Hance, who was warming up to start the second half against Arizona State, said he is preparing as if he were starting against the Cardinal.

“I did OK, but there’s definitely room for improvement,” Hance said.

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Freshman running back Chauncey Washington practiced extensively for the first time in more than three weeks and said he would probably be ready to play against Stanford.

Washington, 6 feet 1, 205 pounds, sustained a high ankle sprain against Hawaii on Sept. 13.

“I’m encouraged, but I don’t really want to cut hard on it yet,” Washington said.

After watching fellow freshman LenDale White run hard against Arizona State, Washington said he could provide the Trojans with another powerful back.

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Middle linebacker Daniel Urquhart, who started in place of Lofa Tatupu against Arizona State, did not practice because of flu, Coach Pete Carroll said.

Because of Urquhart’s absence, Tatupu got more work than he anticipated while coming back from a high ankle sprain. “I need the work right now,” he said. “Hopefully, I can get back.”

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Though he is from Minnesota, sophomore tight end Dominique Byrd was interested in the outcome of Tuesday’s recall vote in California.

Byrd served an internship for Sen. Mark Dayton of Minnesota during high school.

“With Arnold Schwarzenegger running, people are looking at it kind of funny,” Byrd said Monday. “We had Jesse Ventura as the governor. You can’t get much crazier than that.”

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Offensive tackle Winston Justice, who has an ankle injury, practiced in most drills and appears on track to play against Stanford.... USC will honor Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen during Saturday’s game. The first 30,000 fans at the game will receive a trading card.