Running Game Is a Factor Again

Tailback U qualified as a misnomer for USC for the better part of the last two decades, but the third-ranked Trojans are ranked first in the Pacific 10 Conference in rushing heading into Saturday’s game against sixth-ranked Washington State at the Coliseum.

USC, which has not finished first in the conference in rushing since 1981, is averaging 160.5 yards a game.

“That’s a big deal,” sophomore tailback Hershel Dennis said Wednesday. “Now we have to build on that this year and every year.”

USC has rushed for at least 195 yards in its last four games.

Dennis is averaging a team-best 58.1 yards a game and is ranked ninth in the Pac-10.

Freshman LenDale White is 10th at 52.8 yards a game. Freshman Reggie Bush is averaging 40 yards.

Washington State is first in the conference in total defense (303.8 yards a game) and rushing defense (68.1).

*

Wide receiver Mike Williams practiced for the first time since sustaining a high right ankle sprain against Washington and said he would play against Washington State.

Williams wore a brace and was held out of some drills.

“It just hurts when I put a lot of weight on it,” said Williams, who is undergoing treatment for the injury twice a day.

*

Linebacker Matt Grootegoed (ankle) did a few agility drills and said he hoped to practice today. Grootegoed said he will play Saturday.... White (scratched cornea) returned to practice but wore a contact lens only in his left eye. “I was fine on the running plays, but catching passes was definitely a challenge,” he said. White said he would be able to wear both contacts today.... Defensive tackle Shaun Cody returned to practice after missing Tuesday because of illness.... Coach Pete Carroll said he has not decided whether Omar Nazel, who is wearing a cast on his right wrist, or Frostee Rucker would start at defensive end.... Jeff Byers, a center from Loveland, Colo., who is regarded as one of the top prospects in the nation, announced that he would attend USC.... Red Cross representatives will be on USC’s campus Saturday collecting donations to help victims of the Southland fires.