Sprain Could Sideline Drake

Ankle problems have yet to keep John Drake out of USC’s starting lineup.

However, that could change this week against Oregon State if the Trojans’ hefty left guard is unable to overcome a high left ankle sprain, Coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday.

Drake broke his right ankle last season, and sprained it against Washington on Oct. 23.

He was removed from last week’s game at Washington State after injuring the other ankle.

“What happens to one, happens to the other,” said Drake, who did not practice for the second day in a row. “I guess the left was jealous of the right.”

Drake maintained that he would play Saturday.

“It all depends on how much pain I can deal with and how much change of direction I can do,” Drake said after meeting with a doctor Tuesday night.

Carroll did not sound optimistic. He said high ankle sprains “have a tendency to not look so bad, but then you just can’t go for a while.”

The artificial playing surface at Oregon State’s Reser Stadium “doesn’t help it any, particularly for a 350-pounder,” Carroll said.

Freshman Jeff Byers is working with the first unit in Drake’s place and will start Saturday if Drake cannot play.

Byers impressed during extensive playing time against Washington State.

“He finished a lot of blocks and knocked a lot of guys on the ground,” Carroll said.

“He’s a terrific finisher. He’s better at that than most anybody on the team.”

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Oregon State Coach Mike Riley was a ballboy and his father was an assistant for the 1967 Beaver team that upset No. 1 USC, 3-0, at Corvallis.

“I have not talked to the team about the game yet, but I was there and it was a great moment in Oregon State history, for sure,” Riley said during a teleconference call with reporters. “It was a proud moment for everybody.”

Not for USC, though the Trojans still won the national title by defeating UCLA in the regular-season finale and Indiana in the Rose Bowl to finish 10-1.

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Flanker Steve Smith met with a doctor and said he would not play before Nov. 27 against Notre Dame.

Smith suffered a stress fracture in his left leg Oct. 9 against California.

“It’s still healing,” Smith said. “I just want to be back when it’s right.”

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Flanker Chris McFoy (knee sprain) was limited in practice because of a sore knee. Cornerback Ronald Nunn (knee sprain) did not participate in drills....USC’s home game against Notre Dame on Nov. 27 is sold out. USC also sold out home games against Cal and Arizona State. Three home sellouts in a season is a school record. USC averaged 84,649 for its first four home games and is on pace to shatter the school record of 77,804 set last year.