Smith Hopes to Play

USC flanker Steve Smith on Monday participated in contact drills for the first time since early October and said he hoped to play Saturday against Notre Dame.

Smith, a sophomore, was the top-ranked Trojans’ leading receiver when he broke his leg Oct. 9 against California. He has sat out five games.

Smith said he felt pain last week when he went through non-contact drills, but he apparently benefited from the three-day break the Trojans took because of an open date. He said he was going full speed Monday without discomfort.

“Last week was to get the nervousness out,” said Smith, who has 27 receptions for 414 yards and two touchdowns. “Today was to come out and play normal and keep my mind focused on the game. I was able to do that.”

Guard John Drake, who is nursing a high ankle sprain, receiver Chris McFoy (knee sprain), safety Scott Ware (foot strain) and cornerback Kevin Arbet (knee sprain) also practiced with hopes of playing Saturday.

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USC Coach Pete Carroll said he caught part of the Oklahoma and Auburn games on television over the weekend.

“Just jumping around channels,” he said. “Did I study the games? No. Did I watch them all intently? No.

“We’ll have plenty of time to do whatever we do if we ever get a chance to play those guys. I’m not worried about it at all right now.”

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Tailback LenDale White refrained from most drills because of ankle and back stiffness but said he would practice today.... USC was forced to adapt its workout because new sod was being installed down the middle of the main practice field.