White Sore, but He Says He Will Play Saturday

USC running back LenDale White, who has not practiced this week because of ankle and thigh injuries, is questionable for the top-ranked Trojans’ game at Washington State, Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday.

White has been playing on a sore left ankle since Sept. 18, when he sprained it against Brigham Young.

He suffered a left thigh bruise last week against Washington, but he played through it and finished with 93 yards and two touchdowns in 17 carries in the Trojans’ 38-0 victory at the Coliseum.

“I woke up the next morning, I stepped out of bed and almost collapsed,” he said.

White has been receiving daily ultrasound treatments on his thigh and hopes to practice today or Friday. He said he would play Saturday at Pullman, Wash. -- “I don’t have any doubt about it,” -- and when he was apprised of Carroll’s statement regarding his status, White said he would be prepared, “even if they just need me to block.”

Carroll said Reggie Bush would play more at tailback and that Hershel Dennis and Desmond Reed also would play if White were unavailable or limited.

Dennis, who has played sparingly since returning last month from a near monthlong suspension for violating team rules, expects White to play.

But he said he would be ready.

“I’ve got to go out there and show them when somebody is down they can look upon me,” he said.

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Redshirt freshman Drew Radovich could play significant minutes for the first time Saturday if starting right guard Fred Matua remains slowed by ankle and knee problems.

Matua participated in drills for the first time this week, but Radovich worked extensively with the first-team offense.

“I feel like I’m holding my own,” Radovich said. “I’ve taken two years to learn the system and I’m comfortable with it.

“I prepare every week like I’m going to go out and play. If something unfortunate happens to him and he goes down, I’m ready to go.”

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Receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who had been experiencing thigh soreness, took part in all drills for the first time this week.... Bush practiced after missing Tuesday’s workout to attend a funeral for a family member.

USC piped in crowd noise to simulate conditions at 37,600-seat Martin Stadium in Pullman.... USC’s 16-game winning streak is the second longest in Division I-A behind Boise State’s 18. It is the Trojans’ longest streak since USC won a school-record 25 in a row from 1931 to 1933.