Davis’ Timing Is Much Improved

Tight end Fred Davis said he learned from his mistake.

In January, Davis missed the Orange Bowl trip after Coach Pete Carroll suspended him for returning late to campus after the holidays. It was the last in a string of tardy returns from his home in Ohio.

Davis, a sophomore, has been punctual this season and has worked himself into the lineup. With senior Dominique Byrd out because of a hip injury, Davis started last week against Stanford and caught his first touchdown pass. Byrd is expected to return today against Cal, but Davis could start again.

“I’m doing things right,” said Davis, who has eight receptions.

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Carroll, fearing a repeat of two years ago when the Trojans arrived at Memorial Stadium earlier than he had hoped, changed the location of the team hotel from Oakland to Berkeley for this trip. “It’s only 10 minutes away so we should be able to gauge it well,” he said.

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USC kicker Mario Danelo has not been called upon in a crucial situation this season, but he could be today if recent USC-Cal history is any indication.

Two years ago, a missed field-goal attempt by Ryan Killeen in the third overtime opened the door for a game-winning field goal by Cal’s Tyler Fredrickson.

Last year at the Coliseum, Killeen kicked three field goals in a 23-17 victory.

Danelo has made six of seven field-goal attempts and 59 of 62 extra points. Danelo’s longest field goal was from 36 yards. Freshman Troy Van Blarcom, who handles kickoffs, has been working recently in practice on longer field-goal attempts.

Cal kicker Tom Schneider has made eight of 13 field-goal tries and 41 of 42 extra points.

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USC leads the series against Cal, 57-30-5. ... Cal is 0-9 against No. 1-ranked teams. Top-ranked USC teams beat the Golden Bears in 2004, 1972, 1968 and 1967.

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Times staff writer David Wharton contributed to this report.

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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

USC’s offense is on the verge of several milestones. Reggie Bush last week rushed past the 1,000-yard mark for the season and LenDale White needs 88 yards to do the same. Split end Dwayne Jarrett needs only 37 yards receiving to eclipse 1,000. Quarterback Matt Leinart is 229 shy of 3,000 yards passing. Linebacker Desmond Bishop and end Nu’u Tafisi lead Cal, which is No. 1 in the Pac-10 in pass efficiency defense and is among the top three in rushing defense, total defense and scoring defense.

WHEN CALIFORNIA HAS THE BALL

Running back Marshawn Lynch is averaging 120 yards rushing a game and Justin Forsett is averaging 100 for a Golden Bear team that ranks second behind USC in the Pac-10 in rushing average. However, Cal ranks last in passing. Quarterback Joe Ayoob has passed for 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. USC ranks at or near the top of the conference in nearly every defensive category.

KEYS TO A USC VICTORY

1. Protect Leinart: USC’s offensive line must prevent Cal from delivering hits that could sideline the Heisman Trophy winner or throw him off his game.

2. Stop the run: USC must stifle Lynch and Forsett so it can pressure Ayoob into mistakes.

3. Be special: The Trojans must cover kickoffs and punts well and can’t afford missed field-goal or extra-point tries.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC Cal 49.9 Scoring 35.9 20.6 Points allowed 20.9 344.1 Passing offense 201.4 249.4 Rushing offense 243.2 593.6 Total offense 444.7 237.0 Passing defense 228.7 111.3 Rushing defense 125.8 348.3 Total defense 354.4

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-- Gary Klein