Carroll Concerned for Ellison

USC safety Kevin Ellison, who intercepted a pass that set up the top-ranked Trojans’ final touchdown in their victory over Arizona State, might have torn knee ligaments on the play, Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday.

“It really blew up,” Carroll said.

USC has already lost one defensive back for the season because of a knee injury. Cornerback Terrell Thomas tore ligaments against Arkansas on Sept. 17 and is scheduled to have surgery this week, Carroll said.

Ellison is expected to have an MRI exam today.

Freshman Will Harris, who has practiced at safety and cornerback since returning from an ankle injury in training camp, and cornerback Mozique McCurtis, who is coming back from stomach surgery in August, will get extended repetitions this week to possibly fill the void in the Trojans’ nickel package.

USC, which extended its winning streak to a school- and conference-record 26 games in its 38-28 victory Saturday over Arizona State, remained atop the Associated Press poll for the 24th consecutive poll. USC also remained No. 1 in the coaches’ poll and the Harris poll, which will help determine participants in the Rose Bowl, this season’s bowl championship series title game.

The Trojans came back to defeat Arizona State by turning to a running game that produced 373 yards, the most since they rushed for 491 against Utah State in 1989. The Trojans, who play host to Arizona on Saturday, vaulted to third nationally in rushing with a per-game average of 279.8 yards.

“The guys at the line of scrimmage just got better as the game went on,” said Carroll, who added that center Ryan Kalil and left guard Taitusi Lutui stood out.

LenDale White and Reggie Bush each rushed for more than 100 yards for the second consecutive game, the first time since 1977 that two Trojan backs have achieved the feat.

Bush, who gained 158 yards, is the first Trojan back to gain 100 yards in three consecutive games since Sultan McCullough in 2000. Bush ranks eighth nationally in rushing at 122.8 yards a game. He is second in all-purpose running at 207.3 yards a game.

White, who gained 197 yards against Arizona State, is 17th nationally in rushing at 109.3 yards a game.

Carroll said the Trojans “just went to the basic stuff” offensively because the passing game was not functioning as it usually does.

“We tried a little bit too hard,” Carroll said.

Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart received seven stitches in his chin at halftime after Arizona State linebacker Robert James knocked him out of the game for two plays with a late hit in the first quarter.

Carroll said he did not think that Leinart was taking more hits this season. He said he thought it was “natural” that “everybody would like to hit the Heisman Trophy winner.”

Flanker Steve Smith, who caught three passes for 33 yards, said Leinart was affected by the play.

“We were open, he really wasn’t hitting us like we thought he could have been,” Smith said after the game. “He was getting things on us really hard, real close, and he was a little off on his deep balls.”

Carroll said he would continue working this week to rectify the Trojans’ propensity for penalties. The Trojans were called for 12 infractions that totaled 85 yards.

Through four games, the Trojans are averaging nine penalties for 73 yards a game.

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Carroll said nose tackle Sedrick Ellis might have strained a hip muscle and that defensive tackle Fili Moala would start again in place of LaJuan Ramsey (ankle) if Ramsey can’t play for the second consecutive week.... Offensive guard Fred Matua was treated for dehydration after the game, but was feeling better Sunday, Carroll said.... USC’s sports information office, clarifying information it disseminated to the media Saturday, said the 18-point deficit the Trojans overcame against Arizona State equaled the largest deficit the Trojans overcame for victory since 1974. USC fell behind California, 21-3, in 2002 before coming back to win, 30-28. In 1974, the Trojans fell behind Notre Dame, 24-0, and rallied to win, 55-24.