Jarrett Set for the Big-Game Atmosphere

Dwayne Jarrett has played in electric settings -- last season’s Orange Bowl and the season opener against Virginia Tech in Maryland -- but the sophomore receiver expected that playing at Notre Dame would at least equal the atmosphere of those games.

“It’s going to be exciting,” said Jarrett, who had six catches for 102 yards and two touchdowns in last year’s game against the Fighting Irish at the Coliseum. “We just need to go in there and play our game.”

Saturday’s game will be only the second since 1989 in which the teams have met while ranked in the top 10.

It will also be the first time that starting cornerback John Walker, a fifth-year senior, will play in the secondary at Notre Dame. He played on special teams there as a redshirt sophomore after not making the trip his freshman year.

“There’s no time to have butterflies,” Walker said. “There’s more of a sense of urgency because we have to start fast in order to execute.”

Walker, who intercepted two passes against Arizona State, said he was eagerly awaiting the game.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he said. “I’m finally happy that I can contribute on something other than special teams.”

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Running back Reggie Bush participated during a 90-minute practice Thursday. For a second day, he wore a rubber sleeve to protect his bruised right knee.

“He practiced real well yesterday and today,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “He’s at full speed.”

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Freshman linebacker Brian Cushing has been cleared to play by doctors and will travel to Notre Dame. Cushing, who sat out four games because of a shoulder injury, will back up strong-side starter Thomas Williams.

Linebacker Dallas Sartz, who has sat out three games because of a shoulder injury, participated in limited drills at practice.

Carroll said Sartz would make the trip to Notre Dame but probably would redshirt the season.

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Freshman Will Harris, who has practiced at safety and cornerback since returning from an ankle sprain, aggravated the injury and will not make the trip.... The Trojans are scheduled to conduct a short walk-through today.