All Quiet for Westward Flight as Team Departs

Compared with its final practice before departing for its opener last year, USC’s 90-minute session in shorts and pads Thursday was serene.

Shortly before leaving for Landover, Md., to play Virginia Tech in the Black Coaches Assn. Football Classic last August, USC Coach Pete Carroll was informed that All-American receiver Mike Williams was ineligible and that his two-year Trojan career was finished.

“About 15 minutes before we left, I got a phone call,” Carroll said. “Now that I think about it, it’s amazing that’s what happened right when we were leaving. But it’s a long time in the past and it’s behind us.”

Said Tim Tessalone, USC’s sports information director: “It was a circus. ... The buses were lined up and we were finding out as the kids were walking to them.”

There were no such distractions Thursday, when the team departed for Saturday’s opener at Hawaii.

“Mike had his bags packed and he was waiting,” receiver Steve Smith said. “It was kind of upsetting and messed up our morale a little.

“This year, we are focused and confident and know who will be there.”

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Detroit Piston point guard Chauncey Billups was at practice, watching his cousin, running back LenDale White. “He’s had a great career,” Billups said. “Only two years and two back-to-back-championships. ... I’m real happy and proud.”

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The Trojans will conduct a walk-through practice at Aloha Stadium this afternoon. ... Safety Darnell Bing did not practice Thursday because of flu but he is expected to be available Saturday, Carroll said. Sophomore Josh Pinkard took Bing’s spot with the first-team defense. ... Punter Tom Malone, who has a hip injury, did not kick after punting earlier in the week. He said he would be ready for Saturday.