Byrd Ready to Soar Again

Though he plays in an offense that generates 50 points a game, USC tight end Dominique Byrd has been relatively quiet this season.

Byrd has only 25 receptions, 12 fewer than last season, and has not scored a touchdown.

But Byrd said he would be ready to make a big play if called upon when the top-ranked Trojans play second-ranked Texas on Wednesday in the Rose Bowl.

“It makes it that much more special to be on the big stage and do the things I know I can do,” Byrd said.

In last year’s bowl championship series title game in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma, Byrd made a spectacular one-handed catch, completing a 33-yard touchdown pass play that tied the score and started the Trojans on a run of 28 unanswered points.

That play, along with a one-handed touchdown catch in the fog at Corvallis, Ore., were regarded as calling cards for a player primed for a starring role this season.

Byrd, however, never appeared to get completely on track.

He missed spring practice because of academic issues. He also suffered a broken jaw when flanker Steve Smith slugged him in a fight over a debt owed from playing video games.

In the opener against Hawaii, Coach Pete Carroll suspended Byrd for the second half after he drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Byrd started the next seven games but suffered a hip injury against Washington State, allowing sophomore Fred Davis to take on a larger role down the stretch.

Byrd, however, said he is healthy and prepared to help the Trojans win their third consecutive national championship.

“It’s my last collegiate game, and I just want to come out and work hard and kind of leave my legacy,” Byrd said. “If there’s a big play to be made, I can be counted on.”

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Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush reiterated Sunday morning that he did not care who won the NFL finale between the Houston Texans and the San Francisco 49ers, a game some dubbed the “Bush Bowl,” because the loser would be in contention for the top pick in the NFL draft.

Bush is regarded as the potential first pick if he decides, as expected, to turn pro.

By the time Bush arrived at Lawry’s the Prime Rib in Beverly Hills on Sunday night, he was aware the 49ers had defeated the Texans in overtime.

“Yeah, I know,” he said, rolling his eyes. “Everyone and their mom was text messaging me on the bus.”

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Carroll said the Trojans’ preparation was essentially complete after they practiced in the rain for the second consecutive day.

“We’re only a couple days away now after all the challenges and the months that go by and everything that can happen,” Carroll said.

Carroll said today’s workout was closed.

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Linebacker Keith Rivers will start and linebacker Thomas Williams will play against Texas, according to Carroll.

Rivers overcame a hamstring injury that plagued him throughout the second half of the season.

“I’ve been doing a lot of running and it’s still holding up. Everything looks great,” Rivers said.

Williams had arthroscopic knee surgery after the Trojans’ Nov. 12 game against California.

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Carroll said there were no problems with curfew or other issues Saturday night after the Trojans spent New Year’s Eve at a team party in their hotel. “Everything was just right. Everything worked out great,” he said.

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Times staff writer David Wharton contributed to this report.