Gable expected to start at tailback

Freshman tailback C.J. Gable, who was pressed into a starting role for USC against California, is expected to start against Notre Dame, Coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday.

With junior Chauncey Washington slowed because of a knee sprain, Gable gained a career-best 91 yards in 19 carries against Cal.

“He’s on track to be like he was last week,” Carroll said. “We’ll see how much Chauncey can add in.”

Gable started the opener against Arkansas after Washington was slow to recover from hamstring injuries suffered during the summer and training camp. Over the next eight games, however, Gable fell behind freshman Emmanuel Moody and Washington on the depth chart.

When Moody suffered an ankle injury and Washington sprained his knee against Oregon, Gable shot back to the forefront.

“In leaning on him and going to him, he did everything we asked him to do,” Carroll said. “He played really hard, consistently, took care of the football, made tough yards, made big plays, he did all of the things a good running back does.

“So in that regard, he feels a little better and we’re a little more sure about him being able to be the lead guy in the offense.”

Gable said he would not be intimidated by the prospect of playing against Notre Dame in a game that has national championship implications.

The Trojans are third in the Bowl Championship Series standings.

“I don’t really see the big deal of it, maybe because I’m a freshman, but I’m just going to treat it like a regular game,” Gable said.

Washington, who missed the last two seasons because of academic ineligibility, said he would play but remained frustrated by another injury that has derailed him.

“It’s hard, I guess, to sit out a couple years -- my body wasn’t used to getting banged up,” he said. “Maybe being away so long has something to do with it. A lot of people thought it would be better, but maybe not.”

Washington is eligible to declare for the NFL draft, but he said he planned to return next season.

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Starting right tackle Kyle Williams, who was stricken by a virus, was expected to return today after spending two nights in a downtown hotel. Williams’ father, Scott, said he paid for the room so his son would not infect his roommates, center Ryan Kalil and tackle Sam Baker.

USC’s line preparation has also been disjointed because backup tackle Charles Brown has been absent because of an illness in his family.

Guard Drew Radovich missed another day because of a bone bruise in his foot but said he would return today and play on Saturday.

If Williams is hindered against Notre Dame, Radovich could move to tackle and Alatini Malu would play left guard.

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Receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who suffered a concussion against Cal, participated in more drills and appears on track to play on Saturday.... Donald Trump, James Caan, Will Ferrell, Charlie Sheen and Ken Griffey Jr. are among the celebrities and athletes expected to be on the sideline on Saturday, a USC official said.... As part of an annual holiday toy drive, the Champions for Children organization will collect new, unwrapped presents outside various gates of the Coliseum on Saturday.... John David Booty is one of 11 finalists for the Manning Award, presented annually to the nation’s best quarterback.

gary.klein@latimes.com