Trojans Need Ellis to Rush Back

USC is hoping that split end Dwayne Jarrett will be able to play this week against Washington, but nose tackle Sedrick Ellis’ availability is perhaps even more pressing for the Trojans.

Despite playing against a depleted Washington State offensive line Saturday, USC failed to record a sack or put much pressure on quarterback Alex Brink during the Trojans’ 28-22 victory.

“It was not nearly the pass rush we were hoping for,” Coach Pete Carroll said Sunday. “We didn’t get close to the quarterback much.”

Ellis, who has missed the last three games while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, is expected to practice this week. His return to the lineup would have an immense impact on the Trojans, according to Carroll.

“He’s one of our best players,” Carroll said. “When you lose your best player it factors in. Maybe you don’t see it directly, but subtly it certainly does.”

There was nothing subtle about the way Brink took advantage of the USC secondary. Receivers Michael Bumpus and Jason Hill combined for 18 receptions and the Trojans were penalized for pass interference three times.

Said Brink, who passed for 287 yards: “I had all the time in the world for the most part.”

Washington State outgained USC, 418 yards to 404, the first time in nearly two years that an opponent amassed more yards than the Trojans. (California rolled up 424 yards to USC’s 205 on Oct. 9, 2004, but the Trojans won, 23-17, with a dramatic game-ending defensive stand.)

Asked if he thought the defense had been exposed, Carroll said, “We’ll find out. I don’t think so.”

Carroll credited Washington State for effectively mixing protections and keeping Brink on the move to avoid pressure.

Still, the lack of a push by USC linemen was a contrast to the week before when the Trojans had five sacks against Arizona.

“You can’t point your finger anywhere,” Carroll said. “Nobody got the kind of rush we need.”

Ellis could help provide it.

The junior from Chino had surgery on Sept. 12 and began rehabilitation the next day. He ran on the sideline during practice last week and said he hoped to be back for Saturday’s game against Washington, which is off to a 4-1 start.

*

Jarrett, who missed the Washington State game, is not the only Trojans receiver trying to overcome a shoulder injury.

Senior Chris McFoy is scheduled to have an MRI exam this week to gauge the damage he suffered Saturday.

*

Starting right guard Chilo Rachal twisted his ankle and begins the week questionable for the Washington game. Alatini Malu will work in Rachal’s spot.... Carroll said junior tailback Chauncey Washington (71 yards in 18 carries) had his most productive game, but freshman Emmanuel Moody (69 yards in eight carries) did not get the ball enough. “We’d like to get a better mix there with those guys,” Carroll said.

*

gary.klein@latimes.com