Washington is willing to be a workhorse again

Chauncey Washington wants to feel it again.

On Thursday, when 11th-ranked USC plays seventh-ranked Arizona State, it will be 12 days since the senior tailback carried the Trojans to a victory over California.

Washington rushed for a career-best 220 yards and one touchdown in 29 carries against the Golden Bears, keeping the Trojans on track for a possible berth in the Rose Bowl.

Washington is eager for a similar role, and a similar postgame feeling, against the Sun Devils, who are sixth in the Bowl Championship Series standings.

“Every running back wants to put the team on his back, but we have a great quarterback and receivers so if we can pass and be balanced that’s what we’re looking for,” Washington said Monday.

Last season against Arizona State, Washington was the workhorse during a game-winning fourth-quarter drive at the Coliseum.

He has rushed for 748 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

Coach Pete Carroll said Washington’s performance against Cal could portend more opportunity.

“He’s in great shape for this late in the season,” Carroll said. “He’s physically fit and really fast. It’s not too much to expect him to play a big role in this game and do the same kinds of things.”

Washington’s body benefited from last week’s open date, and Stafon Johnson’s sore foot also appears to have improved with the extra rest.

Johnson carried seven times for nine yards against the Golden Bears. Carroll said he could have a bigger role against the Sun Devils.

Junior linebacker Kaluka Maiava is on track to start for the first time since the 2005 season if senior Keith Rivers cannot play because of an ankle sprain.

Rivers was held out of nearly all drills again Monday but said he was determined to play, citing his comeback from a sprain to play against Washington.

“It was real bleak and I was able to make it out there and make a few plays . . . and not be a liability. So hopefully it works out that way this time,” he said.

Carroll said Rivers was “still very iffy.”

Speaking at his weekly news conference, Arizona State Coach Dennis Erickson said: “SC is SC. It’s unlike a lot of programs in the country. They have great tradition over the years, from John McKay to John Robinson, you can go on and on. The tradition is unbelievable.

“Believe me, I’m not the chamber of commerce for USC by any means, but you’ve also got to understand the tradition that they do have. Whoever was going to be the coach there had a chance to get it going, there’s no question about that.”

USC negotiated with Erickson to become the Trojans’ coach after Paul Hackett was fired following the 2000 season. USC eventually hired Carroll.

Tight end Fred Davis was selected as one of eight semifinalists for the Mackey Award, presented annually to the nation’s top tight end. . . . Defensive end Kyle Moore (hand) was examined by a doctor and said he was cleared to play Thursday.

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gary.klein@latimes.com

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at Arizona State (9-1, 6-1)

Thursday, 5 p.m. PST, ESPN