Patience pays off

They just couldn’t help themselves.

All week, Allen Bradford walked off USC’s practice field and was approached by fans offering congratulations for his 147-yard, two-touchdown rushing performance against Oregon State.

The message was always the same.

“They say, ‘I’m glad that it finally happened. You waited patiently, and good things come to those who wait,’ ” Bradford said Thursday.

The junior tailback, however, can hardly wait for Saturday when the Trojans, who are fifth in the BCS , play No. 10 Oregon at Autzen Stadium.

Joe McKnight is expected to start again for the Trojans, but Bradford is counting on a significant role.

Running backs coach Todd McNair was happy to see Bradford rewarded for his patience.

“He’s good at putting things behind,” McNair said. “Hopefully, he can keep stringing those games together.”

McKnight completed the entire workout Thursday after sitting out much of the day before because of a hamstring strain that was causing tightness behind his right knee.

McKnight also is recovered from a knuckle bruise suffered against Oregon State, which allowed Bradford to seize his opportunity.

“It’s motivating him so he can come back with the same game,” McKnight said of Bradford. “And it’s motivating me to get more production and help him out more.”

McKnight rushed for 65 yards in 11 carries against Oregon State.

McCoy out

As expected, tight end Anthony McCoy will not play against Oregon because of an ankle sprain suffered against Oregon State.

Rhett Ellison will start in place of McCoy, who did not practice this week. Blake Ayles also will play.

“I’m not trying to make too big a deal of it,” said Ellison, who has caught three passes, including one for a touchdown. “I’ve been in before for a couple of plays in the first series, but this is a little more on my shoulders.”

Quick hits

Receiver Damian Williams, who has been nursing a sore glute, completed most drills and is expected to play. . . . Fullback Stanley Havili (shoulder) will make the trip, but D.J. Shoemate will start. . . . Receiver Ronald Johnson will return kickoffs, though Coach Pete Carroll said it had not yet been determined who would start.

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gary.klein@latimes.com

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