USC Football Notebook: More focused McKnight no longer dropping ball
USC freshman tailback Joe McKnight said he met with Trojans coach Pete Carroll because he was upset about his fumbles. And since that meeting, he's been relatively fumble-free, which is significant because he's endured an inconsistent season.
"I was just mad I fumbled," Joe McKnight said. "I'm never going to drop the ball again. I've told myself that a lot."
Joe McKnight feels he's nearly mastered the Trojans' offense, which the coaches simplified for him after the season opener against Idaho.
"It's hard to know. It took me awhile," Joe McKnight said. "It was was hard."
Joe McKnight's also finally getting used to returning punts, and the speed opposing players come down the field to deliver a hit.
"It's a lot faster. I wouldn't use it as an excuse, but it's a big difference from high school," he said.
Helpful hint
Tailback Chauncey Washington, who gained a career-high 220 yards against California to earn Pacific-10 Conference Player of the Week honors, said he received advice from Athletic Director Mike Garrett.
"I talked to Mike Garrett the last two weeks and he said you have to be patient and take your time," Washington said. "Mike Garrett told me to hit the hole and not get hit."
Carroll said Washington's finally running with purpose, something he met several times with Washington to discuss.
"I wanted him to be a guy that was obviously running hard, knowing we had Joe coming on and he was not going to be that type of guy and Stafon (Johnson) coming on in a different style," Carroll said.
Injury update
Linebacker Keith Rivers (sprained ankle) said he wants to practice Wednesday although his foot was in a protective boot and he is not cleared.
"That's my diagnosis," Rivers said. "I'm feeling a lot better."
Linebacker Clay Matthews broke a bone in his hand and wore a cast. It's the same hand he broke earlier in the season. Carroll said Sunday it was the other hand. Matthews said he could play if USC played this week.
Quarterback John David Booty said his broken finger finally feels normal.
"My finger doesn't bother me at all," John David Booty said. "It did a little bit against Oregon State."
John David Booty took Monday off because of the bye week, but expects to return to practice today.
Offensive tackle Sam Baker (hamstring) is expected to play.
Carroll said the Trojans will not hit as hard as normal bye weeks, because they play on Thanksgiving against Arizona State instead of getting a typical two weeks off.
Galen dies
USC booster Lou Galen, who donated $35 million to the on-campus arena that bears his name, died Monday of heart failure. He was 82.
"He was our heart and soul," Carroll said. "He was a big factor, just a rock."
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