USC's Flournoy faces freshman dilemma
With junior wide receiver Ronald Johnson back from injury and starting again, it raises the question why USC did not redshirt freshman De'von Flournoy this season?
Flournoy has not caught a pass this year and did not even play in USC's 42-36 victory over Oregon State last weekend. But wide receivers coach John Morton said Tuesday he did not regret the decision to burn Flournoy's freshman year of eligibility.
"Not really, we had him in a couple games and he's gotten better every week," Morton said. "If either (starter) goes down, he'll get a lot more reps."
Flournoy said he did not mind utilizing his freshman year even if he does not play much this season.
"I thought I should redshirt before the (preseason) scrimmages but the coaches prepared me and I felt like I would be able to play this year," he said. "I have been on the field and know what it feels like to go into a hostile environment and that's helped my mental preparation."
One positive for Flournoy is that he said he no longer struggles learning USC's offense.
"I don't have any questions," he said. "It was the little things, like with the motions, that I had problems with before."
McCoy status
Tight end Anthony McCoy remained in a protective boot with a sprained ankle, but said he wants to try to practice Thursday.
"It's not swollen, but I don't know yet if I can plant on it," McCoy said.
Wide receiver Damian Williams rested because of a sore glute muscle.
"He's OK, we just want to keep him fresh," USC coach Pete Carroll said.
Wide receiver David Ausberry (strained calf) underwent an MRI on Tuesday and there is no timetable for his return. Wide receiver Brice Butler (sore back) is expected to return today.
Turnover tales
USC led the nation in turnovers gained since Carroll's first year (2001) with 227 but the Trojans rank 100th this season in the NCAA statistics. In seven games, USC intercepted just three passes and recovered six fumbles.
"We're fortunate to be where we are (6-1 record) with this turnover thing the way it is," Carroll said.
"We've forced 17 fumbles and only recovered six."
What about the lack of interceptions?
"We have had our shots (at the quarterback) with our sacks and it's usually the best factor for getting interceptions," he said. "It's been real quiet in that end. We have guys that can do it."
USC's takeaways decreased the past four seasons. The Trojans averaged 38 per year in Carroll's first five seasons. But in the next three seasons (2006-08), USC averaged only 26.
That might be one reason USC's offense scored 30 or more points in 27 of 32 Pac-10 games between 2002-05 but did it only 11 of 31 times from 2006-09.
Why Ellison?
Considering sophomore tight end Blake Ayles was one of the most highly regarded recruits in his class, it seemed odd that Carroll named sophomore Rhett Ellison as the starter if McCoy is unable to play.
"Rhett's been around more," Carroll said. "He is more versatile. Blake is more limited. Rhett is just further ahead."