USC's Joe McKnight has another chance for a Rose Bowl run
USC FOOTBALL
Going into the UCLA game, the Trojan tailback has had good gains but only one rushing touchdown.
The last time Joe McKnight played at the Rose Bowl, he had one of the biggest games of his USC career.
McKnight amassed 206 all-purpose yards in the Trojans' victory over Illinois last Jan. 1, sparking talk of a possible run for the Heisman Trophy this season.
But the sophomore tailback from Louisiana had not scored a rushing touchdown until last week, when he broke free for a 55-yard run against Notre Dame.
"He just hadn't been able to really get out and go and show his speed," offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. "Hopefully, he'll get a few more before the year is over."
McKnight returns to the Rose Bowl on Saturday when the fifth-ranked Trojans play UCLA.
He is averaging nearly eight yards a carry for a team that is rushing for 206 yards a game.
If the Trojans defeat the Bruins, McKnight will get another chance to play in Pasadena.
A victory puts the Trojans in the Rose Bowl against Penn State.
Klein is a Times staff writer.
gary.klein@latimes.com
