With senior safety Kevin Ellison sidelined because of a knee injury, junior Will Harris made his first start a memorable one in USC's 56-0 victory over Washington on Saturday at the Coliseum.
Harris tied for the team lead with six tackles, including 2 1/2 for losses.
"Kevin helped me prepare for the game," Harris said. "Every week in the film room I'm with him, following in his footsteps to see how he does things."
Coach Pete Carroll praised Harris for his work filling in for Ellison, who will have surgery this week and is expected to be out two to four weeks.
"It's classic for us -- losing your captain and one of your best players . . . and the next guy has a chance to step up and he did it and answered the call," Carroll said.
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Penalty problems
For the second consecutive game, the Trojans amassed 10 penalties.
"It's disappointing, that's something that we have to deal with after as much emphasis as we've put on it," Carroll said.
Carroll said he thought running back C.J. Gable had been penalized for making a "Lambeau Leap" into the crowd after scoring a touchdown, but Carroll said he later learned that Gable had slapped hands with a child.
"Some of the stuff I'm not worried about," Carroll said. "The area of concern for me is guys that continue to get penalties -- the same guys."
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Best wishes
Washington Coach Tyrone Willingham shook hands with Carroll after the game and then drifted back toward the Huskies sideline, where he was eventually greeted by Trojans tailback Stafon Johnson.
Willingham, who will step down at the end of the season, had recruited Johnson out of Dorsey High. Two years ago, after Johnson did not play against the Huskies, Willingham had offered the then-freshman encouragement, telling him, "It will work out for you -- I know it. I believe in you."
Johnson returned the favor Saturday.
"It was good to see him again," Johnson said. "He said, 'Good luck in the season, do what you do and say hi to your mom.' "
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Tyler shines
Redshirt freshman Marc Tyler got his first extended playing time and rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown in 16 carries.
"It felt good," said Tyler, who redshirted last season while recovering from a broken leg suffered during his senior year at Westlake Village Oaks Christian High. "It just felt good to be out there to take hits and give hits. It was all fun."
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Big picks
