By Scott Wolf, Staff Writer
When you win 31 straight games, you develop an invincible aura, and No. 1-ranked USC certainly doesn't fear anyone. After routing Stanford on Saturday night, cornerback Josh Pinkard was asked about playing No. 2-ranked Texas in the Rose Bowl. "Why not? We wouldn't have a problem with them. We're not afraid of them," Pinkard said. The ability to shrug off opponents applies off the field as well, as USC coach Pete Carroll dismissed critics who were upset that he played linebacker Rey Maualuga against Stanford, four days after Maualuga was arrested for misdemeanor assault when he punched another student at a party. "I'm not worried about it. People have opinions and can think anything they want," Carroll said. "I can't wait and see what everyone else will say. We did what we think we think is the right thing and I don't have any reservations. "There's no question he stepped out of character so we have to help him. We went through it the way that we do it. We considered all the circumstances and how remorseful the guy was." Carroll said he's aware people want harsh sanctions against Maualuga, who apparently will not incur any on-field penalties from the incident. He's already been enrolled in anger-management courses and done community-service type events. "It's always like that (with critics)," Carroll said. "That's the way it goes." Carroll added there is no set of rules to govern players getting into fights, or any other matter. For example, last month Carroll reprimanded two players for inappropriate behavior at a party but did not suspend them. "I don't need a set of rules to govern the football team where we do everything the same way," he said. "We take it case by case." Conversely, Carroll suspended tailback Hershel Dennis two games last year for breaking team curfew and holding a party during training camp, during which time Dennis was also the subject of a sexual-assault investigation. Carroll conceded Sunday his punishment might change if charges are filed against Maualuga. "It's not over," he said. "I've gone on what I know. This isn't close to being resolved as far as where we are." Whatever Carroll does, it's doubtful any criticism will emerge from USC circles. It's good to be king and better to be the USC coach right now. The Trojans (9-0, 6-0) are on course to finish the regular season No. 1 and play for their third consecutive national title.
Asked about UCLA losing its first game, Carroll said, "It's hard to keep winning." But he didn't care about Los Angeles being deprived of two undefeated and untied teams playing in the crosstown rivalry for the first time since 1952. "I can't worry about that," Carroll said. "I have enough trouble with my own guys and matchups to worry about other teams."
Injury update: USC received encouraging news Sunday when middle linebacker Oscar Lua's knee showed no signs of swelling or other symptoms of torn knee ligaments. Doctors feared the worst Saturday night when Lua heard a pop in his knee after a player got driven into him from behind. "He's had a couple scares during the season where we thought he was hurt and he wasn't," Carroll said. An MRI today will reveal whether or not the knee is seriously damaged. Cornerback Will Harris will also undergo an MRI, but his knee was swollen Sunday and he could be out the rest of the season. Without Lua, freshman Brian Cushing probably starts at strongside linebacker with Thomas Williams switching over to middle linebacker. Collin Ashton starts for the injured Keith Rivers at weakside linebacker. Carroll said he probably would not start Maualuga, although the freshman made five tackles against Stanford. "It's getting bad," Cushing said of the linebacker depth. "We've lost a lot of linebackers. And Oscar was the heart and soul of our defense." Tight end Dominique Byrd (sore hip) remains questionable but Carroll thinks he can return this week. Rivers (hamstring) could also return. Remember the time: Carroll is aware that USC returns to scene of its last loss when the Trojans play at California on Saturday. "That game's been well-referenced, certainly, but I'm going to have to tell some of the young guys because they don't know anything about it," Carroll said. "That's a long time ago. Ancient history. But it's only a couple years ago."
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