Monday, November 07, 2005

Orange County RegisterCarroll defends using Maualuga vs. Stanford:

The linebacker, who faces a misdemeanor battery charge, played in the second half.

By TODD HARMONSON

USC coach Pete Carroll adamantly defended his controversial decision to play arrested linebacker Rey Maualuga against Stanford. He also said Sunday he won't let public perception guide how he runs the Trojans and will handle each disciplinary case on an individual basis. "I don't need a set of rules to govern my football team," Carroll said the night after his No.1 Trojans beat the Cardinal, 51-21. Carroll insisted he knew what was best for the Trojans and Maualuga, who was arrested Tuesday for suspicion of misdemeanor battery. No charges have been filed, though Maualuga is scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 22. "I don't have any second thoughts," said Carroll, who has Maualuga in a program that includes anger-management classes and community service. "Whatever we do could be scrutinized." Carroll met with his players committee last week to discuss Maualuga's situation, and the Trojans wanted to keep the freshman close because he is going through a turbulent time with his arrest and his father's serious illness. Maualuga was demoted to USC's scout team after police said he allegedly hit another student at a party, and it was not expected he would play. Carroll said he left his status unclear to keep Stanford uncertain, but he used Maualuga in the second half. Now Carroll might have to decide if he should use Maualuga in a more prominent role Saturday at Cal. Starting middle linebacker Oscar Lua injured his left knee against Stanford and could be out this week, though Carroll said his examination Sunday was encouraging. "He didn't have any swelling," said Carroll, who said Lua will have a an MRI examination today. "He didn't have any obvious symptoms other than he heard a pop when he hurt it." Carroll said he could keep Thomas Williams, who shifted from the strong side to the middle, in Lua's spot rather than start Maualuga. "We'll certainly give Rey a lot of playing time," said Carroll, who said he had not decided if Maualuga's status would change if the L.A. City Attorney files charges against him.

RANKINGS GAME

USC easily remained atop the national polls, including the two used in the Bowl Championship Series formula. The Trojans lost a little ground in the polls to No. 2 Texas, which benefited from Virginia Tech's loss, but USC improved in the computers because the Hokies fell. On his Web site, CollegeBCS.com, BCS analyst Jerry Palm projected that USC would remain in first place and slightly increase its lead over Texas when the new standings are released today. It has become increasingly obvious the Trojans and Longhorns are headed for a title-game meeting in the Rose Bowl if they remain undefeated.

NOTES

Carroll said it seemed like more than two seasons since USC lost at Cal on Sept. 27, 2003. "Ancient history," said Carroll, who said he would brief his players - many of whom weren't around for that game - about what happened in USC's most recent loss. The Trojans have won 31 consecutive games since the defeat. ... Carroll said tight end Dominique Byrd (hip pointer) remained questionable for the meeting with Cal. Fred Davis started Saturday in his place and caught his first career touchdown pass. ... Freshman defensive back Will Harris (knee) will have an MRI examination today to determine the severity of his injury.

 

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