There is some doubt whether California will start Kevin Riley or Nate Longshore at quarterback against USC on Saturday, but Trojans coach Pete Carroll made it clear who he preferred to face at the Coliseum. "The guys that can run make it harder for you," Carroll said. "That's the unpredictable factor." That was a reference to Riley, who suffered a concussion last weekend against Oregon and missed Monday and Tuesday's practices. But he returned Wednesday and looked sharp. Longshore, the Canyon High of Canyon Country product who is less mobile, faced the Trojans the past two seasons. "There's a chance they could play both," Carroll said. "They've done it in seven games this season." Riley passed for 1,065 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interception while Longshore passed for 767 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. Riley is 5-1 as the starter while Longshore is 1-1.
Nick Howell will start ahead of Butch Lewis at right tackle for the third straight game. The pair alternated every three series against Washington last weekend. ... Alex Parsons remains the starter at right guard ahead of Zack Heberer. Although tight end Blake Ayles (bruised knee) said he would not play against Cal, Carroll said Thursday he will wait until Saturday to make a decision on Ayles' status. Tailback Joe McKnight (turf toe) completed practice without problems and is expected to be fine. Defensive tackle Averell Spicer (ankle) and safety Kevin Ellison (knee) are out. Ellison watched film Thursday of Stanford because he intends to return for next week's game against the Cardinal.
Line shifts Ayles update Last chance?
This could be the final ranked team USC plays in the regular season. Among the Trojans' remaining games, Notre Dame is 5-3, Stanford is 5-4 and UCLA is 3-5. USC ranked just 10th in the BCS computers last weekend but got a slight boost from the human polls.
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