COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT : WEEKDAY UPDATE : USC : Youth Movement Getting Stronger

With injuries knocking sophomore tight end Yonnie Jackson and senior nose guard Gene Fruge out of Saturday’s game against California at the Coliseum, USC could start as many as eight freshmen against the Golden Bears.

Coach Larry Smith won’t announce his starting lineup until Friday, but six freshmen started in Saturday’s 13-6 victory over Arizona State. And the probable replacements for Jackson and Fruge--Brad Banta or Elic Mahone at tight end and Mike Hinz at nose guard--are freshmen. Against the Sun Devils, Jackson suffered a stress fracture in his left foot, Fruge a stress fracture in his right leg.

Among those expected back this week are tailback Mazio Royster and fullback Scott Lockwood, who were knocked out of the Arizona State game with concussions; linebacker Scott Ross, who was sidelined because of a broken right hand, and cornerback Jason Oliver, who missed the game to be at his father’s funeral.

Tailback Ricky Ervins, who hasn’t played since Sept. 29 because of a sprained ankle, will probably be available for limited duty against Cal, Smith said.