Toledo Decides on the Wet Look

Coach Bob Toledo, tied up with the usual trappings of USC week, sent assistant Bob Field scouting for a place to practice out of the rain Thursday, and the ballroom at Ackerman Student Union was available.

But not used.

“It would have been easy to practice inside,” said Toledo, soaked as he and the Bruins sloshed off Spaulding Field. “But football is a tough game. Maybe [practicing outside in the rain] will make us tougher. It might not pay off now, but maybe it will down the road.”

Drills were curtailed slightly but because Thursday is largely a game-plan day, with walk-throughs and half-speed play, the Bruins got their work in.

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Linebacker Danjuan Magee, who has not practiced all week because of a knee problem, worked out and his knee will be drained before the game Saturday to allow him to play against USC.

Defensive end Weldon Forde, recovering from a concussion, and right tackle Chad Overhauser, who has a sprained ankle, also worked out and are planning to play. Tailback Skip Hicks has been slowed because of flu but is expected to be ready Saturday.

Out will be right guard Andy Meyers with a broken leg, and linebacker Ryan Neufeld with a pulled hamstring.

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Officials at the Rose Bowl said that the field is covered and should be dry for Saturday’s game.