Rivers Wants to Get Back in Flow

USC linebacker Keith Rivers is eager to pick up where he left off.

Rivers, in a breakout performance, made a career-high 12 tackles and intercepted a pass in USC’s dramatic 34-31 victory over Notre Dame two weeks ago. But hamstring tightness kept the sophomore from Florida on the sideline for most of USC’s game against Washington last week.

So today, when the top-ranked Trojans play host to Washington State, Rivers intends to assert himself the way he did at South Bend, Ind.

“I want to keep the process going, keep putting the pieces together,” said Rivers, the Trojans’ third-leading tackler.

Rivers, who plays the weakside spot, has shown signs of the playmaking ability that helped predecessor Matt Grootegoed flourish.

Rivers has three tackles for losses, including a sack, and has deflected a pass and recovered a fumble.

He made only one tackle in limited action against Washington, but said this week that his hamstring was fine.

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Washington State Coach Bill Doba described USC’s Frostee Rucker as “one of the best defensive ends in the country.”

Rucker, a senior, is the Trojans’ second-leading tackler and has 5 1/2 sacks.

In 2003 and 2004, Rucker played in the shadow of All-American tackles Shaun Cody and Mike Patterson and was often slowed by injuries.

“Now, since I’m not hurt, I can make some plays out there and I can run and dive and throw my body around a little bit better,” Rucker said. “I have to lead by example.”

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Top-ranked USC teams have won every time they played Washington State, in 1972, 1979 and 2004. ... USC leads the series against Washington State, 52-8-4. ... Off-site parking is available at Staples Center and the Los Angeles County Autopark. Parking at both facilities is $10. Shuttles from Staples Center begin four hours before the game and stop running an hour after the game. Shuttles from the autopark begin two hours before kickoff and end an hour after the game.

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BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX

WHEN USC HAS THE BALL

Look for play-calling that allows quarterback Matt Leinart a chance to establish rhythm with shorter passes. Split end Dwayne Jarrett has caught 25 touchdown passes in 20 games. Running back Reggie Bush appears sound after playing with knee and hip problems the last few weeks. Running back LenDale White, slowed by a thigh bruise this week, hopes to break out after two relatively quiet games. Washington State, fifth in the Pac-10 in total defense, will be without linebacker Will Derting, who has a knee injury.

WHEN WASH. STATE HAS THE BALL

Quarterback Alex Brink, running back Jerome Harrison and receiver Jason Hill are a formidable trio for an offense that ranks third in the conference. However, the Cougars will be handicapped without injured Michael Bumpus, the former Culver City High star who is their second-leading receiver and top kick returner. USC ranks eighth nationally against the run, surrendering 95.1 yards a game.

KEYS TO A USC VICTORY

1. Protect Leinart. The quarterback appears to be back in rhythm. The Trojans would do well to make sure he remains so.

2. Harness Harrison. If the Trojans hold running back Jerome Harrison under 100 yards, quarterback Alex Brink will be forced to put up more passes that could result in turnovers.

3. Special attention. The Trojans can ill afford any more major lapses by their special teams units.

HOW THEY COMPARE

*--* USC WSU 49.0 Scoring 39.1 21.6 Points allowed 29.7 331.3 Passing offense 301.6 249.9 Rushing offense 216.9 581.1 Total offense 518.4 252.1 Passing defense 257.0 95.1 Rushing defense 143.7 347.3 Total defense 400.7

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