Trojan Times: Pete Carroll turns the focus on youth

While the Beanie Wells watch continues in Ohio this week, USC's open date on Saturday allows the Trojans to turn inward.

The focus, as per Pete Carroll's bye-week formula, will be on freshmen.

Offensive linemen Tyron Smith, Khaled Holmes and Matt Kalil are expected to get extensive work with the first-team offense when the Trojans return to practice today.

"We'll see how far they can take it," Carroll said. "I don't have any goal in mind."

For all of the talk about competition and positions being up for grabs on a daily basis at USC, only one offensive lineman has gone from reserve to starter based on merit during a bye week after an opener.

-- Gary Klein
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Photo by Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times