Quarterback controversy? Not according to USC’s coaching staff. Pete Carroll reiterated in his weekly press conference on Tuesday that, without question, if John David Booty proves he’s fully recovered from his finger injury this week in practice, he will replace Mark Sanchez as the starting quarterback on Saturday. Booty took almost all of the first-team snaps in practice for the second-straight day, and looked strong–even after sustaining a fresh blow to the injured finger. In other injury news:

• OT Sam Baker (hamstring) was unable to practice on Tuesday. He is expected to miss the Oregon State game.
• C Kris O’Dowd returned to practice for the first time since dislocating his kneecap in the Washington game, and hopes to be able to contribute in the Oregon State game. Matt Spanos will remain the starting center for the time being, although both Spanos and O’Dowd got in some work at left tackle on Tuesday to shore up depth there behind Butch Lewis while Baker is out. The other tackle candidate, Charles Brown, is still out with an ankle sprain.
• Backup linebacker Kaluka Maiava is expected to play Saturday despite the addition of a hard cast on his arm, which is protecting a sprained or possibly broken wrist. X-rays were inconclusive, and Maiava will be examined again next week to determine if the wrist is broken.
• The results of an MRI exam were negative for star Oregon State running back Yvenson Bernard, meaning that his sore shoulder is merely sprained, rather than dislocated. Beaver coach Mike Riley indicated that Bernard’s status is day-to-day, and suggested that Bernard would play if he gets to a point where he wouldn’t be risking further injury by doing so. The tailback was originally expected to miss Saturday’s game.
• The offense spent extra time on Tuesday working out of the shotgun formation, which may even find its way into a game in the near future.
• Looking for something to do during homecoming festivities on Saturday? Stop by Heritage Hall, where the jerseys of Heisman winners Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush are on display for the first time.

Transcript of Pete Carroll / Mike Riley press conference (Official USC site)
Insider: O’Dowd’s defiant return (Rivals, $)
Tuesday Practice Report (WeAreSC, $)
Booty keeps making progress (LA Times)
Bush accuser files lawsuit (OC Register)
Carroll Looks Ahead (Press-Enterprise)
Booty gives Trojans’ offense more options (Daily News)