Pete Carroll named John David Booty the starting quarterback for Saturday’s game against Oregon State, an unsurprising announcement given that Booty’s fractured finger had healed enough for him to take most of the first-team snaps in practice this week.

• OG Chilo Rachal was given the day off to rest his sore calf, which tightened up on Thursday. He is still expected to play on Saturday.
• OT Sam Baker (hamstring) felt some slight improvement on Thursday, but he is still doubtful for this week–although whether or not he is able to see the field against Oregon State will be a game-time decision. Butch Lewis will start in his place.
• Rivals reports that RB Stafon Johnson has had his best week of practice since injuring his foot a month ago, although he has had to alter his style to compensate for the injury.
• Trojan coaches are expecting injured Beaver tailback Yvenson Bernard to play on Saturday. Officially, he’s day-to-day.

Insider: Stafon ready to give needed boost (Rivals, $)
Oregon State expected to bring pressure against USC (LA Times)
Through it all, USC’s John David Booty focuses on winning (LA Times)
Sanchez’s starts give him an advantage for next season (OC Register)
USC’s Booty to start against Oregon St (Daily News)
USC offensive coordinator Sarkisian under fire from fans (Daily News)
Booty to start for Trojans against Oregon State (Press-Enterprise)
Trojans’ Booty ready to return from injury, will start vs. Beavers (CBS Sportsline)