The Trojans will hold a short practice at noontime on Friday in advance of their 2:00p flight to the Bay Area. In the meantime, here’s what developed on Thursday:

• Butch Lewis was officially named the starter at left tackle for Saturday’s game, when he will replace Sam Baker (hamstring) for the second-straight week.
• The Times reports that RB Joe McKnight may be given a shot at returning kickoffs (in addition to punts) as soon as this week, although fellow freshman Ronald Johnson seems to have done a solid (if unspectacular) job in that position so far this year.
• RB Stafon Johnson (foot) has appeared to be back to 100% all this week and is expected to carry much more of a load on Saturday than he has during the past month. QB John David Booty also experienced a problem-free week for the first time since breaking his finger.
• FB/S Alfred Rowe, who has played mainly on special teams, is expected to miss Saturday’s game after injuring his ankle last Saturday.
• Suspended CB Vincent Joseph will be eligible to play against Cal.
• Doctors have told freshman RB Broderick Green, who is redshirting this season, that although he did not re-break his healing foot (which suffered a stress fracture earlier this season), he may have sustained a slight crack. Green will not participate in football activities until spring practice.
• Although the Trojans may punt away from star Cal return man DeSean Jackson on occasion, they do intend to kick to him, and get as much hang time on the punts as possible to give their coverage team a chance to get into position.

Booty says the rust is history (LA Times)
Young return men exude confidence (OC Register)
Cal’s Jackson taking quieter approach to USC this week (OC Register)
USC coach Carroll can’t shed Tedford (Padadena Star-News)
Thomas hopes to make presence felt (Daily News)
Rivalry resumes minus hype (Daily Trojan)
Insider: Conditioning with Chris Carlisle (Rivals, $)
Thursday Practice Report (Scout, $)