In what has been an unconventional bye week, with the Arizona State game kicking off next Thursday, what would normally be a full week to get young players seriously involved in practice has been cut short, but there have been glimpses of the fierce competition which will take place in the Spring.  QB Mitch Mustain has increased his arm strength running opposing teams’ plays on the scout team, and re-connecting with fellow redshirt and teammate (since 5th grade) WR Damian Williams has given both an opportunity to shine in practice. WR Brandon Carswell was also singled out for praise by coaches. A much leaner OT Martin Coleman impressed coaches on his second day back after shoulder surgery with his foot quickness. QB Aaron Corp has looked stronger and more confident, and RB Marc Tyler broke off some impressive runs, reminding Pete Carroll of the “classic tailback” in the Chauncey Washington mold, someone who can run, block, and catch the ball out of the backfield. Read on for some injury updates from Wednesday.

• The two most serious injuries facing the Trojans are Keith Rivers’ ankle sprains and Kyle Moore’s forearm nerve injury.  If the Trojans were to play Saturday, Rivers wouldn’t play, but his status for next Thursday is still to be determined. Moore has been fitted with a “Terminator”-looking brace which enables him to unclench his fist. It’s not clear when the arm will heal itself, and he’ll meet with doctors again Monday. Moore says that he’ll play next Thursday.
• LB Kaluka Maiava learned Wednesday that he broke his wrist several weeks ago.
• Safety Taylor Mays had a cortisone shot and wore a protective boot on his foot to protect his sprained ankle (sustained against Notre Dame), but he took the boot off Wednesday because it elicited too many questions.
• Offensive line coach Pat Ruel (who told reporters he’ll remain at USC next season even if he gets NFL offers) said that backup O-lineman Thomas Herring’s fractured patella tendon is expected to sideline him until next season.

Insider: Mustain, Williams reconnect on first team (Rivals, $)
Trip will include some family time for Everson Griffen (LA Times)
USC’s Buehler seeks a leg up in bid to kick in NFL (Orange County Register)
USC assistant coach Ruel not planning to leave for NFL (LA Daily News)
Mustain Getting Reps for USC (The Press-Enterprise)