Thursday’s big announcement was that Bruin head coach Karl Dorrell named Patrick Cowan–one of the heroes of UCLA’s upset over USC last season–as his starting quarterback for Saturday’s game. Cowan hasn’t played since November 3rd, when he suffered a collapsed lung in a game against Arizona. Another injured Bruin signal-caller–Ben Olson–may also see some action against USC. Tailback Craig Sheppard–a one-time walk-on who had risen to number two on the Bruin depth chart–has been held out of practice all week with an injured groin, and will be evaluated on the morning of the game to determine his availability.

As for the Trojans, offensive linemen Drew Radovich and Chilo Rachal returned to practice after missing several days with the flu. DT Fili Moala (concussion) also received word that he was cleared to play against the Bruins, and is on track to start. After looking good in practice all week, LB Keith Rivers (ankle) suffered a setback on Thursday, when he tweaked his sore ankle and had to sit out the remainder of practice with some soreness. However, he is still expected to play (and possibly start) on Saturday. The parents of Drean Rucker and Mario Danelo will be on hand Saturday as part of the Trojans’ senior salute. The highly-touted Rucker drowned while swimming in the ocean just prior to what would have been his freshman season in 2003. Former USC kicker Danelo died in January after falling from a cliff in San Pedro.

As for that other ongoing story this week–USC’s potential move to the Rose Bowl–well, let’s just say that when Athletic Director Mike Garrett sends an email out to ticket holders and alumni urging them to contact the Coliseum Commission, those fans do just that. And some of them make death threats.

Cowan to start at quarterback (LA Times)
Booty says UCLA wasn’t in his head (LA Times)
Coliseum commissioners receive threats (LA Times)
Rivers aggravates ankle injury in practice (OC Register)
Canyon Springs’ Rucker will be remembered on USC’s Senior Day (Press-Enterprise)
Cowan to start at QB for UCLA (Press-Enterprise)
Insider: Booty’s redemption (Rivals, $)