Trojan players noticed a perceptible change in the tone and speed of practice Wednesday, the official beginning of game-week preparations for Tuesday’s Rose Bowl.  Pete Carroll challenged his injured players to get on with returning to the team and proving that they’re healthy enough to take on the Illini. Carroll told the Times, “In essence, I just kind of threw the gauntlet down. ‘Fellas, it’s time to compete.” After practice the team met their oppoisition at Disneyland for their first Rose Bowl event.

• RB Joe McKnight missed practice because of a flight delay, but he joined the team at Disneyland, thank goodness.
• WR Patrick Turner remained sidelined with a bruised thigh and, according to Carroll, is doubtful for the Rose Bowl.
• RB Chauncey Washington, still nursing a hip injury, returned to practice saying he feels fine and will play against Illinois.
• OG Chilo Rachal practiced for the first time since injuring his right knee on December 7, telling reporters he feels “a lot better.”
• LB Keith Rivers took part in the first part of practice before the level of play was amped up.  Time will tell whether his ankle will feel good enough to share any serious playing time with Kaluka Maiava in the Rose Bowl.

USC’s injured starters back at practice (LA Times)
USC LB Rivers cut from a different cloth (LA Daily News)
Illinois and Rose Bowl a poor fit (LA Daily News)
Leman leads the way for Illini `D’ (Long Beach Press-Telegram)
USC’s Booty trying to prove critics wrong (Orange County Register)