Trojan deals with setback

LOS ANGELES – Kristofer O’Dowd is used to being in the middle of the action, so you can imagine how difficult the past several weeks have been for USC’s junior center, who has been stuck watching from the sideline.

O’Dowd was a first-team All-Pac-10 selection last season and a preseason All-American this season.

But an August knee injury limited his effectiveness, and the coaches pulled him from the lineup in late October.

O’Dowd knew he wasn’t playing up to his capabilities and agreed with the decision. But that didn’t make it any easier to stomach.

“It’s a horrible feeling,” O’Dowd said Wednesday. “I want to be a part of this. I want to be out there contributing to this team. I want to do everything I can to make us the best we can (be). As of now, that’s not my role on the field. Hopefully, it will come soon. I’m just waiting for my opportunity.”

That chance could come Saturday against UCLA, but the coaches are hesitant to make dramatic changes.

The offensive line is playing well with senior Jeff Byers at center, and it’s harder to platoon at that position because you risk disrupting the timing between the center and quarterback.

“For the last two weeks, I’ve wanted to get him some playing time,” offensive line coach Pat Ruel said of O’Dowd. “It’s hard with the center spot, changing snappers, so you have got to be careful with what you do. But he really needs playing time. Jeff is playing well, so we’re in a mode (of) trying to pick and choose our spots.”

•USC is getting healthy at the right time.

Receiver Damian Williams continued to impress in his return from a sprained ankle. He played with the first-team offense against the scout team and appeared to be running and cutting without difficulty. He’s expected to play against UCLA but won’t return punts.

“He’s the biggest weapon we’ve got out there,” play-caller Jeremy Bates said of Williams. “Just look at what he does when he’s got the ball in his hands. He’s a threat.”

Barring any setbacks, USC should have Williams, tight end Anthony McCoy and fullback Stanley.