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Trojans' Reed to Return as Captain

Nov 21, 2006 – 2:15 PM
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Scott Olin Schmidt

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After experimenting with 6'5" wide receiver Patrick Turner returning punts the last two weeks, USC Head coach Pete Carroll announced Saturday that tailback Desmond Reed will resume punt duty full time on Saturday when Notre Dame comes to the Coliseum.

The emotional return against the Irish will be even greater for Reed, who will be the week's honorary team captain against the Irish. Many Trojan faithful believe that the ankle-high grass was responsible for what was almost a career-ending injury to the promising Trojan tailback last year in South Bend. If not the grass, it was the loose turf, says Coach Carroll.

Notre Dame fans ask why Reed was the only player injured due to turf conditions--but I recall one Irish player going down to a similar fate during the game as well. Regardless of the facts, in such an emotional rivalry, any motivation coaches can give to focus their team on the opponent is an advantage.
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