GABLE ON THE RUN FOR USC FORMER SYLMAR STAR LEADS THE RUSHING ATTACK.

Byline: MATTHEW KREDELL Staff Writer

C.J. Gable stood behind the end zone signing autographs and taking pictures with fans until every USC player was back in the locker room.

It was the former Sylmar High standout's first chance to bask in the adulation the Trojans community throws at its football stars. He didn't want it to end.

Subbing for an injured Chauncey Washington, Gable rushed for a career-high 91 yards and caught a key 35-yard screen pass as USC clinched a Pac-10 title and at least a Rose Bowl berth Saturday with a 23-9 victory over California at the Coliseum.

``People hadn't really seen me how I really am because I hadn't gotten the carries,'' said Gable, who rushed 19 times after having just 40 carries in the previous nine games. ``But they saw some of it today, and I have more that they'll see later.''

Gable, a freshman, started the season opener but quickly fell behind Washington and Emmanuel Moody on the depth chart.

Last week, Moody injured his ankle and Washington sprained his knee.

Washington tried to play but wasn't his usual self.

``We needed him to step in today and he did well,'' Washington said of Gable. ``I wasn't surprised at all.''

Gable got his first carry on the sixth play of USC's first drive and took it 17 yards. He carried the ball the next three plays as well, gaining five yards and then 13 more before being stopped for no gain.

With the Trojans down 9-6 and the offense struggling in the third quarter, Gable broke off a 24-yard run on first-and-15 to set up the tying field goal.

Then, on one of the biggest plays of the game early in the fourth quarter, he broke from his pass block and caught a short screen pass from John David Booty that he took 35 yards to set up USC's go-ahead touchdown.

``It's a tough for a freshman to be called upon in a big game like this but he was ready for it,'' offensive lineman Kyle Williams said. ``We opened the holes for him and he hit them.''

Gable, who wears the letters ``SHS'' for Sylmar High School over his eye streak in the same fashion former USC star Reggie Bush used to have his hometown area code, said he felt like he was back at Sylmar again.

``I felt really comfortable,'' Gable said. ``It's the first time I've been able to feel comfortable running in college.''

Gable knew coming into the game that Washington could be limited. He was told to be ready.

At midseason, Gable was the one who was injured. He battled a groin injury that caused himn to fall behind. But he used the time to learn to eliminate the mistakes that cost him the starting job early in the season.

``I was kind of nervous the first game, so I wasn't good at running the ball, finding holes and stuff,'' Gable said. ``I learned from watching. I've been waiting for my opportunity to come again and this was the time, so I took advantage of it.''

If not for security asking him to go in the locker room, Gable might still be out on the field savoring the night.

``Without the fans, there wouldn't be no game,'' Gable said. ``Everyone wanted to say something. It was crowded out there. But I love it. That's why I came here.''

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CAPTION(S):

2 photos, 6 boxes

Photo:

(1) USC running back C.J. Gable ran for a career-high 91 yards in the Trojans' victory over Cal.

Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer

(2) Lane Kiffin, USC offensive coordinator 

Box:

(1) BY THE NUMBERS

(2) THEY SAID IT

(3) HERO

(4) GOAT

(5) STAT OF THE GAME

(6) USC LOG