SC NOTEBOOK: CARROLL SKIPS ON BCS VOTE.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

When USC coach Pete Carroll said he doesn't care about top-25 polls, it's more than just garden-variety coachspeak.

Carroll declined an invitation to become a voter in the ESPN/USA Today coaches' top 25 poll, because he's not a fan of the national rankings.

``I don't know much about the process,'' Carroll said. ``Someone could do a better job who knows more about it.''

A vote in the poll is considered significant because the top-25 polls help determine the rankings for the Bowl Championship Series. But since he returned to college football, he's said he doesn't care where the Trojans are ranked in the polls.

``I don't put much stock in it,'' Carroll said. ``You just try to play well and make it obvious.''

Unlike Carroll, Arizona State coach Dirk Koetter accepted the chance to vote. One difference this year is that the poll is stressing to coaches they must fill out their own ballot.

``I do have someone who helps me,'' Koetter admitted.

--Gaining ground? Junior quarterback Brandon Hance (Taft of Woodland Hills) put together two of his best practices in camp and could have made things a little tighter at the position.

``He's taken advantage of his turns,'' Carroll said. ``This is his chance to do it.''

Carroll also said starter Matt Leinart struggled during Monday's morning practice but did better in the afternoon.

``I thought he was a little off in the morning but hopefully he'll come back like needed,'' Carroll said. ``This is the first time we've seen him in the catbird seat.''

Hance said he's more confident and received a boost from the atmosphere around training camp.

``I definitely feel more in the flow,'' Hance said. ``This morning I felt at my best. It sounds silly, but a lot of it is just getting around the guys, and having a lot of team camaraderie.''

--Lewis to tailback: Freshman wide receiver Whitney Lewis, who got off to a lackluster start in training camp, spent time at tailback Monday and made some nice plays running and receiving.

``It was kind of a little something they asked me to do, and I was cool with it,'' Lewis said. ``Coach Carroll said they wanted to make the best of my abilities.''

Carroll said giving Lewis time at tailback was always planned once he arrived in training camp and part of his philosophy to see players in more than one position.

``I don't want to set the ceiling with these guys, I want to blow the roof off,'' Carroll said.

In a less-visible switch, freshman defensive tackle Fili Moala spent time at offensive guard Monday.

--Booty out: Freshman quarterback John David Booty did not practice to rest his sore back after he experienced spasms Sunday.

Booty said he might sit out today's practice but felt he could play. He underwent an MRI on his back several weeks ago because he felt some tightness and some family members have a history of back problems.

``Nothing showed up (on the MRI),'' Booty said.

--More line woes: Starting guard Lenny Vandermade has a slight tear in the sole of his foot and did not practice in the afternoon. He joins fellow starter Jacob Rogers (sore foot), who is still not practicing, along with senior reserve Eric Torres (ankle).

In their absence, freshmen Drew Radovich and Sam Baker are getting action with the first unit.

Wide receiver Steve Smith (Taft of Woodland Hills) and cornerback Will Poole continue to nurse cramps and did not practice but are expected back today. Defensive lineman Shaun Cody and linebacker Oscar Lua skipped the afternoon practice to rest their knees. Both are coming off reconstructive knee surgery.

--Up-and-down: Safety Darnell Bing needed to receive fluids intravenously after losing nine pounds in camp. He gained five back Monday and weighs 223 pounds.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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BRANDON HANCE

Junior quarterback of Taft of Woodland Hills is taking advantage of his chances.