USC FOOTBALL: BCS STILL LIKES TROJANS.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF Staff Writer

The Bowl Championship Series computer rankings do not care how close USC came to losing against Washington State or Washington. And as much as fans might complain, some controversial play calling doesn't matter either.

As long as the No. 3-ranked Trojans keep winning, it doesn't matter what the margin is, because the BCS computers do not consider margin of victory, which explains how USC was first in at least two computer rankings Sunday. And the unimpressive nature of the victories is doing nothing to dispel voters in the human polls.

In short, as long as the Trojans (5-0 overall, 3-0 Pac-10) keep winning, they should finish in the top two in the BCS rankings.

But about that play calling? USC coach Pete Carroll defended the most controversial play in Saturday's 26-20 victory over Washington.

USC faced a third-and-goal situation at the 4-yard line and about 1:42 left, but instead of running the ball and forcing Washington to use its last timeout, the Trojans tried to pass. Quarterback John David Booty's pass was nearly intercepted, and perhaps more important, the clock stopped.

``We could have (run), but we wanted to go for the touchdown, we thought we had a play we could make it,'' Carroll said. ``We thought it was the right thing to call a play for a touchdown.''

It's the kind of call that gets masked over with a victory, much like some of the calls in the Rose Bowl would be less controversial if the Trojans defeated Texas.

Without an explosive and reliable offense, however, USC's defense is feeling the burden.

Carroll remained unhappy that officials did not start the 25-second clock faster at the end of the game, although Washington remained oblivious and was unable to snap the ball with two seconds left.

Carroll also said he would challenge three USC penalties in his written report to the Pacific-10 Conference: two holding calls, which cost USC a touchdown and a long run by Chauncey Washington, along with a late-hit penalty on safety Taylor Mays.

Meanwhile, the injury crisis at wide receiver might improve. Steve Smith has a first-degree ankle sprain, which means he has a chance to play this week.

Dwayne Jarrett's shoulder is not considered worse after playing Saturday.

Mays (shoulder stinger) is supposed to practice today, while offensive guard Chilo Rachal (ankle) is expected to start practicing full-time at some point this week. Lineback Oscar Lua bruised his shin but should be OK.

Also: With Patrick Turner catching 12 passes, this is the first time USC has had three different players with 11-or- more-reception games in one season (Turner, Jarrett, Smith).

Since 1926, only four USC players have had more receptions in a game than Turner did Saturday: Johnnie Morton, John Jackson, Mike Williams, and Keyshawn Johnson.

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USC 26, WASHINGTON 20

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