USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: BOOTY UNSURE OF START.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF 

Staff Writer

USC quarterback John David Booty's finger looked worse Monday, and his chances of playing against Arizona are uncertain, but he will try to grip a football at some point this week to prove he can play.

"I sure hope I can play," Booty said. "The questions are am I accurate? Can I put velocity on the ball? Am I giving my team a chance to win?

"If I can't throw over 15 yards, I shouldn't be out there."

Booty got cleared by doctors, so it's just a matter if he can grip a football. He will try today, but is not sure if he will be able to do it.

"It looks bad. It's black and blue," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Sophomore quarterback Mark Sanchez will get more snaps this week in case he needs to start. Sanchez said he understands what Booty is going through because he fractured his thumb in August.

"I guess I'd by lying if I said I didn't feel any different (this week)," Sanchez said. "It's an unfortunate thing to happen to J.D. I experienced it earlier this year. (The coaches) just said to be ready."

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian was asked if it was legitimate to consider Sanchez at quarterback, even if Booty were healthy.

"I think it's worth asking the question," he said. "I don't know if it's to be true. John David's proven a lot. He had an unlucky second half. There was miscommunication on passing routes on the first interception in the second half and the second interception. If he struggled all week in practices, yeah, there would be competition."

Where's Bradford? Freshman tailback Joe McKnight is not the only tailback stuck on the sideline. Sophomore Allen Bradford's also been a no-show the past two weeks.

"I wasn't frustrated," Bradford said. "I kind of look at Hershel. He's been here for sixyears. It took him awhile. I can't complain. I'm only a sophomore."

Bradford said he received many text messages after the game from family and friends.

"Angry and supportive," Bradford said.

Bradford also said he does not want to switch positions.

"I'm too deep into playing tailback," he said.

Carroll said Bradford and McKnight have similar issues to confront before they play more.

"They have to be comfortable to where they can express their ability without thinking too much," Carroll said.

Monday meeting: Carroll faced USC fans at his regular Monday lunch, which is open to the public. Asked how it was, Carroll responded: "long."

He followed his usual approach of making a self-deprecating remark at the outset to help disarm the crowd.

"I took accountability," he said.

Injury update: Linebacker Brian Cushing (ankle) said he feels better, but seems likely to return for the Notre Dame game. Offensive guard Chilo Rachal (sprained knee) also seems likely to miss this week's game along with center Kris O'Dowd (dislocated kneecap).