USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: CARROLL REVERSES HIS CALL.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

USC coach Pete Carroll does not believe in instant replay, but he used it Monday to apologize to his offensive line.

Carroll criticized the offensive line during meetings for poor blocking on quarterback Matt Leinart's heralded 1-yard touchdown run in the 34-31 victory over Notre Dame, but after reviewing films, he told the offensive line later Monday he was sorry.

Two of the best blocks were delivered by tight end Fred Davis and offensive tackle Sam Baker, who created the opening for Leinart to score. Davis' blocking improved so much this year that he replaced tight end Dominique Byrd on the play.

``I didn't think we scored at first,'' Davis said. ``Then I saw Matt got in. I couldn't believe it.''

--No gunners: USC's punt team is already a weak spot after allowing two touchdowns in three games, but now the team is extremely low on gunners, the players who line up wide and race down the field when the ball is snapped.

Desmond Reed, who is out for the season with torn knee ligaments, was one starter. The other starter, Brandon Ting, struggled on the play where Notre Dame scored a touchdown. And the primary backup, William Buchanon, is out with a hip flexor.

``We're going to have tryouts this week,'' Carroll said.

Josh Pinkard, who will probably replace Buchanon, as the nickel back is considered the top candidate to be a gunner and Carroll said he would decide this week whether to replace Ting.

Reed's also going to be missed on kickoff returns, where he lined up opposite Reggie Bush. Carroll said safety Darnell Bing would probably replace Reed. Freshman Cary Harris could also play a role on kick returns if necessary.

Cornerbacks Mozique McCurtis and Will Harris, who are first-year players, will probably redshirt.

--Manic Monday: With an emotional victory over Notre Dame, Carroll emphasized forgetting the big victory on Monday to avoid a letdown against lowly Washington.

``I'm concerned,'' he said. ``Everybody's talking about the Notre Dame game. The effects of the game could linger. It can be a factor. We came out today and talked about not allowing it to distract us.''

By the end of practice, Carroll was satisfied.

``This is the best Monday practice by far,'' he said. ``Our most energetic.''

--Sartz surgery: Linebacker Dallas Sartz will undergo shoulder surgery next week and officially redshirt.

``No one wants to sit out their senior year,'' Sartz said. ``It's definitely been tough.''

Sartz said he has only 17 units left to graduate and could graduate this semester.

``I'm going to have to pick up a minor or something,'' he said.

With Sartz out, it's likely freshman Brian Cushing will play this season, even though he did not play against Notre Dame. Cushing's been out since the season-opener with a dislocated shoulder but was cleared to play last week.

--Not pleased: Carroll blamed himself for Notre Dame's final touchdown drive, where USC's defense appeared unprepared. Carroll calls the defensive signals.

``I wish I could have helped our guys more,'' he said.

--Jarrett OK: Carroll said wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, who scratched his cornea, is fine and will play against Washington.

--On the turf: USC practiced on FieldTurf on Monday to prepare for Washington's Husky Stadium, which has a similar surface.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com