USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: SCHWEIGER TO PLAY IN NICKEL.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF Staff Writer

USC defensive end Jeff Schweiger has been nearly invisible this season and did not play in the past two games, but he could finally have a key role Saturday.

``He's going to start in the nickel package,'' Coach Pete Carroll said.

It's quite a boost for Schweiger, a highly regarded recruit who has barely played this season. He did not see time against Oregon State or Arizona State and played just a few snaps against Washington.

``I'm excited,'' Schweiger said. ``But I'm not going to be happy unless I get sacks because I haven't done anything yet.''

The move is being made because USC's pass rush has been inconsistent. Defensive end Kyle Moore and linebacker Keith Rivers usually play the defensive end spot in the nickel defense.

Schweiger met with Carroll several weeks ago about his role on the team and was told he was not as big as Moore and not as quick as linebacker Brian Cushing, who starts at defensive end.

The chance to play is also welcomed for Schweiger because USC plays Stanford, and he is from San Jose.

``It's going to be cool,'' he said.

No blowouts, less time: Freshmen skill players like wide receivers Vidal Hazelton and Travon Patterson, along with tailback Stafon Johnson, are not getting much playing time, but offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said it is because games are a lot closer this season.

``In blowout games, John David Booty got a lot of opportunities last year,'' Kiffin said. ``Vidal, Travon and Stafon don't have a lot of chances right now with so many close games.''

Cold kickoffs: Kicker Troy Van Blarcom said he experienced difficulty kicking into the end zone against Oregon State because of the weather conditions.

``I don't want to make excuses but the air was thick. There was a lot of mist,'' Van Blarcom said. ``It went away in the second half, but I could have done better.''

Another problem is Van Blarcom has felt soreness in his hip joint. He underwent a MRI twoweeks ago that showed no problems, but the test was sent to a specialist for further review.

``It's harder to get warmed up because of my hip,'' Van Blarcom said. ``You can't do a lot of kicks because you get tired. In games, I don't feel it as much because of my adrenaline, but in practice I feel it.''

Injury update: Linebacker Rey Maualuga (sore groin) is fine, but tight end Fred Davis is bothered by a sore knee while tight end Anthony McCoy is hampered with a sore hamstring.

Defensive end Travis Tofi (foot) is still out and probably won't be cleared until next week.