USC FOOTBALL NOTEBOOKL: NO EXCUSES FOR VAN BLARCOM.

Byline: SCOTT WOLF  Staff Writer

The excuse that USC kicker Troy Van Blarcom struggled against Stanford because he was hurt drew skepticism, especially from Van Blarcom.

Van Blarcom got yanked from the Stanford game by Pete Carroll for short kickoffs, then later returned and kicked his final attempt in the end zone. Carroll said Sunday he did not know Van Blarcom's groin bothered him.

But there were doubts within the program that Van Blarcom's groin was the cause of the short kicks, and even Van Blarcom admitted Tuesday it did not restrict him.

``The reason I'm hurt is not be the reason I'm kicking bad,'' Van Blarcom said. ``My hip (and groin) doesn't hurt from what I would be doing while I'm kicking.''

Van Blarcom said getting replaced bothered him.

``I was pretty angry,'' he said. ``They were probably trying to motivate me.''

Punt returner? Tailback C.J. Gable of Sylmar, who returns kickoffs, returned punts during Tuesday's practice.

One more week: Neither wide receiver Chris McFoy (shoulder) nor fullback Stanley Havili (broken leg) were cleared by doctors to play against Oregon. They will each return next week.

Havili said he does not want to redshirt but will discuss the situation with Carroll.

Tofi cleared: Defensive end Travis Tofi, out for the first eight games with a foot injury, will be able to play this week.

Meanwhile, linebacker Kaluka Maiava underwent a MRI for a sore back that kept him out of practice. Middle linebacker Luthur Brown switched to weakside linebacker to make up for Maiava's absence.

Dennis staying: Tailback Hershel Dennis, who has missed the season with a knee injury, said he will stay at USC and apply for a sixth year of eligibility, although he has considered trying to play pro football.

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