USC NOTEBOOK: CARROLL: `TIME TO GET SERIOUS'.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. - No incidents or rules violations led to USC coach Pete Carroll's decision to ``lockdown'' the team early in preparation for the Orange Bowl.

The Trojans were supposed to be able to go out in Miami through Saturday night, but Carroll changed his mind Saturday afternoon and threatened any player who left with not suiting up for the game. USC players were not allowed to leave the hotel following Sunday evening's practice in Davie, Fla.

``We need to get our game faces on,'' defensive line coach Ed Orgeron said. ``It's time to get serious.''

Quarterback Matt Leinart joked that he preferred women in Los Angeles to South Beach because the Trojans were on ``lockdown'' and he hadn't had enough time to check.

--Bush to start: Carroll said tailback Reggie Bush would start over LenDale White, who's missed most practices since the UCLA game.

``It just makes sense to do that,'' Carroll said. ``It's obvious to me Reggie will start.''

White practiced extensively on Sunday night, however, and said he's ready to go full speed. ``Did you see me out there?'' he said. ``I was feeling great.''

--Million-dollar club: Orgeron will make $1 million next season at Mississippi, according to sources.

--Deja vu: USC held its final practice of the season and it reminded Carroll exactly of the Trojans' final practice here two years ago. Both were held at Nova Southeastern University.

``It feels just like two years ago, with Ryan Killeen kicking the game-winner to end practice again,'' Carroll said.

Carroll said he has no qualms about Killeen kicking in the Orange Bowl.

``We'll go with him all the way,'' he said.

Carroll held a boisterous celebration at midfield at the practice's conclusion.

``I told (Shaun) Cody we've celebrated about five times now,'' he said. ``We didn't need to celebrate another time but this was great.''

--Healing powers: White said Carroll's wife, Glena, performed a prayer for his ankle in the team hotel this week.

``Everyone was at the hotel standing around ... She came up to me and asked how my ankle was,'' he said. ``She performed a short prayer for my ankle. She had her hands in the vicinity of my injury. The next morning I woke up and it felt great. I did not feel 100 percent but it felt better than the whole time I have been recovering from the injury. She did the prayer on Thursday night. She is probably my guardian angel.''

--Stat of the day: Although junior tight end Dominique Byrd is primarily a receiver, senior Alex Holmes averages more yards per catch.

--Just like home: USC will wear its cardinal jerseys in the game and be considered the home team.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com