USC NOTEBOOK: FSU GOING AFTER LEWIS?

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

USC receiver Whitney Lewis is academically ineligible and currently attending junior college, but Florida State appears to be making another push for the sophomore after being spurned once before.

``He talks to the (Florida State) coaches all the time,'' Trojans receiver Steve Smith said. ``He has to go where his opportunities are. I hope he comes back here.''

Lewis could not be reached for comment but his family remains in touch with USC and he regularly talks to Smith. Technically, Lewis is free to transfer to any school he chooses next semester.

Lewis selected USC over Florida State on signing day during his senior year at St. Bonaventure High of Ventura.

--Nunn ailing: Cornerback Ronald Nunn will undergo a CT scan today after feeling pain in his mouth and face, forcing him to quit practicing. Doctors said the discomfort is related to an injury suffered last season, when Nunn broke his right eye socket.

``Before today, I had no problems,'' Nunn said.

--Germany long shot: Tight end Eugene Germany has until Friday to be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse, but it's considered unlikely to happen, which means he would be forced to sit out the year before re-enrolling next year.

Defensive end Thomas Herring, who was waiting for transcripts from Monrovia High to be certified by the NCAA, is expected to be cleared sometime this week.

``This is really ridiculous for this kid to keep waiting,'' Carroll said.

--Jarrett returns: Receiver Dwayne Jarrett practiced Tuesday after being held out of Monday's workout because he arrived late following a weekend trip to Ohio with tight end Fred Davis.

``I was upset at myself,'' Jarrett said. ``I'm done with trips the rest of the season.''

--Tale of the tape: Originally, USC did not intend to share its Virginia Tech game film with Colorado State as Hokies coach Frank Beamer asked that no exchanges be made because the Black Coaches Association contest was considered an extra game on the schedule.

But Beamer later changed his mind after Carroll suggested allowing exchanges. USC then prepared to send Colorado State its game tape last weekend but the Rams said they were no longer interested in trading films.

``It wasn't a big deal,'' Carroll said.

It's assumed both schools found copies of their opening games through other methods.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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No. 1 USC vs. COLORADO STATE