USC NOTEBOOK: THIEVES TARGET TROJANS GEAR.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

Interest in USC football is at an all-time high following back-to-back national championships, so perhaps that explains why thieves will take just about anything associated with the Trojans.

Two tents used to shade injured players, two exercise bicycles and a tackling dummy were stolen from Howard Jones Field this week. The USC campus is nearly deserted this time of year because school is not yet in session.

Even the players aren't immune. Cornerback Ryan Ting's Cadillac Escalade was stolen from a parking structure and found stripped of most parts several days later. Thieves disconnected a tracking device alarm system that prevented the vehicle from being found quickly.

``The LAPD said it was an inside job, because whoever stole it knew our schedules,'' said cornerback Brandon Ting, Ryan's twin brother. ``They knew we lifted weights at certain times and wouldn't be around when it happened.''

--Lua starts: Carroll said if the season began today, senior Oscar Lua would be the starter at middle linebacker.

``I want to settle down a little bit,'' Carroll said. ``Oscar's doing a good job and playing fine. It's helping us play better.''

With Lua pulling ahead in the competition, Ryan Powdrell was moved to outside linebacker for the first time.

Carroll said freshman outside linebacker Brian Cushing is excelling with the first string, replacing the injured Dallas Sartz (hip pointer), who could be out another week.

--Who's No. 3? Chris McFoy is the Trojans' No. 3 receiver, but Carroll said freshman Patrick Turner will see significant time.

--Sloppy O: The defense appeared to get the best of the offense during practices Saturday, which Carroll attributed to fatigue. It also helped that tailback Reggie Bush didn't practice for the second straight day because of a strained groin.

--Weight watcher: Offensive tackle Winston Justice lost 10 pounds the first day of training camp, and he said he consistently gains and loses 4-6 pounds each day. He currently weighs 299 pounds.

--Radovich injured: Offensive guard Drew Radovich suffered a concussion earlier this week, and things got worse Saturday, when he pinched a nerve in his spinal cord and sprained his neck after bumping helmets with defensive tackle Fili Moala.

Radovich was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday night.

The injury helps solidify senior Taitusi Lutui's hold on a starting guard position.

Long snapper Will Collins sprained his neck at the end of practice Saturday.

--Site change: The Trojans will practice on Cromwell Field tonight, their first on FieldTurf, the same surface used at Aloha Stadium, where the Trojans open the season against Hawaii.

--Highlight reel: Carroll showed the team film of former quarterback Matt Cassel's successful exhibition debut with the New England Patriots.

``It was awesome,'' Carroll said. ``We showed it to the guys, and they're so happy with his progress.''

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com