USC NOTEBOOK: USC: DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE.

Byline: Scott Wolf  Staff Writer

This is the highest-profile USC-California game since 1952, the last time both teams were in the top 10, but the Trojans are ambivalent about suggestions that the presence of ESPN's ``College GameDay'' and a sellout crowd make it even bigger.

``Sometimes, there's always too much hype,'' tailback LenDale White said. ``There was too much hype last year with the BCS. But if it weren't for the hype, who would come to the game? You need it and you don't need it.''

USC coach Pete Carroll realizes you can lose an early game and still rebound in the polls and claim a share of the national title.

``I've already learned how in this part of the season, people want it to dictate the rest of the season,'' Carroll said. ``I don't think this game will for either team, unless they allow it to. I think it's overblown, but I wouldn't want to minimize it either.''

--Schweiger uncertain: Defensive end Jeff Schweiger, who has a bone bruise in his knee, tried to practice Thursday but wasn't sure if he would play. Carroll, of course, said Schweiger would play.

``I think he's going to be ready to play, surprisingly,'' Carroll said. ``I'm pushing the trainers a little. I'm planning on taking him to the hotel and having him ready to go.''

Schweiger was less optimistic.

``I want to play, but the trainers don't think I can play,'' he said. ``I want to see how it feels on game day. I'm hesitant on it right now. The trainers say it's 65 percent recovered.''

Linebacker Matt Grootegoed will start because his sprained ankle feels better than expected.

``I didn't think I would run at all, and I'm jogging around,'' Grootegoed said.

Meanwhile, safety Darnell Bing remains out, although his main injury is now a pinched nerve in his neck along with a sore shoulder. Bing underwent a bone scan Thursday.

``It's all up in the air,'' said Bing, who did not practice Thursday and said he was not sure when he would return.

Cornerback Eric Wright left practice after suffering flu-like symptoms. Carroll said Kevin Arbet and Justin Wyatt will start again at cornerback. White, tailback Reggie Bush and tight end Dominique Byrd are all fully recovered from injuries.

--Unaware of Bears: Safety Scott Ware, who is from Santa Rosa, said he never considered the Bears despite Cal being the closest school to his hometown.

``They were losing too much,'' he said. ``They were in the process of recruiting me when I committed to USC.''

--Disputed date: USC and Cal agree that the Trojans lead the all-time series 56-30-5. However, Cal claims the first game took place in 1912, while USC says it occurred in 1915.

The reason for the dispute is that USC played rugby instead of football from 1911-1913 and does not count those games in its football records.

--Acting bug: Former USC tailback Delon Washington and defensive tackle Cedric Jefferson appear in the latest Nike commercial featuring Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

Former tailback Sunny Bird, safety DeShaun Hill and offensive lineman Derek Graf are extras in the film ``Friday Night Lights.''

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com