Brice Butler: One of sons who also rises

Mark Whicker has a column on Brice Butler, son of Bobby Butler and one of several players involved in Saturday's game who had fathers that played pro football.

Writes Whicker: "The fathers of safety Taylor Mays, tight end Rhett Ellison, running back Marc Tyler, defensive end Wes Horton, brother and linebacker Shane Horton, tackle Matt Kalil, defensive end Devon Kennard and safety T.J. McDonald all played pro football, mostly in the NFL. And you don't need to be told about the Matthews clan.

"Having an NFL dad doesn't guarantee you can play receiver, or, for that matter, croquet. But if they have the physical gifts, the kids thrive on other advantages."

And here are updates from USC's final practice in Los Angeles, courtesy of the Orange County Register.

Coach Pete Carroll said center Kristopher O’Dowd (knee) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (illness) will start.


Running back Marc Tyler limped off the field and did not return. Carroll said a teammate stepped on his foot. Defensive back Josh Pinkard (foot) practiced after missing part of Wednesday’s workout.

Carroll said defensive tackle Averell Spicer (ankle), linebacker Luthur Brown (academics), and cornerback Brian Baucham (illness), all of whom sat out last week, will play.