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Otton's ribs return for rally

By Armen Keuilian
Assistant Sports Editor

All's well that ends well for USC quarterback Brad Otton.
After it looked like his season was over last weekend due to a bruised rib and a sternum injury against UCLA, Otton came back to start and eventually finish Saturday's 27-20 win over Notre Dame.
Otton aggravated his injury on only the fourth USC pass play, as Irish linebacker Kory Minor hurdled over the offensive line and clobbered Otton, sending him to the ground in pain.
"I definitely knew I was hurt and where I got hurt," Otton said. "I was throwing before the game and throwing ... hurt a little bit, but getting hit was what really aggravated (the injury)."
Otton was taken to the locker room for immediate treatment after Coach John Robinson told him he would not play again.
"Coach Robinson pretty much told me I was done," Otton said. "He didn't want me playing any more, but as big as this game was and as frustrating as this year's been, I was gonna go out swinging."
The trainers injected shots into Otton's chest until the pain subsided, allowing Otton to return for the entire second half.
"I was like a pin cushion," he said. "They kept asking me where it hurt and kept sticking me and finally they stuck me enough to make the pain go away."
Otton came back and began the drive with two run plays before finally testing out his throwing ability.
He completed his first pass to Delon Washington, and his second came in the following series--an over 30-yard attempt that was on the money but was dropped by R. Jay Soward.
However, when Otton stepped back onto the field, the players knew he was there to stay.
"When he came back in the second half, I really didn't notice that there was any change," offensive lineman Chris Brymer said. "He must've taken the miracle pill or something, but he played great. I give all the credit and respect to him in the world."
Otton finished the game 13 for 25 with 183 yards and two touchdowns, without an interception, earning the respect of every player on the team and every fan in the crowd.
"I made comments earlier this week saying that if I was Brad, I would sit out because they're a blitzing defense," Soward said. "He showed me a lot of heart today and that's why I like Brad so much. I'm happy for him."
Otton sat out most of the practices this week but had a little time on Thursday to work out with the team, not knowing whether he would be able to play, let alone start, on Saturday.
However, the offensive line provided Otton the protection that has been lacking all year, allowing just one sack and few hurries in the game.
"The offensive line did a great job keeping them off me in the second half, so I think this game pretty much goes to them," Otton said.
Offensive lineman Ken Bowen said, "He took a couple of shots at the beginning of the game; that got us nervous. From that point on, we knew it was imperative to complete our assignments ... and do whatever we had to do to get that done, and we did.
"I look at Brad as such a leader," Bowen continued. "He's so cool when he has to be and he knows how to keep things together. I'm so glad I got the opportunity to play and block for him."
In the locker room, Robinson came up to Otton and thanked him for his efforts, releasing something on Otton that has not been seen all year--a smile.
"Brad Otton was courageous; he's been courageous all year," Robinson said. "A lot of things went against him this year. He never blinked; he never gave up."
Members of the defense squad also handed their hats to Otton. "(Brad) epitomizes what a Trojan is all about," Matt Keneley said. "He went out there and played for us and that was awesome."
For Brad Otton, sitting on his locker room chair, the chance to tell reporters about a good outing after a big win was something he had waited for all year--something that was bigger than the Rose Bowl victory last year.
"With all the frustrations this year and everything that's piled on week in, week out, to finally come out with a big win in a big-time game," he said. "I think for everyone it feels better than it did on New Year's Day."