Utah’s Hunter Is Likely to Play

Utah running back Dameon Hunter--the man USC will focus on stopping in the Las Vegas Bowl--received good news Monday when a reexamination of his aching right elbow confirmed the joint is not fractured. Hunter was hurt near the end of the Utes’ 38-37 loss at Air Force on Saturday, a game in which he rushed for a career-high 226 yards. His injury has been diagnosed as a bone bruise and he is listed as probable for the Christmas Day game.

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Although Norm Chow has been approached by several schools, the USC offensive coordinator said he is not chomping at the bit to be a head coach.

“I’ve never gone out looking for jobs,� he said. “Of course, it’s always flattering when people call.�

Chow, who recently took himself out of the running for the Southern Methodist opening, said he might be interested if the right circumstances arose.

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Offensive lineman Norm Katnik had an MRI on his twisted right knee but coaches characterized the exam as merely precautionary.