Thursday, October 28, 1999

Igber probable
for USC game

By Pat Bigold
Star-Bulletin

Despite a right shoulder sprain, California freshman tailback Joe Igber has been upgraded to a probable starter for Saturday's home game against USC.

Coach Tom Holmoe said at his weekly press conference he is counting on the former Iolani star to play and seek his fourth straight 100-yard game.

"Going into the game, we believe Joe Igber will play," said Holmoe.

"His injury was a first-degree AC sprain, which wasn't serious, but is sore."

The 5-foot-7, 190-pounder suffered the injury when he rushed for a Cal freshman record 182 yards in last weekend's loss to Washington.

Igber will get a look at his main rival for Pac-10 Freshman of the Year honors. USC wide receiver Kareem Kelly is coming off an eight-catch, 129-yard performance against Stanford. He is ranked 24th nationally in receiving yardage, averaging 90.29 yards per contest.

Igber is ranked seventh in the conference in rushing, despite only starting the last three games. His average of 5.7 yards per carry is second only to Arizona's Trung Canidate.