LOS ANGELES — Freshman quarterback Matt Barkley isn’t the only one who will be making his official USC debut Saturday at the Coliseum.

First-year quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates will call plays for the first time, and he will have several adjustments to make after calling them for the Denver Broncos last season.
Unlike the NFL, college football doesn’t use the helmet radio receivers that enable coaches to talk to quarterbacks while they are on the field.
“I’ll miss having that,” said Bates, who would give last-second tips to Jay Cutler as he broke the huddle.
Bates also will miss the photos of formations that are made available on NFL sidelines.
“Having the pictures is almost like a cheat sheet. You are kind of seeing the play,” Bates said. “You are seeing the coverage if you missed it at the snap, so it’s going to be more challenging ... but I look forward to it.”
Bates will rely on offensive coordinator John Morton to relay formation information from the coaches’ booth.
As for Bates’ advice for Barkley, the coach wants his pupil to keep it simple.
“Just play like the quarterback is supposed to play the game,” Bates said. “I want him to manage the huddle, manage the plays and just go out there and have fun.
“He’s worked his tail off. He’s very prepared. He’s watched the defense. He’s focused. Just go out there and do what he’s been doing his whole life.
“Just play the game of football the way it’s supposed to be played, play it with respect, give 100 percent, and let’s go. Let’s get it on on Saturday.”
NOTES
Defensive tackle Averell Spicer will not play against San Jose State, USC coach Pete Carroll said Wednesday. Spicer returned this week from a high ankle sprain but has practiced on only a limited basis. ...
Cornerback Brian Baucham missed his third consecutive practice because of the flu and is out of the mix to be the nickel cornerback against the Spartans. Marshall Jones and T.J. Bryant are battling for that spot, and Bryant made a push with a pass deflection and interception of Barkley late in practice. ...
Receiver Ronald Johnson hopes to be running within three weeks after suffering a broken clavicle Saturday. Johnson has had to sleep in a chair since getting hurt because he can’t lie down. ...
Tailback Curtis McNeal missed the latter portion of practice to ice the shoulder that has bothered him since mid-August.