Virginia Tech May Be First Foe Next Season

USC is in negotiations to open next season against Virginia Tech in the BCA Football Classic, a school athletic official said Thursday.

“It’s not all said and done, and they have a long way to go with their stuff, but we feel real comfortable that we’re going to be in the game,” said Daryl Gross, a senior associate athletic director.

USC also announced a home-and-home series with Colorado State that will begin next season with a Sept. 11 game at the Coliseum.

The Trojans are also scheduled to play nonconference games at Brigham Young on Sept. 4 and against Notre Dame at the Coliseum on Nov. 27.

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Coach Pete Carroll said linebacker Matt Grootegoed will return to the starting lineup Saturday against Oregon State. Sophomore Dallas Sartz, who started four games in Grootegoed’s place, will also remain a starter along with middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu. Walk-on Collin Ashton, who started twice at weak-side linebacker, returns to a reserve role.... Freshman receiver Whitney Lewis will not play against Oregon State because of a strained knee ligament suffered during practice Wednesday, Carroll said.