USC enjoys quiet prep time in Virginia for season opener

USC sought solitude today, a chance to practice far from crowds of fans and curiosity seekers.

Last year in Nebraska, a throng of Cornhuskers fans turned out at an Omaha high school and stood on a hillside overlooking the stadium. Coach Pete Carroll then directed his team to an auxiliary field that was shielded from view.

Because of wet turf this morning, the Trojans nixed plans to practice at a public high school and traveled instead to a small, secluded private school that featured a field shielded by trees.

A group of young children, who emerged from a classroom heading to a playground, constituted about the only spectators as the Trojans went through a one-hour workout in shorts and T-shirts.

“We canvassed the area,” Carroll joked afterward. “We’ve had kids going to school here for years just for this moment.”

Quarterback Mark Sanchez, who suffered a dislocated left kneecap three weeks ago, practiced without a brace for the first time, moving smoothly and even leaping to dunk a ball over the goal post crossbar.

Carroll said Sanchez did not need a brace but would wear one for Saturday’s season opener against Virginia.

Carroll also said that turf conditions at Scott Stadium might prevent USC from getting onto the game field as much as it would like for this afternoon’s walk-through.

Otherwise, preparations are going smoothly, Carroll said.

“All indications are we should be able to do what we want and hopefully we’re good enough to beat these guys,” said Carroll, whose team is nearly a three-touchdown favorite over the Cavaliers.

Asked whether he had decided who would start at tailback, Carroll said, “You have to wait and see. Where’s Waldo?”

 gary.klein@latimes.com