USC starters McCoy, Smith, backup Spicer, ruled academically ineligible

Three USC players, 2 starters, ruled ineligible

LOS ANGELES — Southern California has ruled three players academically ineligible for the Emerald Bowl against Boston College.

USC announced Monday that tight end Anthony McCoy and tackle Tyron Smith, both starters, and defensive end Averell Spicer, a key reserve, will not play Dec. 26 in San Francisco.

McCoy and Spicer are seniors. Smith is a sophomore.

The rulings come three days after USC said it was investigating whether tailback Joe McKnight used an SUV registered to a Los Angeles businessman.

The Trojans (8-4) are coming off their worst season since 2001. USC had won seven consecutive Pac-10 championships and played in seven consecutive BCS games before this season.