There May Be Some Static for Van Raaphorst Brothers

Mark it down as a tough day for the Arizona State radio analyst.

His brother is USC’s starting quarterback.

Jeff Van Raaphorst, the most valuable player of the 1987 Rose Bowl game as the Sun Devils’ quarterback, got a taste of describing the action with his brother in the game last season when Mike Van Raaphorst replaced John Fox. Jeff Van Raaphorst had to struggle not to call his brother by his first name.

“On the air, he’s going to call me Van Raaphorst,” said Mike, who talked to Jeff early this week--but not about game plans, which is verboten .

“Actually, we didn’t talk about football,” Mike said. “I was trying to find a baby-sitter for his 2-year-old, who’s not going to the game.”

It’s another battle of big-play speedsters, and this time Arizona State’s J.R. Redmond is the challenger to Soward.

The multitalented Redmond--tailback, receiver, kick returner and occasional defensive back--accounts for more than 171 yards in total offense a game.

That’s about 85 yards rushing, 32 yards receiving and 54 in kickoff and punt returns.

Soward averages 150 yards a game--about 60 yards receiving, 31 yards rushing and 59 on returns.

Redmond, a junior from Carson High, will be making his first appearance in the Coliseum as a Sun Devil because the last two USC-Arizona State games have been in Tempe.

Morton will keep receiving treatment and the condition of his back will be assessed before the game, but he’s expected to play. . . . Tight end Antoine Harris will start after recovering from an ankle injury that might require postseason surgery to remove scar tissue. . . . Matt McShane will start at center after recovering from a knee injury, with Eric Denmon, who also was sidelined because of a knee injury, available if needed.