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USC players get ready for the buzz at Oregon State

USC players prepare to take the field prior to the start of Saturday's game against Utah. The Trojans are doing everything they can to be ready for the hostile environment that awaits them in Corvallis, Ore., on Friday.
(Stephen Dunn / Getty Images)
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A nearby swim stadium is under construction, so USC players and coaches are accustomed to hearing heavy machinery during practice at Brian Kennedy-Howard Jones Field.

But on Monday, interim Coach Ed Orgeron introduced the Trojans to something new.

Technicians repeatedly blared the recorded sound of a chainsaw to prepare players for the trademark sound effect that rumbles through Oregon State’s Reser Stadium on third downs, energizing Beavers fans and players.

USC offensive lineman John Martinez remembers what it was like in 2010, when Oregon State defeated the Trojans, 36-7.

“That crowd was insane,” Martinez said Monday, adding, “Coach O is trying to get us ready for it. So whenever we hear that sound we won’t think anything of it.”

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Orgeron said crowd noise would be piped into practice Tuesday and Wednesday to ready players for an environment that has been tough on the Trojans.

USC has not won at Reser Stadium since 2004.

Two weeks ago, the Trojans struggled with false-start penalties during a 14-10 loss at sold-out Notre Dame Stadium.

“Maybe the crowd affected us — maybe it didn’t,” Orgeron said, adding, “You can’t simulate it all the way, but I want to do a better job as a head coach of doing that.”

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Friday’s kickoff is at 6 p.m. The forecast calls for evening temperatures in the 40s with a chance of rain.

Quarterback Cody Kessler grew up in Bakersfield and said he was accustomed to playing in cold conditions.

“I like playing in the cold,” he said. “It doesn’t bother me.”

Lee questionable

Receiver Marqise Lee, who is nursing a knee injury that sidelined him against Utah, was among the injured players absent from a one-hour workout that was conducted without helmets or shoulder pads.

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Orgeron said Lee was questionable for Friday’s game and that right tackle Kevin Graf probably would not play because of an ankle injury.

After Graf was hurt against Utah, Max Tuerk moved from left guard to right tackle, Martinez switched from right to left guard, and Aundrey Walker played right guard.

In 2012, Tuerk started the last five games at left tackle. He has been training to play right tackle in the event of an emergency, Orgeron said.

“He’s what we call our swing guy,” Orgeron said.

Kessler was sacked five times against Utah and also “was hit too many times,” Orgeron said.

“We identified those things and changed a couple things in our offense that we think can help us,” Orgeron said.

Quick hits

Tight ends Xavier Grimble and Randall Telfer, who sat out against Utah because of ankle and knee injuries, respectively, went through some running drills. Both said they hoped to play Friday…. Linebacker Morgan Breslin (hip) will sit out again, Orgeron said…. The Trojans will practice Tuesday and Wednesday and then depart for Oregon after a short workout Thursday.

gary.klein@latimes.com

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Twitter: @latimesklein

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