Danelo is paid a tribute

USC paid tribute to the late Mario Danelo in a pregame ceremony and also after the Trojans’ first touchdown in their 38-10 victory over Idaho on Saturday night at the Coliseum.

Danelo, a record-setting kicker for the Trojans in 2005 and 2006, would have been a senior this season. He died in January from a fall from a cliff near his home in San Pedro.

Before the game, USC players lined up on the goal line at the west end of the Coliseum and turned their gaze to the video boards at the peristyle end to join the crowd in watching a montage of video clips and photographs of Danelo.

Coach Pete Carroll and Athletic Director Mike Garrett stood with Danelo family members at midfield for the presentation of Danelo’s No. 19 jersey.

After Stafon Johnson rushed for a touchdown with 8 minutes 52 seconds left in the first quarter, the Trojans’ extra-point unit ran onto the field and lined up for the kick, but kicker David Buehler remained on the sideline in tribute to Danelo.

After a five-yard penalty for delay of game, Buehler came on to convert the kick for a 7-0 lead.

USC linebacker Brian Cushing suffered a sprained ankle in the first quarter.

Cushing, a junior, hopped off the field with 5 minutes 45 seconds left in the first quarter after a three-yard rushing play by the Vandals.

Cushing was carted to the locker room a few minutes later. He did not return to the game.

Receiver Patrick Turner and cornerback Josh Pinkard, both of whom were scheduled to start, were held out for precautionary reasons.

Turner suffered a neck injury when he was hit during practice Tuesday by linebacker Rey Maualuga. He had returned to practice Thursday.

Pinkard sat out the second half of the Wednesday and Thursday practices after landing awkwardly on his left knee.

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gary.klein@latimes.com