USC’s Marqise Lee reinjures knee in first half of loss to Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — USC receiver Marqise Lee reinjured his left knee in USC’s 14-10 loss to Notre Dame on Saturday night at Notre Dame Stadium.

Lee had been sidelined for USC’s 38-31 victory over Arizona because of a knee sprain he suffered on a punt return Sept. 28 against Arizona State.

Lee practiced last week and said he would be ready to play against Notre Dame. He started and caught two passes for 18 yards in the first half.

He watched the second half from the sideline in a sweatsuit.

Stepping up

Nelson Agholor, who had a breakout performance against Arizona, had another strong game.

Agholor, a sophomore from Florida, amassed 209 all-purpose yards.

Agholor, who caught seven passes for 161 yards and a touchdown in last week’s victory over Arizona, had six receptions for 89 yards against the Fighting Irish. He also had 120 yards in kick-return yardage, including a 48-yard punt return in the second quarter that helped set up an Andre Heidari field goal for a 10-7 USC lead.

However, Agholor appeared to suffer an injury on USC’s last offensive play, a fourth-down incompletion on which he was hit by two Notre Dame defenders.

Rogers returns

Freshman receiver Darreus Rogers returned from injury to catch six passes for 60 yards.

Rogers suffered a high ankle sprain against Boston College on Sept. 14.

The former Carson High standout had 16- and six-yard receptions during the Trojans’ first scoring drive.

Rogers has seven receptions this season.

Familiar foe

Notre Dame running back Amir Carlisle, who transferred from USC after the 2011 season, rushed three times for 12 yards.

Carlisle got his first carry during Notre Dame’s second series. He gained three yards on the third play of a 10-play, 77-yard drive that culminated with Tommy Rees’ touchdown pass to tight end Troy Niklas.

A few plays before Niklas’ reception, Carlisle dropped a pass.

Tight fit

Niklas, who played at Anaheim Servite High, caught three passes for 45 yards in the first half, including the seven-yard touchdown from Rees. It was Niklas’ fifth touchdown catch of the season.

Niklas finished with four receptions for 58 yards.

Quick hits

Former USC offensive lineman Anthony Munoz addressed the Trojans before the game. . . . Starting right guard Aundrey Walker suffered an apparent injury late in the second quarter and was replaced by Jordan Simmons. Walker returned in the second half. . . . The game was played in front of the 235th consecutive sellout at Notre Dame Stadium.

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein