He Steals Another From Irish

USC linebacker Mark Cusano wanted to become a Notre Dame hero. Instead, he became an Irish killer. That’s almost as good.

“When I was in high school, I always dreamed of going to Notre Dame,” he said. “I had all their gear and that kind of stuff.”

But Notre Dame didn’t recruit him out of The Colony, Texas, sending him one letter and never following up. So he went to USC.

“One reason was so that I could play Notre Dame every year,” he said.

Last year, as a sophomore. he batted away Notre Dame quarterback Ron Powlus’ fourth-down pass in overtime, securing USC’s 27-20 victory. On Saturday, he intercepted a Powlus pass and returned it 27 yards to the Notre Dame 29, setting up the Trojans’ winning field goal.

“I can’t stand this team,” Cusano said of Notre Dame, “and I love them at the same time.”

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Mike Bastianelli, the Trojans’ third-leading receiver, was held out of the game because of a university-related ethics issue, USC announced.

Bastianelli’s infraction is not believed to have involved NCAA rules, illegal drugs or a criminal act.

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USC quarterback John Fox’s lingering ankle injury caused him to sit out two series in the fourth quarter when he hurt it on a late hit as he ran out of bounds.

Mike Van Raaphorst replaced him, but Fox returned for USC’s last two possessions after having the ankle retaped.

USC coaches say Fox’s ankle has bothered him much of the season, but Fox insisted again after the game that it’s fine.

Would he say that even if it weren’t?

“Yep,” Fox said.

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With Bastianelli out, freshman tight end Antoine Harris caught as many passes against Notre Dame as he had all season. His four catches for 52 yards led USC. . . . Powlus’ third pass attempt of the game was the 851st of his college career, breaking the school record set by Steve Beuerlein between 1983-86. Powlus also is Notre Dame’s career passing leader in yards (6,906), completions (511) and touchdowns (48).