Injuries Hamper Defense

The USC defense won’t be at full strength for the second game in a row, with two senior starters--linebacker Mark Cusano and safety Grant Pearsall--declared out for the San Diego State game because of injuries.

“This is disturbing, no doubt,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

Cusano, the Trojans’ third-leading tackler last season, played sparingly in the first game because of a hamstring problem that limited him in training camp. Now he’s bothered by a twisted ankle, an injury he suffered last week.

“I’m having trouble backpedaling, and they throw the ball a lot,” said Cusano, who hasn’t practiced this week. He’ll be replaced by sophomore Zeke Moreno, who started in his place against Purdue.

Pearsall, who sat out last season after undergoing surgery on his left knee, suffered a twisted right knee against Purdue and is trying to take it slow. Sophomore Ifeanyi Ohalete will start in his place.

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Like USC, San Diego State is playing two young quarterbacks.

Spencer Brinton, a 6-foot-5, 205-pound left-handed sophomore from Temecula, got his feet wet last season by starting the last five games as a freshman. Brian Russell, a sophomore, is the backup.

Against Wisconsin in San Diego State’s season-opening loss, Brinton completed 16 of 27 passes for 147 yards, with two interceptions.