COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT / USC : Cornerbacks Will Be Under the Gun

The pressure USC’s young cornerbacks will face against Hawaii’s run-and-shoot offense went up a notch Wednesday with the decision that freshman standout Darrell Rideaux will not play because of a sore back.

“As many defensive backs as we expect to play, this is clearly a blow,” USC Coach Paul Hackett said. “Young guys like Eric Reese and Tanqueray Clark will have to step up. Kevin Arbet’s in there too.”

Antuan Simmons, a junior, is the only veteran among the half-dozen cornerbacks who figure to play against Hawaii’s four-receiver sets.

The other starter is sophomore Kris Richard, who made 14 tackles last season as Daylon McCutcheon’s backup.

“It’s a tough way to start,” Richard said. “We expect them to throw 50, 60-something passes.”

Richard expects to be a target.

“We’ll be out there on an island, and they’ll have me on an island too,” he said. “I’m pretty sure they’ll be coming after me. Antuan is on the other side, and he’s made a pretty good name for himself.”

Rideaux has a recurring back problem that Hackett said is similar to the condition that slowed tailback Chad Morton last season.

“The feeling is rest will make a big difference, and because of the bye next week he can rest and have an excellent chance to play against San Diego State,” Hackett said.

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Newcomer David Newbury appeared to put himself in the driver’s seat to be the starting kicker against Hawaii by going three for three from 47-49 yards, although Hackett held off on a formal decision.

David Bell, the competition, had a couple of misses, one well short.

“Whether the kicker for Hawaii we’ll stick with all year, I don’t know,” Hackett said, suggesting the competition will continue.

“Today I just decided to do what I knew I could do,” Newbury said. “This competition started the day we walked into camp. We’ve been fighting it out.”

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The Trojans leave for Honolulu this morning, and will practice on Aloha Stadium’s artificial turf when they arrive. . . . Malaefou MacKenzie will be the short-yardage back against Hawaii and Frank Strong or Sultan McCullough will be the No. 2 tailback behind Morton. . . . Tackle Ennis Davis is rated at about 80% for the game after off-season knee surgery.