Pass Defense Is Getting a Workout

After last week’s loss at California, and with USC traveling to Arizona State to face strong-armed Sun Devil quarterback Andrew Walter, shoring up the secondary is one of the Trojans’ main focuses this week.

The 10th-ranked Trojans gave up 326 passing yards and three touchdowns against Cal. Defensive backs and safeties were slow to the ball and tackled poorly.

“A couple mistakes were just bonehead mistakes really,” USC Coach Pete Carroll said Tuesday. “I can’t imagine that happening again.”

Senior cornerback Marcell Allmond said there was nothing extraordinary about the way Cal attacked the Trojans. Allmond said the Golden Bears “saw we weren’t doing what we were supposed to be doing and took advantage of it.”

Junior safety Jason Leach said the problems could be remedied in practice. “Mentally, we’ve got to get our assignments down to perfection,” he said. “No missed assignments.”

*

Starting quarterback Matt Leinart, who is suffering from a sprained knee ligament and groin strain, participated in several drills after sitting out the day before.

“I think it kind of loosened up,” Leinart said. “It’s just frustrating to get out there and be limited in practice.”

Leinart reiterated that he would play on Saturday.

“I don’t think that’s a question,” Carroll said. “The issue is will he hold up?”

Junior Matt Cassel would replace Leinart if he could not play.

*

Middle linebacker Lofa Tatupu said an MRI exam on his right ankle revealed no damage other than a high sprain and a bruise. Although Tatupu said he was day-to-day, he is expected to miss the Arizona State game.

Junior Daniel Urquhart will start in Tatupu’s place.

“Danny’s more than ready,” Tatupu said. “He just needs his shot.”

*

Freshman defensive end Chris Barrett, who was declared out for the season last week because of shoulder problems, said he would have surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday. Barrett said he would have surgery on his right shoulder as well, though that procedure was not yet scheduled.... Offensive tackle Winston Justice (ankle) did not practice but said he hoped to practice today.... Senior offensive lineman Eric Torres did not practice because he was having a follow-up tests on his right ankle, which he broke during the Orange Bowl.... Freshman running back Chauncey Washington (ankle) participated in limited drills.

*

Times staff writer Paul Gutierrez contributed to this report.