Recovered Justin Davis is good out of the gate for USC

USC tailback Justin Davis made an immediate impression in his return from injury.

The junior rushed for 74 yards in five carries, including two touchdowns, in the eighth-ranked Trojans’ 59-9 victory over Idaho on Saturday at the Coliseum.

Davis sat out the opener against Arkansas State because of a rib injury.

He entered the game during USC’s first drive, gaining 18 yards on his first carry to set up his one-yard touchdown run.

During the second series, he broke free for a 43-yard gain and then scored on a seven-yard run.

He finished the first half with 74 yards in five carries.

Davis was regarded as the front-runner to claim the starting job this season, but he suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him early in training camp. When he returned, he suffered the rib injury.

As Javorius Allen’s backup last season, Davis rushed for 595 yards and scored six touchdowns.

Lockett starts

Sophomore cornerback Jonathan Lockett earned his first career start for USC and made one tackle.

Lockett started in place of senior Kevon Seymour.

Lockett, who played at Santa Ana Mater Dei High, impressed during training camp and made three tackles in the opener against Arkansas State.

Lockett played as a reserve and on special teams last season.

Wood converts

Alex Wood, who earned a scholarship on the eve of the season, kicked his first field goal, a 24-yarder that gave USC a 38-3 lead near the end of the second quarter.

Wood had filled in for injured Andre Heidari in 2013 but was never given the opportunity to attempt a field goal. Last season, he handled kickoffs.

Jackson is back

USC cornerback Adoree’ Jackson, who spent most of the opener on the sideline after suffering an abdominal strain, played against Idaho.

Jackson caught four passes for 62 yards in the first half and finished with four receptions for 62 yards.

Jackson returned three punts for seven yards.

Pelon back

USC defensive end Claude Pelon, who sat out the opener while recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, entered the game in the first quarter. He finished with one tackle, and he blocked a conversion kick.

Epps does not play

Idaho receiver Dezmon Epps, who caught a nation-leading 15 passes in the Vandals’ opener against Ohio, did not play.

Epps was allegedly involved in a shoplifting incident at a university shop in August.

The school released a statement Friday saying Epps had been disciplined after the incident. The punishment apparently included suspension for the USC game.

“Dezmon thus far has met our requirements and has complied with the sanctions we imposed,” Coach Paul Petrino said in a statement. “As long as he continues to abide by these requirements, there is a place for him in the Vandal family.”

gary.klein@latimes.com

Twitter: @latimesklein