Trojan Defense Is a Bit Hobbled

USC’s defense would like to start with the sort of performance it opened with last season, when the Trojans held Florida State’s high-powered offense to two touchdowns in a 14-7 loss.

The Trojan defense is the strength of the team, but it won’t be quite at full strength today, with Cusano playing a more limited role than usual because of a hamstring injury and sophomore Zeke Moreno starting in his place. In addition, redshirt freshman Ryan Nielsen is starting in place of defensive end Lawrence Larry, who has had a sprained ankle but is available. McCutcheon has been practicing lightly because of the effects of allergies but should be fine. *

Backup tackle Ken Bowen, a former starter who is out because of an elbow injury, should return for the Trojans’ next game Sept. 12 against San Diego State. . . . Soward and safety Darnell Lacy, both suspended for the game by Hackett because of academic shortcomings last spring, will be allowed to watch the game from the sidelines and will be reinstated for the San Diego State game. . . . Purdue’s Donald Winston, the team’s fourth-leading receiver last season, is out because of a foot injury, and the Boilermakers’ Doug Withers, a senior linebacker from South Pasadena High and Pasadena City College, is out because of foot surgery.

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HOW THEY COMPARE (1997 STATS)

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USC Purdue 21.2 Scoring 33.0 21.2 Pts. allowed 22.3 199.5 Passing 285.2 139.0 Rushing 174.0 338.5 Total offense 459.2 266.5 Passing defense 223.3 93.8 Rushing defense 178.1 360.3 Total defense 401.3

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