If Ed Orgeron is going to win his first game as USC’s interim head coach, he’s probably going have to do so without the services of star wide receiver Marqise Lee, who is still deemed ‘very questionable’ for the Trojans’ upcoming game with Arizona this coming Thursday.
The defending Biletnikoff Award winner sprained his knee in Lane Kiffin’s last game, a 62-41 loss to Arizona State, but he’s had a bye week to recuperate. The All-American called the sprain ‘very minor’ last week and claimed that he was getting better daily. But he’s probably a better bet to sit out this week and return to action the following week at Notre Dame.
In the meantime, USC is down to just one healthy scholarship receiver against Arizona -- sophomore Nelson Agholor, who will probably serve as quarterback Cody Kessler’s main weapon while Lee is out. Senior De’Von Flournoy, freshman Darreus Rogers and sophomore Victor Blackwell could all play but are all nursing minor injuries.
With the dearth of available receivers, USC might end up turning to its trio of talented tight ends -- Xavier Grimble, Randall Telfer and Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick -- to kick start its passing game against the Wildcats.