If USC is to win the first game of the post-Lane Kiffin era, it likely will come without two of its top players. Wide receiver Marqise Lee and outside linebacker Morgan Breslin are doubtful to play against Arizona on Thursday night, interim head coach Ed Orgeron said Tuesday.
"I doubt if he's going to be in the game, but I don't know yet," Orgeron said of Lee, the Trojans' all-time leader in receiving yards.
Lee has not practiced since hurting his knee in USC's 62-41 loss at Arizona State, the result that precipitated Kiffin's firing only hours later. Lee has 30 receptions for 385 yards and one touchdown in five games this season, well off the pace of his record-setting sophomore campaign.
The absence of Breslin, sidelined by a hip injury, would deprive USC of one of its best pass rushers. The quiet but relentless senior has 7.5 tackles for loss with four sacks in four games this season playing in a two-point stance in defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast's new 5-2 scheme.
Working as a 4-3 defensive end last season, Breslin had 19.5 tackles for loss with 10 sacks.
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