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Three USC starters out of tonight’s game against Washington State due to injury

In this Sept. 16, 2017 file photo, Southern California wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. left, can’t reach a pass intended for him while under pressure from Texas defensive back Davante Davis during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Los Angeles. (Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press)
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

PULLMAN – Fifth-ranked USC won’t have the services of a starting left tackle, a starting outside linebacker and its second-leading receiver tonight at Martin Stadium.

Left tackle Toa Lobendahn didn’t make the trip to Pullman because of staph infection, according to USCFootball.com’s Ryan Abraham. True freshman Austin Jackson is listed behind Lobendahn on the Trojans’ depth chart.

Porter Gustin, a junior outside linebacker, is expected to miss his second straight game with toe and biceps injuries. Gustin has 15 tackles and three sacks in three games for the Trojans this season.

USC will also play without senior receiver Steven Mitchell Jr., who’ll miss another game because of a groin injury. Mitchell Jr. is second to Deontay Burnett on the Trojans’ catch chart this season with 14 receptions.