The Trojans' defense received an blow, as linebacker Malcolm Smith and defensive end Wes Horton are both out for today's game against Cal at the Coliseum. This was expected, as was the fact that freshman running back Dillon Baxter is also out with a toe injury. All three are not dressed for today's game, per the USC athletic department.
Smith is third on the team with 36 tackles, while Horton leads the team with four and a half tackles for loss and three sacks.
In addition, freshman wide receiver will be pulling double duty today, playing cornerback in some defensive alignments. Per USC, just before today's game:
Woods covering Brice Butler in warm-ups. The freshman is going to get a workout today.
The Trojans rank 100th nationally, out of 120 FBS teams, in total defense, allowing 428.7 yards per game.
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