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By JOHN NADEL AP Sports Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The season is just two games old for No. 3 Southern California, and the Trojans have already lost their top two fullbacks to season-ending injuries.
Brandon Hancock, a senior who entered training camp as the first-stringer, damaged a ligament in his left knee Aug. 14 and had surgery. Hancock was replaced by Ryan Powdrell, another senior, but he dislocated and fractured his right ankle in the opening three minutes of USC's 28-10 victory over No. 23 Nebraska last weekend.
While coach Pete Carroll and his team expressed sadness Tuesday regarding the injury to Powdrell, they don't believe it will get in their way.
"It's tough, but we know injuries are part of the game," wide receiver Steve Smith said. "Luckily, we have such great depth that we have guys who can step in and make plays. Coach Carroll recruits like no other. We'll just work it out in different ways."
The latest depth chart lists seldom-used senior Mike Brittingham as the No. 1 fullback, and freshman Stanley Havili as his backup. Both figure to play extensively Saturday when the Trojans (2-0) play at Arizona (2-1) in a Pac-10 opener.
"It's Pac-10 time," Carroll said. "To get through these first two games and have two wins behind us really helps. We've come a good distance so far. We have a long way to go.
"We're off and running on our way to Arizona."
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Brittingham walked on before being awarded a scholarship last year. Playing mostly on special teams, he hasn't carried the ball in a game and has one career reception.
Havili, a 6-1, 220-pounder from Salt Lake City, has impressed Carroll, but obviously lacks experience. He's mostly played on special teams in two games for the Trojans.
"We needed him to come in with an attitude that he was going to play," Carroll said. "I'm anxious to see how he responds. He did really well in camp -- he can do all the things a fullback needs to do.
"I don't have any reservations that he's going to play in this game and he's going to do really well. He's shown that in practice."
Regarding Powdrell, Carroll said: "We'll miss him desperately. That's a tough break for us and Ryan."
Carroll makes it clear to incoming freshmen that they will be given every opportunity to compete for playing time, and several including tailbacks Emmanuel Moody and C.J. Gable and free safety Taylor Mays have contributed this year.
Josh Pinkard sustained a season-ending knee injury in USC's 50-14 season-opening victory at Arkansas, paving the way for Mays to start against Nebraska.
"He played a really good game," Carroll said. "It was a good first game for him. this is a very unique kid -- he's very, very bright. He's applied himself well, we're very fortunate to have him."
USC's obvious strength last year was offense, with Heisman Trophy winners Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush leading the way.
Quarterback John David Booty has played well as Leinart's replacement, but it appears defense will be the strength of this team.
"This is a very young, exciting defense," Carroll said. "It's a very physical, tough, determined group. We just have a bunch of hard-playing, young guys who are learning. And they can get better. They're a team defense that can really improve."
Only one senior, linebacker Dallas Sartz, started on defense against Nebraska. The Trojans held the Cornhuskers to 10 first downs and 211 yards in total offense.
"All 11 guys are swarming to the ball," strong safety Jason Ellison said. "All 11 guys are trying to get a hat on the ball. I think our defense is definitely jelling."
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-09-19-06 1656MDT
