“I don’t know if anyone’s [Rest of Big Ten Conference] sitting here after three games feeling awesome,” MSU head coach Jonathan Smith said regarding injuries at his weekly press conference Monday. “You gotta have some depth and I think we’re in a better place than we were a year ago.”

MSU may need to rely on its depth this weekend, especially at wide receiver. Sixth-year Alante Brown will not return until later in the season, and sophomore Nick Marsh is also dealing with a lower-body injury. His status for Saturday remains uncertain. The injury is considered short-term, with a decision on his availability expected by the end of the week.

Nonetheless, the Spartans’ offense is prepared whether No. 6 suits up or not, as wide receivers like senior Omari Kelly and redshirt junior Crishon McCray have proven themselves as reliable targets who could see bigger roles with Marsh out. Redshirt senior Rodney Bullard Jr. also introduced himself to Spartan Stadium last week with the opening touchdown, and teammates believe he has the capability to make his impact felt again.

"He’s an explosive player. I love seeing Rod [Rodney] out there making some plays,” redshirt junior tight end Michael Masunas said in a media availability Tuesday afternoon. “I think he’s a nice add to our offense, and I think he’s going to be used well this weekend.”

Other wide receivers, like redshirt sophomore Evan Boyd, also saw the field last Saturday after both injuries transpired, so it can be expected to see him get some reps as well.

The receiver room was not the only position group affected by the injury bug, as sophomore running back Makhi Frazier and redshirt junior offensive lineman Luka Vincic also suffered lower-body injuries.

Just like Marsh, Frazier’s status will be decided by the end of the week, a decision that may be the most impactful for the Spartans.

On paper, matching the production of Frazier should not be a huge problem, as sophomore running back Brandon Tullis has averaged 6.2 yards per carry through three games. The only issue that arises with Tullis is his lack of pass protection, an important quality especially against a talented front seven like the Trojans have.

“Brandon’s got to improve in pass protection,” MSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said. “But we’ve seen Brandon do it in practice … We trust Brandon on that, and he’s got to go out there and operate.”

If Frazier is unable to go, redshirt senior Elijah Tau-Tolliver will also be utilized, another player who picked up his first MSU touchdown against Youngstown State.

Vincic’s injury was the worst of the bunch, as it seems his season has concluded. A huge loss for the team: not only for his character, but for an offensive line that has been utilizing its depth by rotating players each drive.

“I was really upset after the game, and when he got hurt, because he’s such a good person, such a good player, and all he cares about is us winning,” redshirt senior center Matt Gulbin said. “It was really unfortunate. I feel for him, but you know he’s gonna be back. Whenever he’s back, he’ll be back to full strength.”

USC will also be dealing with injuries of its own, headlined by sophomore starting cornerback Chasen Johnson, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in a 33-17 win over Purdue last Saturday. The weakened secondary is one area the Spartans may be able to exploit, with or without Marsh.

Nonetheless, even with all the obstacles in their way, the Spartans need to play a football game to stay undefeated, and that is what they going to California to do.

“Obviously, it’s a business trip,” Masunas said.

The matchup between the Spartans and Trojans is set to kickoff at 11 p.m. Saturday in the first conference matchup between the two teams. The all-time series is tied 4-4, with the last matchup being a 17-16 MSU victory in 1990.