A lot more than 22 players play.
And the injuries/suspensions/defections were mostly to guys that would have either started or been on the 2 deep. Think about it...we lost our starting DB, RB, ILB, blocking TE, nickleback/possible starting S with Slaughter moving to DB, freshman AA DE, back-up tackle, and the other back-up tackle.
SO it's not just a matter of only 22 guys playing, it's waaaaayyyy more than that. It's about losing quality players, it's about losing quality depth and being one injury away from having walk-ons in the 2 deep, it's about burning guys out in practice b/c there aren't enough back-ups, it's about worrying about hitting in practice b/c of injuries, etc etc etc. There's a reason we keep saying USC is in trouble, and it's because they lack bodies in practice and they'll lack capable back-ups when they play up-tempo teams like Oregon.
Good thing we get guys back from suspension, where USC is already hurting with numbers (Kiffy already mandated this weekend to all USC reporters that they can't talk about injuries at practice anymore). But make no mistake, ND could be really hurting with numbers if this trend continues...