The USC Trojans have been rolling in the recent past, winning a mind-blowing 13 consecutive games (including the first four of the 2017 season) behind Sam Darnold and a very explosive offense. However, Clay Helton's team encounters a big-time test on Friday evening, as the Trojans must travel to Pullman to take on a talented and dangerous Washington State team in primetime.
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While USC is favored to pick up the victory, those chances take something of a hit in the absence of one of the team's best offensive lineman. Keely Eure of USCFootball.com brings word that left tackle Toa Lobendahn did not make the trip to Pullman and, thus, will not be available as a result of a staph infection.
Lobendahn may not be a household name, but the loss of a left tackle is almost always significant and the report indicates that either Austin Jackson or Andrew Vorhees will be asked to play in the role vacated by the starter's unavailability. In addition to Lobendahn being out, the report also reveals that USC will be without three more players that did not make the trip after joining the Trojans during their last road trip.
For all intents and purposes, USC should still be able to take care of business on Friday, but an absence like this one could throw a wrench into things. Stay tuned.
