Lincoln Riley Expects Eric Gentry, Mario Williams Available for USC Against UCLA
USC isn’t just 3-0 over its past three games following a one-point loss to Utah. The Trojans are 3-0 while playing largely without a handful of their best players on both sides of the ball.
Wide receiver Jordan Addison missed two games and most of a third following an injury suffered against Utah. Offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees missed a full game and half of another. Linebacker Ralen Goforth missed two games. And offensive tackle Bobby Haskins missed more than a full game. Those four all played in some capacity this past Friday against Colorado. But two key Trojans in wide receiver Mario Williams and middle linebacker Eric Gentry remained out for a third full game.
It appears that won’t be the case again this weekend.
USC head coach Lincoln Riley said he expects both players “to be available on Saturday” during his Thursday morning media availability.
It remains to be seen what kind of shape they’re in and how much they can contribute. But in an all-hands-on-deck game, it’s big to have as many players as possible suited up and ready to go.
Linebacker Tuasivi Nomura filled in at middle linebacker for Gentry in his absence. But the Trojans also played for long stretches with six defensive backs and Shane Lee as the only linebacker. It’s tough to imagine the USC defense holding up well against a power running back like UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet by playing six defensive backs. The Trojans have missed Gentry’s pass defense as well. He has multiple pass breakups and a key interception against Oregon State this season. His stature at 6-foot-6 in the middle of the field creates issues for quarterbacks looking to throw in that area.
As for Williams, USC’s offense scored enough to post three wins without him. But his return coupled with Addison getting back to full health makes this Trojan offense far more potent. Despite missing three games, Williams is still tied for third on the team with 26 receptions and is tied for second with four receiving touchdowns.
USC got tremendous production from Tahj Washington with Williams out. Washington he should continue to be a real weapon in this offense. Similarly, Michael Jackson III, Kyle Ford and Brenden Rice saw their targets increase.
Up front, Riley said they’ll be able to use Haskins in “a little more of a full capacity” going forward. He didn’t start against Colorado but did come in to play the second half. Redshirt freshman Mason Murphy started at right tackle against Arizona and at left tackle against both Cal and Colorado. Riley referred to them as a “1A and 1B in terms of starting left tackle.” He added that the decision as to who will start and who will play throughout the game will be about getting the best five linemen on the field.
