USC Injury Report: Trojans available vs Penn State
The Big Ten injury report is out and some notable USC Trojans (3-2, 1-2) are listed ahead of their game against the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0, 2-0).
USC Availability Report
Out
LB Eric Gentry
OT Micah Banuelos
Questionable
CB Jacobe Covington
TE Lake McRee
Thoughts on the players listed
Missing Gentry is expected but it doesn’t lessen the impact of not having him. Gentry is the type of player who makes a special play in a game like this and the Trojans will need somebody on defense to rise up there. Safety Kamari Ramsey had a key forced fumble against Minnesota that led directly to three points before halftime. The Trojans need another one or two of those against Penn State. We’ll see what direction the Trojans go in replacing him. Penn State is another team that likely requires three linebackers on the field. Converted safety Anthony Beavers Jr. filled in for Gentry’s spot against Minnesota. Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn said this week he will continue to be part of that plan and others could be involved as well.
McRee gets a bump up to questions as he continues to return from an injury suffered against Michigan. He is practicing again and Riley said he continues to be ahead of schedule in his return. We’ll see if he can get on the field today. If not, Kade Eldridge and true freshman Walker Lyons will continue to play extensively.
Head coach Lincoln Riley said Jacobe Covington seemed like a for sure “out” in this game right after suffering the injury late against Minnesota. He credited Covington and the training staff for getting back going a little quicker than expected this week. Covington is listed as questionable here but it would still be surprising if he sees the field against the Nittany Lions. That would be a loss if he doesn’t go because he’s been the most consistent tackler on the perimeter for the Trojans this year.
Penn State Availability Report
Out
S Kevin Winston Jr.
WR Kaden Saunders
RB Cam Wallace
LB Keon Wylie
DE Zuriah Fisher
WR Jake Spencer
TE Andrew Rappleyea
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Questionable
None
Thoughts on the players listed
The biggest thought is on the players not listed as running back Nick Singleton appears to be healthy and good to go. The Nittany Lion running game struggled for the first time all season without him last week against UCLA. He’s one of the best backs in the nation and the Trojans will need to keep him at least somewhat in check throughout the game.
Right tackle Anthony Donkah was questionable throughout the week but head coach James Franklin anticipated Penn State having him against USC. If he’s limited at all, the Nittany Lions will likely turn to Wisconsin transfer Nolan Rucci, who replaced Donkah after he suffered what appeared to be a shoulder injury against UCLA.
K.J. Winston Jr. would be a valuable addition at safety and Kaden Saunders would likely be the punt returner if available. But both were expected out for this one.
