USC football gets serious injury updates ahead of Penn State’s big battle

usc pivot week 7 matchup The matchup against Penn State may be more difficult than they had prepared for.

After receiving the unfortunate news that linebacker Eric Gentry would not return for the game and would likely sit out the remainder of the season, the Trojans suffered another injury blow regarding cornerback Jacob Covington. is senior Listed as a game-time decision According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz, his official decision will be made after pre-game warmups.

The loss of both players would be devastating to USC’s defense, which has been impressive throughout. Through the first four games, Gentry led the team with 30 tackles, but has not played since his last win over Wisconsin on September 28.

Covington has been just as impressive as Gentry in five games, forming a strong cornerback tandem with senior Jaylin Smith. Entering Week 7, Covington leads USC’s secondary with two pass breakups.

In Gentry’s absence, USC has relied on its experienced linebacking duo of Mason Cobb and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. If Covington is officially ruled out, UCLA transfer John Humphrey and senior DeCarlos Nicholson.

USC looks to bounce back from discouraging loss to Minnesota

Whether they play Covington or not, USC will desperately need a win after this Lost two of their last three matchesThe Trojans’ upset loss to Minnesota in Week 6 was the most significant as it dropped them from the rankings in every poll.

USC will enter its second Big 10 home game as a slight underdog, but is 1-0 at Memorial Coliseum in 2024. While at home, the Trojans have lopsided wins over Utah State and Wisconsin, while their two losses have come to Michigan and Minnesota. road.

However, despite its success at home, the No. 4 ranked Nittany Lions will be the highest-ranked opponent USC will face in its first six games. USC enters the contest with a 1–1 record against ranked opponents, including a win over LSU in its season opener as the underdog.

jiren kwada ClutchPoints has an NFL, College Football and Betting Associate Editor. Kawada was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, but now lives in Indianapolis, Indiana after earning a BA in Sports Media from Butler University.