USC loses starting center for season with knee injury
The bad news continues to get worse for USC.
Three days after the Trojans were upset at home by Washington, and just hours after head coach Steve Sarkisian took an indefinite leave of absence and was deemed 'not healthy' by athletic director Pat Haden, Southern California announced Sunday that starting center Max Tuerk will miss the rest of the season with a torn knee ligament.
Tuerk was hurt during Thursday's 17-12 loss which dropped the Trojans to 3-2 overall, 1-2 in the Pac-12). The senior made the all-Pac-12 first team last season while starting every game.
Toa Lobendahn moved over to center from left guard after Tuerk was hurt.
USC also announced that defensive lineman Claude Pelon is doubtful for Saturday's game at No. 14 Notre Dame after spraining his knee against the Huskies.
Receiver Steven Mitchell is probable with a sprained ankle, and freshman cornerback Iman Marshall is healthy after incurring an abdomen injury against Washington.