USC's Left Tackle Tag Team Could Continue
Courtland Ford and Bobby Haskins split reps fairly evenly through the first two games of the season at left tackle for USC. That stopped when Ford was injured against Stanford and missed both the Fresno State and Oregon State games.
Ford returned for the Arizona State game and the rotation looked to be back in place against the Sun Devils. Haskins started the game, but he and Ford rotated series through USC’s first four possessions. That lasted until Ford was flagged for holding with 1:20 left in the first half. It negated an 82-yard touchdown pass from Caleb Williams to Mario Williams.
Ford came out of the game and did not return as Haskins took the rest of the meaningful snaps. But Riley said this week that Ford will still factor into the plans at left tackle. And this wasn’t a case of pulling someone off the field for one play.
“Early in my career, if a guy had one bad play then I probably would have yanked him and not put him back in just on emotion,” Riley said. “I’m not going to yank a guy off one play, especially a guy who has played a lot of snaps for us. Courtland’s played a lot and is a good player. He’s getting healthier, and better and better. So he’ll continue to be a big part of it.”
Both USC Left Tackles are Getting Healthy
USC will need both left tackles at their best this weekend. Washington State ranks No. 5 in the country in tackles for loss per game. The Cougars are No. 7 in sacks per game this season.
Riley has said consistently this season that the coaches aren’t looking to pick one left tackle and play him the rest of the year. He reiterated that thought this week during Monday evening’s Trojans Live radio show.
“I think the goal is just to get the most production possible,” Riley said. “We’ve had some injury issues with both of the guys that have played there that has maybe kept it from playing out like you would expect in your mind.”
Riley said this week will probably be the healthiest both players have been at the same time since he arrived at USC.
“If one guy wins it outright, great,” Riley said. “But if the bestt hing to help us produce is to rotate those guys and keep them fresh, then certainly not against it. I just think it’s about production and who can go out there, get the job done. If it’s best for two people, it’s best for two people.”
