In what could be one of the last annual matchups between Notre Dame and USC, the Trojans could be out one of their best offensive lineman in Killian O'Connor.
In the second quarter of USC's last game against Illinois, the team's starting center was seen down on the field. It appeared to be his left knee, and he was visibly in pain as the refs called an injury timeout. Although O'Connor was able to walk off the field, as the team entered the second half, O'Connor wore a knee brace and used crutches as the game went on. Earlier this week, head coach Lincoln Riley said O'Connor will miss at least the next two games.
Notre Dame football will face neutered USC offensive line
"Kilian will for sure miss these next two," Riley told reporters after practice on Tuesday. "A possibility to get him back after that." With the 4-1 Trojans getting a bye this week, the second of those two missed games comes against Notre Dame.
In his place, the 6-foot-3, 320-pound J'Onre Reed will play most of the snaps at center. That could be good news for the Fighting Irish. Reed struggled when he took over for O'Connor against the Illini, and USC eventually lost that game 34-32 in overtime.
In 60 snaps, Reed posted just a 48 grade according to PFF. He was even worse when it came to facing off against the pass rush. Reed allowed 5 quarterback pressures and 3 hurries to go along with a 31.1 pass block grade.
While USC will get one game, against the Michigan Wolverines, to try and get Reed up to speed, Notre Dame has to be licking its chops at the idea of the Trojans having such an apparent weakness right at the center of their offensive line.
Add in that starting left tackle Justin Tauanuu had himself an even worse game against the Illini, allowing 6 pressures and 4 hurries, and defensive coordinator Chris Ash's job could be easier in a few weeks.
Notre Dame will need every ounce of help it can get as the season goes on to stay on track to make the playoffs. Their rivalry matchup with USC could be one of the only games against a quality opponent left on the schedule.