Mason Cobb injury: Lincoln Riley gives an update on the USC LB's availability vs Utah State
USC's upset win over the LSU Tigers, who were ranked No. 13 at the time, came with a key loss in the form of senior linebacker Mason Cobb.
Lincoln Riley made an appearance on the YouTube channel for USC Athletics to discuss Cobb's availability in the Trojans' Week 2 matchup versus Utah State.
"Mason's been limited for us this week," Riley stated. "He hasn't been a full participant in practice, he'll be questionable in the game. We'll see how he moves around today... It'll be close."
Lincoln Riley also discussed the candidates to replace Cobb in USC's matchup versus Utah State, as he is looking forward to seeing how his younger players perform in the absence of his star linebacker.
"If he's not able to go, we'll certainly have [Eric Gentry] and [Easton Mascarenas-Arnold], obviously... Obviously hope he can, but if he can't, it'll be exciting to see some of those guys get an opportunity."
Mason Cobb was impressive in USC's win over LSU, notching seven total tackles, two of them solo tackles. Cobb also snatched the game-sealing interception with four seconds left on the clock.
USC moves up 10 spots in Top 25 after win over LSU in Week 1
Upon securing a 27-20 win in the season opener versus LSU, the USC Trojans moved up 10 spots in the AP Top 25, from No. 23 to No. 13.
With the big win, USC jumped notable teams like Tennessee at No. 14, Oklahoma at No. 15 and Oklahoma State a No. 16. So far, the Trojans look like legitimate national championship contenders under Lincoln Riley.
USC quarterback Miller Moss completed 27 of his 36 pass attempts for 378 yards and a touchdown in his 2024 debut. Lincoln Riley's defense also looked much improved from last season, allowing just 10 points in the second half.
The Trojans will have several more tests throughout the season, including Michigan in Week 3.
Following the loss, the LSU Tigers dropped to No. 18, but will look to bounce back in a big way versus Nicholls State in Week 2.