Heading into their Week 3 Pac-12 meeting, the No. 21 Stanford Cardinal could be welcoming back an important cog in their offensive machine, while the No. 2 USC Trojans may be without one of theirs.
Cardinal fullback Ryan Hewitt is expected to return this week after missing the team's first two games with a sprained right ankle, according to the San Jose Mercury News' Jon Wilner.
Todd Hulak of Stanford blog Rule of Tree sees Hewitt's return as a huge boost for the Cardinal offense:
"In my opinion, he is one of the best FBs in the country and will do a ton for the team's ability to throw play action and he is a very good blocker. He touched the ball 44 times last year and produced 30 1st downs (25) or TDs (5). Not a bad TE recruiting class with Toilolo, Ertz, and Hewitt all the same year."
For the Trojans, the injury that starting center Khaled Holmes suffered during USC's 42-29 win over the Syracuse Orange may force redshirt freshman Cyrus Hobbi to take over his duties, according to Michael Lev of the Orange County Register.
Offensive line coach James Cregg noted at Wednesday practice that the team is "very comfortable" with Hobbi if he needs to take over:
"I feel real comfortable with him, knowing his assignments, what's going on," USC offensive line coach James Cregg said of Hobbi after Tuesday's practice. "He studies the game. We're excited about him."
Holmes exited last week's game on a cart after suffering an apparent right ankle injury in the fourth quarter. The Trojans' backup plan at center could also include starting right guard John Martinez, who was recruited as a center and took some snaps there in spring practices.
For more on the Cardinal, head over to Rule of Tree. For the Trojans side of the story, check out Conquest Chronicles. For more on the Pac-12 in general, please make your way over to Pacific Takes.
