USC LT Chuma Edoga ejected after contact with official

LOS ANGELES (AP) Southern California left tackle Chuma Edoga was ejected during the Trojans' first offensive series against Utah State on Saturday after making contact with an official.

Edoga is the second USC player to get ejected in two weeks during coach Clay Helton's first full season in charge of the program. Jabari Ruffin was tossed from the Trojans' season-opening loss to Alabama for stomping on the groin of a Crimson Tide player.

Edoga appeared to get into an exchange with Utah State cornerback Jalen Davis, who had just knocked down Edoga after USC quarterback Max Browne was being sacked. Edoga appeared to throw a punch near Davis, but was moved away from the exchange by umpire Rick DiBernardo.

The umpire only threw a flag to eject Edoga after the player aggressively pushed away DiBernardo's hands. Edoga was given a personal foul.

''Poor decision by a young person,'' Helton said. ''(Edoga) just got overemotional and was more looking at the defender downfield, but he's got to be smarter. There is no excuse. We've got to make great decisions. That could cost you a game. As you can tell, we're still learning as a team.''

Edoga is a sophomore from Atlanta. He is playing extensively while starting left tackle Chad Wheeler struggles with plantar fasciitis.

Ruffin sat out the first half of USC's 45-7 win over Utah State after stepping on Alabama's Minkah Fitzpatrick. He also had to write a letter of apology.

USC also faced the Aggies without starting center Toa Lobendahn, who is out for the season with a right knee injury.