UCLA Football Injury Report: Starting USC Offensive Lineman Leaves Game

USC Trojans right tackle Mason Murphy had to depart this afternoon's ongoing rivalry week matchup against your UCLA Bruins with a hair under a minute to spare in the opening half, after he failed to contain star Bruins defensive lineman Laiatu Latu, the fulcrum of one of this year's top defenses across the entire NCAA.

Per Ryan Kartje of The Los Angeles Times, freshman Trojans offensive lineman Alani Noa has been slotted at the right guard spot with Murphy out.

At the top of the third quarter, the Bruins currently lead the Trojans 14-10. Murphy's absence doesn't seem to have adversely impacted USC, which scored all 10 of its opening half points in the second quarter and is currently at first and goal with a chance to take its first lead of the contest.

Surely the Bruins are happy to have Latu -- one of the deadliest pass rushers in the modern college game, and an expected early first round NFL draft pick next year -- in their corner. He's a tough cover, so there's no shame in Murphy missing out on stopping him. It's unfortunate the play ended in an injury.

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