This weekend's game against the Oregon Ducks is huge for the USC Trojans. With the team ineligible for postseason play, this is the bowl game for Lane Kiffin's program. Unfortunately for the Trojans, they may be without their biggest big-play threat in Robert Woods. In a game that is expected to feature a ton of scoring, USC needs Woods to play if they hope to win.
Pedro Maura of ESPN has the story:
USC coach Lane Kiffin continues to insist that injured Trojans receiver Robert Woods' status is in doubt for Saturday's game against Oregon.
Woods didn't practice at all Thursday for the second consecutive day after doing limited drills Tuesday. At some point before 8 p.m. ET Saturday, he has to prove to Kiffin he'll be ready to suit up against the Ducks. What will Kiffin be looking for from the star sophomore receiver who is nursing a sprained ankle and separated shoulder?
"I'm gonna have to see speed, that he can go get in and out of breaks and be able to play at a high level for us," he said Thursday.
Whether or not Woods suits up on Saturday evening, it is imperative that the sophomore wide receiver takes every precaution to avoid a serious injury. Of course all of this talk of potentially missing the game could be a decoy to throw Oregon off their rhythm as they prepare for the Trojans, but it truly sounds like Woods may not play.
Kiffin hasn't seen it yet this week. He characterized Woods' health at about 70 percent, though Woods claims it's better than that. It's clear he's not fully healthy -- it's a matter of getting him to the point where he's healthy enough to play and not seriously risk getting re-injured.
"I feel good enough to go," Woods said Thursday. "I can't see myself standing on the sideline watching."
If the electric receiver is healthy and ready to go, expect some fireworks out of Eugene this weekend. If not, it could be a long night for the Trojans.
For more on this game, check out Conquest Chronicles.