Williams injury creates scary situation

Damian Williams has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain and is doubtful for Saturday’s game against Stanford.  Easily one of the most productive weapons in the Trojans’ offensive arsenal, his absence creates a very scary situation for a game with so much riding on it.

Unlike the last time the Cardinal came to visit, they won’t be the 42 point underdogs climbing out of a hole and searching for a significant victory.  This team is already bowl eligible, has already beaten a top-ten program, and is very much in the conference championship chase.  Stanford does so many things well that it leaves USC in a vulnerable position without their do-it-all player.

Damian Williams is more than the Trojans’ leading receiver.  He has also spent this season creating favorable field position for drives following punts.  If he isn’t bolstering Barkley’s totals with yards after the catch, he’s chewing up special teams yards to create shorter fields for his offense to operate.  Williams also requires a lot of defensive attention, freeing teammates to make plays of their own.

With Williams now doubtful, the return of Anthony McCoy becomes a must, though there is no word on his progress, after also suffering a high ankle sprain two weeks ago.  The big tight end is crucial in third down situations, an area where USC struggled again last week.  The good news in the midst of all the injuries is that fullback Stanley Havili will return and start this weekend.

~ by Anthony on November 10, 2009.