USC notebook: WR Jordan Addison returns to full speed in UCLA game

PASADENA — A week after only making one catch on two targets in his return from injury, USC wide receiver Jordan Addison looked a lot more like his old self in Saturday’s game against UCLA.

In the first half alone, Addison made five catches for 106 yards, showcasing his trademark speed as he breezed past UCLA defensive backs. It marked Addison’s fourth 100-yard performance in nine games this season.

Then to open the second half, Addison streaked past UCLA defenders for a 35-yard touchdown catch that gave the Trojans’ their first lead of the game.

Through three quarters, Addison had eight catches for 152 yards.

Addison had missed two games after injuring his leg in Week 7 against Utah. He returned last week and caught a pass on the opening drive of a 55-17 win over Colorado, but did not make an impact on the rest of the game.

But in the second quarter against UCLA, he ran a chair route along the right sideline for a 48-yard pass from quarterback Caleb Williams. The big gain set the Trojans up for a field goal that cut into the UCLA lead.

USC also saw receiver Mario Williams return against UCLA after missing the previous three games with an undisclosed injury. Williams had one catch for 15 yards in the first half.

Left tackle shuffling

Redshirt freshman Mason Murphy started for the third game in a row at left tackle, but was replaced by graduate transfer Bobby Haskins in the second quarter.

During his Thursday Zoom call, USC head coach Lincoln Riley said that Murphy’s start at left tackle last week was partly due to Haskins’ shoulder injury and partly due to Murphy winning the job. It would appear that USC is still searching for the right answer at the position.

Gentry returns

Linebacker Eric Gentry got some reps during the first quarter for his first game action since spraining his ankle against Utah in Week 7.

Dye serves as captain

A week after a season-injuring left leg injury, it was no surprise that USC running back Travis Dye was not dressed to play on Saturday. But despite not being able to play, Dye was an honorary captain for the Trojans, rolling out with his heavily-bandaged leg on a scooter as he took part in the pre-game coin toss.

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