Head coach Clay Helton announced on his weekly Sunday media call that starting junior slot wide receiver Steven Mitchell Jr. suffered a torn ACL in Saturday’s 48-14 win over Arizona, confirmed with an MRI.

Mitchell Jr. was injured during a punt return; he went to grab a bouncing ball near the sideline but his left knee buckled without contact.

“I thought he was practicing like a pro...he made some great leaps as a player,” said Helton. “Just thought he was playing his best ball. Sad for him, sad for the team....he’s a kid that’s loved by our team.”

Helton added that Mitchell Jr. came into the season the healthiest he’s ever been. This is the second season-ending knee injury for the WR, who suffered a right knee injury in 2013.

Mitchell Jr. was seen wearing a brace after the game, both Helton and him saying the x-rays were negative.

Mitchell is the second Trojan to suffer a season-ending knee injury behind center Toa Lobendahn. He will finish the 2016 campaign with 24 catches, 226 yards and one TD.

USC will turn to sophomores Deontay Burnett and Jalen Greene to replace Mitchell in the slot position. Greene is capable of playing outside as well and will be shifted inside for depth.

As far as behind those two, Helton said they will evaluate during the bye week. When asked about potentially giving some of the true freshman at look, Helton said it will be considered.

“We will do whatever is best to help us win a championship,” said Helton.

“If we need to we will,” he added.

Notes

Helton sees a team growing into something special over these last three games.

"Really proud of the effort and preparation...much needed road victory," he said. "Really see a team that is coming together."





Helton applauded the secondary for holding Arizona QB Khalil Tate to one completion in the first half and having a hand in three turnovers created. He called safety Chris Hawkins’ play to force the fumble on Tate “picture perfect technique.”

Yet, Helton said the defensive backs were "a little bit handsy" and that they must improve technique.





Helton said this was the best game by the offensive line, after the coaches challenged the O-line to control the line of scrimmage. There was a lot of rotating among the unit due to the heat.

Helton said the combination and power blocks have gotten better for the line.

As for another injuries, Juju Smith-Schuster's back will be evaluated throughout the week (those x-rays were negative) but should be fine with rest.

Olajuwon Tucker (knee) and Damien Mama's (elbow) injuries should also be fine over the bye week.





Helton was asked about the heat on Saturday and the safety concerns for the players after it reportedly reached 137 degrees on the field:

"You have to have total faith in the conference," he said. "They are always worried about the safety of our players."

Speaking on Sam Darnold, Helton was proud of his third down recognition and his ability to pull the ball down and get first down with his legs. But also for keeping his eyes down the field when scrambling to make plays, like his TD to Burnett.

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