USC vs. Cal: Who Were the Studs and Who Were the Duds

USC vs. Cal: Who Were the Studs and Who Were the Duds by Alicia de Artola

USC freshman tight end Bryce Dixon missed the Trojans’ 38-30 victory over Cal with a “student conduct issue,” Steve Sarkisian told reporters following the game Thursday.

Bryce Dixon was not there because of a student conduct issue. Sark couldn’t say more. #usc — Ryan Abraham (@insidetroy) November 14, 2014

Sarkisian did not say when Bryce Dixon would be back — InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) November 14, 2014

The severity of Dixon’s misstep is unknown and a “student conduct issue” could encompass a number of possible infractions.

Dixon’s absence left USC with just one scholarship tight end, Randall Telfer, and no clear pass catching option from that position against the Bears.

Though Dixon has only caught six passes this season, half of those were touchdown passes and his pass catching skills exceed those of Telfer, who is the superior blocker.

Entering USC as a four-star recruit, Dixon was expected to make an immediate impact for the Trojans but he has spent most of the season developing in Telfer’s shadow. The freshman played against Washington State but did not log any statistics. His last catch came against Colorado.

Despite the limited numbers, Dixon’s place as one of just two scholarship players at the position makes him particularly valuable. Given USC’s already thin roster, he would be missed in key rivalry games against UCLA and Notre Dame in the coming weeks.

Redshirt senior walk on Teddy Baker, a transfer from Wesleyan, sits behind Dixon on the depth chart.