Oregon State needed to find a replacement for Brandin Cooks, the record-setting receiver who was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft.

The Beavers hoped Victor Bolden would fill the void—and the sophomore from Rancho Cucamonga appeared to be comfortable in the role through three games.

But Bolden, who has a team-best 18 receptions for 192 yards and a touchdown, will sit out Saturday night’s game against USC at the Coliseum, Coach Mike Riley told reporters.

Bolden suffered a finger injury during the Beavers’ 28-7 victory over San Diego State on Saturday.


Quarterback Sean Mannion, who became Oregon State’s career passing-yardage leader in the game, will probably rely more heavily on Richard Mullaney against the Trojans.

Mullaney, who played at Thousand Oaks High, caught five passes for 53 yards against USC during the Trojans’ 31-14 victory at Corvallis, Ore.

Mullaney has 11 receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown.