Southern Cal prepares to face California on Saturday missing a major component on defense. Senior linebacker Morgan Breslin faces hip surgery and won't play again this season.
That's bad news for the Trojans. Defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast told media members Breslin will be "sorely missed."
"He brought a lot of things to our team, not only as a very good player but as a good teammate," Pendergast said Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Coach Ed Orgeron held out hope Breslin might play late in the season, but that seems an unlikely possibility.
USC visits Cal at 3 p.m. ET Saturday. Full scoreboard | Pac-12 action
In addition to Breslin, the Trojans might not have defensive end Leonard Williams against the Bears. Williams has a shoulder injury. He leads USC in tackles and tackles for losses.
Breslin's absence saw junior J.R. Tavai move into a starting assignment, in which he has been strong.
Good news for the Trojans: Safety Su'a Cravens is back a full health after a groin injury.
It was a checkered season for Breslin, who moved to linebacker in Pendergast's scheme after playing end as a junior. At 6-2, 250 pounds he was a load, but he missed the season opener after injuring a foot in camp. He left the Arizona game early when he injured his hip, and after returning to the lineup Breslin missed the past two games.
"In my 27 years of coaching, Morgan Breslin is absolutely one of my favorite players I've ever coached," Orgeron told The Times.