It wasn’t all good news for UCLA, who beat USC 38-28 and locked the Pac-12 South division this past Saturday. Running back and special teams contributor Damien Thigpen sustained a torn ACL in the game and is out for the remainder of the year.
Bruins coach Jim Mora made the announcement Sunday.
“(We lose) a big-time playmaker in the run game and the pass game, a top returner, that spirit and toughness that he brings,” Mora said. “We’ve got to move on, and someone or a combination of people have to sub in and pick up the slack. I’m confident people will do that.”
Thigpen was the team’s third-leading rusher (and second among running backs) with 262 yards and a pair of touchdowns. On kickoffs, Thigpen was averaging 27 yards a return.
(Hat tip: OC Register)