USC again loses C Toa Lobendahn for season with knee injury

LOS ANGELES -- USC Trojans junior center Toa Lobendahn will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, coach Clay Helton said Thursday.

The injury occurred during the Trojans' second offensive series against Alabama on Saturday, but Lobendahn played the rest of the game.

"Just a very, very tough individual," Helton said. "One of the loves of my life. He will be missed greatly."

Lobendahn missed the last seven games last season after tearing the ACL in his left knee. He also had knee surgery on his right knee in high school, Helton said.

Nico Falah, who started one game at center last year, will start on Saturday in the Trojans' home opener against Utah State. His backup will be Cole Smith, with left guard Chris Brown available to move over if needed.

An MRI initially showed just an MCL tear, but during the surgery the ACL tear was also discovered, Helton said.