C.J. Gable’s knee injury mars team’s blowout victory


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Everything was going right for the Trojans in their game against California on Saturday. But then
with 3:58 left in the 48-14 victory over the Golden Bears, senior running back C.J. Gable landed
awkwardly on his left knee after being tackled by two defenders.

The injury put a bit of a damper on the victory; Gable is a fifth-year senior, and it is possible that
he has played his last game in college.

After the game, coach Lane Kiffin told the media that Gable had torn ligaments in his knee, and
that his season was over. USC officials have since amended Kiffin’s statement, however, stating
that the injury is not yet determined.

Prior to the injury, Gable had been enjoying his best game since 2008. The tailback rushed for 72
yards on 13 carries and returned two kickoffs for 56 yards.

The injury deals another blow to the Trojans’ running back corps, who were without freshman
tailback Dillon Baxter on Saturday due to a toe injury.

For Gable, it is another setback in a college career full of them. Ever since earning the starting
job before his first game as a freshman, Gable has experienced a variety of injuries and letdowns
on his way down the depth chart. He experienced a bit of a resurgence in 2008, rushing for 617
yards and reeling off several highlight-worthy plays like this touchdown reception.

But prior to Saturday’s game, Gable was fourth on the depth chart behind Baxter, senior tailback
Allen Bradford and junior tailback Marc Tyler. And unfortunately for him, he may not get
another chance to reclaim his starting job.

“[I feel] real bad,” Gable said. “I was getting my opportunity to show what I can do and then this
[injury] happened.”