Clay Helton has compared Porter Gustin to the superhero “Thor.” Now, with Gustin out for the season because of a broken ankle, USC will ask a collection of talented players to be the Trojans’ version of “The Avengers,” the superteam of heroes that aims to defeat the forces of evil through combined strength and smarts.
All of USC’s outside linebackers and defensive ends will be asked to do more to fill Gustin’s “predator” role in Clancy Pendergast’s scheme. No one can step in for Gustin’s larger-than-life presence on his own. The Trojans know it can only be done together.