USC won't miss much with Parsons replacing O'Dowd

When an All-America lineman goes out, it is cause for concern, but USC's offensive line is as deep as the Pacific. So even without center Kris O'Dowd, who is expected to miss two to three weeks with a dislocated kneecap suffered in Monday's scrimmage, the Trojans don't expect much of a drop-off.

Alex Parsons, who started 10 games in 2008 at right guard, will step in for O'Dowd.

"He’s fine,” USC coach Pete Carroll told the Orange County Register of Parsons. “He’s a really good player. ... He’s got excellent quickness. He’s big enough. He knows his calls. He knows the whole system cold. We’re very fortunate to have him.”