Suspension for Allmond

On Wednesday, Coach Pete Carroll escorted Marcell Allmond off the field at the end of practice, leaning outside the gate to have a few last words with the receiver. Asked about the conversation immediately afterward, Carroll said they were talking about a class.

Thursday brought the announcement that Allmond has been suspended pending the outcome of an investigation into an off-campus altercation that allegedly occurred last week. Allmond, who did not practice with the team, could not be reached for comment.

“The stipulation of the suspension is that he won’t practice until Student Affairs clears all the issues,” Carroll said.

University officials had no comment and no timetable was given for Allmond’s possible return.

The Trojans got further bad news when doctors informed them tailback Malaefou MacKenzie is not sufficiently recovered from a knee injury to play in Saturday’s opener against San Jose State.

The absence of Allmond--not a starter but expected to be part of the rotation--means junior college transfer Devin Pitts and freshman William Buchanon could see more action at receiver.

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The offensive line for Saturday’s game has been set, Carroll said. As expected, Lenny Vandermade will start at center, Zach Wilson will play right guard and Jacob Rogers and Eric Torres will be at the tackle positions.

At left guard, Norm Katnik will start ahead of Faaesea Mailo, who only recently returned to practice after suffering a minor knee injury. Carroll said Mailo will play some as a backup.

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Saturday’s kickoff can’t come soon enough for defensive back Darrell Rideaux, who doubles as a kick returner.

The goal of the return team, he said, is to get every kick beyond the 30-yard line.

“That’s my whole mind-set, to get that positive yardage,” Rideaux said. “But if I see a crease, I’m going to take it.”