USC

USC’s running game sustained a blow Tuesday with word that tailback Malaefou MacKenzie is out for the season because of a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

MacKenzie was able to walk off the field after injuring his left knee in the third quarter Sunday against Purdue, but team physician James Tibone told Coach Paul Hackett, MacKenzie and his family Tuesday surgery will be required after reviewing results of Monday’s MRI.

MacKenzie--who was officially the No. 2 tailback but was expected to carry a load because of Chad Morton’s slight size--is scheduled for surgery Friday.

“What can I say? That’s football,” said MacKenzie, who will return next season as a redshirt sophomore. “All things happen for a reason.”

Petros Papadakis--who rushed for 22 yards and the first touchdown of his career in eight carries against Purdue--becomes No. 2, but might face competition from standout freshman Frank Strong and junior Jabari Jackson.