Season Is Over for Vandermade

Lenny Vandermade, USC’s starting left guard, will miss the rest of the season because of a torn tendon in his right biceps, it was announced Tuesday.

Vandermade, a redshirt junior who has started 29 of 33 games, was injured on Saturday during the eighth-ranked Trojans’ 49-17 victory over Stanford. He will undergo surgery Thursday.

“I just want to get this done and get it better and put it behind me,” said Vandermade, who will be replaced by junior Eric Torres for Saturday’s game against Arizona State.

Vandermade was injured on a second-half play against Stanford when Trojan running back Justin Fargas inadvertently hit Vandermade’s arm with his helmet. Vandermade finished the series but was replaced by Torres.

On Monday, Vandermade took part in limited drills and said he hoped the injury was only a deep bruise. An MRI exam Tuesday revealed the tear.

“The pain wasn’t unbearable, I felt I could play with it,” Vandermade said. “It was more of a strength deal. It didn’t hurt but it was a little bit weak. They don’t want me to overcompensate for it and injure something else.

“I’m disappointed. I feel like I let some people down.”

USC Coach Pete Carroll said he expects Vandermade to be ready for spring practice.

Torres, who started every game at right tackle last year, will start at his fourth position this season.

Vandermade is the fourth starter to suffer a season-ending injury. Cornerback Kevin Arbet broke a bone in his foot during training camp. Cornerback Ronald Nunn tore a knee ligament against Kansas State. Defensive tackle Shaun Cody tore a knee ligament against California.

Freshman offensive lineman Fred Matua was slated to start the opener at right guard in place of senior Zach Wilson, but Matua injured his right knee and had arthroscopic surgery in October. He has been working with the scout team the last two weeks.

*

Wide receiver Mike Williams, who has a left ankle sprain, participated in about half of practice before retiring to the trainer’s table. Williams said he expects to do more today.... Freshman tackle Winston Justice did extra work after practice against defensive end Kenechi Udeze to prepare for Arizona State’s Terrell Suggs, who leads the nation with 19.5 sacks.... Cornerback William Buchanon remained sidelined because of a neck strain, but said he hoped to play Saturday.... Freshman cornerback Justin Wyatt will be used in the nickel package, Carroll said.