USC’s Hayes Pullard suspended for first half against Boston College

USC will be without starting linebacker Hayes Pullard for the first half of Saturday’s nonconference game at Boston College.

Pullard was ejected for targeting during the Trojans’ 13-10 victory at Stanford and must sit out the first half of the Trojans’ next game, a Pac-12 Conference spokesperson confirmed Monday.

Pullard, a fifth-year senior and team captain, was ejected in the third quarter at Stanford Stadium after a collision with kick returner Ty Montgomery.

Under NCAA rules, players ejected during the second half of a game for targeting are disqualified for the remainder of that game and the first half of the next game.

USC Coach Steve Sarkisian indicated Sunday night that there was opportunity for appeal, but the Pac-12 spokesperson said appeals are not allowed.

Michael Hutchings is expected to start for the first time Saturday in place of Pullard.

Hutchings, a 6-foot-1, 210-pound sophomore who came to USC from Concord De La Salle High, made three tackles and intercepted a pass against Fresno State. He made one tackle against Stanford.

“When I got off of the field I pointed at him,” Pullard said after the Stanford game. “I told Mike, ‘You’re the leader of the defense.’ He went out there, he led the defense as he should.

“He’s the next person in line, the next middle linebacker…. It shows how promising the future” is for the Trojans, Pullard said.

Pullard said he apologized to Montgomery after the game.

Farmer steps up

After the ball was distributed to 10 receivers and running backs in the opener against Fresno State, only four USC players caught passes against Stanford.

For the second consecutive game, junior receiver George Farmer made multiple receptions.

Farmer, who caught three passes for 20 yards against Fresno State, had four receptions for 36 yards against the Cardinal, including a 15-yard reception in the third quarter that started a drive to a field goal.

Farmer was sidelined last season while recovering from knee surgery. So he is happy that he can finally help the Trojans.

“When the coaches call on me, I just need to be here and make the most of every opportunity,” he said after the game. “So that’s what I did... and contributed to our win.”

Staying focused

Sarkisian said it would be “natural” to be concerned about a letdown by the Trojans against Boston College.

Boston College is coming off a 30-20 Atlantic Coast Conference loss to Pittsburgh.

The Eagles defeated Massachusetts, 30-7, in their opener.

USC is 4-0 against Boston College, including last season’s 35-7 victory at the Coliseum.

In 1988, the eighth-ranked Trojans won at Boston College, 34-7.

Quick hit

USC did not practice Monday. The Trojans begin preparations for Boston College on Tuesday.