USC LB Hayes Pullard ejected against Stanford, will miss first half of Boston College

USC’s talented inside linebacker Hayes Pullard was ejected for targeting in the second half of their game against Stanford on a helmet to helmet hit against Ty Montgomery.  The play was reviewed and upheld as it was a pretty textbook example of what college football is trying to eliminate from the game.  The result is that Pullard will also miss the first half of USC’s next game against Boston College.

Pullard, a four year starter and regarded as a leader on that defense, was and is a big loss or the team while he is unavailable.  Fortunately for the Trojans, his absence did not cost them the game against Stanford as they were ultimately able to win 13-10.  The game was sealed on a big defensive play where the SC defense was able to cause a fumble on Cardinal quarterback Kevin Hogan and recover it.

Pullard is one of the most promising inside linebacker prospects for the 2015 NFL Draft.  While this issue is unlikely to have any impact on his draft stock, it just means he was unable to show what he could do in crunch time in a close game against a big opponent.  And while USC should be a heavy favorite against BC, a team without much depth is down one of their premier defensive players for the first half.