USC football: Kristofer O’Dowd intends to make it through Washington game
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The last time USC center Kristofer O’Dowd visited Washington’s Husky Stadium, he was one of two Trojans lineman injured on the same first-quarter play.
In 2007, O’Dowd suffered a dislocated kneecap that required surgery and guard Chilo Rachal also hurt his knee.
O’Dowd, now a junior, is looking forward to returning to Seattle for Saturday’s Pacific 10 Conference opener.
“I’m excited to go up there and play,†O’Dowd said, then paused for effect before adding, “Play the whole game.â€
O’Dowd sat out USC’s opener against San Jose State while recovering from a dislocated kneecap suffered in the Trojans’ first training camp scrimmage -- the same kneecap injured against Washington two years ago.
O’Dowd started against Ohio State and helped pave the way for the Trojans’ game-winning drive in the 18-15 victory at Ohio Stadium.
Coach Pete Carroll called the linemen together before they began the 86-yard march.
“He just said, ‘You know what? It may look far but it really isn’t. Take it play by play, yard by yard,’†O’Dowd recalled. “As a line we had been frustrated. It was the fourth quarter and it was time for us to go.â€
-- Gary Klein
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