Lincoln Riley addresses health status of Eric Gentry, Mario Williams for UCLA game

Eric Gentry has not been officially cleared to play vs UCLA as of Tuesday at lunchtime, but Lincoln Riley is cautiously optimistic. #USC

USC is preparing to face a UCLA offense which has elite talent. Dorian Thompson-Robinson and Zach Charbonnet are a load to handle. Jake Bobo is a high-quality pass catcher. UCLA has other depth pieces at the skill positions which provide speed and open-field prowess. The Trojans figure to have their hands full on defense as it is.

If they don’t have Eric Gentry on the field — and in reasonably good shape — for this game, their task will be a lot more difficult.

Gentry was injured late in the Oct. 15 loss at Utah. Though he was listed as day to day for the Arizona game, it never seemed likely he would play in that game.

Now that UCLA week is here, Gentry — who didn’t play versus Cal or Colorado — is truly needed. Lincon Riley updated reporters on his status. Get that and a lot more notes on USC heading into the UCLA game: