USC security Isaiah Pola-Mao returns for Stanford football game – Daily News

LOS ANGELES – After a week’s absence due to health and safety protocols, security and USC captain Isaiah Pola-Mao made their season debut against Stanford on Saturday.

Pola-Mao tested positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday ahead of the season opener against San Jose State, leading real freshman Calen Bullock to start in his place.

But Pola-Mao was back on the starting defense instead of Bullock in free safety.

He wasn’t the only Trojan horse to come back from injury. Defensive end Nick Figueroa was back against the Cardinal after missing the second half of San Jose State’s win and made an early impact with a loss tackle in the game’s first practice.

Wide receiver Gary Bryant Jr. was back after missing last week’s game due to health and safety protocols. He caught two passes for nine yards in USC’s first practice and was USC’s return player in the punt game.

Transfer from TCU running back Darwin Barlow got his first shots as a Trojan horse in the first quarter after missing the first game with a hamstring injury.

PRE-MATCH HONORS

Before the game, USC held a ceremony to honor the 20th anniversary of September 11. Veterans, active duty members and first responders flew American flags in both end areas. A member of the Spirit of Troy performed “Taps” to honor those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attacks, followed by 20 seconds of silence.

USC also hosted a pre-game ceremony for honor former running back Sam “Bam” Cunningham, died Tuesday at the age of 71. After a video commemorating Cunningham’s role in the USC-Alabama game in 1970, Cunningham Cine’s wife and daughter Samahndi were joined on the pitch by former teammate Al Cowlings in a moment of silence.

USC also wore stickers on their helmets with “BAM 39” to honor Cunningham.