LOS ANGELES -- If this were a movie, it would be called "The Mysterian," starring Javorious "Buck" Allen as the big-back tailback long on mystique and short on authenticity.

Given the USC Trojans' current tailback pecking order, everybody seems to know about "Buck," but nobody seems to know what he actually can do. The Allen buildup probably comes from the fact the Trojans' depth chart at running back is so razor thin that it thrusts the Florida native immediately into the spotlight behind senior 1,000-yard rusher Curtis McNeal and speedy sophomore D.J. Morgan.

In the physical game of college football, running backs can go down as quickly as bowling pins, and one major injury to McNeal or Morgan -- or both -- and Mr. Buck Allen is front and center in Lane Kiffin's high-powered offense.

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Greg Katz | email

Columnist, WeAreSC.com

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• USC Trojans columnist
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• Joined ESPN.com in 2011