Sept. 25, 2009

University of South Carolina defensive tackle Travian Robertson sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee, an MRI confirmed Friday night, according to team physician Dr. Jeff Guy. Robertson, who will undergo surgery in a couple of weeks, will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2009 season.

Robertson, a junior from Laurinburg, N.C., injured the knee in the third quarter of the Gamecocks’ 16-10 win over fourth-ranked Ole Miss on Thursday night. A starter in each of the season’s first four games, Robertson had logged eight tackles including one tackle for loss.

Robertson becomes the second Gamecock defensive starter to be lost for the season with a knee injury, joining junior linebacker Rodney Paulk, who suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the season opener at NC State. In addition, freshman defensive end Ronald Byrd underwent successful surgery on his left knee during the past week. Byrd suffered a torn ACL during the preseason camp.

The Gamecocks (3-1, 1-1 SEC) will host South Carolina State on Saturday, October 3 at Williams-Brice Stadium. Game time is set for 7 p.m. ET and the game will be televised nationally on ESPN Classic.