RB Daniel Lasco returns to starting lineup for Golden Bears

BERKELEY, Calif. - Daniel Lasco is set to return toCalifornia'sstarting lineup Saturday againstUSC, and Golden Bears coach Sonny Dykes says his senior runningback isfinally at full strength.

Lasco injured his hip in Week 2 againstSan Diego State. He has played sparingly. Meanwhile, the Bears' run game has sputtered in recent games, mustering only 4 yards per carry once since Sept. 19 .

"[Lasco's] a really good player," Dykes said. "He's our best pass protector and one of our better receivers as a running back. We certainly missed not having him around."

Lasso led Cal with 1,115 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Khalfani Muhammad will remain the other primary option in the Bears' backfield.

Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin didn't elaborate on how the Bears' offensive arsenal might expand with Lasco's return, but he was clearly pleased about the development at practice.

"Now that he's back, I'm happier," Franklin smiled.