Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- In the first practice of a shortened bye week, the Trojan offense won or tied all four periods en route to a 24-22 overall practice victory.
- Wideout Ronald Johnson returned to full-speed drills for the first time since his collarbone injury at the end of August, but coaches kept him out of contact during the half-pads workout. Barring any setbacks, Coach Carroll said Johnson remains "scheduled to play" against Notre Dame. "It's great to have him back," Carroll said.
- During Tuesday's practice, tailback Curtis McNeal broke several long runs and turned a couple of short receptions into lengthy gains, and he definitely caught Coach Carroll's attention. "Moody looked good today -- he really jumped out," Carroll said.
- Safety Will Harris (on a screen pass) and defensive end Everson Griffen (on a pass he tipped to himself) both recorded an interception in team drills during Tuesday's workout.
- Kickers Jordan Congdon and Joe Houston both went 3-for-3 with a long of 42 yards as the placekicking duties have been opened up to competition again. "It looks like the guys are neck and neck," Coach Carroll said.
- Defensive end Armond Armstead participated in more extensive rehab drills Tuesday and, according to Carroll, trainers hope that he'll return for the Notre Dame game.
- After sitting out Saturday's Cal game but participating in Tuesday's practice, linebacker Malcolm Smith is "looking like he'll be ready to play" against Notre Dame, Carroll said.
- Cornerback Brian Baucham, who was involved in a serious motorcycle accident Sept. 17, has resumed jogging and "is working hard to get back," Carroll said, though a timetable for his return to the field is still up in the air.
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
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