Thoughts from Wednesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- Turnover Wednesday? More like Trash Talk Wednesday. During a half-pads practice this afternoon, the Trojans partook in a hard-hitting, loquacious workout that turned what could've been a ho-hum session into a fiery, passionate one instead. Players and coaches on both sides of the ball were handing out powerful hits and playfully lobbing verbal jabs throughout the practice, and it culminated in a booming collision between tailback C.J. Gable and defensive lineman Armond Armstead during the final team period. It was a play that had both sides claiming victory and talking equal amounts of trash, providing the perfect image of the second practice of the bye week.
- It was a seesaw day for the offense and defense. The offense protected the ball perfectly, labeling the day "No Turnover Wednesday," and also produced a dominating 16-6 victory in 7-on-7 period. The defense, meanwhile, won, 11-9, during the final team period and turned in an overpowering performance in 11-on-11 rushing-focused drills, including tackles in the backfield on the final two plays. "Crumple up that play and throw it out!" linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. exclaimed to the offensive coaches after each tackle-for-loss.
- If only SportsCenter could get today's practice tape, you'd be seeing the completion Matt Barkley tossed to wideout Ronald Johnson on the first play of team period. Barkley dropped back and launched a bomb to Johnson, who caught the pass in stride about 40 yards down the left sideline with a cornerback hanging all over him. The pass was perfect and the catch was even better.
- Mitch Mustain is making the most of his increased workload during the bye week. The junior quarterback threw three touchdowns in his five snaps of 7-on-7 work and then tossed a beautiful touchdown pass to fullback Stanley Havili during team period.
- In 11-on-11 work, Aaron Corp connected with wideout Jordan Cameron on a jump ball down the right sideline for one of the highlight plays of the day.
- Tailback Joe McKnight sat out of practice with migraine symptoms, Coach Carroll said.
- Wideout Damian Williams (ankle) attended practice and was out of the walking boot. He even played a casual game of catch with Carroll during the workout, but his status remains up in the air, Carroll said.
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
