Thoughts from Thursday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- The defense is sweeping its way through the bye week, as it shut down the offense with a 7-3 victory in the final team period before holding the offense scoreless on two of three drives in a practice-ending scrimmage session. The half-pads workout put the Trojans one step closer to closing out the off week, with just a light early-morning practice on Friday remaining in the bye. "This has been a very good bye week so far," Coach Carroll said. "We feel like we've put together a really successful week."
- Several starters received minimal work for rest purposes, which opened up numerous opportunities for younger players for the third straight practice. Carroll said safety Jawanza Starling and wideout Jordan Cameron have stood out the most this week. "He's made a good impression," Carroll said of Cameron.
- Center Kristofer O'Dowd continues to progress as he makes a push to return to the starting lineup after missing the last four games because of lingering effects of a preseason knee injury. "He's the healthiest he's been all year, and it shows," Carroll said. "He's really ready to play good football again."
- Tailback C.J. Gable scored on a short touchdown run in the final scrimmage-like session and Mitch Mustain connected with tailback Joe McKnight on a deep bomb down the sideline for the highlight plays of the day.
- Hobbled with a toe injury since the Oregon game, defensive end Everson Griffen sat out of Thursday's workout. Carroll said he plans to rest him through the weekend so he can be healthy by Monday.
- Wideout Ronald Johnson missed practice to go home to Michigan for a sister's graduation, Carroll said.
- Keith Erickson, who won two national championships at UCLA before a 13-year NBA career, attended practice.
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
