Thoughts from Thursday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- On a day the Trojans focused primarily on the intricate situations of the game, Matt Barkley showed he's got a very good handle on things -- especially for an 18-year-old freshman. To close out the practice, Barkley led a successful two-minute drill, guiding the first-team offense 53 yards in 10 plays for a field goal while managing the clock beautifully and making smart decisions, all with deafening crowd noise blaring from speakers around the field. The drive was just one of many bright spots for Barkley, who also directed a 14-play, 52-yard field goal-scoring drive in a scrimmage-like session earlier in the workout. "Matt had a very, very good day," Coach Carroll said. "He was in command of that thing."
- In his second practice on his first day back, Aaron Corp was again precise and looked comfortable during 7-on-7 period, going 4-for-5 including a touchdown. The one incompletion could have been called back for pass interference, to boot. "Aaron had two very good practices considering the circumstances," Carroll said. "That's a positive sign."
- Barkley also had an impressive effort in 7-on-7 drills, going 7-for-10, including two touchdowns.
- In a Hail Mary situational drill to conclude the practice, Taylor Mays intercepted a pass and ran it back 90 yards for a touchdown, looking a lot like a quick, bruising tailback in the process.
- On one play in 7-on-7 drills, cornerback Marshall Jones had a fantastic pass deflection on a deep ball in the end zone.
- Beat up and tired from 22 on-field sessions in the last 13 days, the Trojans were given a reprieve Thursday afternoon when Coach Carroll changed the attire to helmets-only, allowing the players a break from all-out contact.
- Coach Carroll in the post-practice huddle: "Let's make sure every time we go, we're making stuff happen. Let's get better every time we go."
University Southern California Trojans
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Wednesday, July 08
Monday, July 06
