Because of several funky calendar-related issues, USC's training camp is starting later and going shorter than previous seasons, which should give the Trojans fresher, healthier bodies when they take the Coliseum field on Sept. 5 for the season opener against San Jose State.
This year's camp is three days shorter than 2008's and five days shorter than 2007's. Also, there are three off days between the opening of camp and the first game, as compared to only one off day in that time period in the previous two seasons. Lastly, the players will spend only 10 nights in an on-campus dorm this August, a decrease of five nights from two years ago.
Why the change, exactly? For one, the San Jose State game on Sept. 5 is the latest opener in 13 seasons, and NCAA rules limit teams to only 29 practices between the start of training camp and the first game of the year. Add that regulation into the fact that two full weeks of school will take place before the season opener -- meaning Fall Camp needs to be completely wrapped up before the Aug. 24 fall semester start date -- and you're looking at a much shorter training camp than previous years.
Take a look at how Fall Camp 2009 compares to the previous two camps:
- Fall Camp 2009: 16 days long, 10 nights in dorms, 3 off days between opening and 1st game
- Fall Camp 2008: 19 days long, 13 nights in dorms, 1 off day between opening and 1st game
- Fall Camp 2007: 21 days long, 15 nights in dorms, 1 off day between opening and 1st game
All told, the calendar peculiarities should be an immense positive for the Trojans come Sept. 5 and beyond.
"We're going to come out of this in great shape with our legs and in terms of wear and tear," Coach Carroll said. "We should come out of camp as strong as ever."
