Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- In a seesaw final team period, the offense stormed out to an 8-4 lead before the defense came back to capture the 13-11 overall practice victory in the competition-themed, full-pads workout. Behind several sharp Matt Barkley completions all over the field, the offense took the early lead -- prompting several offensive players to shout, "Not too much competition today!" -- but the defense stormed back for the triumph, with linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. hilariously singing Jay-Z's "Run This Town" throughout the comeback. "That's a big win for the defense!" Coach Carroll said in the post-practice team huddle.
- Center Kristofer O'Dowd participated in his second consecutive practice after returning from a knee injury, including playing all 30 snaps of service team.
- Tight end Rhett Ellison made a spectacular diving reception during 7-on-7 period, earning praises from his coaches. "That's a big-time catch right there!" offensive coordinator John Morton exclaimed.
- On a deep completion during team period, tailback Allen Bradford laid a brutal block on the blitzing linebacker to allow Matt Barkley time to throw. "AB! You made that play happen," quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates yelled out while running over to high-five Bradford.
- Long runs by Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson and Stanley Havili highlighted the rushing-focused 9-on-7 period.
- Linebacker Michael Morgan had a pretty leaping pass deflection at the line of scrimmage during team period.
- The kickers, punters and snappers spent most of practice on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field to get acclimated to the surface they'll be on at Ohio Stadium this weekend.
- Artificial crowd noise played over speakers surrounding the field throughout the 30-play service team period to get the offense used to making calls in the huddle and at the line while facing loudness.
University Southern California Trojans
Tuesday, June 23
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
Monday, June 22
