- Again, CB Torin Harris is the only player not practicing at all that has not been ruled out for the week already.
- RB Marc Tyler (shoulder) will be a game-time decision. WR Marqise Lee (shoulder) is likely to play, but he'll be closely monitored.
- Quote of the Day: "The majority of our really good players and the best prospects in the long term for the next level are in their first and second years here," said head coach Lane Kiffin on the USC youth movement.
- Yesterday, Kiffin called Notre Dame a team without a discernible weakness. The Irish are especially balanced offensively as the 29th best pass offense in the nation and 31st ranked rushing attack.
- 6'3", 224-pound Michael Floyd (photo by Jon SooHoo) is the key aerial threat. "He likes to manhandle [corners]," said CB Nickell Robey, who is only 5'8" and 165 lbs. "I just can't get into that. I've got to use my quickness and my speed."
- Local product (Oxnard) Cierre Wood splits running duties with senior Jonas Gray, who averages 8.4 yards per carry. "Both their backs have [come on this year]," LB coach Joe Barry said. "They do a good job of spreading you out and if it's the right look, they will run the ball."
- LB Chris Galippo looked like a much fresher player last week coming off a bye and getting 15 plays off from Will Andrew. "Chris would be the first person to tell you that he probably played the worst game he's ever played against Arizona," said Barry, who was forced to use the senior for all 91 snaps against the Wildcats. He should benefit from a return to fitness by freshman LB Lamar Dawson (ankle).
- Galippo's linebacking crew played their best all-around game of the season against Cal, Barry rated. Dion Bailey has injected his playmaking ability into a unit that had a need for speed. "Dion's got great football awareness and instincts," Barry praised.
- Given the dearth of healthy cornerbacks, Bailey's versatility switching from linebacker to nickel back on 3rd downs has saved the Trojans. "I'm thankful we made that decision because now he's our full-time nickel corner," Barry compared him to Ronde Barber, who he coached with the Tampa Bay Bucs.
- USC is down to three healthy scholarship corners, who are not redshirting. After that, it's "'Big Game' James Harbin," Kiffin told the media. "You might not know James. He would come right from the graveyard shift of working his security job [during spring practice] and... walk right into practice. That says a lot about his dedication."
- Notre Dame star LB Manti Te'o was nearly a Trojan as this Chicago Tribune story details. Joe Barry would have loved to coach him. "It breaks my heart," said Barry, who heard that the previous USC regime almost secured the signature. "He's a special player."
- Here is Lane Kiffin on today's practice...
University Southern California Trojans
Notre Dame Wednesday: Notes
October 01, 2011 | USC Ripsit Blog
Notre Dame Wednesday: Notes
A padless Wednesday practice in chilly weather Los Angeles morning fog...
Saturday, September 05
Saturday, September 05
Saturday, September 05
Saturday, September 05
