USC held its first practice at the Coliseum in preparation for the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl against Georgia Tech.
- The Trojans appeared to be recharged after having a break following the conclusion of the regular season. "They were in great spirits and great energy," said head coach Lane Kiffin. "It was probably one of the best practices we have had since the first day of training camp so it was great to see."
- The first practice mainly focused on trying some players at different positions and did not focus ahead to the bowl game. "It is just developmental," Kiffin said on the position changes. "It is really just small things for today and then we will go back next practice to what we anticipate being for the bowl game."
- Kiffin announced today that the Trojans expect quarterback Matt Barkley to play in the Sun Bowl. Barkley, however was not present at practice today. "We anticipate that Matt will play and we have anticipated that all along especially with the bowl game at a later date," Kiffin said. "We are moving as if he would be."
- The Sun Bowl will be the Trojans first postseason game since 2009. Senior center Khaled Holmes remarked that it was great to have a change of pace from the past two seasons. "It is fun to be practicing again at this time of year. We recognize how fortunate we are to have this opportunity," Holmes said. We, especially the seniors, are cherishing the moments with the young guys."
- Despite finishing the 2012 regular season with two consecutive losses to rival schools, the team morale is still high. "I think the morale is great," Holmes said. "The guys were disappointed with how the regular season turned out but at the same time know how much fun we can have and how great of an opportunity it is to play in the Sun Bowl."
- The Trojans will resume bowl game prep on Friday.
