- The quarterback rotation got "lopsided" according to Lane Kiffin today because the first team offense run mostly by Max Wittek was completely stymied by the first team defense, including several three-and-outs. In the end, Wittek was just 2/7 for 15 yards, while Cody Kessler completed 19/28 for 231 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Kiffin on the QBs: "I think they are both really talented guys. I like everything about both of them."
- Kessler: "I'm putting my case on film and just playing as hard as I can. Overall, I had an OK day. At the end of the day, it only comes down to one man's decision and that's Coach Kiffin. Whatever decision he makes, I'm going to respect it."
- Even if Kiffin picks a clear starter for the opener, the competition never ends. "I think this is going to be an ongoing competition no matter what," said Wittek. "That's just the way it is here. We're looking forward to competing against each other every day."
- Leading the second team offense, Kessler continued to show his prowess in scrimmage formats. He led a long TD drive to start his day capped by a 7-yard scoring throw to Rogers. He came back later to hit Buck Allen for a 30-yard TD on a screen pass, and then Rogers again from three yards out.
- Rogers made play after play for his quarterback including an incredible leaping catch-and-run for 49 yards. "That's a big time trust thing," said Kessler about the freshman receiver. "You know you can [throw jump balls] to Marqise and Nelson, and then to have Darreus be able to do that too, and have that trust in him, is awesome."
- Kiffin on Rogers (8 catches for 99 yards and 2 TDs): "There hasn't been a day that he hasn't made plays here. He's a special player."
- Rogers has a knack for bringing down jump balls. "If the ball is in the air, my mindset is just come down with it," he said. "It's just focus. The ball is in the air, keep your eye on it and come down with it. You're going to get hit regardless...you might as well catch it and get hit."
- The running game never found a rhythm today although Ty Isaac returned to action. The gigantic freshman led the way with 38 yards on 12 carries. Buck Allen ran 11 times for 22 yards, but he also caught three passes for 51 yards and a TD.
- On the other side of the ball, the first team defense only gave up one score. "Today was the storyline of the first defense playing really well," said Kiffin.
- The defense was boosted by the return of freshman S Su'a Cravens who had 5 tackles, including 2 sacks and 3 tackles-for-loss. Gerald Bowman led the team with 6 tackles, while freshman LB Quinton Powell had 5 tackles, including one for a loss.
- Freshman QB Max Browne played only one drive completing 2/2 passes for 42 yards and a TD. The touchdown pass went for 28 yards to walk-on Aaron Minor. The catch was so good that it earned its own blog post to come.
- Here is Lane Kiffin on scrimmage No. 2...
