- USC returned to the practice field with a positive attitude demonstrating the resiliency that has become a signature characteristic of this team. "They have shown me and continue to show me their ability to learn from a ballgame, put it to bed and move on to the next one and focus on the task at hand," said head coach Steve Sarkisian.
- To that end, the Trojans have the added motivation of playing another rival in the Coliseum on Senior Day. "I don't know if there is a better game for us coming out of the UCLA game that would snatch our attention right away," said Sarkisian.
- Sophomore RB Justin Davis echoed those sentiments saying, "It was really rough immediately after the game, but I feel as if the team came together. We still have one more game to play and it's the seniors' last game at the Coliseum, and hopefully, we can end this season with a bang."
- Speaking of the seniors, Sarkisian had the highest praise for TE Randall Telfer calling him "unbelievable" and a "warrior." He "does not get nearly enough credit and praise for who he is as a person," said Sarkisian.
- The other scholarship tight end, freshman Bryce Dixon, sat out today to recover from "concussion-like symptoms."
- Dixon is one of the many true freshmen that have played an integral role on this team. "We've gotten a lot of mileage out of those guys," said Sarkisian. "It's helped us win this year, but I really think for our future, it really sets the stage for what an opportunity we have coming down the road."
- The offensive line has relied on youth more than any other position group, and the unit struggled to handle the Crosstown Showdown, but as a whole, Sarkisian said that they "overachieved maybe what the expectations were supposed to be for them" this season. This week, he will try to protect them with quicker hitting routes against a blitzing Notre Dame defense.
- Cody Kessler has to do "everything" better this week, he said. "I have to play better as a whole. I didn't play well enough. At the end of the day, we didn't execute and I need to play better in those types of games."
- However, the quarterback loved being a part of this rivalry game last year, so he is ready to taste victory against the Fighting Irish. "It's awesome. I got to play in it last year and it's a really great rivalry," said Kessler. "All the guys who have played in it, some people say it's as big as the UCLA rivalry and it is. It's a huge game for us and we're excited."
- Here is Sarkisian's post-practice presser...
