- "If a Wednesday practice, 12-13 weeks into the season, is any indication of the type of team we have, these guys were awesome today. They competed like crazy," said head coach Steve Sarkisian after another spirited session.
- Leonard Williams body slammed RB James Toland IV during a scrimmage period, which put everyone on notice that the Trojans will not be pushed around this week. "He only knows one way to play the game," said Sarkisian about the All-American. "He has not been 100% healthy, but he comes out and plays his tail off."
- Williams is an obvious candidate to declare for the NFL after this season, so he wants to make sure that he gets a win over Notre Dame before leaving USC. If he is not able to beat the Irish, he said it would be "something I would regret for the rest of my life."
- In order to get that coveted rivalry win, the Trojans will need to force turnovers. Notre Dame QB Everett Golson is explosive, but he is also prone to tipped balls and strip-sacks, both of which Sarkisian is emphasizing this week.
- The head coach sees a lot of similarities between these two 7-4 teams. They both could be 9-2 if they made a couple winning plays to finish close games. "We're two teams that unfortunately for us have found a way to lose a couple of those games," said Sarkisian. "It will be a huge point of emphasis of ours when we come back in January for the next nine months leading up until next season."
- Senior captain Hayes Pullard has only one more chance to run out of the Coliseum tunnel, but the Crenshaw Cougar, who wore his high school jersey today, has not wrapped his head around the finality of it all just yet. "It probably won't sink in until Saturday," Pullard said. "I'm just focused on day-by-day and making sure I make every day count."
- Sarkisian gave the team a homework assignment to write down what they are thankful for. "I am thankful to have the group of brothers that I have on this field since I stepped foot on this campus," said Pullard.
- TE Bryce Dixon is "on pace to be ready to play" as he recovers from a concussion.
- Finally, Sarkisian was asked his favorite Thanksgiving dish. "Look at me, I like it all," the head coach laughed.
- Here is Sarkisian's post-practice presser:
University Southern California Trojans
Notre Dame Wednesday: Notes
November 01, 2014 | USC Ripsit Blog
Notre Dame Wednesday: Notes
The Trojans remained physical and energetic at practice.
Sunday, September 20
Sunday, September 20
Sunday, September 20
Saturday, September 19
