The Trojans will now await their bowl game fate after senior Andre Heidari nailed a 38-yard field goal to end practice early on Sunday.
- The past two days have been tough, competitive practices as head coach Steve Sarkisian wanted to keep his players in good shape for the bowl game despite not knowing their opponent. Today, USC ran 75 plays at a good tempo in only about an hour's time. Now, the players and coaching staff are waiting anxiously to hear who, where and when they will be playing.
- A lot of younger guys have seen more playing time this week as the coaching staff wanted to see some players in different roles. Sarkisian said on Sunday that he's been really impressed with Rahshead Johnson at corner, Chris Brown on the offensive line and OLB Malik Dorton's performance during the scrimmage portion of today's practice.
- The head coach also said that Sunday's practice was by far QB Max Browne's best practice as he saw some time with the ones in order to get a look at different receivers. Browne launched a few deep balls hitting freshman JuJu Smith who returned to practice Sunday after rolling his ankle on Friday.
- Su'a Cravens is another player who has been all over the field for the Trojans this season. The sophomore has had the most success at the Sam linebacker position racking up 62 tackles, including 16 for loss with five sacks on the season. Though Cravens is listed as a safety, the sophomore said he will spend the offseason getting in linebacker shape for next season. He also mentioned that he will need to spend time in the film room focusing on the playbook, but mainly on watching the offensive line.
- The College Football Playoff committee announced the four teams that will compete for the National Championship in the inaugural season of the new format on Sunday. The committee ranked Alabama, Oregon, Florida State and Ohio State in that order which also happens to be the same order as Sarkisian said he voted in the coaches poll. The head coach then joked with the media, "But hey, what do I know? I'm just a coach."
- Here is Sarkisian after Sunday's practice...
