- JuJu Smith ran out into the middle of the field to dance in the rain at the start of practice. Later, the teenage phenom would make rain angels in a large puddle. The freshman wide receiver is indicative of a team that loves playing football together. "The best part about this team is that we really find a happy medium," said QB Cody Kessler. "When it's time to have fun and enjoy ourselves, we do, but when it comes time to compete, we get down to business and get serious. That's all you can ask for."
- Smith has a truly unique spirit, which is "innate in him," said head coach Steve Sarkisian. "He's so mature in every facet of life that it just carries over to the field. He loves playing."
- Kessler described Smith by saying, "He has the it factor. Whatever it is... It's really cool that he was 17 for half the season and he has already gained as much respect as he has."
- While Smith may end up joining them as the publications continue to roll out postseason awards, CB Adoree' Jackson and OL Toa Lobendahn were named Freshman All-Americans by 24/7 Sports. "It is a tremendous honor," said Lobendahn. "A big thanks to Coach Drev and my family for getting me to this point, and the big thing is that I keep working from here on out."
- On the field, the Trojans are still focusing on youth as the team grinds through finals week. Next Wednesday, the coaches will begin to implement the Nebraska game plan. "I think this is a very good football team we are playing," said Sarkisian about his Holiday Bowl opponent. "I know they are going to be hungry and ready to play." He cited examples of USC and Washington last year, which played great in bowl games despite interim head coaches.
- Cody Kessler was again asked about his NFL future, but he is focused on the present. "All I'm thinking about is Nebraska. Nebraska, Nebraska, Nebraska."
- Leonard Williams made the Walter Camp All-American Second Team, which is something of a disappointment considering he is considered the number one defensive end prospect in the nation. Again, many more All-American teams are yet to be announced, but Williams lost out to defensive ends with higher sack totals, but Sarkisian explained that playing interior lineman "is more than just about sheer numbers."
- Here is Sarkisian enjoying the post-game rain shower with the media...
