- After a disappointing Wednesday, head coach Steve Sarkisian challenged his team to restore the physicality and competitiveness to the practice field. "The guys responded well like I knew they would," said Sarkisian, who put the team in full pads and squared the offensive starters against the defensive starters. As the scholarship numbers grow, the head coach "would love to do that all the time."
- While some position groups are thin, the wide receivers have to scratch and claw for reps and balls. "It is definitely a very competitive group," said junior WR George Farmer. "I think that is a good thing because every day we know we have to come out here and push each other because you know the man next to you is going to work harder than you are which pushes you to work. That's a positive thing. We came here to compete."
- Farmer has been working for years to finally get the breakout payoff against Notre Dame with two touchdown bombs. "I had confidence in myself that I was capable of doing what I did," he said. "I think it is just a matter of opportunity meeting preparation."
- Redshirt freshman WR Steven Mitchell is another talented player getting better every week after coming off a knee injury. Sarkisian said that the hit Mitchell took during the Notre Dame game, while still holding on to the ball, was "probably good for him" as he continues to build confidence in his body and ability.
- The Trojans have three more practices on campus (Friday, Saturday and Tuesday morning) before heading down to San Diego on Tuesday afternoon. Once they are in San Diego, the itinerary is packed. "I'm looking forward to the zoo," said Farmer. "I am very excited for this Holiday Bowl. I can't wait for all the great food and gifts we will receive, all the great players we will meet and all the fun times we will spend hanging with the team."
- Most importantly, the Trojans want to end the season with a victory. "I am really looking forward to ending my career at SC with a win," said senior TE Randall Telfer. "Nebraska is a good team, a team with a lot of history and tradition, and so are we."
- Here is Sarkisian's morning media briefing...
