- The injury news continues to be positive as DE Leonard Williams participated in a portion of practice, and he is on schedule to play Saturday. Head coach Steve Sarkisian made it clear that "our goal is to win the game" so he will not rest Williams ahead of the bye week if he can contribute to this game.
- Of statistical note, DL Delvon Simmons was given credit for blocking Stanford's first field goal on Saturday. "That was a shear effort play," said Sarkisian, who last week criticized Simmons and Claude Pelon for lacking consistent effort. "Hopefully, that gives both of those guys another charge into them of man, when you're playing with great effort, good things happen."
- Staying on special teams, Sarkisian thought punter Kris Albarado suffered from "first game jitters" against Stanford because he did not get an opportunity in the Fresno State opener. He expects the second year starter to be better going forward after a strong Fall Camp.
- Despite battling two five-star prospects for playing time, Gerald Bowman has emerged as the rock of the safety group. "He brings a senior attitude of grateful of the opportunity," said Sarkisian. "[He] embraces every day he gets to be out here. That is really contagious."
- Bowman has earned his spot as much with his brain as his body. Defensive backs coach Keith Heyward explained that he has been "the most consistent" safety when it comes to making the right calls. "I believe I can play. I didn't get a scholarship here for nothing," said Bowman. "You have to be a smart player because athletic ability can only take you so far."
- Bowman transferred to USC from junior college and learned quickly from veterans like T.J. McDonald and Jawanza Starling to have a "pro mindset." "My thing is before I step foot through those doors, I have to have my mind right," said Bowman.
- The Philadelphia native already has collected 16 tickets for friends and family to come see him play in Boston.
- Michael Hutchings will start in place of captain Hayes Pullard, who has to sit out the first half against Boston College as part of his ejection at Stanford. "I can't try to be Hayes. I've got to be my own person, but definitely step in and try to do the best I can," said Hutchings, who is roommates with Pullard. "I've learned everything from Hayes. I study his every move. How he watches film, how he studies, how he prepares for the game. I prepare every game like I'm him."
- Pullard is impressed by his understudy, saying, "He listens to the veterans and just wants to learn. He's like a little teacup just waiting to be filled up with a lot of tea. That's great for a young player like that."
- Both Sarkisian and Pullard see no signs of a letdown brewing in Beantown. "We have to go in there and not play to the level of competition," said Pullard. "We've got to continue to keep this train moving, keep fueling it and keep getting better in our preparation throughout the week."
- Here is Sarkisian's press conference:
