- On the injury front, OL Khaliel Rodgers (knee) and LB Uchenna Nwosu (ribs) left practice early. Neither injury is considered "serious" according to head coach Steve Sarkisian. LB Lamar Dawson (knee) could potentially redshirt as he works his way back to full confidence in his knee, but that decision won't be made until midseason.
- WR Victor Blackwell is not currently with the team, and his future status is uncertain, per Sarkisian.
- The highlight or highlights of the day were NT Cody Temple making back-to-back interceptions.
- While all the talk after Boston College was about defending the zone-read, Oregon State features a completely different type of attack. "Every week we have to be sharp," said CB Chris Hawkins. "This week, they throw the ball a lot. Boston College only threw like 13 times. These guys throw 40 passes a game so this is one game where we really have to be on our job. We can't hold back on nothing."
- The good news is that the Trojans can unleash their pass rush against Mannion. "To be honest, when you look at him at first, you take away the dual threat because he doesn't really leave the pocket that much," said LB Anthony Sarao. "We just have to be able to pass rush. He just sits in the pocket. He's a tall guy, a statue, he sits back there and he's got a big arm so we have to be ready for it."
- The USC front seven was put through extra conditioning work after practice. The defensive coaches know the importance of stamina in this league. "It's a game of football and in this day and age with tempo offenses you're going to play a lot of snaps," said defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox. "Our job is to be prepared mentally and physically for the game and it's much easier when you're not tired to do everything right and when you're fatigued to operate and still execute that's the hard part."
- The young players will experience a primetime atmosphere in the Coliseum for the first time. "I don't think there's any better feeling," said Hawkins. "All those fans with the lights on just going back to high school but with a lot more people. It's something that I'm looking forward to and hopefully doesn't shock me too much."
- Wilcox succinctly summed up the defensive mentality this week, "When you get knocked down, you've got to get up and swing."
- Here is Sarkisian after practice...
