- JuJu Smith-Schuster's health was the primary topic of conversation as the sophomore wide receiver came out to practice with his right arm in a sling a day after having surgery on his right hand. Interim head coach Clay Helton called the procedure "extremely successful," but no guarantees that the team's top pass catcher will be available this week.
- However, wideouts Darreus Rogers and Steven Mitchell are getting back to full health, giving that position group a much needed boost. The defensive line is getting healthier as well as Claude Pelon and Jordan Simmons were back out on the practice field.
- Helton also praised Deontay Burnett and De'Quan Hampton as two young receivers who have made great strides this season. Even if Smith-Schuster cannot play, Helton wants QB Cody Kessler "to really trust his guys. Trust what they do and their ability to get open."
- Kessler: "It's been like that for awhile now - just next guy up. I know whoever it is is going to come in and make plays."
- While the wide receivers are making news today, the running game is controlling Saturdays. "We're really starting to gel together between the offensive line and the running backs, and they're really taking pride in it," said RB coach Johnny Nansen. "Obviously, late in the season, you've got to be able to run the ball to win championships so we're taking that approach."
- While Ronald Jones II leads the team in rushing and yards per carry, he still has work to do in pass blocking and catching in order to stay on the field more, Nansen explained. For now, the carries are being dispersed between Jones, Justin Davis and Tre Madden, which keeps all three happy. "Our kids don't really pay attention other than when they get their opportunity they take advantage of it," Nansen said. "Our kids are really working together, they don't care whose playing they just want to win ball games."
- Nansen warned that Arizona will treat this game like its "Super Bowl," and defensive captain Su'a Cravens is not underestimating the challenge. "If we can stop them from running the ball, they're going to have to open up their pass game," said the linebacker. "I know they want to run the ball. I know they want to get the ball into [QB Jerrard Randall's] hands, so he can scramble around with it, but if we can get them to pass it more than they run it, I think we'll be in pretty good shape."
- The Trojans are wary of the Wildcats creating run-pass options for Randall. "Whenever they run, it's not necessarily a run and it's not necessarily a pass," explained Cravens. "They're going to run their offense with lineman about six yards down the field and still gonna throw the ball deep. We've just got to be patient when we play them."
- With the calendar turning on Sunday, Helton emphasized the importance of the regular season's final month. "They kind of remember what you do in November," said the interim head coach. Here's his entire press conference....
