- While most of the injury news has been positive this week, USC will likely be without S Leon McQuay III and LB Osa Masina on Saturday, per interim head coach Clay Helton, although neither has been ruled out. PK Alex Wood is still in concussion protocol, so Matt Boermeester could again be called on if the senior is not cleared by the doctors.
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OG Viane Talamaivao, RB Tre Madden and S Marvell Tell III remain on track to return from injury this Saturday. - At inside linebacker, USC will primarily use a three-man rotation of Anthony Sarao, Olajuwon Tucker and Michael Hutchings with Uchenna Nwosu still learning the position.
- The Trojans will need all hands on deck to slow down the Bruins after a disappointing defensive showing against Oregon. "Obviously when you don't play like you expect to or the way you feel like you're capable of, it's disappointing and frustrating. The key is that you own it and you don't just turn the page immediately," said defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox. "Every single person in the room, the coaches, every position group and every player...because no one did a good enough job for us to win the game. As a competitor, you want to come back out and get another chance."
- C Khaliel Rodgers is playing through injuries to both shoulders as he prepares to face perhaps the best defensive tackles in the Pac-12 in UCLA junior Kenny Clark. "He's one of those guys you really have to game plan for," Helton praised Clark. "It's going to take all of us, every different scheme that we've got, to be able to contain him."
- USC's nose tackle is already emotional about Senior Day. "It's heartbreaking," said Antwaun Woods. "The Coliseum is a great place, especially growing up in LA and watching USC. I mean I'm a fan too. Man, it comes so fast. But I just have to make sure I'm remembered in my last game."
- It promises to be a heated contest, so the Trojans are wary of succumbing to their emotion. "We can't let the rivalry get over our heads and hurt ourselves," Woods said. "We need to play disciplined football and execute. It's really not about just the rivalry. It's about fixing our errors and focusing on us to win the game."
- While Saturday is the final home game for the seniors, it could also be Su'a Cravens last chance to run out of the tunnel in uniform. The junior is projected to be a first round draft pick if he declares, and Helton compared him to Seahawks star Kam Chancellor. "He's my hero," Helton said about Cravens.
- WR coach Tee Martin was nominated for the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top assistant coach. "Tee is invaluable," said Helton about Martin. "Tee is the definition of a complete football coach in my opinion. [He is a] leader, teacher, educator, recruiter, establishes relationships. If there is a blueprint of what to be, Tee Martin is it."
- Here is Helton after Wednesday's practice:
