- The atmosphere was much different on the practice field this morning as most of Tuesday's media circus dispersed, and head coach Steve Sarkisian and the Trojans were able to get back to business as usual. "It was great to get back out here on the football field today," said Sarkisian. "I felt like I was at home. All in all, I'm just moving forward with our team, moving forward with myself, just trying to take all the right and necessary steps to be positive and go out and have a good season."
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As the countdown to kickoff crosses 10 days, injuries start becoming more of a question. The Trojans survived camp in relatively good shape, but both LB Lamar Dawson and RB Justin Davis are dealing with rib issues, which have relegated them to the sideline for the time being.
- The offensive line is back at full strength as LT Chad Wheeler, OG Damien Mama and OG Viane Talamaivao are good to go after minor injuries during Fall Camp.
- With a deep and fresh offensive line, the Trojans want to impose their running game on opponents. This year's stable of running backs, which includes power trio Tre Madden, Aca'Cedric Ware and Soma Vainuku plays into that style more than last year's. "Tre is a big, physical runner at over 230 pounds," said Sarkisian. "I thought our run game was good today, maybe one of our better days that we've had in full pads. Ced Ware gives us some of that, Soma gives us some of that, so we just have to figure out the right formula in the next four or five days so that come next Saturday at 3rd and 1, we know what we're calling, why we're calling it, who's carrying the ball, who's the puller, or if we're pulling someone, and feel great about it."
- Sarkisian is hopeful that DT Antwaun Woods (shoulder) will be back soon, but in the meantime, the less experienced defensive lineman are getting valuable reps. Greg Townsend Jr., who is a veteran in class but not necessarily in game snaps, has taken full advantage, working his way into consideration for the starting lineup. "It feels good," said Townsend Jr. "At the end of the day, it doesn't mean anything to me. I just want to make sure I can help the team in any way I can by being the best role player on the team, the best player the team needs me to be."
- While USC's defensive line is mostly made up of massive bodies like Woods, Delvon Simmons, Claude Pelon and Cody Temple, Townsend Jr. brings something different to the table with his athleticism. "In the offseason, I really focused on staying healthy and becoming more explosive. Now I'm just transferring that work out here and putting it into the game."
- While Townsend Jr. has been a breakout star of Fall Camp for the defense, WR Steven Mitchell Jr. has filled that role for the offense. "A lot of schools don't even know about me, so that's just going to give me the edge," said Mitchell Jr. "I just hope to have a breakout year."
- Mitchell's key is returning to full health and explosiveness. "From a year ago, my confidence has risen," he said. "I was focusing on my knee and my other injuries. Now, I don't even worry about any of that."
- Here is Sarkisian's morning press conference:
