- USC was boosted by the return of RB Justin Davis and DL Claude Pelon, plus CB/WR Adoree' Jackson and WR Steven Mitchell were in full pads as well today.
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In the morning heat, the Trojans were a little "grumpy," per head coach Steve Sarkisian, who also said, "Probably not our best practice that we've had, but Tuesdays are somewhat typical that way. They're going to be tough, grind it out type days, but we need to be better tomorrow, we need to be better on Wednesday." - While there were way more positives than negatives from the 55-6 season-opening win, USC wants to clean up pass protection after giving up five sacks. "Obviously disappointed, our pass protection has got to get better," said offensive line coach Bob Connelly. "And that was a collective deal, it wasn't a scheme. It wasn't an assignment. It was one guy here, one guy there. Obviously all of that wasn't just the offensive line, there's a lot that goes into it. But we've got to do a better job protecting the quarterback as a unit."
- However, the line did spring several long runs by showing athleticism blocking down the field. "I really was proud of the effort that they played with," said Connelly. "On a couple of the long runs and touchdown runs, we had two, three guys out in front. We had Damien Mama, at 360 pounds, 61 yards downfield celebrating in the end zone. That's great to see. That's something that I don't want to have to coach, attitude and effort. When we're playing with that effort, when we're giving that effort, good things are going to happen to us."
- While tight end was supposed to be a weakness, Oklahoma transfer Taylor McNamara quickly got on the board with his first TD catch. The San Diego native is happy to be home. "It was a pretty easy decision for me," said the graduate transfer. "Being able to be back home and at such a great school academically, and obviously a great football program too, I was excited. It's not very often that a program like this has a hole in a position."
- Thirteen freshmen made their debuts on Saturday, including three who scored touchdowns (Ronald Jones II, Aca'Cedric Ware and Osa Masina). "The majority of them went out there and played football as they know it. I think that's one of the bigger obstacles for freshmen to overcome," said Sarkisian. "They can eliminate the crowd, they can eliminate the uniforms, they can eliminate the build up to the game, and they just get on the field, their cleats are in the grass, and they play football as they know how to do it."
- In the new AP Top 25, USC remained at No. 8 (pictured).
- Here is Sarkisian after Tuesday's practice...
