- Here is the injury report, per head coach Clay Helton: RB Justin Davis (high ankle sprain - likely out), RT Zach Banner (ankle - practiced), OLB Jabari Ruffin (cleared concussion protocol), TE Taylor McNamara (struggling with back and quad injuries), CB Jonathan Lockett (shoulder - practiced today) and LB Michael Hutchings (shoulder - limited today).
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Outside of Davis, the injury picture is clearing up, especially if Banner is able to return this week. The All-Pac-12 right tackle said, "It's just hurt not being out there." Assuming he plays, he would take back his starting spot, but Helton expects to rotate in either Chuma Edoga or Jordan Simmons to spell him since he has been inactive.
- While it was difficult to sit out, Banner has been impressed, but not surprised, by what he has seen from his teammates in the last two games. "We're a tough team," he said multiple times. "I think we've gotten better every single week, and I couldn't be any prouder of my guys."
- When asked about watching Sam Darnold perform over the last two weeks, Banner posed a question right back at the media. "He's a great player, isn't he?" he said. "Anybody who lines up behind us, we're going to protect. We're happy we have a guy who gives as much effort and tenacity as this guy."
- Darnold ranks eighth in the nation in passer rating and tops among freshmen, but in his three starts, he has fumbled three times. "To be honest, in the game, I don't think about it, which is something that has to change," said Darnold about ball security. "I'm not mindful enough of the ball. That needs to change and it will."
- At the end of practice, all the skill players, including Darnold, went through a ball protection drill. The redshirt freshman QB has had to make a ball placement change from high school. He used to hold the ball low and in one hand, but now, he is being schooled to hold it high and tight with two hands.
- Outside of the turnovers, the Trojans' offense has been transformed under Darnold, averaging 509 yards per game in his three starts. "No one can stop us so far if we don't turn it over," he said. "We're only killing ourselves. We're going to go as far as we want ourselves to go."
- Darnold played baseball as a youngster (he's a Dodgers fan), so he knows how to slide. "I'm comfortable doing it. It's obviously something I need to do a little bit more."
- While turnovers have been an issue in two of the last three games, the USC offense did not commit a single penalty against Arizona State. "That was a good thing," said Helton with a smile. "Penalties were one that got cleaned up."
- In order to get a road win, Helton is emphasizing the running game to protect his young quarterback. Without Justin Davis, Ronald Jones II will likely emerge as the primary ball carrier, but he has struggled to match his freshman magic. "He's getting there," said Helton about Jones. "Between the tackles, I'm hoping the reps in real live game action will help him. I truly think the kid is ready for a breakout game."
- Here is Helton with a complete breakdown of Arizona and much more:
