-
USC head coach Clay Helton mentioned that OT Zach Banner (ankle) practiced in full, and that RB Aca'Cedric Ware tweaked an ankle but was able to finish practice.
- The team's relatively good health is a stark contrast from an Arizona squad which has cycled through three QBs this season due to injury: Anu Solomon, Brandon Dawkins and Khalil Tate.
- USC CB-WR-RET Adoree' Jackson (pictured) was a high school teammate of Tate's at Serra, and sees similarities between himself and the Wildcat QB. "Once he's got the ball in his hands, it's hard to get him down," Jackson said of the true freshman. "One of those things where he's electrifying with the ball, he can beat you with his arm and beat you with his feet. A special kid."
- Jackson has a chance to have an electrifying game as well, as Arizona's kickoff coverage ranks last in the Pac-12. Jackson says he expects the Wildcats to beef up their coverage with him coming to town, though. "I know at the end of the day some teams that have had troubles on special teams, when they go against someone who can change the game, they seem to figure it out and get it together," he said. "So it's just me trying to make the most of my opportunities."
- A big opportunity awaits for Jackson on Saturday. He can break USC's all-time kickoff return yardage record with just one yard against the Wildcats. He is currently tied with Curtis Conway, at 1,723 yards.
- Jackson and the defense have stepped up in the last few games, holding both Colorado and ASU to season-lows in points scored. LB Uchenna Nwosu, who had a career-high 10 tackles against CU, accredits this to the defense "building a bond together" as well as "studying extra together" and "getting closer."
- Nwosu acknowledged that the team is itching to earn its first road win this year. "We want to make a statement. We've got to keep building," he said, adding, "On the road it's harder --- the crowd gets more involved. Every time someone plays USC it's like their Super Bowl so you know everyone gives us their best game."
- Nwosu and the defense will be tasked with shutting down Arizona's QB runs this weekend, as Helton pointed out that the Wildcats "are the second-leading QB rush team in the country, behind Louisville."
- Helton noted that in order to keep Arizona's offense off the field, USC's offense must keep up the good work on third down. "I think it's going to be critical this week to be able to keep a team that can get 90 to 100 plays on a lot of teams [off the field]."
- Watch Helton's full press conference here:
