The Trojans held another laid back practice on Cromwell Field on the Wednesday of their bye week.
- USC head coach Clay Helton said the team is at the same place they were yesterday in terms of injuries. OL Jordan Simmons, LB Olajuwon Tucker and S Leon McQuay III were all held out of practice. He added that the rest of the team is focusing on healing up from "bumps and bruises."
- After three straight wins in which the defense has held opponents to 20 points or less, Helton referenced the added pressure the team is getting on opposing quarterbacks as a big reason why. Arizona only completed one pass in the first half against the Trojans last weekend. "Clancy dialing up the pressure he is now makes it hard on offensive lines and quarterbacks," said Helton.
- Helton said he believes individual improvement has played a huge part in this current defensive upswing. "I think [Porter Gustin] and Uchenna [Nwosu] have improved the most in pass rushing. I think they've gotten better and a lot of it has to do with being in the nickel package a lot more." Helton also noted that the team has improved on getting decent pressure with just a four man rush.
- Chris Hawkins has noticed a change in the defense too, that he said is very noticeable out on the field. "We're flying around right now. I've never been a part of a defense that plays so fast," said Hawkins, who forced a fumble against Arizona. "The speed of our play right now is on another level."
- When it comes to the offense that Helton's defense will be facing after their bye week against Cal, Helton said they will be up against one of the best passing attacks in not just the Pac-12 but the country. Cal quarterback Davis Webb has thrown for over 2,200 yards and 22 touchdowns though six games. "He's doing a tremendous job of getting the ball out," said Helton. "He can make any throw on the field."
- Because of that explosive offense, Helton said he will monitor Adoree' Jackson's reps. With what Helton described as a tall order for Jackson, he said they want to be careful with Jackson next week.
- The Trojans will have the next two days off to focus on academics, as the coaches go out for recruiting trips.
- Watch Helton's full press conference here:
