After a full week of game planning, USC hit the practice field on Tuesday to prepare for Penn State all over again.
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USC head coach Clay Helton gave two injury updates: CB Jonathan Lockett successfully underwent hip surgery and will start rehab tomorrow, and OL Nate Smith is set to undergo ACL surgery on Thursday.
- Helton noted that after a week of looking at tape for the Rose Bowl Game, he's even more impressed with Penn State RB Saquon Barkley. Helton called him "the most complete back" USC has faced this season. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year has racked up 1,302 rush yards and 347 receiving yards this year.
- USC boasted a strong run game this year, too, anchored by senior Justin Davis (pictured) and sophomore Ronald Jones II. Davis, who missed three games with an ankle injury earlier this season, said he's feeling the best he's felt since getting injured. "This time has done a lot of good things for me," he said. "Just getting back to form, and definitely these bowl practices right now are helping me out a lot."
- While Davis appreciates the extra practice time, Helton wants to make sure the Trojans keep their energy up in these practices, despite not playing for another 12 days. "I've really believed in the routine this year," he said. "I'm hoping that routine keeps us in check ... Keeping these guys kind of like they're playing this Saturday."
- Davis is chomping at the bit to carry on USC's tradition of playing in the Rose Bowl Game. "That's our game. We kind of own it," he said. "Just to get back there, we're all excited for the opportunity, and we're playing a great team in Penn State. We can't wait."
- The Granddaddy of Them All will be Davis' last game in a Trojan uniform, and he promises to soak it all in. "I'm loving every second of it," the Stockton, CA native said. "I'm going to cherish this last month, or this last few weeks as a Trojan, because I know they're going to be amazing."
- Senior OT Chad Wheeler will also play his last game in Cardinal & Gold at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2. The newly crowned first team All-American acknowledged his offensive line coach, Neil Callaway, for helping him refine his technique and motivating the unit to push each other to play their best all season.
- Helton praised both Wheeler and senior OT Zach Banner, whom he called the "bookends" of the offensive line. "I can't think of the last time they haven't started," he said. "And to be in there day in and day out --- the energy they bring at practice, the leadership that they bring at practice and then on game day, and then to protect that quarterback's back side ... it's because of how your tackles are playing."
- The whole offensive unit will be asked to step up to make sure USC QB Sam Darnold doesn't get hurt, since the departure of Max Browne leaves a hole on the depth chart. Helton is confident, however, in Jalen Greene's ability to step in in an emergency. "You see shines of brilliance," he said. "He's such a great athlete that it's kind of like riding a bike. Is every throw perfect? No. But is he being efficient? Getting the ball in the right place? Yes, he is."
- Watch Helton's full press conference here:
