- The injury picture is clearing up, per USC head coach Clay Helton: S Ykili Ross (under the weather) returned to full health, LT Chad Wheeler (plantar fasciitis) continues to improve, and S Marvell Tell III (hamstring) is "really looking good." Helton is hoping to get "a couple series" out of Wheeler on Saturday.
- Damien Mama and Chris Brown are expected to split snaps "50-50" at left guard.
- Offensive coordinator Tee Martin and DL coach Kenechi Udeze will be the primary coaches up in the press box. Helton called Martin an "aggressive" play-caller, and he will not overrule him on a play in the middle of a series.
- CB Adoree' Jackson will have his hands full with Alabama WR Calvin Ridley, so don't expect to see him on offense for more than a handful of plays. With all the depth at receiver, Helton expects Jackson to primarily contribute on defense and special teams this season.
- Jackson, who compared Ridley to former USC All-American WR Nelson Agholor, sees the defense as a whole growing in belief under Clancy Pendergast. "I always feel confident going into every game," Jackson said. "That's our whole team situation. It's been a long wait. We're all anxious."
- DL Noah Jefferson is 100 percent after a Fall Camp which saw him work through back issues. He is part of a rejuvenated defensive line, which still has a lot to prove this season. "I think people aren't aware of us yet. We have a lot of talent. We did a lot of hard work this offseason," he said about the defense.
- The team voted QB Max Browne, OT Zach Banner, LB Michael Hutchings and CB Adoree' Jackson as the 2016 team captains.
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- Here is Helton's press conference:
