-
On the injury front, USC head coach Clay Helton noted that DT Noah Jefferson is doubtful for Saturday's contest due to his shoulder injury. Full injury report: S Marvell Tell III (concussion), RT Zach Banner (stomach bug), Ronald Jones II (ribs, thigh).
- Helton also announced that LB Osa Masina and DE Don Hill are now indefinitely suspended from all football activity, including practice and meetings, based on guidance from the University.
- One of the Trojans' top priorities on Saturday will be bottling up Stanford RB Christian McCaffrey. Helton likened covering the 2015 Heisman Trophy finalist to "finding Waldo" because of his versatility. Helton noted that he's a skilled runner, returner and receiver, "not just out of the backfield, but they're actually using him in slot receiver positions, outside receiver positions --- he's all over the place."
- USC RB Justin Davis (pictured) explained that McCaffrey's record-breaking performance last season motivated the Trojans to get better. "That makes us want to work hard to try to get our names out there," Davis said. "Sometimes the whole Pac-12 gets so concerned about Christian McCaffrey, but we've got backs just as talented at USC. I just can't wait to display that."
- Helton praised K Matt Boermeester's performance on kickoffs against Utah State and emphasized how important touchbacks will be with McCaffrey as the returner on Saturday.
- Helton also reaffirmed his commitment to playing both Max Browne and Sam Darnold all season. Helton called Browne "efficient" and Darnold "a weapon," and said "we're going to use every weapon possible on this team to be able to win football games."
- WR Darreus Rogers, who had a career-high seven catches on Saturday, said he's happy playing with either QB, arguing that "both of the guys are good --- starters on any team in the country."
- Rogers acknowledged that Stanford is more well-rested than USC, coming off a bye week, but is less experienced, with only one game under its belt. "They finished strong last year, but it's a new season," Rogers said. "We'll be ready, and they'll be ready, too, so it'll be a good one."
- Here is Helton's full press conference:
