On Tuesday, the Trojans continued their accelerated preparation for their first Pac-12 South opponent, Utah, on Friday night.
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TE Taylor McNamara (foot) and Malik Dorton (hip) were limited in practice today.
- USC head coach Clay Helton announced that OT E.J. Price plans to transfer from USC to a school closer to home to deal with family issues. Helton called Price "a really good kid" and wished him "nothing but the absolute best."
- Helton said that despite Price's departure, he's happy with the depth of his offensive line, and noted that he thought the Stanford game was the unit's "best game by far," in terms of sacks allowed and opening up the run game.
- USC LB Porter Gustin took time to compliment Utah's offensive line, as well as their QB. "He's very athletic so we've got to contain him, make sure he doesn't run," he said. "They've got a pretty solid O-Line, I think. So just get off blocks, set edges, be quick on the pass rush and play physical."
- Gustin, who spent his final two years of high school in Salem, UT, said he's excited to play in cooler weather and in front of a lot of family.
- DT Stevie Tu'ikolovatu, who transferred to USC from Utah this year, expressed even more excitement to play there. "I can't wait to see what I can do against them," he said. "Hopefully it's good."
- Tu'ikolovatu (pictured) reminisced on Utah's last-second win over USC in 2014. "I remember beating USC, saying how much I hated these guys, but now I love them to death," he said.
- Now, Tu'ikolovatu has pledged his allegiance to USC, and has been "telling everybody how the other offensive lineman plays, what's his weaknesses, so we can try to capitalize on that."
- The Trojans will need his advice on playing in a sold-out Rice-Eccles Stadium on a rainy Friday night, but Helton said he has the utmost confidence in Sam Darnold starting his first game on a short week. "Showing the poise he did, the anticipation he's shown in his throws, his knowledge of the offense right now --- he's making plays."
- Helton also praised QB Max Browne's attitude this week. "That's why he's got the C on his jersey," he said. "He's shown true leadership out here. He's been a pro about how he's handled it, and really led our team."
- Here is Helton's full press conference:
