University Southern California Trojans
OSU Tuesday: Notes
October 03, 2017 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
After its first loss of the season, USC football hit the practice field with a purpose on Tuesday.
- USC head coach Clay Helton's injury report might be at its largest all season, but the Trojans got some good news as well. Full report: Malik Dorton (limited - knee), Josh Fatu (limited - knee), Daniel Imatorbhebhe (limited - quad strain), Rasheem Green (out - ankle, shoulder), Marlon Tuipulotu (out - back), Porter Gustin (out - bicep, toe), Jordan Iosefa (out - concussion protocol), Chuma Edoga (out - ankle), Viane Talamaivao (out - pectoral), Stephen Carr (out - foot), Jalen Greene (out - concussion protocol), Greg Johnson (out - shoulder), Jamel Cook (illness). Toa Lobendahn returned to practice, as did Steven Mitchell Jr.
- Helton opened his press conferences by giving condolences to the victims and families of the recent shooting in Las Vegas. "Sometimes football seems trivial when world affairs are going on like that," he said. "From the Trojan Family, we love you, and our thoughts and prayers are with you — each one of those families."
- On the field, Helton said his team bounced back impressively from its first loss in over a calendar year. "I was looking forward to seeing how the group came out today, and it was an extremely business-like atmosphere," Helton said. "They had their jaw set, and really had one of their better practices. No moping around, no pouting around, they came out here ready to work."
- After going a full year without losing a game, USC QB Sam Darnold said the feeling afterward was just as bad as the last one — against Utah in 2016. "It's a terrible feeling and one that I don't want to feel ever again," he said. "Coach Helton and all of our teammates and all of our coaches don't want to feel it every again so we are just working twice as hard now to remain undefeated the rest of the season."
- Helton noted that despite the disappointing loss at Washington State, the Trojans went 4-1 in the month of September and controls its own destiny in the Pac-12 South so far.
- Helton explained that the biggest areas he's looking to improve on offense are among the young offensive linemen and the wide receiving corps. He praised Tyler Vaughns for his breakout game against Washington State and said that he expects him to start alongside Deontay Burnett and Mitchell on Saturday.
- Austin Jackson (pictured) was one of two true freshmen to see extended playing time on the offensive line on Friday, coming in for Edoga at right tackle. "I think I did a good job of bringing intensity the whole game," Jackson said. "Now it's time to tighten up the technical parts of my game and make sure I'm on my assignments."
- Despite being down three starters at one point on Friday, Darnold said he was still confident behind his line. "I felt really comfortable honestly. They did a great job in there and doing what they could to slow that pass rush down," he said. "It was really good to see such a young crew of o-linemen step up when we needed them."
- Still, Darnold acknowledged that he didn't play his best game vs. Washington State. He mentioned that chemistry with his wide receivers is "still a work in progress" and that he hasn't been as on target as he'd like to be when throwing to the outside.
- The Trojans had a special guest at practice today, as 90-year-old Rev. Ocie Williams stopped by to watch his favorite team. A number of student-athletes greeted him, took pictures and autographed a football for him. Helton presented Williams with a custom letterman's jacket and a USC hat as well.
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