USC Athletics

USC hit the practice field on Tuesday to gear up for their final regular season game against crosstown rival UCLA.

• Helton provided the following injury updates: DE Rasheem Green (shoulder, did not practice), LB Uchenna Nwosu (ankle, did not practice), K Chase McGrath (groin, did not practice), TE Tyler Petite (shoulder, did not practice). Helton expects all four to play on Saturday.


• Helton opened up by explaining how "special" the USC-UCLA rivalry is, because it's the only matchup that takes place within the limits of one city. "Everyone's living in the same community," he said. "When you play Ohio State-Michigan, they're probably not living together. And we have neighbors that have been to both schools. I just think there's an ultra level of respect between both universities because of how highly ranked academically they are, the tradition of excellence in their athletic tradition — it's just really special."


• Helton said that the team's respect for the rivalry is erasing any chance of the Trojans overlooking UCLA after already clinching the Pac-12 South. "This game is so important for us and our seniors, when you look at it," Helton said. "The Victory Bell is something that's truly special to this university. And we understand how special this game is to our fanbase."


• WR Tyler Vaughns noted that he's excited for the environment that the rivalry game will bring. "The fans always hype us up, so it's going to be great for us on Saturday," he said.


• Vaughns' fellow starting wide receiver Deontay Burnett was recently named a semi-finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the best receiver in the nation. "It's an honor," Burnett said. "It's a dream that's come true. But it's not really what I'm focused on. I want to focus on the team, this week and winning the Pac-12 championship."


• UCLA receiver Darren Andrews was also named a Biletnikoff semi-finalist, despite suffering a season-ending ACL tear earlier this month. Helton wished Andrews the best in his recovery.


• Helton also acknowledged the talent of UCLA QB Josh Rosen, who leads the Pac-12 in pass yards per game (343.8). "He's playing at an extremely high level, and I thought last game was by far his finest game of the season," Helton said. "I've been very impressed with his accuracy, ball placement and spreading the ball around to a number of different receivers."


• Thirteen Trojans will play the final home game of their USC careers on Saturday, and Helton is taking measures to make sure they're prepared for the emotions that experience will bring. "It's something special when you walk into that Coliseum and you know it's your last time," he said. "The key to it is to be able to control those emotions to be able to do your job. To play with passion, but to play with intelligent passion."