USC Athletics

The Trojans held their second practice of bowl season as they prepare to take on Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl.

• USC head coach Clay Helton said the team is mostly healthy heading into its bowl game. Full injury report: LB Porter Gustin (day-to-day with a toe injury), OG Andrew Vorhees (held, finishing concussion protocol), CB Jack Jones (ankle), WR Tyler Vaughns (pulled with shoulder/AC), WR Velus Jones Jr. (pulled with ankle), RB Ronald Jones II (pulled with ankle).


• The Trojans had some time off after the Pac-12 Championship Game, during which Jones was named a first team All-American RB by Pro Football Focus. "When you look up at the running backs on that wall, to be in that same class, or category, means a lot," Jones said. "Making the wall means a lot, because you can't take that away."


• Though Jones acknowledged the team was apprehensive about returning to AT&T Stadium, where they fell in their season opener against Alabama last year, he's excited to play his bowl game so close to home. The McKinney, Tex. native said he hopes to see his family on Christmas, since the team travels to Dallas on Dec. 23, and is trying to help 20 of his family members get tickets.


• Those that get tickets are in for a matchup pitting two Top-15 offenses against each other. Helton said he's been "extremely impressed" with Buckeye QB J.T. Barrett, who's passed for 2,939 yards and rushed for 732 more.


• USC QB Sam Darnold is looking forward to matching up against Ohio State's speed. "They are really athletic," he said. "That's one of the things that stands out to me. When you look at them athletically, the way they fly around the field, it's a little bit different."


• Darnold (pictured) practiced today without the guidance of USC QB coach Tyson Helton, as he is expected to join Tennessee's coaching staff as offensive coordinator, and is not expected to coach the Cotton Bowl. In the meantime, offensive quality control assistant Bryan Ellis is taking over QB coaching duties. "I'm proud for him and thankful for him, for the job he's done," said head coach Clay Helton of his younger brother.


• While Helton is headed to Tennessee, USC OC/wide receivers coach Tee Martin confirmed that he will remain on USC's coaching staff next year, despite being contacted by Tennessee.