WSU Wednesday: Notes

The Trojans hit the field for their last practice before they travel up to Washington for a Friday night game against Washington State.

USC head coach Clay Helton said WR Deontay Burnett (shoulder) and WR Velus Jones Jr. were able to practice and will "have the opportunity to help us in this game."

With everyone having some "bumps and bruises," Helton praised the team for practicing with intensity. "We always say that preparation is the key, especially in these hype games, that execution and preparation is always the way," said Helton. "They believe in that, they go hard against each other and hopefully we can go up there and be successful."

There is a 20% chance of precipitation in Pullman on Saturday, so Helton practiced some wet ball drills today. "No matter what the elements, whether it's rain, noise or being in a hostile environment, our job is to go up there and execute. I think these kids have their jaws set and I'm really looking forward to how the preform."

Helton is concerned with the amount of points Washington State puts up, so he focused on the red zone package again today. "I think third down efficiency and red zone is going to be a key to this game. You are not going to be able to kick field goals while they're scoring touchdowns. When you look at them, typically their bad days are 28, 35 points, offensively," said Helton. "So we have to do a great job of executing in short yardage, excecuting in all third down situations and keeping drives alive."

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