University Southern California Trojans
2019 Holiday Bowl Practice: Notes
December 18, 2019 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
Click the play button above to watch USC defensive coordinator discuss the team's preparation for the Holiday Bowl.
The Trojans hit the practice field to continue preparation for next week's Holiday Bowl matchup vs. Iowa.
- USC safety Talanoa Hufanga said the short break from practice came at a good time. "For us to just get that break away from football — definitely still in the film room, gotta be able to stay sharp with plays and stuff — but at the same time, you gotta rest your body, let it recuperate," he said. "We're not quite at the NFL level of playing a whole 17-18 game season, so for us to just kinda get this break, use it for our bodies and be able to come back and play a good bowl game, was great."
 - Now that the Trojans are back in action, they're preparing for a unique opponent in Iowa. "They're a challenge," said USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. "They're a lot different from a lot of teams we play from a structure offensively. More pro-style type system … Which is kind of unique for us to see."
 - Pendergast said that out of all the Pac-12 schools, Iowa's offense most closely resembles Washington's.
 - USC defensive lineman Jay Tufele is excited to go up against a big Iowa offensive line. "They're really big. Big up front," he explained. "I feel like this might be one of the best o-lines that we face this year. I'm really excited."
 - Tufele's cousin, A.J. Epenesa, is a defensive end at Iowa, and he's excited to face off against him. Tufele also said that he and Iowa All-American offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs became close friends at the 2017 Army All-American Bowl, and he's looking forward to squaring up.
 - Tufele earned his own honors this season, being named First Team All-Pac-12. "I'm really grateful," said Tufele. "A lot of hard work. But it's a team award; Those guys work just as hard as me. Just got to be grateful and keep on working."
 - Tufele redshirted in 2017 when the Trojans played in the Cotton Bowl, so this will be his first time participating in a bowl game. "[The Cotton Bowl] was one of the best experiences I've ever been a part of," he said. "So to be part of a bowl game this year and to actually be playing in it is really exciting. I can't wait to play."
 - True freshman defensive end Drake Jackson will also take part in his first ever bowl game, and he's happy that it's so close to home. "I know all my family's going to be there, all my friends can come if they want to," Jackson said. "And it's San Diego. It's beautiful out there."
Trojans Live: USC's Chad Bowden, Marcelles Williams, Tobias Raymond, Ava Stryker & Madison Whyte
Monday, April 06
USC Lacrosse at Central Michigan Highlights | Trojans win 15-4
Monday, April 06
USC Baseball vs. UCLA Highlights Trojans lose 10-4
Sunday, April 05
USC Baseball vs. UCLA Highlights | Trojans lose 8-9
Saturday, April 04
