University Southern California Trojans
2019 Holiday Bowl Practice: Notes
December 24, 2019 | Football, USC Ripsit Blog, Features
Click the play button above to watch USC head coach Clay Helton preview Friday's game against Iowa.
The Trojans enjoyed a spirited practice at Southwestern College on Christmas Eve as they continue to prepare for their matchup with Iowa in the Holiday Bowl.
- USC head coach Clay Helton opened his remarks by expressing sadness at the passing of ESPN reporter Ed Aschoff. "He was nothing but first-class to this organization and always to me," Helton said. "Ed, you'll be missed."
- Helton went on to express gratitude towards the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt, the Naval aircraft carrier in Coronado that hosted the Trojans and Hawkeyes for tours today.
- While the Trojans and Hawkeyes played nice on their joint tour today, USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is excited to test his pass-happy offense against Iowa's staunch pass defense. "We're competitive as coaches, just like our kids are competitive, and we want to go win," he said.
- Harrell characterized Iowa's defense as very disciplined. "They all know what they're supposed to do," he said. "They're disciplined, they know where they're supposed to be, they just line up and do what they do. It'll test us, but when we play well and we do things right, I think we can move the ball on anyone."
- USC may be without a few pieces on offense on Friday. OL Drew Richmond is still dealing with a foot sprain and participated in half of today's practice. RB Markese Stepp, meanwhile, was held from practice and is doubtful for Friday's game.
- On the other side of the ball, the Trojans will work to slow down Iowa QB Nate Stanley. The senior stands at 6'4" and weighs 243 lbs. "He's a handful," said USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. "He's extremely smart. He reads coverages very well ... And of course, he has a lot of experience."
- DE Christian Rector is one of the players tasked with slowing Stanley down, but he'll have to get past Iowa's offensive line first. "They're really talented," he said. "Really talented outside. I think we can get at them inside more."
- USC QB Kedon Slovis is hoping a win over Iowa will kick off a positive offseason for the Trojans. "I really think it's important going into next year," Slovis said. "We only lose four starters going into next year. So not only for fan support, but just for our team in general, just getting that confidence boost going into next year would be great."
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