- After the defense dominated yesterday, the offense did a better job of protecting the football, establishing the run and taking some shots down field. "The offense did a lot better as a unit," said QB Cody Kessler. "The defense still came out, but the offense fired back. We definitely took a big step forward today."
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Cody Kessler has the reputation of lacking a power arm, but he uncorked a couple deep balls today, including a long connection to Marqise Lee. "I just took it personal and got tired of people saying, 'He can't throw the deep ball,'" said Kessler about improving his arm strength. "You have to have arm strength and you have to be accurate at the same time." - Kessler has been lauded for his mobility, although he is rarely able to show it off in practice when a defender need only tag him for the play to be ruled down. "To be honest with you, with our d-line right now, I'd rather be tagged than take a hit from them every day. It's something that I enjoy about my game too is being able to run and making something happen if the play breaks down. But at the same time, I'm not trying to do too much."
- According to Kessler, the offense installed a lot of play-action today, which opened up the run and pass game since the defense had to honor both. Freshman RB Justin Davis sprung the biggest run of the day.
- In the competition for the third receiver spot, Darreus Rogers (pictured) is putting his best foot forward. "Darreus has done really well every day," said head coach Lane Kiffin. "We're really excited about how he looks out there."
- On the defensive side, Dion Bailey is slimmed down and motivated by his move back to his natural spot at safety. "I really just made the best out of linebacker," said Bailey. "That was never a position I felt that I would play at the next level. I was 200 pounds. I don't think I could survive at that position much longer."
- However, Bailey learned a lot playing linebacker that he can now use at safety. "Physicality, definitely. I can come down into the box and feel like I'm right at home."
- Fellow safety Josh Shaw is emerging as one of the leaders of this defense because of his versatility and intelligence. "He gives us some flexibility because he's got 'coverability' and the ability to play in the box," said defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. "I would say he probably knows our defense better than anybody."
- Kiffin continues to be impressed by the freshmen class. He said LB Michael Hutchings already "looks like a veteran," and also praised the "football awareness" of OL Nico Falah and OL Khaliel Rodgers. Â
- Here is a long presser with Kiffin who would not rule out the possibility of shuffling quarterbacks if a clear starter does not emerge...
