- DE Leonard Williams (shoulder) and DT Antwaun Woods (illness) did not actively participate in practice, but both are expected to play. WR George Farmer (hamstring) and S Gerald Bowman are positively on the mend, while WR Ajene Harris (hamstring) and FB Soma Vainuku (hamstring) could take more time.
- After evaluating his practice film, Toa Lobendahn is the projected starter at left tackle. "He looked really good. He looked athletic," said head coach Steve Sarkisian who suggested this could be Lobendahn's future position. "We've always thought his strength were his feet at guard, and at tackle, I thought it really showcased his feet."
- With Lobendahn vacating his left guard spot and Damien Mama (knee) dealing with an injury, Khaliel Rodgers is in line for his first career start. "Khaliel is really back 100% healthy again," Sarkisian said. "He's an excellent puller. That's one of his strengths to his game."
- Senior Aundrey Walker will fill a Swiss Army role backing up at four different positions.
- Connor Halliday attempted an astounding 79 passes last week against Arizona. "They might throw the ball 85 times on Saturday," said Sarkisian. "That could conceivably happen, which is hard to even say never mind watch. We just have to be patient. We can't get hung up if they complete some balls."
- The defensive backs know they are in for a busy day. "We've just got to be ready and when the ball is in the air, we've got to make plays, win our one-on-ones and come down with the ball," said CB Kevon Seymour.
- With another tough offense on deck, Su'a Cravens spoke with urgency about the USC defense, "Grow up. Do your job. That's all you have to worry about. We haven't been doing that, especially in the fourth quarter, and that's why we've been losing games."
- Cravens is one of the leaders of this team that continues to set the tone by bringing high intensity to practice despite the heartbreaking losses. "Our guys, 'the marquee guys,' they probably practice harder than anyone else and that sends a great message to their teammates," Sarkisian said.
- In place of J.R. Tavai, Charles Burks and Quinton Powell will get opportunities this week because they are "natural pass rushers," so they have a chance to "play to their strengths," said Sarkisian.
- While Utah did not test the Trojans young secondary much, the Cougars will make John Plattenburg, Jonathan Lockett and Chris Hawkins show what they can do. "When you get thrown in the fire, you've got to make plays," said Seymour. "We trust each other and we trust the freshmen, they've come a long way from camp. We're confident in each other."
- If the Trojans end up in another close game, they have to fight the "here we go again" feeling. "It's going to take one of these games for us to really do it the right way...to start to shift the thought process there," said the head coach. "We're all at our best when we play with belief and not hope."
- Here is Sarkisian's morning press conference...
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