Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- In a seesaw final team period, the offense stormed out to an 8-4 lead before the defense came back to capture the 13-11 overall practice victory in the competition-themed, full-pads workout. Behind several sharp Matt Barkley completions all over the field, the offense took the early lead -- prompting several offensive players to shout, "Not too much competition today!" -- but the defense stormed back for the triumph, with linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. hilariously singing Jay-Z's "Run This Town" throughout the comeback. "That's a big win for the defense!" Coach Carroll said in the post-practice team huddle.
- Center Kristofer O'Dowd participated in his second consecutive practice after returning from a knee injury, including playing all 30 snaps of service team.
- Tight end Rhett Ellison made a spectacular diving reception during 7-on-7 period, earning praises from his coaches. "That's a big-time catch right there!" offensive coordinator John Morton exclaimed.
- On a deep completion during team period, tailback Allen Bradford laid a brutal block on the blitzing linebacker to allow Matt Barkley time to throw. "AB! You made that play happen," quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates yelled out while running over to high-five Bradford.
- Long runs by Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson and Stanley Havili highlighted the rushing-focused 9-on-7 period.
- Linebacker Michael Morgan had a pretty leaping pass deflection at the line of scrimmage during team period.
- The kickers, punters and snappers spent most of practice on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field to get acclimated to the surface they'll be on at Ohio Stadium this weekend.
- Artificial crowd noise played over speakers surrounding the field throughout the 30-play service team period to get the offense used to making calls in the huddle and at the line while facing loudness.
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