Dispatch from Howard Jones

By Jordan Moore on October 20, 2009 7:11 PM | No Comments

Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...

- The competition was raging during a sharp team period on Tuesday, as the offense jumped out to a 5-0 lead and the defense immediately came back to take a 6-5 advantage, before the offense finally closed it out for a 13-11 overall practice victory. Energy was high and the play was game-like as the Trojans turned a midseason, midweek workout into a spirited affair on Howard Jones Field.

- On one crazy play during team period, linebacker Jarvis Jones deflected the Matt Barkley bullet pass, which then ricocheted off of safety Drew McAllister's shoulder pads before wideout Damian Williams, the intended receiver, raced under the ball, caught it and sprinted free to the end zone. "Put that in the playbook!" tight ends coach Brennan Carroll exclaimed.

- During service team period, Matt Barkley was remarkably on the money, connecting with stunning precision on his passes, both short and long.

- Tailback Curtis McNeal broke three lengthy runs during team drills.

- The defense all but put the offense to sleep during 7-on-7 period, forcing incompletions on eight of the 10 snaps.

- Fullback D.J. Shoemate, whom Coach Carroll said he's "really excited about," filled in for Stanley Havili (currently out with a dislocated shoulder). Fellow backup Adam Goodman is also getting ready in case Havili can't play Saturday. "Those guys have to pick up the slack," Carroll said.

- During 1-on-1 period, cornerbacks T.J. Bryant, Kevin Thomas and Shareece Wright each had an interception, rewards for playing superb coverage.

- For the second time in as many weeks, distinguished southern California pastor Mike Erre, of Rock Harbor Church in Costa Mesa, attended practice.

University Southern California Trojans

Dispatch from Howard Jones

Dispatch from Howard Jones

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