Thoughts from Thursday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- Today was an utter whitewash for the offense, as it won literally every phase of the day, including team run, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods, along with -- most importantly on this day -- the turnover battle. "Can we get some resistance?" running backs coach Todd McNair jokingly exclaimed during the domination.
- For the first time since Practice No. 1 of the spring, the offense pitched a shutout by not fumbling or throwing an interception all day. That labeled the day "No Turnover Thursday" and incited a wild celebration and cheerful rendition of the fight song by the offensive players at the end of practice.
- The offense won team run 12-3 and went 12-of-17 during 7-on-7 drills before winning the practice-ending team period 16-15 behind clutch quarterbacking from Matt Barkley. The freshman brought the offense back from a 15-13 deficit with wins on the final three plays, including a nifty pass to fullback D.J. Shoemate while rolling out to the left on the last snap of the day.
- Tailback Marc Tyler had a huge all-around performance, compiling a number of long runs throughout the day and turning short screen passes into lengthy gains on several occasions.
- On one goal-line play during team period, tailback Curtis McNeal powerfully plowed through a linebacker, who was waiting in the hole, and plunged into the end zone for a short touchdown.
- Barkley had one of the throws of the day when he threw a perfectly timed pass to wideout Travon Patterson, who ran a corner route and caught the ball in the back of the end zone.
- Aaron Corp tossed a pretty ball to Brice Butler on a slant route during team period.
- Television personality Roy Firestone attended practice.
- Today was an utter whitewash for the offense, as it won literally every phase of the day, including team run, 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 periods, along with -- most importantly on this day -- the turnover battle. "Can we get some resistance?" running backs coach Todd McNair jokingly exclaimed during the domination.
- For the first time since Practice No. 1 of the spring, the offense pitched a shutout by not fumbling or throwing an interception all day. That labeled the day "No Turnover Thursday" and incited a wild celebration and cheerful rendition of the fight song by the offensive players at the end of practice.
- The offense won team run 12-3 and went 12-of-17 during 7-on-7 drills before winning the practice-ending team period 16-15 behind clutch quarterbacking from Matt Barkley. The freshman brought the offense back from a 15-13 deficit with wins on the final three plays, including a nifty pass to fullback D.J. Shoemate while rolling out to the left on the last snap of the day.
- Tailback Marc Tyler had a huge all-around performance, compiling a number of long runs throughout the day and turning short screen passes into lengthy gains on several occasions.
- On one goal-line play during team period, tailback Curtis McNeal powerfully plowed through a linebacker, who was waiting in the hole, and plunged into the end zone for a short touchdown.
- Barkley had one of the throws of the day when he threw a perfectly timed pass to wideout Travon Patterson, who ran a corner route and caught the ball in the back of the end zone.
- Aaron Corp tossed a pretty ball to Brice Butler on a slant route during team period.
- Television personality Roy Firestone attended practice.
Hi Ben,
I know not a lot of people comment on this blog, but I know there is a lot of readership. We all appreciate your insight and service. You are truly the best USC football reporter. Thank you for not taking your access for granted and serving up information to us Trojan junkies.
Quick question, Ben:
How did veteran RBs Johnson, Gable, and McKnight perform. Obviously no fumbles is good, but recent stats show Gable as relatively unproductive. What was your take on the veteran situation?
Second Question:
Do you if Curtis McNeal, or Marc Tyler step up big time in spring and fall, do you see coach Carroll giving them playing time this season?
I don't know if you are at liberty to discuss this due to your position w/in the team and your relationship w/ Coach Carroll. However, if Pete is serious about playing the best players and these young backs outperform veterans while protecting the ball, they need to break into the rotation.
Thanks for your service!