Check out this slideshow of images from Wednesday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
September 2009 Archives
The defensive line goes through position group drills.
Tailback Allen Bradford rumbles upfield.
In 7-on-7 period, Aaron Corp throws with the setting sun behind him.
Matt Barkley passes in 7-on-7 drills.
Mitch Mustain leads the Trojan offense during team period.
Motivational speaker Sourena Vasseghi, a USC alum who has overcome the effects of cerebral palsy to become an influential figure to many, speaks to the team following Wednesday's practice.
Thoughts from Wednesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- The offense picked up another rare dual victory, pitching a shutout on Turnover Wednesday and capturing a 13-11 win in the final team period during the full-pads practice at the midpoint of game week. "This is a meaningful, emotional week for us," Coach Carroll said in the post-practice team huddle. "Let's make sure we keep bringing it."
- Matt Barkley had perhaps his most productive day since returning from a shoulder injury last week, as he completed several difficult downfield throws and guided a very effective offense. "Without question it was the best day for his arm motion," Carroll said. "He's still not 100 percent, but it's the best it's been."
- Defensive end Nick Perry, the Pac-10's sack leader, came back to practice after sitting out Tuesday with a knee bruise. "That's a great return -- he couldn't move yesterday," Carroll said. "I'm sure he's going to play."
- Linebackers Malcolm Smith (ankle) and Luthur Brown (back) practiced, and Carroll said both will travel and most likely play on Saturday.
- Wideout Ronald Johnson participated in some light running and rehab drills on a side field during practice, his first football-related work since breaking his collarbone more than a month ago. "It's great to see RoJo out here running around," Carroll said.
- Mitch Mustain continued to get more looks at the backup quarterback spot, and he's impressing the coaches in the process. "He's coming on, he's elevating his play," Carroll said. "He's on it." Carroll, though, did not say the depth chart had changed, as Aaron Corp remains in the second position. "Both those guys are ready," Carroll said.
- Kicker Joe Houston has been making noise in the placekicking competition as he attempts to put pressure on current starter Jordan Congdon. "He's hitting the ball the best he's hit," Carroll said of Houston. "He's competing. He's obviously ready to go if he gets a chance."
- On a fade route down the right sideline during team period, wideout David Ausberry had the catch of the day when he soared up over the cornerback to pluck an Aaron Corp pass out of the sky.
- Artificial crowd noise played during much of practice to get the Trojan offense acclimated to the loud environment at Memorial Stadium.
- The offense picked up another rare dual victory, pitching a shutout on Turnover Wednesday and capturing a 13-11 win in the final team period during the full-pads practice at the midpoint of game week. "This is a meaningful, emotional week for us," Coach Carroll said in the post-practice team huddle. "Let's make sure we keep bringing it."
- Matt Barkley had perhaps his most productive day since returning from a shoulder injury last week, as he completed several difficult downfield throws and guided a very effective offense. "Without question it was the best day for his arm motion," Carroll said. "He's still not 100 percent, but it's the best it's been."
- Defensive end Nick Perry, the Pac-10's sack leader, came back to practice after sitting out Tuesday with a knee bruise. "That's a great return -- he couldn't move yesterday," Carroll said. "I'm sure he's going to play."
- Linebackers Malcolm Smith (ankle) and Luthur Brown (back) practiced, and Carroll said both will travel and most likely play on Saturday.
- Wideout Ronald Johnson participated in some light running and rehab drills on a side field during practice, his first football-related work since breaking his collarbone more than a month ago. "It's great to see RoJo out here running around," Carroll said.
- Mitch Mustain continued to get more looks at the backup quarterback spot, and he's impressing the coaches in the process. "He's coming on, he's elevating his play," Carroll said. "He's on it." Carroll, though, did not say the depth chart had changed, as Aaron Corp remains in the second position. "Both those guys are ready," Carroll said.
- Kicker Joe Houston has been making noise in the placekicking competition as he attempts to put pressure on current starter Jordan Congdon. "He's hitting the ball the best he's hit," Carroll said of Houston. "He's competing. He's obviously ready to go if he gets a chance."
- On a fade route down the right sideline during team period, wideout David Ausberry had the catch of the day when he soared up over the cornerback to pluck an Aaron Corp pass out of the sky.
- Artificial crowd noise played during much of practice to get the Trojan offense acclimated to the loud environment at Memorial Stadium.
The Trojans just hit the field for their weekly Turnover Wednesday practice, so we'll be back with a report after the full-pads workout.
Besides today being turnover day, the emphasis is also on penalties and third downs.
And the Trojans are lagging in both.
In penalties, USC is averaging 73 yards per game, second worst in the Pac-10, while Cal is tops in the conference with just 38.8 yards of penalties per game. Third downs are much of the same, as the Trojans are converting just 25 percent of their opportunities (last in the Pac-10), with the Bears placing fourth in the conference with a 43.4 percentage on third downs.
"We have got to turn this thing around," Coach Carroll said in this afternoon's team meeting.
And the Trojans are lagging in both.
In penalties, USC is averaging 73 yards per game, second worst in the Pac-10, while Cal is tops in the conference with just 38.8 yards of penalties per game. Third downs are much of the same, as the Trojans are converting just 25 percent of their opportunities (last in the Pac-10), with the Bears placing fourth in the conference with a 43.4 percentage on third downs.
"We have got to turn this thing around," Coach Carroll said in this afternoon's team meeting.
As the mother of Stafon Johnson, Kim Mallory has had a heart-wrenching past 48 hours as she remains by the side of her injured son and only child.
But she said she is beyond thankful for the encouragement and well wishes from fans since the injury.
"Words cannot express the outpouring of love and support we've received," Mallory said this afternoon while in the hospital with her son. "It's overwhelming, and it means so much to me and Stafon."
But she said she is beyond thankful for the encouragement and well wishes from fans since the injury.
"Words cannot express the outpouring of love and support we've received," Mallory said this afternoon while in the hospital with her son. "It's overwhelming, and it means so much to me and Stafon."
Stafon Johnson joined the micro-blogging site Twitter this afternoon, so you can follow him by clicking to http://www.twitter.com/stafon13.
Defensive end Nick Perry leads the Pac-10 in sacks (1.5 per game) and linebacker Michael Morgan tops the conference in tackles for loss (2.13 per game).
In those respective categories, Perry is third in the country, while Morgan ranks sixth nationally.
In those respective categories, Perry is third in the country, while Morgan ranks sixth nationally.
The Trojan Marching Band appeared on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" last night, and you can see their amazing performance here:
Here are three cool Trojan connections surrounding this weekend's game at California:
- Safety Drew McAllister's father, Ken, was a defensive back at Cal and led the team in punt returns in 1976-77. McAllister's mother, Tracy, was a Golden Bears cheerleader.
- Freshman center John Martinez and Bears defensive lineman Keni Kaufusi are brothers.
- Tight end Rhett Ellison, who grew up in the Bay Area town of Portola Valley, will celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday.
- Safety Drew McAllister's father, Ken, was a defensive back at Cal and led the team in punt returns in 1976-77. McAllister's mother, Tracy, was a Golden Bears cheerleader.
- Freshman center John Martinez and Bears defensive lineman Keni Kaufusi are brothers.
- Tight end Rhett Ellison, who grew up in the Bay Area town of Portola Valley, will celebrate his 21st birthday on Saturday.
Just 19 percent of the country will receive Saturday's USC-California game, which will be broadcast on ABC starting at 5 p.m. Here's the full coverage map:
For those who are attending Saturday's game at California, you can meet the team as they arrive for the matchup at the southwest corner of Memorial Stadium at 3:25 p.m.
We received some questions about the visitors' locker room at the Coliseum, so here's a reposting of a USCRipsIt feature from last season:
Generally, going on the road means teams will receive not-so-fancy locker rooms, partly because of home-field advantage issues and partly for economic reasons, since it doesn't make financial sense to pour a bunch of money into a locker room that will be used by six different teams on six Saturdays for a few hours over the course of a season.
Meanwhile, at the Coliseum, it's all about creating a unique on-the-road disadvantage for the visitors. Both the home and away locker rooms were redone in 1991 under the guidance of Raiders owner Al Davis, and Davis demanded that the visitors' quarters be cramped and have no open area for a team meeting (unlike the home locker room, which features a large open area in the middle). So while the lockers, carpet and facilities are relatively new and comfortable, the locker room consists of a huge hurdle for the visitors.
The visitors' locker room at the Coliseum is only about 20-feet-by-30-feet and is stuffed with two banks of lockers in the middle of the room. Also, the lockers rise up almost to the ceiling, making the room seem very claustrophobic. But most importantly, there's no place for the team to gather and have a meeting, making it a major hindrance for the visitors during halftime or before the game.
The visitors' locker room at the Coliseum, designed by Raiders owner Al Davis in 1991, is small and claustrophobic and features no area for the away team to gather.
The visitors' locker room contains three rows with five lockers on each side of the aisle, along with a ring of lockers around the room.
Generally, going on the road means teams will receive not-so-fancy locker rooms, partly because of home-field advantage issues and partly for economic reasons, since it doesn't make financial sense to pour a bunch of money into a locker room that will be used by six different teams on six Saturdays for a few hours over the course of a season.
Meanwhile, at the Coliseum, it's all about creating a unique on-the-road disadvantage for the visitors. Both the home and away locker rooms were redone in 1991 under the guidance of Raiders owner Al Davis, and Davis demanded that the visitors' quarters be cramped and have no open area for a team meeting (unlike the home locker room, which features a large open area in the middle). So while the lockers, carpet and facilities are relatively new and comfortable, the locker room consists of a huge hurdle for the visitors.
The visitors' locker room at the Coliseum is only about 20-feet-by-30-feet and is stuffed with two banks of lockers in the middle of the room. Also, the lockers rise up almost to the ceiling, making the room seem very claustrophobic. But most importantly, there's no place for the team to gather and have a meeting, making it a major hindrance for the visitors during halftime or before the game.
The visitors' locker room at the Coliseum, designed by Raiders owner Al Davis in 1991, is small and claustrophobic and features no area for the away team to gather.
The visitors' locker room contains three rows with five lockers on each side of the aisle, along with a ring of lockers around the room.
Already a GQ man, Mark Sanchez is now doing commercials.
Sanchez shows off his acting skills in this 30-second Toyota commercial that's currently airing in the NewYork-New Jersey area:
Sanchez shows off his acting skills in this 30-second Toyota commercial that's currently airing in the NewYork-New Jersey area:
We received several e-mails wondering why Matt Barkley's jersey didn't have a Nike swoosh on it during Saturday's game at the Coliseum.
According to football equipment coordinator Tino Dominguez, the small logo was ripped off the breast of his jersey at some point during the game. Because it wasn't a necessary part of the functionality of the uniform -- and because the equipment staff doesn't carry around extra swooshes -- Dominguez said they didn't reapply one during the game, but will do so before the next time the Trojans don their cardinal jerseys.
"He'll have a swoosh on there by the next game," Dominguez said with a laugh.
Matt Barkley's jersey did not have a Nike swoosh on it for much of Saturday's game because it was ripped off at some point during the contest. [Photo by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer]
According to football equipment coordinator Tino Dominguez, the small logo was ripped off the breast of his jersey at some point during the game. Because it wasn't a necessary part of the functionality of the uniform -- and because the equipment staff doesn't carry around extra swooshes -- Dominguez said they didn't reapply one during the game, but will do so before the next time the Trojans don their cardinal jerseys.
"He'll have a swoosh on there by the next game," Dominguez said with a laugh.
Matt Barkley's jersey did not have a Nike swoosh on it for much of Saturday's game because it was ripped off at some point during the contest. [Photo by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer]
Coach Carroll spent more time with Stafon Johnson in the hospital on Tuesday night, and his health conditions continue to improve.
"He's feeling better and he looks really good," Carroll said. "He passed along lots of support for the team for this weekend and he wants the guys to play really hard and bring it to Cal."
"He's feeling better and he looks really good," Carroll said. "He passed along lots of support for the team for this weekend and he wants the guys to play really hard and bring it to Cal."
The student organization that set up a poster for people to sign to show their support for Stafon Johnson will be doing it again today.
Trojan Pride, which is organizing the effort, will be in front of Tommy Trojan from 11:45 a.m. until about 4 p.m. today with a massive poster, and all students, staff and fans are encouraged to come to write their messages of love and support to Johnson.
Trojan Pride, which is organizing the effort, will be in front of Tommy Trojan from 11:45 a.m. until about 4 p.m. today with a massive poster, and all students, staff and fans are encouraged to come to write their messages of love and support to Johnson.
Coaches are currently in their weekly recruiting meeting in the War Room, where they're watching tape of prospects for the Class of 2010. With high school games every week, coaches have plenty of fresh film to look at as they make important decisions for the future of the program -- who to offer scholarships to, who to pursue and who to seal the deal with. Also, they view tape of the players who are already committed to USC just to check in on them.
Coming off Tuesday's entry about the potential for a medical hardship and another year of eligibility for Stafon Johnson, Hebron Fangupo and Marshall Jones, here are some clarifications and corrections about the rule, straight from the USC compliance office:
- The NCAA doesn't rule on medical hardship waivers. These waivers are submitted to the Pac-10 Conference.
- Postseason bowl games are not included in the calculation.
- Hardship waivers cannot be submitted until the season is completed.
- The medical hardship doesn't give an extra year of eligibility in the sense that it extends the five-year clock; it essentially replaces the season used when the injury occurred, but the student-athlete still must use the extra year within five years of initial enrollment. The clock extension is required to use a season after the five-year clock has expired. Jeff Byers, Josh Pinkard and Hershel Dennis all received clock extension waivers from the NCAA to grant the sixth-year on the clock in which they could use the fourth season of eligibility. Some missed entire years due to injury so they didn't get hardship waivers for each year.
- The student-athletes don't apply for the medical hardship waivers; the institution has to file the request on the student's behalf.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Johnson injury update: Encouraging news
- Send in your support: Mail in cards and notes to injured players
- Watch it again: Carroll's press conference
- More good news concerning Johnson: Communicating nonverbally
- Potential exists for more eligibility: Medical redshirts are an option
- Making a difference: Carroll on "Anderson Cooper 360"
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Tuesday's practice report
- Tuesday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Tuesday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Wideout Brice Butler makes a catch during individual drills.
Matt Barkley throws during early-practice drills.
Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain pass downfield during a dual-quarterback drill.
Matt Barkley looks downfield in 7-on-7 period.
Kicker Joe Houston connects on a field goal.
Under a magnificent sky, Matt Barkley throws during team period.
Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- Behind Matt Barkley's great command and effective performance, the offense dominated all day and closed out the full-pads workout with a 14-10 victory over the defense in the final team period of Competition Tuesday. The score was a lot closer than the battle actually was, as Coach Carroll's creative scorekeeping brought the defense back from a 10-4 deficit to make the final tally somewhat respectable. With the offense holding an overpowering early lead, Carroll whistled to pause practice while offensive coaches hooted in excitement. "Stop the bleeding!" tight ends coach Brennan Carroll exclaimed.
- Defensive end Nick Perry, the Pac-10's sack leader, sat out of practice with a bruised knee. His status for Saturday is up in the air.
- Mitch Mustain took several snaps as the second-team quarterback as he gets more of an opportunity to become the backup quarterback.
- During team period, cornerback Josh Pinkard snatched up an interception on a pass that ricocheted off a wideout for the defense's only turnover of the day.
- Also in team period, Damian Williams had an incredible soaring one-handed catch on a bullet pass from Matt Barkley -- with a cornerback all over him. Those in attendance cheered in awe of the play.
- Tailbacks Allen Bradford and Curtis McNeal turned in huge runs to propel the offense to a dominant performance in 9-on-7 period.
- Two seriously injured Trojan made it to Howard Jones Field on Tuesday afternoon. Defensive back Marshall Jones (cracked vertebra), wearing a neck brace, attended the first part of practice, while defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo (broken leg), using a walker, came out to the field at the end of the workout.
- The kickers and punters did work on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field to acclimatize themselves to the surface they'll play on come Saturday.
- Behind Matt Barkley's great command and effective performance, the offense dominated all day and closed out the full-pads workout with a 14-10 victory over the defense in the final team period of Competition Tuesday. The score was a lot closer than the battle actually was, as Coach Carroll's creative scorekeeping brought the defense back from a 10-4 deficit to make the final tally somewhat respectable. With the offense holding an overpowering early lead, Carroll whistled to pause practice while offensive coaches hooted in excitement. "Stop the bleeding!" tight ends coach Brennan Carroll exclaimed.
- Defensive end Nick Perry, the Pac-10's sack leader, sat out of practice with a bruised knee. His status for Saturday is up in the air.
- Mitch Mustain took several snaps as the second-team quarterback as he gets more of an opportunity to become the backup quarterback.
- During team period, cornerback Josh Pinkard snatched up an interception on a pass that ricocheted off a wideout for the defense's only turnover of the day.
- Also in team period, Damian Williams had an incredible soaring one-handed catch on a bullet pass from Matt Barkley -- with a cornerback all over him. Those in attendance cheered in awe of the play.
- Tailbacks Allen Bradford and Curtis McNeal turned in huge runs to propel the offense to a dominant performance in 9-on-7 period.
- Two seriously injured Trojan made it to Howard Jones Field on Tuesday afternoon. Defensive back Marshall Jones (cracked vertebra), wearing a neck brace, attended the first part of practice, while defensive lineman Hebron Fangupo (broken leg), using a walker, came out to the field at the end of the workout.
- The kickers and punters did work on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field to acclimatize themselves to the surface they'll play on come Saturday.
It's Competition Tuesday at USC, and the full-pads practice just began on Howard Jones Field. We'll return afterward with a report.
See Coach Carroll's live appearance on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" on Monday night:
At the start of this afternoon's team meeting, Coach Carroll updated the team about Stafon Johnson's injury, surgery and recovery, and he encouraged the players to offer their support to their teammate and his family.
"He needs us," Carroll said. "When you get your chances, send your love, support and messages. All the love and positive thoughts you can send, let's do that. It will be really uplifting for him and his family and all of us."
Then, Carroll addressed the Johnson news in light of Saturday's game at California, telling his players that they need to prepare and play in the same way their injured teammate would.
"What do you think Stafon would want us to do?" Carroll asked. "Kick some butt."
"He needs us," Carroll said. "When you get your chances, send your love, support and messages. All the love and positive thoughts you can send, let's do that. It will be really uplifting for him and his family and all of us."
Then, Carroll addressed the Johnson news in light of Saturday's game at California, telling his players that they need to prepare and play in the same way their injured teammate would.
"What do you think Stafon would want us to do?" Carroll asked. "Kick some butt."
Stafon Johnson, Hebron Fangupo and Marshall Jones could ultimately receive some positive news in the face of their devastating season-ending injuries.
USC's compliance office determined today that all three injured players have the potential of getting an extra year of eligibility because of a medical hardship.
According to NCAA rules, players can apply for a "medical hardship" to receive an extra year of eligibility if they play in 30 percent of the team's games (fractions are rounded up) during the first half of the season and then suffer serious season-ending injuries.
So, in the cases of Johnson, Fangupo and Jones, all played in either three or four games, which qualifies them for a hardship since 30 percent of a 12 game season is 3.6, which is rounded up to four games. A bowl game would make the season 13 games, and 30 percent of that is 3.9, which is again rounded up to four games. Either way, all three players meet the criteria for a medical hardship under the NCAA rules.
If the three players want to receive a medical hardship and an extra year of eligibility, the application process would begin either later this year or in the early offseason. The NCAA would rule on each of their cases soon thereafter.
Most recently, Jeff Byers, Josh Pinkard and Hershel Dennis each applied for and received medical hardships -- and consequently an extra year of eligibility -- because of season-ending injuries in previous years.
USC's compliance office determined today that all three injured players have the potential of getting an extra year of eligibility because of a medical hardship.
According to NCAA rules, players can apply for a "medical hardship" to receive an extra year of eligibility if they play in 30 percent of the team's games (fractions are rounded up) during the first half of the season and then suffer serious season-ending injuries.
So, in the cases of Johnson, Fangupo and Jones, all played in either three or four games, which qualifies them for a hardship since 30 percent of a 12 game season is 3.6, which is rounded up to four games. A bowl game would make the season 13 games, and 30 percent of that is 3.9, which is again rounded up to four games. Either way, all three players meet the criteria for a medical hardship under the NCAA rules.
If the three players want to receive a medical hardship and an extra year of eligibility, the application process would begin either later this year or in the early offseason. The NCAA would rule on each of their cases soon thereafter.
Most recently, Jeff Byers, Josh Pinkard and Hershel Dennis each applied for and received medical hardships -- and consequently an extra year of eligibility -- because of season-ending injuries in previous years.
Just before this afternoon's meetings, Coach Carroll made a quick trip the hospital, where he visited with Stafon Johnson for a few minutes, and he has some encouraging news from the outing.
"He looked great and his spirits were remarkably good," Carroll said of Johnson, who underwent emergency throat surgery on Monday. "He really misses everyone and sends everyone good wishes for this week. He's very thankful for the support from everyone."
During the visit, Johnson wrote Carroll a note that said, "I'm going to be back soon. I miss you guys already."
Carroll's time with Johnson ended so the coach could return to campus for football meetings, but only after he accidentally made Johnson laugh a few times, an apparent no-no for someone just out of surgery.
"They kicked me out then," Carroll said with a smile.
"He looked great and his spirits were remarkably good," Carroll said of Johnson, who underwent emergency throat surgery on Monday. "He really misses everyone and sends everyone good wishes for this week. He's very thankful for the support from everyone."
During the visit, Johnson wrote Carroll a note that said, "I'm going to be back soon. I miss you guys already."
Carroll's time with Johnson ended so the coach could return to campus for football meetings, but only after he accidentally made Johnson laugh a few times, an apparent no-no for someone just out of surgery.
"They kicked me out then," Carroll said with a smile.
In front of Tommy Trojan this afternoon, a USC student signs a "Fight on Stafon" poster that the student group Trojan Pride has made for the USC community to show its support for the injured tailback. [Photo by Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant]
Relive the epic 2004 USC-California game in this eight-minute "SC Classics" video from USCTrojans.com All-Access. If you are not an All-Access subscriber, you can become one here for just $9.95 per month.
The Trojans will depart out of LAX at 3 p.m. Friday on a charter plane bound for Oakland International Airport, with arrival slated for 4:15 p.m. After a walk-thru at Memorial Stadium that evening, the team is staying at a hotel in Berkeley.
USC will return to L.A. immediately after the 5 p.m. game on Saturday, with an estimated departure from Oakland at 10:15 p.m. and arrival at LAX at around 11:30 p.m.
USC will return to L.A. immediately after the 5 p.m. game on Saturday, with an estimated departure from Oakland at 10:15 p.m. and arrival at LAX at around 11:30 p.m.
If you missed Coach Carroll's press conference earlier today, watch a replay of it for free here, courtesy of USCTrojans.com.
Kickoff of Saturday's USC-California game is set for 5:12 p.m. The matchup will be televised split-nationally on ABC.
If you want to send cards, notes or other well wishes to Stafon Johnson, Hebron Fangupo or Marshall Jones -- the three Trojans hospitalized with various serious injuries -- you can mail them to the USC Football office, and they will be delivered to the players:
[Player's name]
USC Football
Heritage Hall 203b
3501 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089
[Player's name]
USC Football
Heritage Hall 203b
3501 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Coach Carroll addresses the media during his press conference in Varsity Lounge, where he's discussing Stafon Johnson's uplifting prognosis and the upcoming California game.
Coach Carroll is about to begin his weekly press conference, and you can watch a live stream of it here.
Just a day after a tragic throat injury while weightlifting, Stafon Johnson is recovering well and his prognosis appears very good, trauma director Gudata Hinika said during a press conference at California Hospital this morning.
Johnson rested well on Monday night and is already communicating nonverbally with his family and friends. Hinika expects Johnson to make a full recovery and eventually return to playing football, though he did not give a timeframe.
The senior from Compton is expected to remain in intensive care at California Hospital for about a week, Hinika said.
For seven hours on Monday afternoon and evening, doctors performed a "very successful surgery" to repair Johnson's airway and reconstruct his voice box. Hinika said the anatomy of the structure around Johnson's vocal cord was "destroyed, fractured and displaced" after the freak weightlifting accident on Monday morning at USC. Hinika said Johnson was not able to breathe on his own when he arrived at the hospital, and he underwent the emergency operation right away.
Johnson now has a temporary tracheotomy and feeding tube.
"He's doing as well as expected," Hinika said.
Though he is writing and using hand signals already, doctors do not know when Johnson will be able to verbally communicate.
"We'll have to wait and see," Hinika said.
Hinika called the injury "very, very rare," but said his athletic background aided him.
"If anyone is not athletic like Stafon, maybe they don't survive," Hinika said. "His neck is so solid and muscular and [he has] the discipline of being an athlete. He was able to stay calm and took instruction very well. He's a brilliant guy who understood his situation and handled it well.
"Being physically fit certainly helped."
Along with the positive prognosis, Johnson also has an uplifting attitude considering the circumstances, Hinika said.
"His spirit was very good from the time he came in," Hinika said.
Johnson rested well on Monday night and is already communicating nonverbally with his family and friends. Hinika expects Johnson to make a full recovery and eventually return to playing football, though he did not give a timeframe.
The senior from Compton is expected to remain in intensive care at California Hospital for about a week, Hinika said.
For seven hours on Monday afternoon and evening, doctors performed a "very successful surgery" to repair Johnson's airway and reconstruct his voice box. Hinika said the anatomy of the structure around Johnson's vocal cord was "destroyed, fractured and displaced" after the freak weightlifting accident on Monday morning at USC. Hinika said Johnson was not able to breathe on his own when he arrived at the hospital, and he underwent the emergency operation right away.
Johnson now has a temporary tracheotomy and feeding tube.
"He's doing as well as expected," Hinika said.
Though he is writing and using hand signals already, doctors do not know when Johnson will be able to verbally communicate.
"We'll have to wait and see," Hinika said.
Hinika called the injury "very, very rare," but said his athletic background aided him.
"If anyone is not athletic like Stafon, maybe they don't survive," Hinika said. "His neck is so solid and muscular and [he has] the discipline of being an athlete. He was able to stay calm and took instruction very well. He's a brilliant guy who understood his situation and handled it well.
"Being physically fit certainly helped."
Along with the positive prognosis, Johnson also has an uplifting attitude considering the circumstances, Hinika said.
"His spirit was very good from the time he came in," Hinika said.
California Hospital, where Stafon Johnson underwent emergency throat surgery on Monday, is conducting a press briefing at 10:30 a.m., so we'll have more information on his condition afterward.
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Bill Withers' famous song couldn't have more impact than a time like this.
As Trojans near and far wake up on the day after Stafon Johnson's tragic throat injury, football carries on, but it's just not the same. The mood is heavier, the faces sadder and the hearts weighed down by this heartbreaking news. The pain stings.
When connected to a team -- a group of people who spend a majority of their time together for nearly six straight months each fall -- what happens to one happens to all. Everyone's hurting right now, especially the coaches and players who spend most of their days around Johnson and have seen him grow as a player and person over the last four years.
That's why Bill Withers' tune -- the one the Trojans sang together during Fall Camp and the one that eventually brought the musician to a team meeting a month ago -- means so much right now. All are in pain because of the connection fostered by USC football and the Trojan Family, so let those lyrics ring true as Johnson begins his recovery from this horrific accident and Trojans everywhere rally around him and the team for support.
Truly, we all need somebody to lean on.
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Bill Withers' famous song couldn't have more impact than a time like this.
As Trojans near and far wake up on the day after Stafon Johnson's tragic throat injury, football carries on, but it's just not the same. The mood is heavier, the faces sadder and the hearts weighed down by this heartbreaking news. The pain stings.
When connected to a team -- a group of people who spend a majority of their time together for nearly six straight months each fall -- what happens to one happens to all. Everyone's hurting right now, especially the coaches and players who spend most of their days around Johnson and have seen him grow as a player and person over the last four years.
That's why Bill Withers' tune -- the one the Trojans sang together during Fall Camp and the one that eventually brought the musician to a team meeting a month ago -- means so much right now. All are in pain because of the connection fostered by USC football and the Trojan Family, so let those lyrics ring true as Johnson begins his recovery from this horrific accident and Trojans everywhere rally around him and the team for support.
Truly, we all need somebody to lean on.
It's a double birthday in the Trojan football office.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. is turning 43 while receptionist Irene Puentes is celebrating her birthday as well.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. is turning 43 while receptionist Irene Puentes is celebrating her birthday as well.
You can watch Coach Carroll's weekly press conference today at noon live for free here, courtesy of USCTrojans.com.
Coach Carroll, who went to visit Stafon Johnson and his family in the hospital late Monday night, is asking for continued support during this heart-wrenching time for the USC football program and the Trojan Family as a whole.
"Thanks for everyone's support and well wishes," Carroll said. "All we can do right now is keep Stafon in our thoughts and prayers."
We have no new information at this time, but when an update on Johnson's status becomes available, we will post it on the Blog.
"Thanks for everyone's support and well wishes," Carroll said. "All we can do right now is keep Stafon in our thoughts and prayers."
We have no new information at this time, but when an update on Johnson's status becomes available, we will post it on the Blog.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Sanchez impressing everyone, everywhere: Carroll praises for the rookie
- Aiming for higher standards: Not satisfied at all
- Stafon Johnson suffers throat injury: Initial info on tragic injury
- Johnson's injury in Carroll's words: Video of Carroll
- Dispatch from Cromwell Field: Monday's practice report
- Monday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
- Showing concern: Send in your mail for USC's injured players
- A Better LA getting pub: Carroll goes on "Anderson Cooper 360"
- Johnson out of surgery, in critical but stable condition
Stafon Johnson is in critical but stable condition after a more than seven-hour surgery that ended late Monday night, according to a press release from California Hospital in downtown L.A., where the operation occurred.
The lengthy specialized surgery was required because of a threatened airway and "severe" injuries to Johnson's larynx, or voice box. The hospital says that his prognosis is "good."
Dr. Gudata Hinika, the trauma medical director at California Hospital, said in the release that it is unlikely Johnson will be able to return to the football field this season, but doctors are expecting a full recovery.
Johnson, a senior tailback from Compton, suffered the throat injury while lifting weights Monday morning at USC's Heritage Hall. He was rushed to California Hospital and almost immediately underwent the emergency surgery.
We'll have more information in the coming days as it becomes available, but in the meantime, we ask that you keep Johnson in your thoughts and prayers.
The lengthy specialized surgery was required because of a threatened airway and "severe" injuries to Johnson's larynx, or voice box. The hospital says that his prognosis is "good."
Dr. Gudata Hinika, the trauma medical director at California Hospital, said in the release that it is unlikely Johnson will be able to return to the football field this season, but doctors are expecting a full recovery.
Johnson, a senior tailback from Compton, suffered the throat injury while lifting weights Monday morning at USC's Heritage Hall. He was rushed to California Hospital and almost immediately underwent the emergency surgery.
We'll have more information in the coming days as it becomes available, but in the meantime, we ask that you keep Johnson in your thoughts and prayers.
As of 9 p.m. tonight, Stafon Johnson remains in surgery for the throat injury suffered late Monday morning.
We'll post new information on Johnson's status when it becomes available.
We'll post new information on Johnson's status when it becomes available.
Just a few minutes ago in Heritage Hall's lobby, Coach Carroll is interviewed live on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" to discuss the work of A Better LA in the inner-city.
We've received several e-mails asking for a mailing address to send cards for Stafon Johnson, Hebron Fangupo or Marshall Jones, the three Trojans who are currently hospitalized with serious injuries. You can send mail to the USC football office and it will be delivered to the players:
[Player's name]
USC Football
Heritage Hall 203b
3501 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089
[Player's name]
USC Football
Heritage Hall 203b
3501 Watt Way
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Check out this slideshow of images from Monday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
During a punt return drill, tailback Curtis McNeal jukes over defensive back Jawanza Starling (29), while linebacker Jarvis Jones (51) eyes the returner.
Tailback Joe McKnight, Matt Barkley and the Trojan offense line up as the sun sets on Monday's practice.
Garrett Green throws downfield as the service team quarterback.
Thoughts from Monday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- With heavy hearts from the news of Stafon Johnson's throat injury earlier in the day, the Trojans scurried through a routine Monday practice that reviewed plays from Saturday's win and introduced the game plan for the California game.
- Linebacker Jordan Campbell, who started Saturday's game, sat out of practice with a "substantial" ankle sprain, Coach Carroll said. Malcolm Smith, who Carroll called day-to-day while attempting to return from a sprained ankle suffered against Washington, is aiming to return to the starting lineup for this week's game at Cal. "He's determined to try to get back," Carroll said. Shane Horton or Luthur Brown would start in Smith's place if he can't return.
- Freshman cornerback Byron Moore took reps with the first- and second-team defense Monday as coaches audition him for a spot in the secondary rotation.
- To get acclimated for Saturday's road game, the Trojans practiced Monday on Cromwell Field, which features the same FieldTurf surface that Cal's Memorial Stadium has.
- With heavy hearts from the news of Stafon Johnson's throat injury earlier in the day, the Trojans scurried through a routine Monday practice that reviewed plays from Saturday's win and introduced the game plan for the California game.
- Linebacker Jordan Campbell, who started Saturday's game, sat out of practice with a "substantial" ankle sprain, Coach Carroll said. Malcolm Smith, who Carroll called day-to-day while attempting to return from a sprained ankle suffered against Washington, is aiming to return to the starting lineup for this week's game at Cal. "He's determined to try to get back," Carroll said. Shane Horton or Luthur Brown would start in Smith's place if he can't return.
- Freshman cornerback Byron Moore took reps with the first- and second-team defense Monday as coaches audition him for a spot in the secondary rotation.
- To get acclimated for Saturday's road game, the Trojans practiced Monday on Cromwell Field, which features the same FieldTurf surface that Cal's Memorial Stadium has.
In this free video from USCTrojans.com, see Coach Carroll's explanation of the Stafon Johnson injury during the post-practice media session tonight.
The Trojans just started their quick Monday workout on Cromwell Field, so we'll return with a report following the helmets-and-shorts practice.
Coach Carroll will appear live on CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" tonight at 7:30 p.m. as part of a segment on inner-city gangs.
Several years ago, Carroll helped found A Better LA, a charity dedicated to creating peace in the gang-ridden areas of inner-city Los Angeles.
Several years ago, Carroll helped found A Better LA, a charity dedicated to creating peace in the gang-ridden areas of inner-city Los Angeles.
Tailback Stafon Johnson suffered a throat injury while weightlifting Monday morning and is undergoing surgery this afternoon.
Johnson, a senior from Compton, was bench-pressing with a spotter in Heritage Hall's weight room when the bar slipped out of his right hand and fell at an angle onto his throat. USC's athletic trainers and emergency personnel rushed to the scene, and Johnson was taken to a local hospital, where he's currently undergoing surgery on his throat.
"It was an unfortunate accident and Stafon is getting great care right now," Coach Pete Carroll said. "We don't have a lot of information at this point and we'll keep everyone updated, but our thoughts and prayers are with Stafon."
Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle, who was within 10 feet of the incident, said he was shocked something like this could happen.
"I've seen players have the bar slip and fall onto their chest, but never in my 25 years of coaching have I heard of someone dropping a bar on their throat," Carlisle said. "We're fortunate he was being spotted."
The bench press is commonly regarded as one of the safest exercises in the weight room, especially with a spotter, Carlisle said. An assistant strength and conditioning coach was spotting Johnson this morning.
Johnson's recovery time from surgery is unknown at this time.
USCRipsIt will have more information as it becomes available.
As the Trojans look back at their win from this past weekend, they're doing it with one eye on the future -- namely, when it comes to correcting their issues, like the 13 penalties for 115 yards they racked up on Saturday.
"We can fix this," Coach Carroll told the players during this afternoon's team meeting. "This is in our control. We have all the power."
"We can fix this," Coach Carroll told the players during this afternoon's team meeting. "This is in our control. We have all the power."
Tell the Truth Monday's meetings have gotten started in Heritage Auditorium, where a special teams film review is happening now. Team, offense/defense and position group meetings follow as the Trojans review and break down the positives and negatives from Saturday's game.
Once a Golden Bear hero, Tyler Fredrickson is now a Trojan.
Fredrickson made the game-winning 38-yard field goal in triple overtime in the 2003 USC-California game to give the Bears the 34-31 upset victory, but now he's in his second year in the School of Cinematic Arts' Peter Stark Producing master's program. The Santa Barbara native played four seasons at Cal (2000-03) and bounced around NFL camps for a few years before enrolling in USC's prestigious Master of Fine Arts film production track last year.
So apparently, even if you beat 'em, still join 'em. Chalk it up to the infectious nature of the Trojan Family and USC having the nation's No. 1 film school.
Tyler Fredrickson, who made the game-winning 38-yard field goal to give Cal a 34-31 upset victory in triple overtime over the Trojans in 2003, is now in a Master of Fine Arts film program in USC's School of Cinematic Arts. [Photo courtesy of Getty Images]
Fredrickson made the game-winning 38-yard field goal in triple overtime in the 2003 USC-California game to give the Bears the 34-31 upset victory, but now he's in his second year in the School of Cinematic Arts' Peter Stark Producing master's program. The Santa Barbara native played four seasons at Cal (2000-03) and bounced around NFL camps for a few years before enrolling in USC's prestigious Master of Fine Arts film production track last year.
So apparently, even if you beat 'em, still join 'em. Chalk it up to the infectious nature of the Trojan Family and USC having the nation's No. 1 film school.
Tyler Fredrickson, who made the game-winning 38-yard field goal to give Cal a 34-31 upset victory in triple overtime over the Trojans in 2003, is now in a Master of Fine Arts film program in USC's School of Cinematic Arts. [Photo courtesy of Getty Images]
Gary DiSano, the president of the Tournament of Roses Association for the 2010 Rose Bowl game, tragically passed away last week after a battle with thyroid cancer. Coach Carroll and athletic director Mike Garrett recorded short messages that were aired at DiSano's memorial service on Sunday, and you can see them here:
Four games into the 2009 season, and the Trojans are admittedly falling short of external expectations.
But they're also falling short in another, far more important area -- internal standards.
In the world of Trojan football, there's a major difference between expectations and standards. It's the distinction between the outside perceptions and in-house principles, reputation and character, opinions in the newspaper and feedback from coaches. The latter carries much more weight than the former, and it's those things that are creating a relentless drive for improvement.
For the third straight Monday, the mood around Heritage Hall feels like the team is coming off a loss -- even though the Trojans have won two out of the last three games. With a rash of turnovers, penalties and undisciplined play in each of the previous three contests, the coaches aren't happy with the team's performance so far this season.
"We can't give the other team stuff -- the ball or penalties," Coach Carroll said this morning. "Those things keep you from feeling any rhythm and playing good football. We just need to execute and get better."
The road to improvement doesn't start Saturday -- but right now, in the present. As Carroll always says, "everything counts," so every workout, every meeting and every practice will add up as the Trojans aim to get right in all areas.
"It's a critical time for us, but it's also a great time," Carroll said. "We're right where we want to be, right in the thick of things."
But they're also falling short in another, far more important area -- internal standards.
In the world of Trojan football, there's a major difference between expectations and standards. It's the distinction between the outside perceptions and in-house principles, reputation and character, opinions in the newspaper and feedback from coaches. The latter carries much more weight than the former, and it's those things that are creating a relentless drive for improvement.
For the third straight Monday, the mood around Heritage Hall feels like the team is coming off a loss -- even though the Trojans have won two out of the last three games. With a rash of turnovers, penalties and undisciplined play in each of the previous three contests, the coaches aren't happy with the team's performance so far this season.
"We can't give the other team stuff -- the ball or penalties," Coach Carroll said this morning. "Those things keep you from feeling any rhythm and playing good football. We just need to execute and get better."
The road to improvement doesn't start Saturday -- but right now, in the present. As Carroll always says, "everything counts," so every workout, every meeting and every practice will add up as the Trojans aim to get right in all areas.
"It's a critical time for us, but it's also a great time," Carroll said. "We're right where we want to be, right in the thick of things."
RipsIt reader Zach Kelly e-mailed in asking about travel rosters and how they apply to home and road games, both in conference and out of conference. Here's the full explanation:
- Pac-10 home games: The Trojans can have only 64 players at the team hotel on Friday night and Saturday leading up to a home game. All players suit up for the game regardless of whether they're on the 64-man travel roster or not. Players who do not make the roster take a bus from campus to the hotel prior to the game and then join the caravan from the hotel to the Coliseum for the Trojan Walk.
- Pac-10 road games: Only 64 players can travel, stay in the team hotel and suit up for in-conference away games -- except for the UCLA game, during which every player can suit up (but only 64 stay in the hotel the night before the game).
- Non-conference games: The Trojans don't face any restrictions, so for out-of-conference games, they usually put 85-90 players on the travel squad. For home games, upwards of 90 players stay at the team hotel on Friday night, and for road games, the Trojans are only limited by the number of seats on their charter flight, as Coach Carroll likes to joke. Injured players and a handful of freshmen typically do not make the non-conference travel roster. Like Pac-10 home games, all players can suit up for out-of-conference contests at the Coliseum.
Coach Carroll is taking a quick break from football meetings to host his weekly Monday Morning Quarterback session with fans at the Galen Center Founders Room.
To register or get more info on future MMQBs, click here.
To register or get more info on future MMQBs, click here.
Saturday's "AT&T Ask Coach" question wonders why the Trojans went with the onside kick in the first quarter. See Coach Carroll's response here, and remember that you can send in your questions for Carroll's weekly press conferences and post-game pressers by texting "ASKCOACH" to 51234.
Along with being televised on ABC, the Trojans' game at California on Saturday will also be broadcasted live on ESPN360.com.
Saturday's USC-California game in Berkeley will be televised on ABC on a split-national basis, with the other part of the country getting the Oklahoma-Miami game. Both matchups are set to kick off at 5 p.m.
We'll post a coverage map later in the week.
We'll post a coverage map later in the week.
To get acclimated for the surface they'll be playing on at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, the Trojans will practice on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field this afternoon. It will be their third straight away game on artificial grass.
Find out how Trojan athletics fared during the past seven days:
- The men's water polo team defeated Pepperdine and Long Beach City College this weekend to improve to 10-1 on the season. The Trojans are currently ranked third nationally and get set for games at California and Pacific this week.
- Women's soccer beat Pacific and Santa Clara this past weekend. The Women of Troy are currently 7-3 and have a home match this Friday at 3 p.m. against San Diego.
- The women's volleyball team lost at Arizona before beating Arizona State to push their record to 12-2. The Women of Troy are currently ranked 13th nationally and host California and Stanford this weekend at the Galen Center.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
USC's J.W. Krumpholz takes a shot on goal for the No. 3-ranked Trojans, who went 2-0 over the weekend. [Photo courtesy of USC Sports Information]
- The men's water polo team defeated Pepperdine and Long Beach City College this weekend to improve to 10-1 on the season. The Trojans are currently ranked third nationally and get set for games at California and Pacific this week.
- Women's soccer beat Pacific and Santa Clara this past weekend. The Women of Troy are currently 7-3 and have a home match this Friday at 3 p.m. against San Diego.
- The women's volleyball team lost at Arizona before beating Arizona State to push their record to 12-2. The Women of Troy are currently ranked 13th nationally and host California and Stanford this weekend at the Galen Center.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
USC's J.W. Krumpholz takes a shot on goal for the No. 3-ranked Trojans, who went 2-0 over the weekend. [Photo courtesy of USC Sports Information]
Linebacker Jarvis Jones is changing his jersey number from 10 to 51.
The switch comes after Jones had been slipping a pullover No. 51 jersey over his normal jersey on special teams during many games this season because he shared No. 10 with fullback D.J. Shoemate. NCAA rules prohibit duplicate numbers on the field at the same time.
The switch comes after Jones had been slipping a pullover No. 51 jersey over his normal jersey on special teams during many games this season because he shared No. 10 with fullback D.J. Shoemate. NCAA rules prohibit duplicate numbers on the field at the same time.
Defensive end Hebron Fangupo and defensive back Marshall Jones suffered season-ending injuries Saturday.
Fangupo broke his leg and required surgery, while Jones cracked a vertebra in his neck. Both are currently recovering in the hospital.
"These are devastating injuries for those two guys and we're going to miss them this season," said Coach Carroll, who visited both of them in the hospital on Sunday night. "We wish them the very best in their recoveries, and we look forward to seeing them healthy again soon."
Fangupo broke his leg and required surgery, while Jones cracked a vertebra in his neck. Both are currently recovering in the hospital.
"These are devastating injuries for those two guys and we're going to miss them this season," said Coach Carroll, who visited both of them in the hospital on Sunday night. "We wish them the very best in their recoveries, and we look forward to seeing them healthy again soon."
The Trojans have now won 49 straight games when having a positive turnover margin following their plus-1 mark in Saturday's victory over Washington State. The streak dates back to the early part of the 2002 season.
Mark Sanchez has set an NFL record for rookie quarterbacks by winning his first three starts, as he guided the New York Jets to a 24-17 victory on Sunday.
And one of his biggest fans is the man who once questioned his decision to leave a year early for the NFL -- Coach Pete Carroll.
"I couldn't be more fired up for what Mark is doing," Carroll said this morning. "As much as I worried about it being hard for him, he's absolutely proven that he's worthy, he can handle it and he belongs.
"He's proven all those worries wrong, and it's awesome to watch."
Just eight months removed from playing for the Trojans, Sanchez went 17-for-30 for 171 yards and three touchdowns (including one on the ground) on Sunday to lead the Jets to 3-0.
And one of his biggest fans is the man who once questioned his decision to leave a year early for the NFL -- Coach Pete Carroll.
"I couldn't be more fired up for what Mark is doing," Carroll said this morning. "As much as I worried about it being hard for him, he's absolutely proven that he's worthy, he can handle it and he belongs.
"He's proven all those worries wrong, and it's awesome to watch."
Just eight months removed from playing for the Trojans, Sanchez went 17-for-30 for 171 yards and three touchdowns (including one on the ground) on Sunday to lead the Jets to 3-0.
Coach Carroll and special teams coordinator Brian Schneider review game film from the 27-6 win in Carroll's office this morning. Coaches are hard at work on Tell the Truth Monday, as they break down Saturday's game while also formulating the game plan for the matchup at Cal in five days.
See the highlighted performances of USC alumni during Week 3 of the NFL season:
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
- Quarterback Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) completed 17-of-30 passes for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Jets' win. Sanchez also rushed 4 times for 10 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Quarterback Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs) completed 14-of-18 passes for 90 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Chiefs' 34-14 loss to Philadelphia.
- Quarterback Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) completed 20-of-37 passes for 183 yards and 1 touchdown in the Bengals' 23-20 win over Pittsburgh.
- Wideout Steve Smith (New York Giants) led the team with 7 receptions for 63 yards and 1 touchdown in the Giants' 24-0 win over Tampa Bay.
- Tailback LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) rushed 7 times for 27 yards and 1 touchdown in the Titans' 24-17 loss to the Jets.
- Linebacker Brian Cushing (Houston Texans) led the team with 8 tackles in the Texans' 31-24 loss to Jacksonville.
- Tailback Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) carried the ball 13 times for 64 yards and caught 3 passes for 17 yards in the Saints' 27-7 win over Buffalo.
- Linebacker Keith Rivers (Cincinnati Bengals) led the team with 8 tackles in the Bengals' win.
- Linebacker Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals) had 5 tackles in the Bengals' win.
- Quarterback Matt Leinart (Arizona Cardinals) completed 2-of-2 pass attempts for 7 yards in mop-up duty at the end of the Cardinals' 31-10 loss to Indianapolis.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Get all the USCRipsIt coverage of Saturday's 27-6 victory over Washington State, here in one place:
- RipsIt Report: Behind-the-scenes info
- Reliving the game: Photo albums by Po-He Tseng
- Pictures from the 27-6 win, by Ben Malcolmson
- Peak performers: Stars of the game
- Notable numbers: Impressive stats
- AP recap and stats
Check out these slideshows of incredible, insider images -- many taken in the locker room and on the sideline -- from Saturday's 27-6 win over Washington State, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Pre-game:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
First half action:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Halftime:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Second half action:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Post-game:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Pre-game:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
First half action:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Halftime:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Second half action:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Post-game:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Here are the behind-the-scenes photos from Saturday's 27-6 win over Washington State (all photos by Ben Malcolmson):
Holder Garrett Green and kicker Jordan Congdon go through pre-game warm-ups.
Graduate assistant Kris Richard gives instruction to the kickoff and punt returners on the field during pre-game warm-ups.
With the Goodyear blimp flying overhead, Matt Barkley looks downfield during pre-game warm-ups.
Matt Barkley watches a warm-up pass soar down the field.
Tailback Joe McKnight and the Trojan offense conduct pre-game warm-ups.
Matt Barkley leads the offensive huddle in warm-ups.
Players' eye black, each containing personalized messages, are affixed to a mirror in the locker room prior to the game.
An enthused Coach Carroll speaks to the team in the locker room before the game.
During the second quarter, Coach Carroll watches on from the sideline.
Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates discusses halftime adjustments with his players in the locker room.
Defensive coordinator Rocky Seto shares adjustments with the defense in the locker room at halftime.
In the head coach's room, Coach Carroll goes over his notes and the call sheet during halftime.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. gets the players pumped in the locker room, just before the second half began.
The Trojans sing the fight song in the locker room after the win.
Experience Trojan football in this special inside report from the locker room and on the sidelines before, during and after USC's 27-6 victory against Washington State on Saturday at the Coliseum:
In Carroll's words
What Coach Carroll told the team at various points through the night:
- Right after arriving at the Coliseum, while standing at the top of the steps before descending down onto the field: "Before we take this first step, let's appreciate what we get to do."
- Standing on the 50-yard line right after first coming onto the field: "Let's play together as one from beginning to end and all night long."
- Walking around in the locker room before the game, talking to no one in particular: "From the very first play, don't give them anything! Absolutely nothing!"
- At halftime: "Let's play great, clean football. Enough mistakes. Let's go celebrate one more half of football!"
Before it all
Sights and sounds in the locker room before kickoff:
- The players were quiet at first, but the noise rose as the clock ticked down toward kickoff.
- While getting fired up just before leaving the locker room, the players created a new chant that mixed some sort of tribal rain dance with the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," with the bass provided by players who were banging their helmets against the lockers.
- Ken Norton Jr. while walking around the locker room: "We're in the Coliseum tonight! Make them feel you!"
- While the players alternated between humming and singing "Seven Nation Army," Coach Carroll delivered his pre-game speech in a freestyle rap amidst the tune. "Let's play real good football all night! Stay together! Give everything we got!"
What's in a name: The onside kick
USC's first-quarter onside kick was born during midweek meetings and practices, when special teams coordinator Brian Schneider noticed a tendency in Washington State's kickoff return unit that would allow for such a sneak attack.
And the name for the trick play? Dickey Pearce.
Schneider dubbed the play after the man who's widely credited for inventing the bunt in baseball, because kicker Jake Harfman's onside kick resembled a short little bunt down the third-base line.
On the sidelines
Seen and heard on the sidelines during the game:
- When Washington State missed a last-second field goal at the end of the first half, the USC sideline erupted. It was like the Trojans had scored -- instead of the Cougars not scoring -- and the players proceeded to essentially levitate up the tunnel for halftime thanks to a renewed energy.
- Linebacker Jarvis Jones, who shares the No. 10 with fullback D.J. Shoemate, had to don a pullover No. 51 jersey for the kickoff coverage team since both he and Shoemate were on the same unit.
- After defensive lineman Jurrell Casey recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, he ran over to the sidelines and presented the ball to Coach Carroll like it was a Christmas gift from under the tree. Carroll smiled and laughed and said he would like one more turnover before the night was over.
- During a TV timeout in the fourth quarter, referees deemed the two-toned cardinal-and-gold sleeves of tailback Curtis McNeal to be noncompliant for the team's uniform, so tight ends coach Brennan Carroll hastily cut them off on the field with scissors from an athletic trainer.
Soaking in the victory
In the locker room after the game, Coach Carroll understandably had both good and bad things to say about the 27-6 victory on Saturday night.
"Coming back to the Coliseum and getting a win is always awesome," he said, with the players surrounding him. "There was a lot of cool stuff tonight, but there are a lot of things we need to fix.
"But we can't fix this game -- we've got to fix it for the next one."
Carroll then brought up the penalty issue -- 13 for 115 yards -- that afflicted the Trojans for the second straight game.
"We aren't playing good football when we have that many penalties," Carroll said. "That has to get out of here because it clouds everything we do.
"We have a lot of stuff to talk about on Monday, but let's celebrate this win tonight."
The Trojans, now 3-1 on the season, then sang the fight song to commemorate the victory, the first time they've done so since belting out "Fight on!" in the cramped visitors' locker room at Ohio Stadium two weeks ago.
A win -- no matter how messy -- counts as a win, and it sure feels good to get back on track.
In Carroll's words
What Coach Carroll told the team at various points through the night:
- Right after arriving at the Coliseum, while standing at the top of the steps before descending down onto the field: "Before we take this first step, let's appreciate what we get to do."
- Standing on the 50-yard line right after first coming onto the field: "Let's play together as one from beginning to end and all night long."
- Walking around in the locker room before the game, talking to no one in particular: "From the very first play, don't give them anything! Absolutely nothing!"
- At halftime: "Let's play great, clean football. Enough mistakes. Let's go celebrate one more half of football!"
Before it all
Sights and sounds in the locker room before kickoff:
- The players were quiet at first, but the noise rose as the clock ticked down toward kickoff.
- While getting fired up just before leaving the locker room, the players created a new chant that mixed some sort of tribal rain dance with the White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," with the bass provided by players who were banging their helmets against the lockers.
- Ken Norton Jr. while walking around the locker room: "We're in the Coliseum tonight! Make them feel you!"
- While the players alternated between humming and singing "Seven Nation Army," Coach Carroll delivered his pre-game speech in a freestyle rap amidst the tune. "Let's play real good football all night! Stay together! Give everything we got!"
What's in a name: The onside kick
USC's first-quarter onside kick was born during midweek meetings and practices, when special teams coordinator Brian Schneider noticed a tendency in Washington State's kickoff return unit that would allow for such a sneak attack.
And the name for the trick play? Dickey Pearce.
Schneider dubbed the play after the man who's widely credited for inventing the bunt in baseball, because kicker Jake Harfman's onside kick resembled a short little bunt down the third-base line.
On the sidelines
Seen and heard on the sidelines during the game:- When Washington State missed a last-second field goal at the end of the first half, the USC sideline erupted. It was like the Trojans had scored -- instead of the Cougars not scoring -- and the players proceeded to essentially levitate up the tunnel for halftime thanks to a renewed energy.
- Linebacker Jarvis Jones, who shares the No. 10 with fullback D.J. Shoemate, had to don a pullover No. 51 jersey for the kickoff coverage team since both he and Shoemate were on the same unit.
- After defensive lineman Jurrell Casey recovered a fumble in the fourth quarter, he ran over to the sidelines and presented the ball to Coach Carroll like it was a Christmas gift from under the tree. Carroll smiled and laughed and said he would like one more turnover before the night was over.
- During a TV timeout in the fourth quarter, referees deemed the two-toned cardinal-and-gold sleeves of tailback Curtis McNeal to be noncompliant for the team's uniform, so tight ends coach Brennan Carroll hastily cut them off on the field with scissors from an athletic trainer.
Soaking in the victory
In the locker room after the game, Coach Carroll understandably had both good and bad things to say about the 27-6 victory on Saturday night.
"Coming back to the Coliseum and getting a win is always awesome," he said, with the players surrounding him. "There was a lot of cool stuff tonight, but there are a lot of things we need to fix."But we can't fix this game -- we've got to fix it for the next one."
Carroll then brought up the penalty issue -- 13 for 115 yards -- that afflicted the Trojans for the second straight game.
"We aren't playing good football when we have that many penalties," Carroll said. "That has to get out of here because it clouds everything we do.
"We have a lot of stuff to talk about on Monday, but let's celebrate this win tonight."
The Trojans, now 3-1 on the season, then sang the fight song to commemorate the victory, the first time they've done so since belting out "Fight on!" in the cramped visitors' locker room at Ohio Stadium two weeks ago.
A win -- no matter how messy -- counts as a win, and it sure feels good to get back on track.
Check out some impressive stats from USC's 27-6 victory over Washington State on Saturday:
- The Trojans had eight sacks and 14 total tackles for loss.
- All four of USC's scoring drives were three plays or less, with the longest one taking just 1:02 off the clock.
- Five of Matt Barkley's 13 completions were longer than 20 yards.
- Removing Washington State's two garbage-time drives in the fourth quarter, the Trojan defense held the Cougars to 75 total yards in 54 plays.
- The Trojans had 403 yards of total offense on only 51 plays (7.9 yards per play).
- USC averaged 5.4 yards per carry (156 rushing yards on 29 attempts).
- The defense held Washington State scoreless for the first 59:38 of the game.
- USC forced a season-high three turnovers.
- The Trojans' average starting field position was its 45-yard line, while Washington State's average start point was its own 22.
See who shined for the Trojans in the 27-6 win over Washington State on Saturday at the Coliseum:
- Matt Barkley went 13-for-22 for 247 yards, two touchdowns and no turnovers. He's thrown just one interception in 94 attempts this season.
- Wideout Damian Williams had five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. He also had 80 punt return yards to average 13.3 yards per return.
- Tailback Allen Bradford rushed for a team-high 55 yards.
- Linebacker Jordan Campbell had a team-high eight tackles.
- Linebacker Michael Morgan had 2.5 sacks.
- Defensive end Nick Perry had two sacks.
- Jake Harfman averaged 46.3 yards per punt and had two downed inside the 20. He also recovered his own onside kick in the first quarter.
The Trojans stormed out to a controlling early lead before cruising to a 27-6 victory over Washington State at the Coliseum on Saturday night. Check out the AP recap and full statbook from the game.
Wideout Brice Butler scores one of USC's four touchdowns in the Trojans' 27-6 victory over Washington State on Saturday night. [Photo courtesy of Getty Images]
The waiting is over.
"It's been a long afternoon, so we should be ready to rock and roll," Coach Carroll said as the day inched closer to tonight's kickoff.
After hours and hours of sitting around the team hotel and conducting meetings and walk-thrus, the Trojans are about to depart for the Coliseum, where their Pac-10 home opener will kick off at 7:23 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on FSN (and broadcast on a few other platforms as well).
We'll return after the game with a full behind-the-scenes report, but in the meantime, here's the Trojans' schedule leading up to kickoff:
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
"It's been a long afternoon, so we should be ready to rock and roll," Coach Carroll said as the day inched closer to tonight's kickoff.
After hours and hours of sitting around the team hotel and conducting meetings and walk-thrus, the Trojans are about to depart for the Coliseum, where their Pac-10 home opener will kick off at 7:23 p.m. The game will be televised nationally on FSN (and broadcast on a few other platforms as well).
We'll return after the game with a full behind-the-scenes report, but in the meantime, here's the Trojans' schedule leading up to kickoff:
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
Tonight's game will be broadcast nationally on FSN, which will be FSN West in the L.A. area. The telecast begins at 7:15 p.m.
At the start of this afternoon's pre-game meal, Coach Carroll had a few last-minute words for his team leading into the game tonight.
"What a tremendous tradition we get to live up to," Carroll said. "Let's answer the call."
"What a tremendous tradition we get to live up to," Carroll said. "Let's answer the call."
With chants of "We ready!" and "War time," the room rattled because of the Trojans' noise. And with the players' uncontainable jumping and bouncing, the second-floor hotel ballroom undulated like an earthquake was shaking downtown L.A.
All signs point to the Trojans being jacked up for the rapidly approaching kickoff.
USC just completed its final block of pre-game meetings, and they were all started by the energetic pump-up session in their downtown hotel before diving into offensive and defensive walk-thrus. Players are now eating their last meal before kickoff, a buffet feast in another ballroom. Then it's time to rest and relax for about 90 more minutes before the team departs for the Coliseum and kickoff of tonight's game.
During their pre-game pump-up session in a second-floor hotel ballroom, the Trojans, infused with energy and adrenaline, come together as one.
The defense goes through a walk-thru in a hotel ballroom this afternoon, just four hours before kickoff.
All signs point to the Trojans being jacked up for the rapidly approaching kickoff.
USC just completed its final block of pre-game meetings, and they were all started by the energetic pump-up session in their downtown hotel before diving into offensive and defensive walk-thrus. Players are now eating their last meal before kickoff, a buffet feast in another ballroom. Then it's time to rest and relax for about 90 more minutes before the team departs for the Coliseum and kickoff of tonight's game.
During their pre-game pump-up session in a second-floor hotel ballroom, the Trojans, infused with energy and adrenaline, come together as one.
The defense goes through a walk-thru in a hotel ballroom this afternoon, just four hours before kickoff.
After waiting around all morning and much of the afternoon so far, the Trojans are about to gather for their final block of pre-game meetings. It starts with a special teams roll call and leads into walk-thrus for the offense and defense. The pre-game meal immediately follows.
Offensive lineman Abe Markowitz is celebrating his 19th birthday today. Markowitz, a redshirt freshman from Honolulu, is one of five Trojans whose birthday falls on a game day this fall.
With a late kickoff, the Trojans are doing a lot of waiting.
And waiting.
So what do the players do with all that time? Most rest and relax in their hotel rooms, taking naps or watching TV. They're also allowed to order a movie from the hotel's in-room entertainment system, so many will get to watch some of the latest flicks.
In the end, they're just trying to get their minds off football -- and the associated anxiety -- so TV and naps become a player's best friend while waiting around the hotel on game days.
And waiting.
So what do the players do with all that time? Most rest and relax in their hotel rooms, taking naps or watching TV. They're also allowed to order a movie from the hotel's in-room entertainment system, so many will get to watch some of the latest flicks.
In the end, they're just trying to get their minds off football -- and the associated anxiety -- so TV and naps become a player's best friend while waiting around the hotel on game days.
Along with the elected team captains (Jeff Byers, Damian Williams, Taylor Mays and Josh Pinkard), two honorary captains will represent the Trojans during today's game. Offensive lineman Mike Reardon will represent the service teams, while wideout Scott Stephens will represent the special teams.
For the only time in a seven-week span, the Trojans are playing at the Coliseum tonight, when Washington State makes a visit to USC's famed arena.
The homecoming is a much appreciated and highly anticipated occurrence for the players and coaches.
"That's where we're us," Coach Carroll said during Friday afternoon's team meeting in Heritage Auditorium, while pointing to a wall-sized photo of the grand stadium. "We're not going to have anything but a great performance there. We're going to come in rocking, and it's going to feel great.
"Let's celebrate a helluva night for football."
The homecoming is a much appreciated and highly anticipated occurrence for the players and coaches.
"That's where we're us," Coach Carroll said during Friday afternoon's team meeting in Heritage Auditorium, while pointing to a wall-sized photo of the grand stadium. "We're not going to have anything but a great performance there. We're going to come in rocking, and it's going to feel great.
"Let's celebrate a helluva night for football."
It's game day -- but first, let the Trojans sleep.
Two out of their first three games this season have been early (12:30 p.m.) starts, so the Trojans are enjoying the fruits of a late kickoff by sleeping in this morning. Wake-up calls are coming at 10:30, and a full day of meetings and walk-thrus ensue before tonight's game at 7:23 p.m. Check out the full schedule for the day:
10:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
11 a.m. • Position group meetings
2:45 p.m. • Special teams meeting
3 p.m. • Offensive and defensive walk-thrus
3:15 p.m. • Pre-game meal
5 p.m. • Clap session
5:10 p.m. • Depart downtown hotel
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
Two out of their first three games this season have been early (12:30 p.m.) starts, so the Trojans are enjoying the fruits of a late kickoff by sleeping in this morning. Wake-up calls are coming at 10:30, and a full day of meetings and walk-thrus ensue before tonight's game at 7:23 p.m. Check out the full schedule for the day:
10:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
11 a.m. • Position group meetings
2:45 p.m. • Special teams meeting
3 p.m. • Offensive and defensive walk-thrus
3:15 p.m. • Pre-game meal
5 p.m. • Clap session
5:10 p.m. • Depart downtown hotel
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Positive outweighing the negative: Behind the philosophy
- Win a signed Pete Carroll football: On game day
- Life as Tommy Trojan: A Q&A with USC's drum major
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Friday's practice report
After a night full of meetings, the Trojans' bed check is just around the corner. Wake-up call on game day is set for 10:30 a.m., and here's the rest of the schedule for Saturday:
10:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
11 a.m. • Position group meetings
2:45 p.m. • Special teams meeting
3 p.m. • Offensive and defensive walk-thrus
3:15 p.m. • Pre-game meal
5 p.m. • Clap session
5:10 p.m. • Depart downtown hotel
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
10:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
11 a.m. • Position group meetings
2:45 p.m. • Special teams meeting
3 p.m. • Offensive and defensive walk-thrus
3:15 p.m. • Pre-game meal
5 p.m. • Clap session
5:10 p.m. • Depart downtown hotel
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
Coach Carroll speaks to the players during the recently completed team meeting in the ballroom of a downtown hotel. "Give everything you got every step of the way -- let's hold nothing back," he said during his 10-minute speech. The Trojans have wrapped up their business for the night, with optional chapel and mass services being offered now before bed check at 10:30 p.m.
Nothing like spending a Friday night in hotel ballrooms for pre-game preparations.
The players and coaches are eating pizza dinners before meetings get started soon at their downtown hotel. Check out the Trojans' schedule for the rest of this evening:
7:30 p.m. • Special teams meeting
8 p.m. • Offense/defense meetings
8:15 p.m. • Position group meetings
8:30 p.m. • Team meeting
8:45 p.m. • Snack
9 p.m. • Optional chapel and mass services at downtown hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
The players and coaches are eating pizza dinners before meetings get started soon at their downtown hotel. Check out the Trojans' schedule for the rest of this evening:
7:30 p.m. • Special teams meeting
8 p.m. • Offense/defense meetings
8:15 p.m. • Position group meetings
8:30 p.m. • Team meeting
8:45 p.m. • Snack
9 p.m. • Optional chapel and mass services at downtown hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
With their Friday afternoon block of meetings and practice in the books, the Trojans are now departing campus and heading to their downtown hotel to begin the final chapter of pre-game preparation, with meetings and walk-thrus until Saturday night's game against Washington State.
Here are some pictures from tonight's jock rally at Heritage Hall, where the Trojan Marching Band, USC Song Girls, players, coaches and fans gathered to kick off Washington State game weekend.
The Trojans squeeze into Heritage Hall, where the Trojan Marching Band was filling it with noise and energy for today's jock rally.
Senior cornerback Josh Pinkard speaks to teammates, band members and fans at today's jock rally in Heritage Hall.
The Trojans squeeze into Heritage Hall, where the Trojan Marching Band was filling it with noise and energy for today's jock rally.
Senior cornerback Josh Pinkard speaks to teammates, band members and fans at today's jock rally in Heritage Hall.
USC just completed its ritualistic Friday practice, which consisted of a walk-thru of all special teams situations and 15 game-important plays for the offense and defense. It ended with a Hail Mary attempt, which was won by the defense. Check out some photos from the quick workout:
Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider leads a roll call.
Matt Barkley throws downfield.
Linebacker Jordan Campbell (left) and safety Taylor Mays (right) close in on tailback Curtis McNeal.
The Trojan offense and defense compete for a Hail Mary in the end zone.
Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider leads a roll call.
Matt Barkley throws downfield.
Linebacker Jordan Campbell (left) and safety Taylor Mays (right) close in on tailback Curtis McNeal.
The Trojan offense and defense compete for a Hail Mary in the end zone.
The Trojans are taking the field for their short Friday practice on Howard Jones Field. The final on-field preparation before Saturday's game is now, so we'll return with a report afterward.
By Paige GuritzkyUSCRipsIt staff writer
We recently sat down for a Q&A with USC's newest drum major and face of Tommy Trojan, Kenny Morris. The fifth-year sociology major originates from Hawai'i and is thrilled to exchange his trombone for the Trojan sword. Check out some highlights from our interview, including his thoughts on what it takes to be drum major, how the experience at Washington was for him and how he is preparing for Saturday's match up against Washington State.
What does it mean to you to be drum major?
"It's huge, huge deal. I've always kind of looked up to the drum major as being someone who is the spiritual center of the University. You know, being "that guy," the student leader of the band, in charge of the band's spirit, in charge of really keeping the band energetic and focused. You can't ever be less than always pumped up. Being that guy is something I've always wanted to do. I had a roommate who did it. We tried out together, he beat me our senior year and coming back it really means a lot to be Tommy Trojan and the leader of the band."
How do you hype up yourself before you go on the field?
"I really look up to Pete Carroll and he's got all these great mottos and stuff like "Win forever," "Always compete," things like that. So I decided I was going to come up with my own personal motto and kind of use that to push myself. I said, "Never tired." To uphold that, I made that promise to everyone during band camp. Knowing that everyone expects you not to be tired makes it so much easier."
What is your time commitment to USC, the band and the football team?
"It's a huge commitment. Being drum major, everyone calls me, everyone texts me saying, 'I saw you on TV' and stuff like that. You have to be the face of the university essentially, even though Traveler is our true mascot. When the camera is on me, trying to not break character is one of the hardest thing ever, because you just want to be like 'OH YEAH!!! GO USC!!!' But it's all about being Tommy Trojan.
"It's really funny how the team and the band interact. It means something when after the Ohio State game, most hostile environment ever, Matt Barkley comes up and we talked for a second and he's like, "We couldn't have done it without you guys." Then Damian Williams says, "This band is what kept us going." My response is, "That's what our job is. That's why we work as hard as we do." No matter what, the job of the band is to support the team. Especially after a tough weekend like this, it doesn't change anything. What we do is what we do. One thing that will never change is the band will always support the team -- it's something that I know they appreciate."
What is your relationship with Pete Carroll?
"I've never actually met him. But talk about a guy that leads by example. I hugely respect him for that. A lot of coaches can get so down on their players, but for such a successful, all-around talented, charming guy, he's so humble and he always remembers that and gives that to his players. He's always working hard and I really appreciate that. I would love to meet him face to face. He's a great guy."
How was your experience at Washington and how are you prepping for Washington State?
"Ugh, it was tough! The game of football is a funny thing. Anything can happen. That being said, the Trojan Marching Band is not a variable, it needs to be a constant. No matter what the team does, the band always supports the team. We live in such a charmed era with Pete Carroll. A loss is just a bump in the road. It's something that you learn from. Something that you grow from. Something that you move on from. It's in the past.
"It's a new day, I told everyone after the game, I went on the buses, I said: 'This has been a tough weekend for the Trojans. It was cold up here, it was wet up here. We lost the game. But when it comes down to it. Everyone is going to go home and go to sleep tonight. The only difference is that we're gonna go home and go to sleep tonight, wake up tomorrow and we're still going to be Trojans.' That's the mindset we're taking. We know what we can do, we know how good we can be. We just gotta keep doing what we do."
What is your favorite memory to date while being drum major?
"My favorite memory to date, definitely after the Ohio State game, when Matt Barkley came up to me and was like, 'TOMMY!!! It's just the beginning, just the beginning.' That was awesome. It was so surreal, I have never see so many cameras surrounding me."
If you could say one thing to the USC community, what would it be?
"This band and this team are the hardest working band and team in this nation. Support them!"
• Paige Gurtizky is a USCRipsIt staff writer. Be sure to check back next week for more inside information on what it's like to be drum major at USC.
Photo courtesy of Brett Padelford
As the Trojans transition into the mental phase of preparation and "flip the switch," as coaches say, the emphasis hones in on one of the team's most foundational philosophies.
Finish.
"We've got to finish this preparation right," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "We've had a terrific week of work; now we've got to stay tuned in all the way through kickoff."
Finish.
"We've got to finish this preparation right," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "We've had a terrific week of work; now we've got to stay tuned in all the way through kickoff."
The countdown to kickoff officially begins now.
In Heritage Auditorium right now, the Trojans are gathering for a special teams meeting that doubles as wild fire-up session. More final pre-game meetings follow before a walk-thru-esque practice at 4:15 p.m.
The plunge into final pre-game preparation has started, and it essentially won't end until kickoff at 7:23 p.m. tomorrow night.
In Heritage Auditorium right now, the Trojans are gathering for a special teams meeting that doubles as wild fire-up session. More final pre-game meetings follow before a walk-thru-esque practice at 4:15 p.m.
The plunge into final pre-game preparation has started, and it essentially won't end until kickoff at 7:23 p.m. tomorrow night.
Check out this cool story about NFL players and their allegiances to their alma maters, from today's New York Times. It includes a photo of Terrell Thomas in a USC shirt and mentions of Thomas and Steve Smith.
Taking a quick break from football meetings, Coach Carroll tapes an interview with a producer in the Varsity Lounge this afternoon that'll air in pieces throughout Saturday night's FSN telecast of the USC-Washington State game.
Win a football signed by Pete Carroll! Be the 100th person to bring the voucher below to the USCRipsIt booth in front of Tommy Trojan on Saturday afternoon -- and you'll be the proud owner of a football autographed by Carroll!
The booth will open at 2 p.m. in the heart of campus, so stop by to drop off your voucher, get a USCRipsIt sticker and say hi to the USCRipsIt street team.
The booth will open at 2 p.m. in the heart of campus, so stop by to drop off your voucher, get a USCRipsIt sticker and say hi to the USCRipsIt street team.
Yet again, all 16 NFL games this weekend feature at least one Trojan, so check out the slate of games and all the USC alumni involved during Week 3:
Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Redskins: Tight end Fred Davis
Lions: Linebacker Darnell Bing
Green Bay Packers vs. St. Louis Rams
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews
Rams: Defensive lineman LaJuan Ramsey
San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
49ers: Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal
Vikings: Offensive lineman Drew Radovich
Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Falcons: Offensive lineman Sam Baker
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Titans: Tailback LenDale White
Jets: Quarterback Mark Sanchez
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Chiefs: Quarterback Matt Cassel
Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike Patterson
New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Giants: Wideout Steve Smith, cornerback Terrell Thomas
Buccaneers: Defensive lineman Kyle Moore
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Browns: Linebacker Kaluka Maiava
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Texans: Linebacker Brian Cushing, defensive lineman Shaun Cody
New Orleans Saints vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Saints: Tailback Reggie Bush, defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis
Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Seahawks: Linebacker Lofa Tatupu, defensive lineman Lawrence Jackson
Miami Dolphins vs. San Diego Chargers
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Dolphins: Wideout Patrick Turner
Chargers: Safety Kevin Ellison
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Steelers: Safety Troy Polamalu
Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey Maualuga
Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Raiders: Tailback Justin Fargas
Indianapolis Colts vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday at 5:20 p.m. (NBC)
Colts: Defensive Lineman Fili Moala
Cardinals: Quarterback Matt Leinart, tight end Dominique Byrd, offensive lineman Deuce Lutui
Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Monday at 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Panthers: Wideout Dwayne Jarrett, offensive lineman Ryan Kalil
Cowboys: Kicker David Buehler
- Research by Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Redskins: Tight end Fred Davis
Lions: Linebacker Darnell Bing
Green Bay Packers vs. St. Louis Rams
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews
Rams: Defensive lineman LaJuan Ramsey
San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
49ers: Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal
Vikings: Offensive lineman Drew Radovich
Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Falcons: Offensive lineman Sam Baker
Tennessee Titans vs. New York Jets
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Titans: Tailback LenDale White
Jets: Quarterback Mark Sanchez
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Chiefs: Quarterback Matt Cassel
Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike Patterson
New York Giants vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Giants: Wideout Steve Smith, cornerback Terrell Thomas
Buccaneers: Defensive lineman Kyle Moore
Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Browns: Linebacker Kaluka Maiava
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Texans: Linebacker Brian Cushing, defensive lineman Shaun Cody
New Orleans Saints vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Saints: Tailback Reggie Bush, defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis
Chicago Bears vs. Seattle Seahawks
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Seahawks: Linebacker Lofa Tatupu, defensive lineman Lawrence Jackson
Miami Dolphins vs. San Diego Chargers
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Dolphins: Wideout Patrick Turner
Chargers: Safety Kevin Ellison
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Steelers: Safety Troy Polamalu
Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey Maualuga
Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Raiders: Tailback Justin Fargas
Indianapolis Colts vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday at 5:20 p.m. (NBC)
Colts: Defensive Lineman Fili Moala
Cardinals: Quarterback Matt Leinart, tight end Dominique Byrd, offensive lineman Deuce Lutui
Carolina Panthers vs. Dallas Cowboys
Monday at 5:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Panthers: Wideout Dwayne Jarrett, offensive lineman Ryan Kalil
Cowboys: Kicker David Buehler
- Research by Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Here's how you can watch, listen to or follow Saturday's USC-Washington State game at the Coliseum:
- Kickoff: 7:23 p.m.
- National TV: FSN (Barry Tompkins, Petros Papadakis)
- Local L.A. radio: ESPN 710-AM
- Internet play-by-play: USCTrojans.com Game Tracker
Highs have stretched into the high-90s all week in L.A., and the same is expected for Saturday.
Thankfully, though, the Trojans are playing at night.
Temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid- to low-70s tomorrow night, perfect weather for some football under the lights at the Coliseum.
Thankfully, though, the Trojans are playing at night.
Temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid- to low-70s tomorrow night, perfect weather for some football under the lights at the Coliseum.
USC's home jerseys, which have been on the shelf for three weeks, are out and ready to go for Saturday's game against Washington State. The student equipment managers have already begun the process of fitting them over the players' pads so they'll be set for tomorrow's contest.
With all the issues to address from last weekend's loss, Coach Carroll and his assistants have been using a unique strategy to fix the problems.
Call it positive self-talk or just not talking about it at all, but it seems to be working.
After Monday's "Tell the Truth" day -- during which all the dirty laundry from the game was aired -- any issues that arose last Saturday were essentially not even discussed. And it's all part of the plan to get the Trojans back on track.
So instead of repeatedly telling the players, "don't fumble" or "stop getting penalties," the coaches have turned it around to positive instruction, like showing how to better protect the football or teaching better focus and attention to detail.
"You've got to coach to what you want -- not what you don't want," Coach Carroll said.
As Carroll has said several times this week, the team has to leave the past behind, or else history will continue to have an ugly effect. When a player's concentration can turn from not performing an incorrect task to focusing solely on the correct duty, it's a freeing and ultimately positive experience, one that usually results in great rewards.
For example, in the three full-speed practices this week (Tuesday through Thursday), the Trojan offense did not turn the ball over once, and the penalty problem was reduced to almost nothing. That's coming on the heels of a three-turnover, 75-penalty-yard day in Seattle last weekend, and the change happened because the coaches diverted the attention away from the negative and toward the positive.
"It's about getting the guys to do the right thing," Carroll said. "It's not going to work if it's about not do the wrong thing."
Call it positive self-talk or just not talking about it at all, but it seems to be working.
After Monday's "Tell the Truth" day -- during which all the dirty laundry from the game was aired -- any issues that arose last Saturday were essentially not even discussed. And it's all part of the plan to get the Trojans back on track.
So instead of repeatedly telling the players, "don't fumble" or "stop getting penalties," the coaches have turned it around to positive instruction, like showing how to better protect the football or teaching better focus and attention to detail.
"You've got to coach to what you want -- not what you don't want," Coach Carroll said.
As Carroll has said several times this week, the team has to leave the past behind, or else history will continue to have an ugly effect. When a player's concentration can turn from not performing an incorrect task to focusing solely on the correct duty, it's a freeing and ultimately positive experience, one that usually results in great rewards.
For example, in the three full-speed practices this week (Tuesday through Thursday), the Trojan offense did not turn the ball over once, and the penalty problem was reduced to almost nothing. That's coming on the heels of a three-turnover, 75-penalty-yard day in Seattle last weekend, and the change happened because the coaches diverted the attention away from the negative and toward the positive.
"It's about getting the guys to do the right thing," Carroll said. "It's not going to work if it's about not do the wrong thing."
Check out the minute-by-minute schedule for the Trojans over the next 36 hours:
Friday
2:30 p.m. • Meetings begin
4:15 p.m. • Practice
5 p.m. • Jock rally
6 p.m. • Depart campus for downtown hotel
7:30 p.m. • Eve-of-game meetings begin at downtown hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
Saturday
10:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
11 a.m. • Position group meetings
2:45 p.m. • Special teams meeting
3 p.m. • Offensive and defensive walk-thrus
3:15 p.m. • Pre-game meal
5 p.m. • Clap session
5:10 p.m. • Depart downtown hotel
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
Friday
2:30 p.m. • Meetings begin
4:15 p.m. • Practice
5 p.m. • Jock rally
6 p.m. • Depart campus for downtown hotel
7:30 p.m. • Eve-of-game meetings begin at downtown hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
Saturday
10:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
11 a.m. • Position group meetings
2:45 p.m. • Special teams meeting
3 p.m. • Offensive and defensive walk-thrus
3:15 p.m. • Pre-game meal
5 p.m. • Clap session
5:10 p.m. • Depart downtown hotel
5:20 p.m. • Arrive at Coliseum; commence Trojan Walk
6:14 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
6:41 p.m. • Stretching begins
7:03 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
7:19 p.m. • Trojans take the field
7:23 p.m. • Kickoff
The USC coaching staff is enjoying a home-game tradition this morning.
On the Friday before every game at the Coliseum, the coaches are given the morning off -- and today is no different. They don't have to be in until a staff meeting at 12:30 p.m.
The Trojan staff will be getting a lot more rest than usual this weekend, especially coming off of two straight weekends with road games. The coaches have Friday morning off, get to sleep in and rest most of Saturday (thanks to the 7:23 p.m. kickoff) and then receive Sunday morning to relax before clocking in for meetings all afternoon. It's a far cry from the previous three weekends, when the Trojans were traveling twice and having two 12:30 kickoffs on game days.
Players also get this morning off and don't have to report until meetings that start at 2:30 this afternoon.
On the Friday before every game at the Coliseum, the coaches are given the morning off -- and today is no different. They don't have to be in until a staff meeting at 12:30 p.m.
The Trojan staff will be getting a lot more rest than usual this weekend, especially coming off of two straight weekends with road games. The coaches have Friday morning off, get to sleep in and rest most of Saturday (thanks to the 7:23 p.m. kickoff) and then receive Sunday morning to relax before clocking in for meetings all afternoon. It's a far cry from the previous three weekends, when the Trojans were traveling twice and having two 12:30 kickoffs on game days.
Players also get this morning off and don't have to report until meetings that start at 2:30 this afternoon.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Fond memories: Ruel and Washington State
- LeBron James and Carroll meet up
- Carroll's Video Blog: Overcoming challenges
- Leinart named player of the decade
- Approaching a full house: Closing in on 90,000 tickets sold
- Fan support: Two fun fan events
- In stock: No. 7 jerseys now on sale
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Thursday's practice report
- Pictures from Thursday's practice
- Thursday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Thursday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Coach Ken Norton Jr. leads his linebackers through position-specific drills.
Defensive backs Drew McAllister (left) and Josh Pinkard (right) go up to knock down a pass intended for wideout Steve Blackhart.
Matt Barkley gets off a short pass under the warm sun.
Tailback Stafon Johnson cuts through a hole.
Matt Barkley lines up under center.
Matt Barkley runs out of the play after Allen Bradford (21) took the handoff.
Thoughts from Thursday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- In the final major tune-up before the game, the Matt Barkley-led first-team offense looked precise in its limited work during the half-pads practice. "We had a lot of good work this week," Coach Carroll said in the post-practice huddle. "Let's make sure it pays off. This is a huge opportunity to come back and play in the Coliseum."
- Taylor Mays will most likely start Saturday's game, his first one back since injuring his knee against Ohio State two weeks ago. "He's ready to play," Carroll said.
- In place of the injured Malcolm Smith, Jordan Campbell will start at weakside linebacker on Saturday.
- Jake Harfman won the punting duties for this weekend's game, Carroll announced after practice.
- Tight end Blake Ayles had the play of the day when he caught a bullet pass with one hand during team period.
- During 11-on-11 work, Mitch Mustain launched a bomb of a deep ball that, though incomplete, impressed his teammates. "Nice throw, punter!" players joked.
- Like every other Thursday workout, the Trojans spent a large chunk of practice focusing on all phases of special teams.
- In the final major tune-up before the game, the Matt Barkley-led first-team offense looked precise in its limited work during the half-pads practice. "We had a lot of good work this week," Coach Carroll said in the post-practice huddle. "Let's make sure it pays off. This is a huge opportunity to come back and play in the Coliseum."
- Taylor Mays will most likely start Saturday's game, his first one back since injuring his knee against Ohio State two weeks ago. "He's ready to play," Carroll said.
- In place of the injured Malcolm Smith, Jordan Campbell will start at weakside linebacker on Saturday.
- Jake Harfman won the punting duties for this weekend's game, Carroll announced after practice.
- Tight end Blake Ayles had the play of the day when he caught a bullet pass with one hand during team period.
- During 11-on-11 work, Mitch Mustain launched a bomb of a deep ball that, though incomplete, impressed his teammates. "Nice throw, punter!" players joked.
- Like every other Thursday workout, the Trojans spent a large chunk of practice focusing on all phases of special teams.
USC's weekly No Repeat Thursday practice has just begun, and it's all about speed and execution today as the Trojans get primed for Saturday's game.
"Today is a day of performance -- just like Saturday," Coach Carroll said this afternoon.
We'll return with a report following the half-pads workout.
"Today is a day of performance -- just like Saturday," Coach Carroll said this afternoon.
We'll return with a report following the half-pads workout.
A rack full of No. 7 jerseys is on the floor at the USC bookstore on the first day they've been sold. The No. 7 jerseys are also available online.
The focus on Thursdays turns to resolving any penalty issues, and coming off last week's 75-penalty-yard output, the Trojans have a lot to emphasize this afternoon.
"I know you're trying hard, but we've got to do stuff right," Coach Carroll told the players during today's team meeting.
And in terms of the boneheaded, unnecessary penalties, like blocks in the back on special teams?
"Make a pact and sign it in blood that you're not going to do that anymore," Carroll said.
"I know you're trying hard, but we've got to do stuff right," Coach Carroll told the players during today's team meeting.
And in terms of the boneheaded, unnecessary penalties, like blocks in the back on special teams?
"Make a pact and sign it in blood that you're not going to do that anymore," Carroll said.
For the first time in what seems like forever, the Trojans will be playing at home this weekend.
And they couldn't be more excited.
"We're going to the Coli, and there's only one way to play when we get there," Coach Carroll told the players this afternoon. "We've got to make sure we prepare ourselves to play our best there. We celebrate by performing our best when we are in the Coliseum."
And they couldn't be more excited.
"We're going to the Coli, and there's only one way to play when we get there," Coach Carroll told the players this afternoon. "We've got to make sure we prepare ourselves to play our best there. We celebrate by performing our best when we are in the Coliseum."
Here's a hilarious old-school picture Coach Carroll showed on the screen during this afternoon's team meeting, containing current defensive line coach Jethro Franklin (middle) and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. (right) when they played in the '80s at Fresno State and UCLA, respectively. The player on the left is Terry Tumey, now the athletic director at Dominican University in San Rafael:
No Repeat Thursday is underway.
The Trojans' day of refinement and perfection of the game plan has gotten started with a special teams film review, followed by more meeting before a half-pads practice at 4:15 p.m. It's USC's final full-speed workout of the week, so the emphasis goes toward precision more than ever this afternoon.
The Trojans' day of refinement and perfection of the game plan has gotten started with a special teams film review, followed by more meeting before a half-pads practice at 4:15 p.m. It's USC's final full-speed workout of the week, so the emphasis goes toward precision more than ever this afternoon.
Here are two traditional fan experiences to attend leading up to Saturday's Washington State game at the Coliseum:
- The jock rally, complete with the Trojan Marching Band, USC Song Girls, players and coaches, will be at 5 p.m. at Heritage Hall on Friday.
- The Trojan Walk will begin at 5:20 p.m. on Saturday. The parade of players and coaches starts on the northeast side of the Sports Arena and winds a path toward the peristyle end of the Coliseum.
By Sourena VasseghiWith Rich Finley
USCRipsIt Guest Bloggers
In trying to decide how to summarize my thoughts on USC's shocking loss to Washington last weekend, I looked back on some of the experiences I've had traveling the country and giving speeches.
I have given speeches in front of huge crowds; I have given speeches in front of just five or six people. I've spoken to audiences that weren't receptive, and then audiences that were just so excited. Rich and I gave a speech one time to a group of 5- to 9-year-olds who we could NOT make laugh one time! We tried and tried, and finally I looked at Rich and whispered, "Let's lose the jokes." Then, there was a speech we gave for a group of 600-700 students at a high school on a Saturday for kids who had behavioral issues and bad grades, and that audience was amazing! There have been times I've been sick, Rich has been sick (yeah, try to give a speech when your speaking assistant has laryngitis) and then we've had issues with travel, microphones that don't work, you name it!
My point to all of this, sometimes, you just have a clunker. You can't explain it. You know you're prepared, driven, ambitious, and then all of a sudden you feel like you're trying to catch Jake Locker in open space on an open field that's wet and you only have your socks on. Ugh.
The Trojans lost. It stinks. No one hated it more than me ... well, ok, almost no one. Yet, you have to just move forward. The worst thing that can happen is for a team to beat you twice, as the memory of the loss sticks with you and you alter your preparation and you lose to the next team.
The best thing to do in life is to always have perspective. For instance, this season in college football is off to an amazing start for the Pac-10. Wins by UCLA and USC over other teams in major conferences are only raising the credibility of the league. You have to think a team like Florida is going to be in the National Championship game. From there, who will they play? Well, they won't play another SEC school, the BCS would never allow the 2nd place team in the SEC who just lost in the SEC championship game to have a rematch. That leaves the ACC, Big East, and Big Ten. Nope, conferences aren't strong enough, can you really picture any team in those leagues playing for the championship?
So, really what this comes down to, the Big 12 and the Pac-10. The Big 12 doesn't look as strong as last year, but the league is still pretty good. Plus, if Oklahoma works itself back into contention, and possibly beats Texas, well now we have a good, old-fashioned race on our hands. With the strength of the Pac-10, a one-loss USC team is WAY more attractive than in recent years, due to overall improvement of the league.
So, be frustrated about the loss. We had a clunker. We had injuries, adversity and a bad game. But things aren't looking that bad. Four out of the last six national champions lost one game in their conference, and one year, LSU lost two! So have some perspective.
Now, if I could just make those 5-year-olds laugh!
• Sourena Vasseghi, a motivational speaker and writer, has addressed the USC football team on several occasions over the years. His book, "Love your life and it will love you back," is available here.
Ticket sales are moving along quite nicely for Saturday's game at the Coliseum, as the number of tickets purchased or distributed is climbing near 90,000. You can still purchase tickets online or by calling (213) 740-GOSC.
Frankie Telfort's time as a Trojan took a tragic turn in July because of a rare heart condition that prevents him from continuing his playing career. But even with the setback, Telfort, as a student coach, is still making a positive impact at USC. Read all about it in this superb feature in today's Daily Trojan.
Thanks to RipsIt reader Steve White for passing it along.
Thanks to RipsIt reader Steve White for passing it along.
Matt Leinart has been named the college football player of the decade by the Sporting News. Leinart went 37-2 as a starter, won two national championships and was the 2004 Heisman Trophy recipient.
The No. 7 USC jersey is now available online and, starting this afternoon, will be sold at the USC bookstore.
In his latest video blog, Coach Carroll talks about overcoming challenges in football and life and how to get back on track. Check it out:
Icons in their own right, LeBron James and Pete Carroll crossed paths this morning at USC's Galen Center.
In town for the premiere of his documentary "More than a Game," James was on campus to work out and shoot around today, and Carroll and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. took a few minutes to meet one of basketball's preeminent players. The three chatted for a few minutes during a break in James' shoot-around at USC's basketball training facility before Carroll and Norton returned to Heritage Hall for football meetings.
Check out some photos from the rendezvous:
Coach Carroll and LeBron James hug upon meeting at USC's Galen Center this morning.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. meets LeBron James this morning.
Coach Carroll and LeBron James chat for a few minutes during James' workout at the Galen Center this morning.
With photos of USC's basketball stars behind him, NBA great LeBron James takes a shot during his shoot-around at the Galen Center this morning.
In town for the premiere of his documentary "More than a Game," James was on campus to work out and shoot around today, and Carroll and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. took a few minutes to meet one of basketball's preeminent players. The three chatted for a few minutes during a break in James' shoot-around at USC's basketball training facility before Carroll and Norton returned to Heritage Hall for football meetings.
Check out some photos from the rendezvous:
Coach Carroll and LeBron James hug upon meeting at USC's Galen Center this morning.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. meets LeBron James this morning.
Coach Carroll and LeBron James chat for a few minutes during James' workout at the Galen Center this morning.
With photos of USC's basketball stars behind him, NBA great LeBron James takes a shot during his shoot-around at the Galen Center this morning.
Check out this excellent feature on Mark Sanchez, from today's New York Times. Thanks to RipsIt reader Susan Yamada for passing it along.
Don't forget to vote for Coach Carroll daily for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award. If Carroll wins, $50,000 will be donated to A Better LA, the inner-city charity he helped found.
Offensive coordinator John Morton is celebrating his 40th birthday today.
Morton's trying to keep it under wraps, but we're holding out hope that he will eventually announce his age in a similar fashion as the hilarious "I'm a man! I'm 40!" rant from a few years ago.
Morton's trying to keep it under wraps, but we're holding out hope that he will eventually announce his age in a similar fashion as the hilarious "I'm a man! I'm 40!" rant from a few years ago.
So far in 2009, rookie linebacker Brian Cushing leads the Houston Texas in tackles with 18. Check out this great feature on the former Trojan star, from the Texans' website.
The Trojans have only one significant connection to Washington State, and it stretches back three decades.
USC offensive line coach Pat Ruel held the same position for the Cougars in 1978-81, and was also the offensive coordinator in his final two seasons in Pullman. In 1981, Ruel helped coach Washington State to the Holiday Bowl, the team's first bowl game in 39 seasons.
USC is Ruel's ninth stop since Pullman nearly 30 years ago, and he said he enjoyed his four seasons in eastern Washington.
"In recruiting, other teams used to say that you could see the end of the earth from there," Ruel fondly recalled about his time at Washington State. "We'd tell the recruits, 'Yeah, the view's nice, you should come check it out.'"
USC offensive line coach Pat Ruel held the same position for the Cougars in 1978-81, and was also the offensive coordinator in his final two seasons in Pullman. In 1981, Ruel helped coach Washington State to the Holiday Bowl, the team's first bowl game in 39 seasons. USC is Ruel's ninth stop since Pullman nearly 30 years ago, and he said he enjoyed his four seasons in eastern Washington.
"In recruiting, other teams used to say that you could see the end of the earth from there," Ruel fondly recalled about his time at Washington State. "We'd tell the recruits, 'Yeah, the view's nice, you should come check it out.'"
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Off the charts: USC's record in the last 5 seasons
- Strong against the best: Trojans dominate vs. all-time great programs
- Seven heaven: No. 7 jersey now on sale
- Barkley to start Saturday
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Wednesday's practice report
- Pictures from Wednesday's practice
- Wednesday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Wednesday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Wideout De'Von Flournoy lunges for the catch.
Tailback Stafon Johnson hops through the hole.
Tailback Curtis McNeal looks for an opening between his offensive linemen.
Quarterback Matt Barkley pitches out to tailback Allen Bradford.
Mitch Mustain connects on a punt, which was downed on the 1-yard line.
Matt Barkley throws during 7-on-7 period.
Linebacker Michael Morgan closes in on Matt Barkley.
Thoughts from Wednesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- On the day he was named the starter for the Washington State game on Saturday, Matt Barkley took essentially all the first-unit snaps and guided a turnover-free performance for the offense on Turnover Wednesday, giving the O the overall practice victory.
- Safety Taylor Mays participated in a healthy chunk of practice for the first time since spraining his right knee against Ohio State, and Coach Carroll said it was becoming more likely that the senior All-American could return to game action this weekend. "It looks like Taylor had a really good day today," Carroll said. "We'll see how he responds tomorrow."
- During 11-on-11 special teams work, Mitch Mustain took one rep at punter and showed off his touch. With the snap coming from near the 50-yard line, Mustain's punt landed inside the 10 and was downed at the 1. Following practice, Carroll said the coaching staff would wait until after Thursday's workout to determine who among Billy O'Malley, Jake Harfman and Mustain will have the duties in the game on Saturday.
- Though the defense didn't come up with a turnover all day, a pressure-filled rush from the line propelled the unit to a 13-11 victory in the final team period.
- During 9-on-7 period, the offense dominated to produce what coaches called "a massacre," as the slew of running backs manufactured an onslaught of big-time rushes both up the middle and around the outside. Tailback Allen Bradford had the most notable run of the day when he lowered his shoulder and leveled a defensive back in the open field.
- On the day he was named the starter for the Washington State game on Saturday, Matt Barkley took essentially all the first-unit snaps and guided a turnover-free performance for the offense on Turnover Wednesday, giving the O the overall practice victory.
- Safety Taylor Mays participated in a healthy chunk of practice for the first time since spraining his right knee against Ohio State, and Coach Carroll said it was becoming more likely that the senior All-American could return to game action this weekend. "It looks like Taylor had a really good day today," Carroll said. "We'll see how he responds tomorrow."
- During 11-on-11 special teams work, Mitch Mustain took one rep at punter and showed off his touch. With the snap coming from near the 50-yard line, Mustain's punt landed inside the 10 and was downed at the 1. Following practice, Carroll said the coaching staff would wait until after Thursday's workout to determine who among Billy O'Malley, Jake Harfman and Mustain will have the duties in the game on Saturday.
- Though the defense didn't come up with a turnover all day, a pressure-filled rush from the line propelled the unit to a 13-11 victory in the final team period.
- During 9-on-7 period, the offense dominated to produce what coaches called "a massacre," as the slew of running backs manufactured an onslaught of big-time rushes both up the middle and around the outside. Tailback Allen Bradford had the most notable run of the day when he lowered his shoulder and leveled a defensive back in the open field.
Matt Barkley will start Saturday's game against Washington State, Coach Pete Carroll announced after practice Wednesday.
Eleven days after suffering a bruise in his right shoulder, Barkley took almost all the reps with the first-team offense Wednesday and completed a full practice for the first time since the injury.
"He's ready to go," Carroll said. "It's clear he had a very good day today.
"Off and running we go."
Carroll said both Aaron Corp, who started Saturday in place of Barkley, and Mitch Mustain would be ready if Barkley "has any problems" leading up to or during USC's Pac-10 home opener on Saturday night at the Coliseum.
Eleven days after suffering a bruise in his right shoulder, Barkley took almost all the reps with the first-team offense Wednesday and completed a full practice for the first time since the injury.
"He's ready to go," Carroll said. "It's clear he had a very good day today.
"Off and running we go."
Carroll said both Aaron Corp, who started Saturday in place of Barkley, and Mitch Mustain would be ready if Barkley "has any problems" leading up to or during USC's Pac-10 home opener on Saturday night at the Coliseum.
It's the first full day of fall, but the weather apparently didn't get the memo.
Temperatures are into the high-90s on campus this afternoon as the Trojans take the field for their weekly Turnover Wednesday practice. We'll return from steamy Howard Jones Field with a report following the workout.
Temperatures are into the high-90s on campus this afternoon as the Trojans take the field for their weekly Turnover Wednesday practice. We'll return from steamy Howard Jones Field with a report following the workout.
At some point tonight, No. 7 USC replica jerseys will be available for the first time online through the USCTrojans.com store.
The No. 7 jerseys will also be available on the floor at the USC bookstore starting Thursday afternoon.
The No. 7 jerseys will also be available on the floor at the USC bookstore starting Thursday afternoon.
Besides the extra focus on turnovers, Wednesdays are also USC's day to emphasize third downs for both the offense and defense. While the Trojan defense ranks among the nation's best in limiting opponent's third down conversions, the offense is converting a disappointing 22.9 percent of third down opportunities, ranking the Trojans 112th out of 120 FBS teams in 2009. Here's a look at the full third down stat line this season for USC and Washington State:
Offense
USC: 8-for-35 • 22.9 percent (112th in nation)
Washington State: 10-for-42 • 23.8 percent (109th in nation)
Defense
USC: 12-for-44 • 27.3 percent (16th in nation)
Washington State: 14-for-37 • 37.8 percent (68th in nation)
Offense
USC: 8-for-35 • 22.9 percent (112th in nation)
Washington State: 10-for-42 • 23.8 percent (109th in nation)
Defense
USC: 12-for-44 • 27.3 percent (16th in nation)
Washington State: 14-for-37 • 37.8 percent (68th in nation)
The coachspeak is the same as every Turnover Wednesday -- "Let's not miss this, we've got to make the most of this day," Coach Carroll said in this afternoon's team meeting.
But it sure seems to be carrying more weight this week.
After Saturday's three-turnover-and-no-takeaway performance at Washington, the facts are hitting hard during Turnover Wednesday today. Add to it that the Trojans have a minus-3 turnover margin in 2009, far below expectations for a team whose mantra is, "It's all about the ball."
"It couldn't be more poignantly clear," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "We've got ground to make up. Every single bit of our emphasis counts."
But it sure seems to be carrying more weight this week.
After Saturday's three-turnover-and-no-takeaway performance at Washington, the facts are hitting hard during Turnover Wednesday today. Add to it that the Trojans have a minus-3 turnover margin in 2009, far below expectations for a team whose mantra is, "It's all about the ball."
"It couldn't be more poignantly clear," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "We've got ground to make up. Every single bit of our emphasis counts."
Special teams coordinator Brian Schneider takes the USC kickoff unit through Washington State game film during this afternoon's special teams meeting in Heritage Auditorium. More meetings are on deck before a full-pads practice at 4:15 p.m.
The Mitch Mustain experiment will reach a new stage this afternoon.
Mustain, USC's third-string quarterback, is slated to take all the reps at punter in the full-squad special teams period during today's 4 p.m. practice.
Mustain, USC's third-string quarterback, is slated to take all the reps at punter in the full-squad special teams period during today's 4 p.m. practice.
Coach Carroll taped an interview this afternoon that will air on AM-570's "Petros and Money Show" at 5:30 p.m. tonight. You can listen to a live internet stream of it here.
In light of this morning's post about all-time victories and USC's latest five-year run, the Trojans have also fared quite nicely against the other traditional powers on the top-10 list in recent seasons. Get this -- since 2004, USC has gone a remarkable 12-1 against the other programs on the top-10 all-time victories list.
Here's how you can watch, listen to or follow Saturday's USC-Washington State game at the Coliseum:
- Kickoff: 7:23 p.m.
- National TV: FSN (Barry Tompkins, Petros Papadakis)
- Local L.A. radio: ESPN 710-AM
- Internet play-by-play: USCTrojans.com Game Tracker
With at least one Trojan on the roster of 26 of the 32 NFL teams, 248 of the 256 regular-season games this fall will feature one or more USC alumni. Only eight NFL games will not have a Trojan in them, meaning 97 percent of contests will include at least on USC alum.
- Research by Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
- Research by Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Last Monday was USC night at Dodger Stadium, and Coach Carroll was commissioned to do the fans' code of conduct video. See his slightly sarcastic rendition here, courtesy of the L.A. Dodgers:
Remember to cast your vote for linebacker Brian Cushing or quarterback Mark Sanchez for the NFL's Rookie of the Week. Both Trojans had standout performances during Sunday's games, so show your support for the two USC alums.
As is the tradition for every Wednesday, the coaches took time out of game-planning for their weekly recruiting meeting in the War Room this morning. A big recruiting weekend is coming up, since it's just the second opportunity for USC to host official visits this season and the only chance for another month, thanks to the awkward home schedule this season.
USC is 10th on the list of all-time victories for major college football programs, but the Trojans have been closing ground in recent years. According to a stat box in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, USC has the best record in the last five seasons among its counterparts at the top of the all-time wins list. Check it out:
Program: Record since beginning of '04 • (All-time record; Rank of all-time record)
USC: 61-7 • (768-304-54; 10th)
Texas: 59-8 • (835-317-33; 2nd)
Oklahoma: 56-14 • (793-290-53; 8th)
Ohio State: 53-13 • (809-307-53; 5th)
Penn State: 47-18 • (803-349-41; 6th)
Alabama: 44-23 • (802-316-43; 7th)
Michigan: 42-23 • (875-295-36; 1st)
Tennessee: 40-26 • (776-329-53; 9th)
Nebraska: 38-27 • (819-338-40; 4th)
Notre Dame: 37-28 • (833-285-42; 3rd)
Program: Record since beginning of '04 • (All-time record; Rank of all-time record)
USC: 61-7 • (768-304-54; 10th)
Texas: 59-8 • (835-317-33; 2nd)
Oklahoma: 56-14 • (793-290-53; 8th)
Ohio State: 53-13 • (809-307-53; 5th)
Penn State: 47-18 • (803-349-41; 6th)
Alabama: 44-23 • (802-316-43; 7th)
Michigan: 42-23 • (875-295-36; 1st)
Tennessee: 40-26 • (776-329-53; 9th)
Nebraska: 38-27 • (819-338-40; 4th)
Notre Dame: 37-28 • (833-285-42; 3rd)
Check out selected highlights of Trojans around the NFL during Week 2:
The coaches have watched and re-watched the film from Tuesday's competition-themed workout, and they like what they see -- especially how the players are bouncing back.
"We had a really nice day of practice yesterday," Coach Carroll said this morning. "The guys are responding."
"We had a really nice day of practice yesterday," Coach Carroll said this morning. "The guys are responding."
This week's "AT&T Ask Coach" question wonders how the defense is performing this season. See below for Coach Carroll's response from his Tuesday press conference, and remember you can submit your questions by texting "ASKCOACH" to 51234.
Here's an interesting column from the O.C. Register that puts Saturday's loss in perspective.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Inside the Life: Tutorial sessions
- Archived presser: Carroll's news conference
- Getting back on track: Making things right day by day
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Tuesday's practice report
- Pictures from Tuesday's practice
- Tuesday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Tuesday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Cornerback Kevin Thomas goes through tackling drills, as defensive coordinator Rocky Seto (right) watches on.
As quarterback Mitch Mustain looks on, wideout Damian Williams (left) and cornerback Kevin Thomas (right) go up for a pass during 1-on-1 drills, with Williams coming down with the completion.
Matt Barkley looks across the line of scrimmage.
Kicker Jordan Congdon connects on a field goal.
Aaron Corp drops back in the pocket.
Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- Matt Barkley participated in the largest amount of practice since bruising his shoulder against Ohio State, taking half the reps in both the service team period and 7-on-7 drills. By design, he sat out of the team period with an ice pack on his right shoulder, giving way for Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain to take the 11-on-11 snaps. "He made a lot of throws today," Coach Carroll said of Barkley. "The difficult part is to manage this right."
- In his time at the helm, Barkley mostly shined, going a perfect 5-for-5 during 7-on-7 period and looking sharp in service team work. He utilized a mixture of short check-downs with longer touch passes throughout the day.
- Meanwhile, Corp took a majority of the snaps during the 24-play team period, guiding the offense to a 13-11 overall practice victory on Competition Tuesday.
- The starter for Saturday's game is still up in the air -- both quarterbacks are preparing to be the one -- but Carroll said Barkley would get the nod "if he could get through each day" without any major setbacks.
- Garrett Green continues to show just how valuable he is. The senior, who's a part of five of the six special teams units, also was the service team quarterback and caught a pass as a wideout during team period Tuesday, along with being the holder for field goals.
- During team period, wideout David Ausberry had a spectacular diving catch, which saw him trap the ball against the side of his helmet while he rolled to the ground.
- Coach Carroll in the post-practice team huddle: "Every day's got to count -- every single day -- if we want to get right. We need everybody to step up to that challenge."
- Kicker Jake Harfman connected on a 54-yard field goal in his only kick during 11-on-11 special teams work.
- About 30 students from Liceo Scientifico Europea, a high school in Bolzano, Italy, attended practice as part of their nationwide tour to learn about American football.
- Matt Barkley participated in the largest amount of practice since bruising his shoulder against Ohio State, taking half the reps in both the service team period and 7-on-7 drills. By design, he sat out of the team period with an ice pack on his right shoulder, giving way for Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain to take the 11-on-11 snaps. "He made a lot of throws today," Coach Carroll said of Barkley. "The difficult part is to manage this right."
- In his time at the helm, Barkley mostly shined, going a perfect 5-for-5 during 7-on-7 period and looking sharp in service team work. He utilized a mixture of short check-downs with longer touch passes throughout the day.
- Meanwhile, Corp took a majority of the snaps during the 24-play team period, guiding the offense to a 13-11 overall practice victory on Competition Tuesday.
- The starter for Saturday's game is still up in the air -- both quarterbacks are preparing to be the one -- but Carroll said Barkley would get the nod "if he could get through each day" without any major setbacks.
- Garrett Green continues to show just how valuable he is. The senior, who's a part of five of the six special teams units, also was the service team quarterback and caught a pass as a wideout during team period Tuesday, along with being the holder for field goals.
- During team period, wideout David Ausberry had a spectacular diving catch, which saw him trap the ball against the side of his helmet while he rolled to the ground.
- Coach Carroll in the post-practice team huddle: "Every day's got to count -- every single day -- if we want to get right. We need everybody to step up to that challenge."
- Kicker Jake Harfman connected on a 54-yard field goal in his only kick during 11-on-11 special teams work.
- About 30 students from Liceo Scientifico Europea, a high school in Bolzano, Italy, attended practice as part of their nationwide tour to learn about American football.
On the first day of Fall, the Trojans are taking the field for their weekly Competition Tuesday practice, an all-out, full-pads affair on Howard Jones Field. We'll return in a few hours with a report from the workout.
Four away games remain in the 2009 season, so check out the USC Alumni Association website for info on pep rallies, transportation, lodging and game day tailgates for each of the four road trips left this fall.
The message continues to be loud and clear.
Just 72 hours removed from their shocking loss at Washington, the Trojans are being reminded again today that they've got much to improve and a lot to work on as Competition Tuesday gets underway.
"We've got to get this thing right," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting, kicking off the competition-themed day. "This day is about battling against ourselves. It makes us better."
Carroll keeps making a special emphasis about being perfect and being right in every drill, every play and every practice. It's not a matter of picking and choosing when to do things correctly, but a philosophy of pursuing perfection in everything from stretching before practice to watching film to lining up correctly before the snap -- and all things in between.
"If you want to win, do it all the time -- not sometimes," Carroll said. "Let's elevate our mindset."
So another step in the bounce back happens this afternoon, as the Trojans one-day-at-a-time-it all the way to Saturday's game and their first of many opportunities for redemption.
"Let's capture this day," Carroll said. "It's all we got."
Just 72 hours removed from their shocking loss at Washington, the Trojans are being reminded again today that they've got much to improve and a lot to work on as Competition Tuesday gets underway.
"We've got to get this thing right," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting, kicking off the competition-themed day. "This day is about battling against ourselves. It makes us better."
Carroll keeps making a special emphasis about being perfect and being right in every drill, every play and every practice. It's not a matter of picking and choosing when to do things correctly, but a philosophy of pursuing perfection in everything from stretching before practice to watching film to lining up correctly before the snap -- and all things in between.
"If you want to win, do it all the time -- not sometimes," Carroll said. "Let's elevate our mindset."
So another step in the bounce back happens this afternoon, as the Trojans one-day-at-a-time-it all the way to Saturday's game and their first of many opportunities for redemption.
"Let's capture this day," Carroll said. "It's all we got."
Competition Tuesday has just commenced with a special teams film review in Heritage Auditorium. Team, offense/defense and position group meetings ensue prior to a full-pads practice at 4:15 p.m.
The Pac-10 has had an impressive run in non-conference play so far in 2009. Its 19-6 overall out-of-conference record and 15-6 mark against FBS teams ranks among the top in the six BCS conferences. Also, the Pac-10 has played more games against teams from BCS conferences than any other of the six major leagues, compiling a 6-4 record for the second-highest winning percentage (the SEC's 5-2 mark is slightly better).
Take a look at how the Pac-10's non-conference record against FBS teams so far this season compares with the other BCS conferences:
1. SEC: 14-2 (.875)
2. Pac-10: 15-6 (.714)
3. Big Ten: 18-8 (.692)
4. Big 12: 17-9 (.654)
5. Big East: 9-5 (.643)
6. ACC: 9-8 (.529)
Take a look at how the Pac-10's non-conference record against FBS teams so far this season compares with the other BCS conferences:
1. SEC: 14-2 (.875)
2. Pac-10: 15-6 (.714)
3. Big Ten: 18-8 (.692)
4. Big 12: 17-9 (.654)
5. Big East: 9-5 (.643)
6. ACC: 9-8 (.529)
The live stream of Coach Carroll's press conference today experienced some technical difficulties, so you can watch the presser in its entirety for free here. We apologize for the inconvenience for those who tried to watch it live.
Plenty of tickets are still available for Saturday's game against Washington State, so purchase them online or by calling (213) 740-GOSC.
Coach Carroll speaks to the media during his press conference in Varsity Lounge right now.
Coach Carroll is about to take a break from a film session with the defensive staff for his weekly press conference, and you can watch it live for free here.
The onward march and forward focus continues in Heritage Hall, as the past becomes an increasingly distant memory and all that matters now is preparing for Saturday's game against Washington State.
It's Competition Tuesday today, so the team's entire attention turns inward as the Trojans ready themselves for their Pac-10 home opener this weekend. And they'll take the appropriate steps toward victory by competing and working their best during today's meetings and practice. As coaches always say, "you win the game on Saturday by what you do today."
"Let's make it a really competitive day," Carroll told his assistants during this morning's staff meeting. "We need some juice. We've got to come out of the shoots flying today.
"Let's make it the best Tuesday we've ever had."
It's Competition Tuesday today, so the team's entire attention turns inward as the Trojans ready themselves for their Pac-10 home opener this weekend. And they'll take the appropriate steps toward victory by competing and working their best during today's meetings and practice. As coaches always say, "you win the game on Saturday by what you do today."
"Let's make it a really competitive day," Carroll told his assistants during this morning's staff meeting. "We need some juice. We've got to come out of the shoots flying today.
"Let's make it the best Tuesday we've ever had."
During his weekly press conference at noon today, Coach Carroll will be wearing this patch commemorating the American Football Coaches Association's "Coach to Cure MD" initiative, which is aiming to raise support and awareness for the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Coaches around the nation will be wearing the patch during their press conferences and games this weekend.
Have something you want Coach Carroll to answer during his weekly press conference today? Then send in your question by texting "ASKCOACH" to 51234, and one fan's query will be answered by Carroll at the noon presser.
Safety Will Harris goes through a weightlifting circuit in Heritage Hall this morning. With their past behind them, players are getting to work this week to affect their future.
Throughout the season, USCRipsIt will be taking you into the off-the-field life of a player, showing you what goes on behind the scenes through "Inside the Life." In this weekly series written by staff writer Courtney Kalisz, we'll bring you into the daily life of a player and reveal the details that fill a student-athlete's schedule while off the field. Here's a feature about the tutoring requirements for USC's student-athletes:
With all of the commitments that come with being a student-athlete at USC -- from class to practice to conditioning -- it can be hard to imagine that Trojan football players even have time to eat or sleep.
However, Trojans find the time to do not only those activities, but also to invest upwards of ten hours per week into tutoring. The USC athletic department places a lot of emphasis on academic success as well as athletic success. When it comes to school, athletes and advisement staff strive not only for the athletes to be eligible, but also to go above and beyond, striving to meet the highest possible potential.
Athletes meet with their academic advisors on a regular basis, discussing their classes and course load. The advisors assess the situation and then develop a tutoring schedule based on the athlete's need and availability during the week. The schedule consists of assigned times for either intensive tutoring on course material, or structure study time, which is supervised by a member of the tutorial staff.
The tutoring sessions are crucial to the success of the student athlete. They ensure the comprehension and retention of critical class material. Tutors are dedicated to the athlete's understanding of the material. The sessions are generally an hour. Tutors are highly qualified and provide a wide base of knowledge in the subjects that they tutor for. Athletes may bring in lectures, textbooks, or worksheets to go over with the tutor. The tutor addresses any questions that the athlete may have. They also can offer studying tips, course insight and even proofreading work. Working in conjunction with S.A.A.S. staff members, Tutors play the role of an academic support system for the athletes. They make sure that the athletes are up to date with their work and help them prepare for tests.
Structured study time is also critical to the athlete's success in the classroom. It provides a time for the athletes to commit to studying, homework or projects. Because the athletes already have very limited free time, it is often hard for them to assign time to their work. The structured study time is allotted for that purpose. This is a good time for athletes to get ahead in their courses, study, read their textbooks or just work ahead in their assignments. This program allows athletes to be not only up to date in their classes, but well ahead in their work.
As a motivational tool, the S.A.A.S. staff has created a point system. Positive points are awarded to those athletes who diligently attend tutorial sessions and have a positive attitude. Points are deducted for missing tutorial, or not being productive, but those situations are very rare. The points are taken into consideration when the staff is selecting "student-athletes of the month."
The academic success of the USC football team and other USC athletics is a testament to the effectiveness of S.A.A.S, the tutorial staff and the outstanding work ethic of the student-athletes.
- By Courtney Kalisz, USCRipsIt staff writer
With all of the commitments that come with being a student-athlete at USC -- from class to practice to conditioning -- it can be hard to imagine that Trojan football players even have time to eat or sleep.
However, Trojans find the time to do not only those activities, but also to invest upwards of ten hours per week into tutoring. The USC athletic department places a lot of emphasis on academic success as well as athletic success. When it comes to school, athletes and advisement staff strive not only for the athletes to be eligible, but also to go above and beyond, striving to meet the highest possible potential.
Athletes meet with their academic advisors on a regular basis, discussing their classes and course load. The advisors assess the situation and then develop a tutoring schedule based on the athlete's need and availability during the week. The schedule consists of assigned times for either intensive tutoring on course material, or structure study time, which is supervised by a member of the tutorial staff.
The tutoring sessions are crucial to the success of the student athlete. They ensure the comprehension and retention of critical class material. Tutors are dedicated to the athlete's understanding of the material. The sessions are generally an hour. Tutors are highly qualified and provide a wide base of knowledge in the subjects that they tutor for. Athletes may bring in lectures, textbooks, or worksheets to go over with the tutor. The tutor addresses any questions that the athlete may have. They also can offer studying tips, course insight and even proofreading work. Working in conjunction with S.A.A.S. staff members, Tutors play the role of an academic support system for the athletes. They make sure that the athletes are up to date with their work and help them prepare for tests.
Structured study time is also critical to the athlete's success in the classroom. It provides a time for the athletes to commit to studying, homework or projects. Because the athletes already have very limited free time, it is often hard for them to assign time to their work. The structured study time is allotted for that purpose. This is a good time for athletes to get ahead in their courses, study, read their textbooks or just work ahead in their assignments. This program allows athletes to be not only up to date in their classes, but well ahead in their work.
As a motivational tool, the S.A.A.S. staff has created a point system. Positive points are awarded to those athletes who diligently attend tutorial sessions and have a positive attitude. Points are deducted for missing tutorial, or not being productive, but those situations are very rare. The points are taken into consideration when the staff is selecting "student-athletes of the month."
The academic success of the USC football team and other USC athletics is a testament to the effectiveness of S.A.A.S, the tutorial staff and the outstanding work ethic of the student-athletes.
- By Courtney Kalisz, USCRipsIt staff writer
Linebacker Brian Cushing and quarterback Mark Sanchez make up two-fifths of the nominees for the NFL's rookie of the week award, so show your support by voting here.
Cushing had a team-high 10 tackles, including two for loss, in the Texans' 34-31 win at Tennessee, while Sanchez went 14-for-22 for 163 yards and a touchdown in the Jets' 16-9 victory over the Patriots.
Cushing had a team-high 10 tackles, including two for loss, in the Texans' 34-31 win at Tennessee, while Sanchez went 14-for-22 for 163 yards and a touchdown in the Jets' 16-9 victory over the Patriots.
Tuesday means it's media day for Coach Carroll, who has conference calls, one-on-one interviews and his weekly presser during the next several hours. Remember that you can watch his press conference at noon live for free, courtesy of USCTrojans.com.
Although the December "60 Minutes" feature on Coach Carroll's work with A Better LA didn't end up winning during Monday's News and Documentary Emmy Awards ceremony, it was still one of five nominees, an incredible honor for CBS, the news magazine show and Carroll.
ABC News' "Living with Tourette's Syndrome" won the Emmy in the outstanding feature story in a news magazine.
See Carroll's "60 Minutes" piece here:
ABC News' "Living with Tourette's Syndrome" won the Emmy in the outstanding feature story in a news magazine.
See Carroll's "60 Minutes" piece here:
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Dealing with the future: Moving on from the loss
- Clean it up: 'Fixing our football'
- Healing up: Ronald Johnson on the mend
- Time Out with Joyce Hirayama: Feature on office staffer
- Armstead recovering well: DE hoping to be back by Notre Dame
- Telling the truth: On the rebound
- Lockdown defense: Logging big-time stats
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Monday's practice report
- Pictures from Monday's practice
- Monday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Monday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Wideout Brice Butler looks a pass into his hands, as wide receivers coach John Morton looks on.
In his first full practice back, Matt Barkley throws downfield.
Garrett Green leads the service team offense against the first-unit defense.
Tailback Joe McKnight takes a pitch from Matt Barkley.
Aaron Corp hands off to tailback Stafon Johnson.
Matt Barkley rolls out to his right.
Thoughts from Monday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- Matt Barkley returned to practice and split the snaps with Aaron Corp, as he participated in full-speed drills for the first time since his shoulder injury on Sept. 12 at Ohio State. He completed many nice passes both from the pocket and on the run, showing very little rust throughout the helmets-only workout. "He's not 100 percent but he threw the ball pretty well," Coach Carroll said. "It was encouraging today that Matt's going to be alright. The fact he was at practice today was a great sign."
- Though Carroll did not rank the quarterbacks or name a starter, he said Barkley would be the guy if healthy. "I'd love for him to come back and start on Saturday if he's ready to go," Carroll said.
- Safety Taylor Mays did light rehab work but sat out of practice Monday, a designed rest day for the senior who has been sidelined with a knee sprain since the Ohio State game.
- Linebacker Malcolm Smith suffered an ankle sprain in the Washington game and did not participate in Monday's practice. Luthur Brown would most likely start in Smith's place if he's not ready to play by Saturday, Carroll said.
- Carroll in the post-practice team huddle: "It's Coli time -- we get to come back to the Coliseum this week!"
- The defensive line produced a notably overpowering rush during 11-on-11 drills on Monday, sacking the quarterback multiple times.
- Matt Barkley returned to practice and split the snaps with Aaron Corp, as he participated in full-speed drills for the first time since his shoulder injury on Sept. 12 at Ohio State. He completed many nice passes both from the pocket and on the run, showing very little rust throughout the helmets-only workout. "He's not 100 percent but he threw the ball pretty well," Coach Carroll said. "It was encouraging today that Matt's going to be alright. The fact he was at practice today was a great sign."
- Though Carroll did not rank the quarterbacks or name a starter, he said Barkley would be the guy if healthy. "I'd love for him to come back and start on Saturday if he's ready to go," Carroll said.
- Safety Taylor Mays did light rehab work but sat out of practice Monday, a designed rest day for the senior who has been sidelined with a knee sprain since the Ohio State game.
- Linebacker Malcolm Smith suffered an ankle sprain in the Washington game and did not participate in Monday's practice. Luthur Brown would most likely start in Smith's place if he's not ready to play by Saturday, Carroll said.
- Carroll in the post-practice team huddle: "It's Coli time -- we get to come back to the Coliseum this week!"
- The defensive line produced a notably overpowering rush during 11-on-11 drills on Monday, sacking the quarterback multiple times.
The air horn just sounded, meaning the Tell the Truth Monday practice has just gotten started. The Trojans have hit the field for their first football activity since Saturday's loss, so we'll return with a report following the helmets-only workout.
Have something you want Coach Carroll to answer during his weekly press conference tomorrow?
Send in your question by texting "ASKCOACH" to 51234, and one fan's query will be answered by Carroll at Tuesday's noon presser.
Send in your question by texting "ASKCOACH" to 51234, and one fan's query will be answered by Carroll at Tuesday's noon presser.
Coach Carroll's weekly press conference will be streamed live for free on Tuesday at noon, so click here to see it when the time comes.
Lost amid the weekend's game is the USC defense's stellar run so far in the 2009 season. Check out these astounding stats for the Trojan D in the first quarter of the '09 campaign:
- No. 5 in the nation in rushing defense (51.0 yards per game)
- Giving up just 1.63 yards per rush
- Has allowed zero passing touchdowns (one of only seven teams in FBS to achieve that)
- Has allowed only two touchdowns total (both rushing TDs)
- No. 3 in the nation in tackles for loss (10 per game)
- No. 12 in the country in total defense (226.0 yards per game)
- No. 13 nationally in scoring defense (11.3 points per game)
Like every other Monday afternoon, the Trojans gathered for a "Tell the Truth" meeting in Heritage Auditorium.
But unlike every other Monday afternoon, the room was essentially silent while players waited for Coach Carroll to come to the front.
"The truth is," Carroll, holding a football, said to break the silence, pausing for effect. "The truth is, it's all about the ball. That's the truth. We've documented it, we've proven it and we've illustrated it in so many ways.
"We've got to own the football. We can't take liberties."
Carroll was referring to USC's three turnovers -- and zero takeaways -- in Saturday's still-shocking 16-13 loss at Washington. And that's not including the two additional fumbles the Trojans coughed up but wound up recovering.
So now it's all about "getting our stuff right," Carroll said.
"We can keep winning, we can get on a roll, because we know exactly how to get it done," Carroll said. "Let's do it how we know how to do it -- day after day after day. Are we going to go places? Heck yeah. Are we going to come back flying? Yes.
"But we need everyone together to make this happen, to bounce back like we know how."
But unlike every other Monday afternoon, the room was essentially silent while players waited for Coach Carroll to come to the front.
"The truth is," Carroll, holding a football, said to break the silence, pausing for effect. "The truth is, it's all about the ball. That's the truth. We've documented it, we've proven it and we've illustrated it in so many ways.
"We've got to own the football. We can't take liberties."
Carroll was referring to USC's three turnovers -- and zero takeaways -- in Saturday's still-shocking 16-13 loss at Washington. And that's not including the two additional fumbles the Trojans coughed up but wound up recovering.
So now it's all about "getting our stuff right," Carroll said.
"We can keep winning, we can get on a roll, because we know exactly how to get it done," Carroll said. "Let's do it how we know how to do it -- day after day after day. Are we going to go places? Heck yeah. Are we going to come back flying? Yes.
"But we need everyone together to make this happen, to bounce back like we know how."
The Trojan defensive line is close to receiving a huge boost.
Armond Armstead, a starting defensive end before breaking a bone in his foot on Aug. 20, is expected to begin running on a treadmill this week and said he hopes to participate in full-speed practices within two weeks. The sophomore's injury required surgery, and he has been in a protective boot since.
While the date of his return to game action is up in the air, Armstead said he is hopeful to be back to playing shortly after returning to the practice field.
"Definitely by Notre Dame," Armstead said.
Armond Armstead, a starting defensive end before breaking a bone in his foot on Aug. 20, is expected to begin running on a treadmill this week and said he hopes to participate in full-speed practices within two weeks. The sophomore's injury required surgery, and he has been in a protective boot since.
While the date of his return to game action is up in the air, Armstead said he is hopeful to be back to playing shortly after returning to the practice field.
"Definitely by Notre Dame," Armstead said.
Coliseum parking lots will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday in anticipation of that night's 7:15 p.m. kickoff for the Washington State game. There will be no overnight parking in Lot 2 (the RV parking lot), though it is expected to open a little earlier than the other lots (around 7 a.m.).
The Trojans host Washington State at 7:15 p.m. at the Coliseum on Saturday. The game will be televised nationally on FSN.
At the Galen Center's Founders Room right now, Coach Carroll speaks with the hundreds of fans in attendance at Monday Morning Quarterback, which includes a film session and Q&A with Carroll.
An occasional feature throughout the season, "Time Out" by USCRipsIt staff writer Elaine Cruz will give you glimpses into the lives of the people who support the Trojans and make the program run smoothly. Today, executive administrative assistant Joyce Hirayama gets the spotlight...
By Elaine Cruz
USCRipsIt staff writer
Anytime you walk into the football office in Heritage Hall, you're bound to see a vibrant atmosphere. With the 2009 football season underway, it comes as no surprise that there is a lot of buzz, as well as foot traffic. And no one knows how hectic it can get in the football office more than executive administrative assistant Joyce Hirayama.
Hirayama has worked for the football department for 12 seasons -- three years longer than Coach Pete Carroll. She started her position during Coach Paul Hackett's first year leading the Trojans. She didn't start out at the university working with the football program, however. Her first job at USC was in the School of Cinematic Arts working as an assistant in the Dean's office. She got referred to the football department and has been there since.
The main functions of Hirayama's job are to take care of the overall maintenance of the office and to help the assistant coaches with administrative tasks. At least that's what she did until this year.
"My job has changed this year," Hirayama says with a slight chuckle. "I have a lot more responsibility."
She goes on to explain that this is the first year in which she is directly assisting Carroll, along with assisting the other coaches. Hirayama describes that working for Carroll is a lot of fun and says there is "never a dull moment."
During the short interview for this story, Hirayama was constantly sought out by football staff and she answered every inquiry as if the answer was burned into her brain, proving how busy and important her job is. Though her environment may be one of high energy, she remains low-key, a quality which is noticeable about her personality.
Hirayama said she spends her spare time reading, being with her family and going to Disneyland. One thing about Hirayama that some may not know about is that she has an artistic nature.
"I love painting. I've been painting all my life," she says. Hirayama also hopes to one day start a business.
Other duties that she tends to in the office, apart from acting as an office manager, are knowing Carroll's schedule and making sure she keeps tabs on where he is.
"If I can catch him -- he moves fast," she said about Carroll. She also acts as an intermediary between the coaches' wives. And if this isn't all enough, she's the cheerleader of the office and is also the one that brings in the sweets. For example, she supplies all the cakes and cookies for birthdays and other special occasions.
When asked how her family feels about her job she says that they are proud and supportive of her.
"They've all grown to be huge Trojan fans. They love my job. They never want me to quit," she says with a smile. Hirayama, who was born in Chicago, moved to Los Angeles before she turned five. She grew up in the South Bay area and now lives in Torrance with her husband. She has two daughters, one who lives in Torrance and the other in Seattle, as well as four grandchildren. Hirayama also has familial ties in Hawaii and makes a trip there once a year.
Hirayama's family is an athletic one. She isn't the only person in her family that has been involved in an athletic program. Her husband Dale, who is a teacher for the LAUSD, has coached high school football for 20 years. Her two daughters were both basketball players. Hirayama is very proud of working for the football department and she claims her grandchildren all want to go to USC. Talk about loyalty.
And Hirayama is loyal indeed. She and her husband attend all home games and try to go to at least one away game each season.
It is the type of atmosphere that surrounds her work that makes her job so enjoyable. What she likes the best about her job? The people. Hirayama enjoys the interaction with people from other departments. Of course she also enjoys working with the people from her own.
"We have great players and coaches. It's a fun place to work," she said.
Another reason she is fond of about her job is the diversity of it: "Every day is different, every season is different. That part amazes me."
As for her personal feelings towards her job, she offers this: "The players, staff and their families are my extended family and I feel very lucky to work here and really enjoy being a part of something very special."
They are lucky to have you there too, Joyce.
• You can contact USCRipsIt staff writer Elaine Cruz via email.
By Elaine Cruz
USCRipsIt staff writer
Anytime you walk into the football office in Heritage Hall, you're bound to see a vibrant atmosphere. With the 2009 football season underway, it comes as no surprise that there is a lot of buzz, as well as foot traffic. And no one knows how hectic it can get in the football office more than executive administrative assistant Joyce Hirayama.
Hirayama has worked for the football department for 12 seasons -- three years longer than Coach Pete Carroll. She started her position during Coach Paul Hackett's first year leading the Trojans. She didn't start out at the university working with the football program, however. Her first job at USC was in the School of Cinematic Arts working as an assistant in the Dean's office. She got referred to the football department and has been there since.The main functions of Hirayama's job are to take care of the overall maintenance of the office and to help the assistant coaches with administrative tasks. At least that's what she did until this year.
"My job has changed this year," Hirayama says with a slight chuckle. "I have a lot more responsibility."
She goes on to explain that this is the first year in which she is directly assisting Carroll, along with assisting the other coaches. Hirayama describes that working for Carroll is a lot of fun and says there is "never a dull moment."
During the short interview for this story, Hirayama was constantly sought out by football staff and she answered every inquiry as if the answer was burned into her brain, proving how busy and important her job is. Though her environment may be one of high energy, she remains low-key, a quality which is noticeable about her personality.
Hirayama said she spends her spare time reading, being with her family and going to Disneyland. One thing about Hirayama that some may not know about is that she has an artistic nature.
"I love painting. I've been painting all my life," she says. Hirayama also hopes to one day start a business.
Other duties that she tends to in the office, apart from acting as an office manager, are knowing Carroll's schedule and making sure she keeps tabs on where he is.
"If I can catch him -- he moves fast," she said about Carroll. She also acts as an intermediary between the coaches' wives. And if this isn't all enough, she's the cheerleader of the office and is also the one that brings in the sweets. For example, she supplies all the cakes and cookies for birthdays and other special occasions.
When asked how her family feels about her job she says that they are proud and supportive of her. "They've all grown to be huge Trojan fans. They love my job. They never want me to quit," she says with a smile. Hirayama, who was born in Chicago, moved to Los Angeles before she turned five. She grew up in the South Bay area and now lives in Torrance with her husband. She has two daughters, one who lives in Torrance and the other in Seattle, as well as four grandchildren. Hirayama also has familial ties in Hawaii and makes a trip there once a year.
Hirayama's family is an athletic one. She isn't the only person in her family that has been involved in an athletic program. Her husband Dale, who is a teacher for the LAUSD, has coached high school football for 20 years. Her two daughters were both basketball players. Hirayama is very proud of working for the football department and she claims her grandchildren all want to go to USC. Talk about loyalty.
And Hirayama is loyal indeed. She and her husband attend all home games and try to go to at least one away game each season.
It is the type of atmosphere that surrounds her work that makes her job so enjoyable. What she likes the best about her job? The people. Hirayama enjoys the interaction with people from other departments. Of course she also enjoys working with the people from her own.
"We have great players and coaches. It's a fun place to work," she said.
Another reason she is fond of about her job is the diversity of it: "Every day is different, every season is different. That part amazes me."
As for her personal feelings towards her job, she offers this: "The players, staff and their families are my extended family and I feel very lucky to work here and really enjoy being a part of something very special."
They are lucky to have you there too, Joyce.
• You can contact USCRipsIt staff writer Elaine Cruz via email.
RoJo is on the mend.Wideout Ronald Johnson, sidelined since Aug. 29 with a broken collarbone, said today he's recovering nicely and will resume running soon. Even though he's still in a sling for precautionary reasons, the junior has already returned to a light weightlifting regimen and has kept in shape on an exercise bike.
The optimistic Johnson said he'd like to return for the California game in two weeks, though realistically he said he should be ready for the Notre Dame game on Oct. 17.
"I'm feeling better by the day," Johnson said.
The air is always different after a loss.
It's like clockwork on the Monday after a defeat -- instead of glee, the USC football office is filled with glumness. The coaches move around with sullen faces, music doesn't play during film sessions and the overall atmosphere is just plain heavy with sadness.
But as a somber mood hangs over Heritage Hall this morning, coaches are viewing Saturday's loss as a wake-up call of sorts. After watching the film, Coach Carroll and his assistants see glaring areas that need improvement (ball protection, for one), and they're already taking positive steps toward mending and healing the issues.
"It gives us an opportunity to really go back and fix our football," Coach Carroll said.
They get that opportunity today, with meetings at 2:15 and practice at 4:30. Then, the mood will begin the pick up and the Trojans can start returning to life as they knew it.
It's like clockwork on the Monday after a defeat -- instead of glee, the USC football office is filled with glumness. The coaches move around with sullen faces, music doesn't play during film sessions and the overall atmosphere is just plain heavy with sadness.
But as a somber mood hangs over Heritage Hall this morning, coaches are viewing Saturday's loss as a wake-up call of sorts. After watching the film, Coach Carroll and his assistants see glaring areas that need improvement (ball protection, for one), and they're already taking positive steps toward mending and healing the issues.
"It gives us an opportunity to really go back and fix our football," Coach Carroll said.
They get that opportunity today, with meetings at 2:15 and practice at 4:30. Then, the mood will begin the pick up and the Trojans can start returning to life as they knew it.
The Nike Plus Human Race -- "the day the world runs" -- will have one leg of the historic global event at USC on Oct. 24 at 12:01 a.m. The 5K and 10K courses will take place around the Coliseum, campus and Fraternity Row, so sign up now to participate in this inaugural late-night event.
And the best part of it all? Proceeds will benefit Coach Carroll's A Better LA charity, so don't miss out. Go here for more info, and also check out this funny 15-second commercial featuring Carroll:
And the best part of it all? Proceeds will benefit Coach Carroll's A Better LA charity, so don't miss out. Go here for more info, and also check out this funny 15-second commercial featuring Carroll:
Find out how Trojan athletics fared during the past seven days:
- The men's water polo team beat Pomona-Pitzer and UC Irvine before losing to UCLA in the semifinal of the NorCal Tournament. The Trojans battled back to defeat Cal and finish third in the tournament. They are currently ranked first nationally and will host Pepperdine and Long Beach City College this Saturday.
- Women's soccer beat Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, both by scores of 1-0. The Women of Troy are currently riding a four-game winning streak and will play at Pacific and Santa Clara this week.
- Women's volleyball beat Portland and Fresno State this weekend. The Women of Troy are ranked 15th nationally and will hit the road this week to open Pac-10 play at Arizona and Arizona State.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
- The men's water polo team beat Pomona-Pitzer and UC Irvine before losing to UCLA in the semifinal of the NorCal Tournament. The Trojans battled back to defeat Cal and finish third in the tournament. They are currently ranked first nationally and will host Pepperdine and Long Beach City College this Saturday.
- Women's soccer beat Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, both by scores of 1-0. The Women of Troy are currently riding a four-game winning streak and will play at Pacific and Santa Clara this week.
- Women's volleyball beat Portland and Fresno State this weekend. The Women of Troy are ranked 15th nationally and will hit the road this week to open Pac-10 play at Arizona and Arizona State.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Football is a poignant allegory for life, especially when it comes to defeat.
No matter how good things may seem or how high confidence is, unexpected setbacks occur. But regardless of how startling and how devastating the setback, how you deal with it determines whether you grow from it or get buried by it.
In the world of USC football, if history is any indication (see '02, '03, '06, '07, '08), the Trojans have risen up and produced Pac-10 championships after losing a conference game.
So the process toward redemption in '09 begins this week. USC's response today, tomorrow and through Saturday will go a long way in determining how the rest of the season plays out.
"The season is not about that game unless we let it," Coach Carroll said. "We have the ability to control what we do from here and how we handle it."
No matter how good things may seem or how high confidence is, unexpected setbacks occur. But regardless of how startling and how devastating the setback, how you deal with it determines whether you grow from it or get buried by it.
In the world of USC football, if history is any indication (see '02, '03, '06, '07, '08), the Trojans have risen up and produced Pac-10 championships after losing a conference game.
So the process toward redemption in '09 begins this week. USC's response today, tomorrow and through Saturday will go a long way in determining how the rest of the season plays out.
"The season is not about that game unless we let it," Coach Carroll said. "We have the ability to control what we do from here and how we handle it."
See the highlighted performances of USC alumni during Week 2 of the NFL season:
- Wideout Steve Smith (New York Giants) caught 10 passes for 134 yards and 1 touchdown in the Giants' 33-31 over Dallas.
- Quarterback Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) completed 15 of 23 passes for 185 yards and 3 touchdowns in the Bengals' 31-24 win over Green Bay.
- Linebacker Keith Rivers (Cincinnati Bengals) had 6 tackles in the Bengals' win.
- Linebacker Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals) had 4 tackles, including 1 sack, in the Bengals' win.
- Linebacker Brian Cushing (Houston Texans) led the team with 10 tackles in the Texans' 34-31 win over Tennessee.
- Quarterback Matt Cassel (Kansas City Chiefs) completed 24-of-39 passes for 241 yards and 1 touchdown in the Chiefs' 13-10 loss to Oakland.
- Quarterback Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) completed 14-of-22 passes for 163 yards and 1 touchdown in the Jets' 16-9 win over New England.
- Tailback Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) carried the ball 10 times for 33 yards and 1 touchdown in the Saints' 48-22 win over Philadelphia.
- Defensive end Lawrence Jackson (Seattle Seahawks) had 4 tackles, including 2 sacks, in the Seahawks' 23-10 loss to San Francisco.
Recovery is already well underway at USC.
Coaches spent all of Sunday sifting through the game film from Saturday's loss, salvaging the lessons learned and beginning to move on from there. This morning, the staff is in offensive and defensive meetings, with the Washington State game plan already taking shape.
Players, meanwhile, are starting their rebound with workouts in the weight room this morning. Tell the Truth Monday meetings and practice get going at 2:15 p.m. today, and kickoff of the Trojans' next game is just five days away.
The bounce back has begun.
Coaches spent all of Sunday sifting through the game film from Saturday's loss, salvaging the lessons learned and beginning to move on from there. This morning, the staff is in offensive and defensive meetings, with the Washington State game plan already taking shape.
Players, meanwhile, are starting their rebound with workouts in the weight room this morning. Tell the Truth Monday meetings and practice get going at 2:15 p.m. today, and kickoff of the Trojans' next game is just five days away.
The bounce back has begun.
SEATTLE -- Don't miss these awesome insider slideshows from Saturday's USC-Washington game, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Jon SooHoo:
Inside the locker room:
Inside the locker room:
SEATTLE -- As much as Saturday's 16-13 loss at Washington hurts and confounds, two things are absolutely certain.For one, the game is history, and two, all that matters now is USC's response to the heartbreak, defeat, pain.
"We can't do anything about what just happened," Coach Carroll said in the sullen visitors' locker room after Saturday's game. "We must respond."
The past in the past and the future ahead, the bounce is what counts, as Carroll has said many times before.
"The challenge is coming back," Carroll told his players. "We've got to stay together, be one and have a championship response."
The same championship response the team has displayed in five out of the previous seven seasons that included a Pac-10 loss but ended with a Pac-10 title. The same response that gets back to work, gets back on board and plays out the long season ahead, where anything can happen as long as the players and coaches keep fighting. The reward at the race's finish line is still unknown, and the only way the team will get there and find out is by persevering, pressing on and not letting the past determine the future.
But before moving forward, they've got to understand what happened. So how did Saturday's defeat occur? Masochism, in a word.
Three turnovers, 75 penalty yards and 0-for-10 on third-down conversions. The stats are suffocating and glaring.
"The football lessons are obvious," Coach Carroll said. "If you turn the ball over like that and make all those penalties, it makes it really hard to win. You have to overcome when stuff like that happens, but we just couldn't today."
Carroll's words of truth kept piercing through the silent visitors' locker room in the bowels of Husky Stadium, stinging the Trojans with all the realities of the game.
"We just weren't a good enough football team to win today," Carroll said. "We're so much better than that, but we played like an ordinary football team. So we have to go back to our football and get better."
The ever-positive Carroll continued to turn his players' attention forward to what they can affect instead of back to what they can't -- "stay with us, no pointing fingers, we need everybody," he challenged.
"The important part now is: What're you going to do about it now?" Carroll said. "Where will your mind go? Where will your heart go? Will it go to the pits or will it go to what has to happen next?"
That "next" will begin Monday afternoon with meetings and practice for the Trojans. In the meantime, the shocked, somber looks and deep, painful expressions will tell the story.
Football is a cruel, often symmetrical game. One week after the highest of highs, the Trojans find themselves among the lowest of lows. Just seven days after capturing an epic three-point victory at Ohio State, USC dropped a three-point decision at Washington on Saturday. The Trojans go from the beautiful silence of a stunned Ohio Stadium crowd to the torturous silence heard on the walk up the tunnel, in the locker room after the game, on the bus ride to the airport and aboard the long flight home.
The silence hurts. It all hurts.
But as much self-inflicted pain they're feeling and will continue to feel until their next win, the Trojans are also building character. Losses such as Saturday's test a team's mettle, refine its purpose and bring the players together ever-so-tightly. Character wins championships, and the Trojans are in for an overload of character-creating moments as they take their next steps from here.
There's good in every situation, and the Trojans can take solace in the fact that they've been in this circumstance in years past -- and bounced back to do remarkable things.
"We know we can win championships after things like this," Carroll told his players, with no doubt in his voice. "We've been here before and we're going to climb back."
SEATTLE -- Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from USC's 16-13 loss at Washington on Saturday:
Coach Carroll runs out of the tunnel and onto the field at the beginning of warm-ups.
With head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle leading, offensive linemen Alex Parsons (left) and Kristofer O'Dowd (right) walk down the tunnel at the start of warm-ups.
Coach Carroll and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian converse on the field prior to the game.
Aaron Corp leads the huddle during pre-game warm-ups.
The Trojan Marching Band plays from the sideline during pre-game festivities.
Defensive end Everson Griffen stretches out while laying down in the locker room before the game.
Coach Carroll taps the "I'm In" sign before heading out for the game.
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel talks to his players on the sideline during the first half.
Coach Carroll speaks to the team in the locker room at halftime.
Coach Carroll watches the field during the second half.
Coach Carroll runs out of the tunnel and onto the field at the beginning of warm-ups.
With head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle leading, offensive linemen Alex Parsons (left) and Kristofer O'Dowd (right) walk down the tunnel at the start of warm-ups.
Coach Carroll and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian converse on the field prior to the game.
Aaron Corp leads the huddle during pre-game warm-ups.
The Trojan Marching Band plays from the sideline during pre-game festivities.
Defensive end Everson Griffen stretches out while laying down in the locker room before the game.
Coach Carroll taps the "I'm In" sign before heading out for the game.
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel talks to his players on the sideline during the first half.
Coach Carroll speaks to the team in the locker room at halftime.
Coach Carroll watches the field during the second half.
Immediately after Saturday's game, the Trojans left for Seattle's Boeing Field, where their charter flight wound up leaving at 6 p.m. The team arrived at LAX at 8:15 and returned to campus by 9 p.m.
Players now have Sunday off, while coaches will be in the office reviewing the film and game-planning for next weekend's Washington State game.
Players now have Sunday off, while coaches will be in the office reviewing the film and game-planning for next weekend's Washington State game.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- The Pac-10 opener is here.
The Trojans are about to depart their team hotel in suburban Seattle and head to Husky Stadium, where they'll begin warm-ups prior to this afternoon's matchup against Washington, which will kick off at 12:36 p.m.
The contest will be televised regionally on ABC (and broadcast on several other platforms, as well). Immediately following the game, the Trojans will board a charter flight and return to L.A., with an estimated arrival set for 8:30 p.m.
We'll have a full behind-the-scenes game report upon touchdown in L.A. tonight, but in the meantime, we'll be posting occasional updates from pre-game and the trip back to California at http://twitter.com/USCRipsIt. Below is the Trojans' minute-by-minute schedule for the rest of the day:
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
11:27 a.m. • Warm-ups begin
11:54 a.m. • Stretching begins
12:16 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
12:33 p.m. • Trojans take the field
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
6 p.m. • Estimated departure from Boeing Field in Seattle
8:30 p.m. • Estimated arrival at LAX
The Trojans are about to depart their team hotel in suburban Seattle and head to Husky Stadium, where they'll begin warm-ups prior to this afternoon's matchup against Washington, which will kick off at 12:36 p.m.
The contest will be televised regionally on ABC (and broadcast on several other platforms, as well). Immediately following the game, the Trojans will board a charter flight and return to L.A., with an estimated arrival set for 8:30 p.m.
We'll have a full behind-the-scenes game report upon touchdown in L.A. tonight, but in the meantime, we'll be posting occasional updates from pre-game and the trip back to California at http://twitter.com/USCRipsIt. Below is the Trojans' minute-by-minute schedule for the rest of the day:
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
11:27 a.m. • Warm-ups begin
11:54 a.m. • Stretching begins
12:16 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
12:33 p.m. • Trojans take the field
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
6 p.m. • Estimated departure from Boeing Field in Seattle
8:30 p.m. • Estimated arrival at LAX
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Just before the Trojans board buses and depart their team hotel for the game each week, they'll divide up in separate meeting rooms for the offense and defense to conduct "clap sessions."
RipsIt reader Stanton Neilson e-mailed in asking what a clap session is. They're short (five minutes or so) final reviews of key plays for the game. For all intents and purposes, they're last-minute walk-thrus of calls that'll be used in the game just a few hours later. And they've received the name because at the end of every play, the players clap one time in unison.
The session is conducted in near-silence -- save for the swishing of clothing and the quarterback's cadence -- so the unified clap creates an intense adrenaline-fueling effect.
RipsIt reader Stanton Neilson e-mailed in asking what a clap session is. They're short (five minutes or so) final reviews of key plays for the game. For all intents and purposes, they're last-minute walk-thrus of calls that'll be used in the game just a few hours later. And they've received the name because at the end of every play, the players clap one time in unison.
The session is conducted in near-silence -- save for the swishing of clothing and the quarterback's cadence -- so the unified clap creates an intense adrenaline-fueling effect.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Besides the four elected team captains -- Jeff Byers, Damian Williams, Taylor Mays and Josh Pinkard -- coaches have selected two additional players to be captains for the Trojans during today's game. Tight end Rhett Ellison will represent the special teams, while Hebron Fangupo will represent the service teams.
The Trojans sit down to eat their pre-game buffet meal in a suburban Seattle hotel ballroom this morning. Coach Carroll (middle, standing, white shirt) addresses the players before the meal begins. After dining in silence, the players now have about 90 minutes to rest and relax before departing for Husky Stadium for today's Pac-10 opener.
The coaches assemble in a hotel meeting room for a quick staff meeting this morning, their final one before kickoff. It was immediately followed by a special teams roll call and walk-thrus for the offense and defense.
It probably won't look like this today, but here's a cool photo from USC's walk-thru at Husky Stadium on Friday, when perfect weather covered Seattle.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- The Trojans are waking up to a light rain in Washington this morning, though the precipitation is forecasted to clear out by kickoff.
Not that it matters much now, as the players and coaches will be inside their team hotel for meetings, a meal and time to rest and relax until leaving for Husky Stadium at 10:30 a.m.
And not that it matters much ever.
"Who cares?" Coach Carroll told his players on Friday night. "It rains on their side just as much as it rains on our side."
To prove his point, Carroll harkened back to the 2007 game at California, when it poured the entire contest.
"We handled it beautifully," Carroll said. "It's not a factor -- unless you let it be."
Not that it matters much now, as the players and coaches will be inside their team hotel for meetings, a meal and time to rest and relax until leaving for Husky Stadium at 10:30 a.m.
And not that it matters much ever.
"Who cares?" Coach Carroll told his players on Friday night. "It rains on their side just as much as it rains on our side."
To prove his point, Carroll harkened back to the 2007 game at California, when it poured the entire contest.
"We handled it beautifully," Carroll said. "It's not a factor -- unless you let it be."
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Wake-up calls just rang for the Trojans in the rooms of their suburban Seattle hotel, and meetings will get started at 8:15. A special teams roll call, walk-thrus for the offense and defense and the pre-game meal will occur between 8:15 and 9 a.m., and the team is scheduled to depart for Husky Stadium at 10:30 a.m.
Kickoff is just five hours away.
Kickoff is just five hours away.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Geography class: Mays' lesson
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Friday's practice report
- Live from Husky Stadium: Walk-thru report
- Familiar face: Alums stop by
- Come together one last time: Carroll and the team meeting
- The day ahead: Schedule on game day
- Turning point: Reliving the '01 USC-Washington game
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Before we call it a night, check out this video from the USCRipsIt archives that looks back at Coach Carroll's first trip to play Washington in 2001, when USC dropped a narrow 27-24 decision to the Huskies. Even though they lost, it's a game Carroll calls "the start of the turn" for the Trojans, who have gone 89-11 in the 100 games since that narrow defeat. Here it is in Carroll's words:
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Bed checks are coming now for the Trojans, and with an early wake-up call set for Saturday, players will be making the most of this rest time. Check out the agenda for the team on game day:
7:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
8:15 a.m. • Pre-game meetings begin
8:45 a.m. • Pre-game meal
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
11:27 a.m. • Warm-ups begin
11:54 a.m. • Stretching begins
12:16 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
12:33 p.m. • Trojans take the field
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
7:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
8:15 a.m. • Pre-game meetings begin
8:45 a.m. • Pre-game meal
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
11:27 a.m. • Warm-ups begin
11:54 a.m. • Stretching begins
12:16 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
12:33 p.m. • Trojans take the field
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Don't miss this spine-tingling insider highlight video recapping the Ohio State game that the Trojans watched during their team meeting tonight. The video is courtesy of the USC video production department.
In a tiny hotel meeting room in suburban Seattle, Coach Carroll speaks to his players tonight in their final team meeting before Saturday's Pac-10 opener against Washington.
USC alum Lawrence Jackson, now a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks, chats with current defensive end Everson Griffen at the team hotel tonight in suburban Seattle. Jackson was joined on the visit to his former team by two other Trojans in linebacker Thomas Williams and offensive lineman Kyle Williams, who both for the Seahawks.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- After an hour to rest, relax and eat pizza dinners at the team hotel, the Trojans are now gathering in a second-floor ballroom to commence their eve-of-game meetings, starting with a special teams film review. Here's a look at the schedule for the rest of the night:
7:30 p.m. • Special teams meeting
8 p.m. • Offense/defense meetings
8:15 p.m. • Position group meetings
8:30 p.m. • Team meeting
8:45 p.m. • Snack
9 p.m. • Optional chapel and mass services in the team hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
7:30 p.m. • Special teams meeting
8 p.m. • Offense/defense meetings
8:15 p.m. • Position group meetings
8:30 p.m. • Team meeting
8:45 p.m. • Snack
9 p.m. • Optional chapel and mass services in the team hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Here's an extremely complimentary feature on USC's current seven-year run atop the Pac-10, from the Seattle Times.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Here are a few news and notes from Friday's walk-thru at Husky Stadium:
- Coach Carroll did not announce a starting quarterback to the media following the workout. "You'll find out tomorrow," he said.
- Matt Barkley threw in both the morning practice in L.A. and the afternoon walk-thru at Husky Stadium, and "he threw pretty well, in fact," Carroll said.
- Safety Taylor Mays remains a game-time decision.
- Joe McKnight is slated to start at tailback Saturday.
- Coach Carroll did not announce a starting quarterback to the media following the workout. "You'll find out tomorrow," he said.
- Matt Barkley threw in both the morning practice in L.A. and the afternoon walk-thru at Husky Stadium, and "he threw pretty well, in fact," Carroll said.
- Safety Taylor Mays remains a game-time decision.
- Joe McKnight is slated to start at tailback Saturday.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- Here are some images from USC's walk-thru at Husky Stadium on Friday afternoon:
Safety Taylor Mays walks out of the tunnel and onto the Husky Stadium field.
Coach Carroll surveys the field during Friday's walk-thru at Husky Stadium.
A view of Husky Stadium from one corner.
A view of Husky Stadium from the end zone.
A view of Husky Stadium from another corner.
A view of Husky Stadium from the 50-yard line.
Coach Carroll throws deep.
Defensive end Everson Griffen passes during the fatman football game.
Offensive lineman Alex Parsons tries the kick during overtime of the fatman football game, which was won by the defensive line.
Players participate in the football version of hacky sack during the walk-thru.
A view of the cramped coaches' locker room.
Wideout David Ausberry checks out Washington's Bank of America Arena, which is attached to Husky Stadium and is also the location of USC's locker room.
A view of one segment of the 160-yard-long tunnel that goes from the field to the visitors' locker room.
Coach Carroll speaks to the team at the 50-yard line at the end of the walk-thru.
Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle shares a history lesson with the team at the end of the walk-thru.
Coach Carroll tapes an interview that will air on ESPN on Saturday morning.
Coach Carroll and director of team security Rick Carr walk up the tunnel at the end of the walk-thru.
Safety Taylor Mays walks out of the tunnel and onto the Husky Stadium field.
Coach Carroll surveys the field during Friday's walk-thru at Husky Stadium.
A view of Husky Stadium from one corner.
A view of Husky Stadium from the end zone.
A view of Husky Stadium from another corner.
A view of Husky Stadium from the 50-yard line.
Coach Carroll throws deep.
Defensive end Everson Griffen passes during the fatman football game.
Offensive lineman Alex Parsons tries the kick during overtime of the fatman football game, which was won by the defensive line.
Players participate in the football version of hacky sack during the walk-thru.
A view of the cramped coaches' locker room.
Wideout David Ausberry checks out Washington's Bank of America Arena, which is attached to Husky Stadium and is also the location of USC's locker room.
A view of one segment of the 160-yard-long tunnel that goes from the field to the visitors' locker room.
Coach Carroll speaks to the team at the 50-yard line at the end of the walk-thru.
Head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle shares a history lesson with the team at the end of the walk-thru.
Coach Carroll tapes an interview that will air on ESPN on Saturday morning.
Coach Carroll and director of team security Rick Carr walk up the tunnel at the end of the walk-thru.
BELLEVUE, Wash. -- The Trojans have arrived in Seattle.
USC's charter plane left LAX at 2 p.m. and arrived at Seattle's Boeing Field at 4:30 before the team bused to Husky Stadium for a walk-thru. Just now, USC checked into its team hotel in suburban Seattle. Check out some images from this afternoon's journey:
Cornerback Kevin Thomas gets checked by security at LAX on Friday afternoon.
Players walk across the tarmac to board their charter flight at LAX.
The Trojans deplane at Seattle's Boeing Field.
With Mt. Rainier in the distance, the USC equipment truck sits on the tarmac at Seattle's Boeing Field.
USC's charter plane left LAX at 2 p.m. and arrived at Seattle's Boeing Field at 4:30 before the team bused to Husky Stadium for a walk-thru. Just now, USC checked into its team hotel in suburban Seattle. Check out some images from this afternoon's journey:
Cornerback Kevin Thomas gets checked by security at LAX on Friday afternoon.
Players walk across the tarmac to board their charter flight at LAX.
The Trojans deplane at Seattle's Boeing Field.
With Mt. Rainier in the distance, the USC equipment truck sits on the tarmac at Seattle's Boeing Field.
With a police escort guiding them through the traffic, the Trojans are departing campus soon and heading to LAX, where their charter flight is waiting at a side terminal. The plane is scheduled to take off at 2:15 p.m. and arrival at Seattle's Boeing Field is estimated for 4:45 p.m. The team will then head directly to Husky Stadium for a walk-thru before checking in at their suburban Seattle hotel in time for tonight's eve-of-game meetings.
We'll return to normal blogging activity after checking in at the team hotel tonight, but in the meantime, you can follow the team's progress on http://twitter.com/USCRipsIt. And lastly, here's the Trojans' schedule for the rest of this Friday:
1 p.m. • Buses depart for LAX
2:15 p.m. • U.S. Airways charter flight departs LAX
4:45 p.m. • Estimated arrival at Boeing Field in Seattle
5:30 p.m. • Walk-thru at Husky Stadium
6:30 p.m. • Check in to team hotel in suburban Seattle
7:30 p.m. • Eve-of-game meetings begin
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
We'll return to normal blogging activity after checking in at the team hotel tonight, but in the meantime, you can follow the team's progress on http://twitter.com/USCRipsIt. And lastly, here's the Trojans' schedule for the rest of this Friday:
1 p.m. • Buses depart for LAX
2:15 p.m. • U.S. Airways charter flight departs LAX
4:45 p.m. • Estimated arrival at Boeing Field in Seattle
5:30 p.m. • Walk-thru at Husky Stadium
6:30 p.m. • Check in to team hotel in suburban Seattle
7:30 p.m. • Eve-of-game meetings begin
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
After being absent the last two days with an illness, tailback Joe McKnight returned to the practice field for today's short walk-thru, much to the delight of the coaches.
"Joe looked awesome today," Coach Carroll said. "It was great to see him back and flying around."
"Joe looked awesome today," Coach Carroll said. "It was great to see him back and flying around."
Check out some photos from this morning's short walk-thru on Howard Jones Field, where the Trojans reviewed all special teams situations and key offensive and defensive plays for Saturday's game before finishing with a Hail Mary play, which was won by the defense.
The offense huddles up during this morning's walk-thru on Howard Jones.
Linebacker Chris Galippo charges in toward service team quarterback Garrett Green.
Coach Carroll speaks to the Trojans in the team huddle at the end of the walk-thru.
The offense huddles up during this morning's walk-thru on Howard Jones.
Linebacker Chris Galippo charges in toward service team quarterback Garrett Green.
Coach Carroll speaks to the Trojans in the team huddle at the end of the walk-thru.
With all their major opportunities to physically train now in the past, the Trojans are performing their usual Friday routine and turning to the more cerebral side of game preparation.
"Visualize what you're going to do tomorrow," running backs coach Todd McNair told the team this morning. "The mental side of it starts now."
This morning's meetings and walk-thru on Howard Jones Field provide perfect opportunities for the players to get the "mental reps" of what they'll be doing come kickoff on Saturday. It's all about sharpening their minds today and tomorrow morning so their performance can be at its peak at 12:36 p.m. on Saturday at Husky Stadium.
"We've got to make sure we're right today," Coach Carroll said during this morning's team meeting, "so tomorrow, we can play how we're capable of playing."
The Trojans have just taken the field for their Friday walk-thru, so we'll return with a report afterward.
"Visualize what you're going to do tomorrow," running backs coach Todd McNair told the team this morning. "The mental side of it starts now."
This morning's meetings and walk-thru on Howard Jones Field provide perfect opportunities for the players to get the "mental reps" of what they'll be doing come kickoff on Saturday. It's all about sharpening their minds today and tomorrow morning so their performance can be at its peak at 12:36 p.m. on Saturday at Husky Stadium.
"We've got to make sure we're right today," Coach Carroll said during this morning's team meeting, "so tomorrow, we can play how we're capable of playing."
The Trojans have just taken the field for their Friday walk-thru, so we'll return with a report afterward.
As the only Washington native on USC's roster, safety Taylor Mays gives a lighthearted geography lesson about the state to his teammates at the start of this morning's meetings in Heritage Auditorium.
The weathermen are bringing some good news for the rain-averse men from SoCal.
The chance of rain on Saturday in Seattle has dropped from 90 percent to 40 percent over the last 24 hours, and forecasts are now even saying the precipitation should clear out by kickoff tomorrow. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-60s at game time, so it's lining up to be a very pleasant afternoon for football after all.
The chance of rain on Saturday in Seattle has dropped from 90 percent to 40 percent over the last 24 hours, and forecasts are now even saying the precipitation should clear out by kickoff tomorrow. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-60s at game time, so it's lining up to be a very pleasant afternoon for football after all.
In a week-long race, the Trojans are going into their last lap of game preparation now.
An essentially nonstop stream of final prep starts now and ends with kickoff at 12:36 p.m. tomorrow. It all begins with a pump-up session, passed off as a special teams meeting, in Heritage Auditorium before going into team, offense/defense and position group meetings. A walk-thru is at 11 a.m., and the team will be on buses headed to LAX at 1 p.m.
An essentially nonstop stream of final prep starts now and ends with kickoff at 12:36 p.m. tomorrow. It all begins with a pump-up session, passed off as a special teams meeting, in Heritage Auditorium before going into team, offense/defense and position group meetings. A walk-thru is at 11 a.m., and the team will be on buses headed to LAX at 1 p.m.
For those planning on going to the USC-Washington game on Saturday -- and if you're not yet, there are still plenty of tickets available -- you can welcome the Trojans to the stadium in a Seattle-style Trojan Walk. The team buses will arrive at 10:45 a.m. on the west side of Husky Stadium, next to Bank of America Arena, before the players file into the locker room and begin pre-game preparations.
Here's how you can watch, listen to or follow USC's Pac-10 opener at Washington on Saturday:
- Kickoff: 12:36 p.m.
- TV: ABC regional broadcast (Terry Gannon, David Norrie)
- Local L.A. radio: ESPN 710-AM
- Internet stream: ESPN360.com
- Internet play-by-play: USCTrojans.com Game Tracker
At least one Trojan will be involved in all 16 NFL games this weekend, so check out the full slate of games and the USC alumni on each team's roster for Week 2:
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Panthers: Wideout Dwayne Jarrett, offensive lineman Ryan Kalil
Falcons: Offensive lineman Sam Baker
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Vikings: Offensive lineman Drew Radovich
Lions: Linebacker Darnell Bing
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Green Bay Packers
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey Maualuga
Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Texans: Linebacker Brian Cushing, defensive lineman Shaun Cody
Titans: Tailback LenDale White
Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Raiders: Tailback Justin Fargas
Chiefs: Quarterback Matt Cassel
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Jets: Quarterback Mark Sanchez
New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Saints: Tailback Reggie Bush, defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis
Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike Patterson
St. Louis Rams vs. Washington Redskins
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Rams: Defensive lineman LaJuan Ramsey
Redskins: Tight end Fred Davis
Arizona Cardinals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Cardinals: Quarterback Matt Leinart, tight end Dominique Byrd, offensive lineman Deuce Lutui
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Buccaneers: Defensive lineman Kyle Moore
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Seahawks: Linebacker Lofa Tatupu, defensive lineman Lawrence Jackson
49ers: Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Steelers: Safety Troy Polamalu
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Diego Chargers
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Chargers: Safety Kevin Ellison
Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Browns: Linebacker Kaluka Maiava
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday at 5:20 p.m. (ESPN)
Giants: Wideout Steve Smith, cornerback Terrell Thomas
Cowboys: Kicker David Buehler
Indianapolis Colts vs. Miami Dolphins
Monday at 5:30 p.m (NBC)
Colts: Defensive lineman Fili Moala
Dolphins: Wideout Patrick Turner
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Panthers: Wideout Dwayne Jarrett, offensive lineman Ryan Kalil
Falcons: Offensive lineman Sam Baker
Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Vikings: Offensive lineman Drew Radovich
Lions: Linebacker Darnell Bing
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Green Bay Packers
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey Maualuga
Packers: Linebacker Clay Matthews
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Texans: Linebacker Brian Cushing, defensive lineman Shaun Cody
Titans: Tailback LenDale White
Oakland Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Raiders: Tailback Justin Fargas
Chiefs: Quarterback Matt Cassel
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets
Sunday at 10 a.m. (CBS)
Jets: Quarterback Mark Sanchez
New Orleans Saints vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Saints: Tailback Reggie Bush, defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis
Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike Patterson
St. Louis Rams vs. Washington Redskins
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Rams: Defensive lineman LaJuan Ramsey
Redskins: Tight end Fred Davis
Arizona Cardinals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Sunday at 10 a.m. (FOX)
Cardinals: Quarterback Matt Leinart, tight end Dominique Byrd, offensive lineman Deuce Lutui
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Buccaneers: Defensive lineman Kyle Moore
Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday at 1:05 p.m. (FOX)
Seahawks: Linebacker Lofa Tatupu, defensive lineman Lawrence Jackson
49ers: Offensive lineman Chilo Rachal
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Steelers: Safety Troy Polamalu
Baltimore Ravens vs. San Diego Chargers
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Chargers: Safety Kevin Ellison
Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos
Sunday at 1:15 p.m. (CBS)
Browns: Linebacker Kaluka Maiava
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday at 5:20 p.m. (ESPN)
Giants: Wideout Steve Smith, cornerback Terrell Thomas
Cowboys: Kicker David Buehler
Indianapolis Colts vs. Miami Dolphins
Monday at 5:30 p.m (NBC)
Colts: Defensive lineman Fili Moala
Dolphins: Wideout Patrick Turner
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
Take a deep breath -- it's the Day Before.
Coaches are about the convene for a staff meeting and the team will come together at 9:30 to commence a jam-packed day of final preparations for Saturday's game against the Huskies. Meetings and a short walk-thru this morning precede the team's afternoon flight to Seattle, where the Trojans will have a walk-thru at Husky Stadium and eve-of-game meetings at their suburban Seattle hotel.
Kickoff of USC's Pac-10 opener is a little more than 24 hours away.
Coaches are about the convene for a staff meeting and the team will come together at 9:30 to commence a jam-packed day of final preparations for Saturday's game against the Huskies. Meetings and a short walk-thru this morning precede the team's afternoon flight to Seattle, where the Trojans will have a walk-thru at Husky Stadium and eve-of-game meetings at their suburban Seattle hotel.
Kickoff of USC's Pac-10 opener is a little more than 24 hours away.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Title bout: Every game is a championship contest
- Surface-level relationship: Grass vs. turf
- Weekend agenda: Travel itinerary
- Young and old: Fangupo's unique role
- Update on Barkley: No timetable for naming a starter
- Baucham involved in accident
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Thursday's practice report
- Pictures from Thursday's practice
- Thursday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Thursday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Coach Carroll urges his players on as they go through agility bags.
Defensive end Wes Horton shuffles through position group drills.
Coach Carroll throws over the middle while playing quarterback in defensive back drills.
Mitch Mustain throws from the pocket.
Aaron Corp gets rid of the ball before linebacker Michael Morgan can reach him.
Mitch Mustain works on punting technique with special teams coordinator Brian Schneider (left, kneeling) after practice. For the second straight day, Mustain took part in punting drills as the experiment continues.
Thoughts from Thursday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- For the fourth straight practice, Aaron Corp took the first-team reps, completing the game week prep with another on-target performance in the half-pads practice. "He's ready to go," Coach Carroll said. "He's had a very good week."
- As expected, Matt Barkley made short passes during the practice for the first time since injuring his right shoulder Saturday, and Carroll reiterated there is no timetable to announce the starter for Saturday's Pac-10 opener at Washington. "He threw the ball today without anything hurting," Carroll said of Barkley. "We'll wait and see."
- Taylor Mays sat out of a majority of practice again, with his status for the game still up in the air. "We'll find out on Saturday," Carroll said.
- Tailback Joe McKnight missed his second straight practice while suffering from the flu, but he's expected to play Saturday. "At this point, I'm absolutely counting on him being back," Carroll said.
- Coach Carroll in the post-practice team huddle: "This is Pac-10 championship time. Let's do this one step at a time."
- During team period at the end of the short practice, Aaron Corp made an impressive mid-level throw to wideout David Ausberry, drawing praise from the coaches. "Awesome!" quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates exclaimed. "Very good!"
- As is the norm for Thursday practices, the Trojans spent a healthy chunk of the workout focusing on all facets of special teams.
- For the fourth straight practice, Aaron Corp took the first-team reps, completing the game week prep with another on-target performance in the half-pads practice. "He's ready to go," Coach Carroll said. "He's had a very good week."
- As expected, Matt Barkley made short passes during the practice for the first time since injuring his right shoulder Saturday, and Carroll reiterated there is no timetable to announce the starter for Saturday's Pac-10 opener at Washington. "He threw the ball today without anything hurting," Carroll said of Barkley. "We'll wait and see."
- Taylor Mays sat out of a majority of practice again, with his status for the game still up in the air. "We'll find out on Saturday," Carroll said.
- Tailback Joe McKnight missed his second straight practice while suffering from the flu, but he's expected to play Saturday. "At this point, I'm absolutely counting on him being back," Carroll said.
- Coach Carroll in the post-practice team huddle: "This is Pac-10 championship time. Let's do this one step at a time."
- During team period at the end of the short practice, Aaron Corp made an impressive mid-level throw to wideout David Ausberry, drawing praise from the coaches. "Awesome!" quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates exclaimed. "Very good!"
- As is the norm for Thursday practices, the Trojans spent a healthy chunk of the workout focusing on all facets of special teams.
The Trojans just hit the field for their weekly No Repeat Thursday practice on Howard Jones Field, where precision and sharpness are the name of the game today. The game plan is officially crystallizing in anticipation of Saturday's Pac-10 opener.
"Let's have a perfect day," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "It's all about execution for us today."
We'll be back with a report following the half-pads practice.
"Let's have a perfect day," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "It's all about execution for us today."
We'll be back with a report following the half-pads practice.
Cornerback Brian Baucham was involved in an accident on the 110 freeway in Los Angeles on Thursday morning around 7 a.m. en route from his home in Torrance to USC, Coach Pete Carroll said this afternoon.
He suffered abrasions that will prevent him from practicing today or traveling for USC's trip to Washington this weekend. A redshirt freshman, Baucham is out of the hospital and recovering at home. His recovery time is unknown, but Carroll said he hopes to have Baucham back to practice soon.
Baucham was the Trojans' third cornerback in the Ohio State game, so T.J. Bryant and Marshall Jones will now move up and compete for the nickel cornerback role.
He suffered abrasions that will prevent him from practicing today or traveling for USC's trip to Washington this weekend. A redshirt freshman, Baucham is out of the hospital and recovering at home. His recovery time is unknown, but Carroll said he hopes to have Baucham back to practice soon.
Baucham was the Trojans' third cornerback in the Ohio State game, so T.J. Bryant and Marshall Jones will now move up and compete for the nickel cornerback role.
Check out this cool interactive Head and Shoulders promo featuring five-time Pro Bowler Troy Polamalu, who used to patrol the Trojan secondary earlier this decade.
The Trojans have two exciting things to look forward to after practice today:
- TV Arms: The weekly rapid-fire workout will occur right after practice.
- Chick-Fil-A: The popular fast-food restaurant is catering tonight's team dinner.
After sitting out all three practices so far this week with a bruised right shoulder, Matt Barkley will throw during today's practice, Coach Pete Carroll said this afternoon.
Aaron Corp has taken all the first-team reps this week, but Carroll reiterated he's in no rush to name a starter for USC's Pac-10 opener at Washington on Saturday.
"We'll see how Matt throws today and go from there," Carroll said.
Carroll added the determination could come as late as kickoff on Saturday (12:30 p.m. on ABC).
"I don't feel any pressure at all to make this decision," Carroll said. "We're going to take as much time as we need."
Aaron Corp has taken all the first-team reps this week, but Carroll reiterated he's in no rush to name a starter for USC's Pac-10 opener at Washington on Saturday.
"We'll see how Matt throws today and go from there," Carroll said.
Carroll added the determination could come as late as kickoff on Saturday (12:30 p.m. on ABC).
"I don't feel any pressure at all to make this decision," Carroll said. "We're going to take as much time as we need."
Coming off a game that featured two outstanding goal-line stands by the defense, Coach Carroll continues to pound home the importance of a never-say-die attitude as the opposing offense works just inches from the end zone.
During this afternoon's meeting, Carroll showed a clip of an incredible goal-line play in a December 1995 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills -- one that featured Carroll as the 49er defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. at linebacker for the 49ers. With the score tied at 10 and the Bills at first-and-goal from just a few inches out, the Buffalo running back got popped after receiving the handoff and fumbled the ball, which was picked up and returned 96 yards for a 49ers touchdown. San Francisco went on to win the game 27-17, and Carroll used the scenario to teach an important lesson to the Trojans 14 years after the fact.
"If you keep believing, keep scratching, there's always another chance," Carroll told his players. "Something good is just about to happen, as long as you keep fighting."
During this afternoon's meeting, Carroll showed a clip of an incredible goal-line play in a December 1995 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills -- one that featured Carroll as the 49er defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. at linebacker for the 49ers. With the score tied at 10 and the Bills at first-and-goal from just a few inches out, the Buffalo running back got popped after receiving the handoff and fumbled the ball, which was picked up and returned 96 yards for a 49ers touchdown. San Francisco went on to win the game 27-17, and Carroll used the scenario to teach an important lesson to the Trojans 14 years after the fact.
"If you keep believing, keep scratching, there's always another chance," Carroll told his players. "Something good is just about to happen, as long as you keep fighting."
Just a reminder that the Emmy-nominated "60 Minutes" feature on Coach Carroll's work with A Better LA will re-air on Sunday night at 7 p.m. Pacific time, just before the Emmys. Set your TiVos, watch it live or see it here:
While waiting in the athletic training room to get his ankles taped prior to this afternoon's meetings and practice, safety Will Harris goofs off by wrapping his head with gauze, along with the help of wideout Scott Stephens (left).
New to the team but USC's eldest player, defensive tackle Fangupo brings a wide array of experiences to the Trojan line.
By Pedro Moura
USCRipsIt staff writer
There are quite a few words to suitably describe junior defensive tackle Hebron "Loni" Fangupo.
Old is one of them. In his first season with the Trojans, Fangupo is 24 -- edging out Jeff Byers for the title of eldest statesmen.
Big also works. He's 6-foot-2 and 330 pounds -- the heaviest on the roster by a margin of 15 pounds.
There's more: humble, friendly, even young.
"I don't know what I am," says Fangupo, whose nickname is pronounced "low-nee." "I'm new. I'm old. But I'm also still a little young buck coming in here because everything is new to me, but then again there's a lot of people here I share experiences with."
He's untested at the FBS level -- having played only in the San Jose State game thus far -- but he racked up 71 tackles and eight sacks in two seasons with Mt. San Antonio College. Fangupo consistently overpowered offensive lineman at the juco level.
"He's big, he's strong, he's athletic," defensive line coach Jethro Franklin said. "He'll take up space. He has a lot of traits that you really admire in a defensive tackle. If he keeps going in the right direction, he's going to be a productive player for us."
Teammates know the value of a space-clogger on the defensive line who can also rush the passer.
"He's a big, solid guy," redshirt freshman defensive end Wes Horton says of his linemate. "He's huge, so once he starts really coming after guys physically, no one will be able to block him. He's still young in the system, and he's definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future."
The affable Fangupo likes to tell the story of how he became a Trojan.
It started with a visit to a USC practice at Howard Jones Field with the Mt. SAC team. From there, Loni took control.
"I went up to coach Nick Holt and I told him that -- when Fili Moala leaves -- I want to be the one to come in and replace him," Fangupo said. "I think he thought I was joking. He just laughed and walked away, but I grabbed him by the arm and looked in the eye and said 'I really want to play here, and I know I can play here.'
"That was a Wednesday. Thursday they sent [former defensive line coach David Watson] to see me at practice. And then Friday morning, at 9 o'clock exactly, I got a call from Pete Carroll asking me if I wanted to be part of the Trojans."
That's the kind of initiative Fangupo shows.
At the end of Monday's practice at Cromwell Field, after putting in extra work with the defensive line, he walked over to the club rugby team setting up shop at the east corner of the field.
Making small talk, Fangupo eventually grabbed a ball and punted it, laughing even as it proved a powerful kick. He drew the surprised glances of numerous rugby players. He said rugby was his sport while growing up.
Born in Santa Ana, Fangupo spent five years of his childhood in his native Tonga before moving back to Orange County during high school. He played at Century High but had no scholarship offers, moved back to Tonga for a year and then served a two-year mission for his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Phillippines. It's been a journey, to say the least.
Still, Fangupo says it's all been worth it.
"The best part of everything is to look to your right, to your left, and behind you, and you know your boys have got you," Fangupo said. "You see them giving their all, and all you can do is give your best as well."
• You can contact USCRipsIt staff writer Pedro Moura via email.
By Pedro Moura
USCRipsIt staff writer
There are quite a few words to suitably describe junior defensive tackle Hebron "Loni" Fangupo.Old is one of them. In his first season with the Trojans, Fangupo is 24 -- edging out Jeff Byers for the title of eldest statesmen.
Big also works. He's 6-foot-2 and 330 pounds -- the heaviest on the roster by a margin of 15 pounds.
There's more: humble, friendly, even young.
"I don't know what I am," says Fangupo, whose nickname is pronounced "low-nee." "I'm new. I'm old. But I'm also still a little young buck coming in here because everything is new to me, but then again there's a lot of people here I share experiences with."
He's untested at the FBS level -- having played only in the San Jose State game thus far -- but he racked up 71 tackles and eight sacks in two seasons with Mt. San Antonio College. Fangupo consistently overpowered offensive lineman at the juco level.
"He's big, he's strong, he's athletic," defensive line coach Jethro Franklin said. "He'll take up space. He has a lot of traits that you really admire in a defensive tackle. If he keeps going in the right direction, he's going to be a productive player for us."
Teammates know the value of a space-clogger on the defensive line who can also rush the passer.
"He's a big, solid guy," redshirt freshman defensive end Wes Horton says of his linemate. "He's huge, so once he starts really coming after guys physically, no one will be able to block him. He's still young in the system, and he's definitely going to be a force to be reckoned with in the future."
The affable Fangupo likes to tell the story of how he became a Trojan.
It started with a visit to a USC practice at Howard Jones Field with the Mt. SAC team. From there, Loni took control."I went up to coach Nick Holt and I told him that -- when Fili Moala leaves -- I want to be the one to come in and replace him," Fangupo said. "I think he thought I was joking. He just laughed and walked away, but I grabbed him by the arm and looked in the eye and said 'I really want to play here, and I know I can play here.'
"That was a Wednesday. Thursday they sent [former defensive line coach David Watson] to see me at practice. And then Friday morning, at 9 o'clock exactly, I got a call from Pete Carroll asking me if I wanted to be part of the Trojans."
That's the kind of initiative Fangupo shows.
At the end of Monday's practice at Cromwell Field, after putting in extra work with the defensive line, he walked over to the club rugby team setting up shop at the east corner of the field.
Making small talk, Fangupo eventually grabbed a ball and punted it, laughing even as it proved a powerful kick. He drew the surprised glances of numerous rugby players. He said rugby was his sport while growing up.
Born in Santa Ana, Fangupo spent five years of his childhood in his native Tonga before moving back to Orange County during high school. He played at Century High but had no scholarship offers, moved back to Tonga for a year and then served a two-year mission for his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Phillippines. It's been a journey, to say the least.
Still, Fangupo says it's all been worth it.
"The best part of everything is to look to your right, to your left, and behind you, and you know your boys have got you," Fangupo said. "You see them giving their all, and all you can do is give your best as well."
• You can contact USCRipsIt staff writer Pedro Moura via email.
For the second time in as many weekends, the Trojans are about to hit the road with a trip to Seattle to play Washington on Saturday. USC will leave L.A. early Friday afternoon and return a little more than 24 hours later, with plenty of activity in between. Check out the minute-by-minute schedule for the Trojans during this weekend's journey to play the Huskies:
Friday
9:30 a.m. • Normal Friday meetings start
11 a.m. • Friday walk-thru
1 p.m. • Leave campus for LAX
2:15 p.m. • Depart LAX
4:45 p.m. • Arrive at Boeing Field
5:30 p.m. • Walk-thru at Husky Stadium
6:30 p.m. • Arrive at team hotel
7:30 p.m. • Eve-of-game meetings begin
8:45 p.m. • Snack
9 p.m. • Optional chapel and mass services in team hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
Saturday
7:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
8:15 a.m. • Pre-game meetings begin
8:45 a.m. • Pre-game meal
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
11:27 a.m. • Warm-ups begin
11:54 a.m. • Stretching begins
12:16 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
12:33 p.m. • Trojans take the field
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
6 p.m. • Depart Boeing Field (estimated)
8:30 p.m. • Arrive at LAX (estimated)
Friday
9:30 a.m. • Normal Friday meetings start
11 a.m. • Friday walk-thru
1 p.m. • Leave campus for LAX
2:15 p.m. • Depart LAX
4:45 p.m. • Arrive at Boeing Field
5:30 p.m. • Walk-thru at Husky Stadium
6:30 p.m. • Arrive at team hotel
7:30 p.m. • Eve-of-game meetings begin
8:45 p.m. • Snack
9 p.m. • Optional chapel and mass services in team hotel
10:30 p.m. • Bed check
Saturday
7:30 a.m. • Wake-up call
8:15 a.m. • Pre-game meetings begin
8:45 a.m. • Pre-game meal
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
11:27 a.m. • Warm-ups begin
11:54 a.m. • Stretching begins
12:16 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
12:33 p.m. • Trojans take the field
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
6 p.m. • Depart Boeing Field (estimated)
8:30 p.m. • Arrive at LAX (estimated)
This week's AT&T Ask Coach question of the week solicits Coach Carroll's opinion on facing a former colleague, like he'll be doing Saturday when the Trojans face Steve Sarkisian's Washington team:
With four of USC's six road games on FieldTurf this season, RipsIt reader Tim Sandberg e-mailed in asking whether players like real grass or the artificial surface better. A majority of the players polled are indifferent or like grass over turf, but take a look at their opinions position by position:
- Skill players: Without a doubt, skill players (wideouts, running backs, tight ends, linebackers and defensive backs) face the biggest adjustments when going from grass to turf. Real grass is easier to plant and change directions on, while FieldTurf has less traction and produces more slipping. Basically all skill players like playing on real grass over artificial turf.
- Quarterbacks: The signal-callers unanimously enjoy real grass more because footing is better, it's smoother to drop back and sliding is easier.
- Linemen: Footing is better on artificial turf when the weather is bad (rain or cold), but otherwise most linemen don't have a preference either way.
- Kickers: Some are indifferent, while others prefer one over the other. Real grass provides a better, less-forgiving surface to put down their plant foot, but FieldTurf is a more consistent surface for kicking off of.
With injuries to several key Trojans being the news of the week, Coach Carroll is reminding his team that it's not the action, but the reaction that matters.
"There will always be issues," Carroll said after Wednesday's practice. "It's how we deal with them that counts."
"There will always be issues," Carroll said after Wednesday's practice. "It's how we deal with them that counts."
Coach Carroll checks in from his office this morning with another video blog, this one discussing everything from the Ohio State game to the Washington matchup to Kanye West and Phil Jackson. Don't miss this candid perspective from Carroll:
Check out these incredible photos from a recent practice (and one from the Coliseum) by South Bay-based action sports photographer Bo Bridges:
All photos by Bo Bridges, whose site is here.
All photos by Bo Bridges, whose site is here.
Monte Clark, a Trojan offensive lineman in 1956-58 and a long-time NFL player and coach, passed away on Wednesday night in Detroit. He was 72.
Clark was a three-year letterwinner and a co-captain during his senior year at USC before playing 11 years in the NFL. He then went on to become a renowned offensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins before eight combined years as a head coach for the 49ers and Lions.
Clark died after an extended illness with bone marrow malignancy associated with lung and liver disease.
Clark was a three-year letterwinner and a co-captain during his senior year at USC before playing 11 years in the NFL. He then went on to become a renowned offensive line coach for the Miami Dolphins before eight combined years as a head coach for the 49ers and Lions.
Clark died after an extended illness with bone marrow malignancy associated with lung and liver disease.
The Pac-10 doesn't have a championship game at the end of the regular season.
It has them every week of the year.
Every in-conference contest is heavy on impact, because the Pac-10 crown is determined by the body of work over nine league games. And defense of their seven consecutive titles all starts Saturday at Washington for the Trojans.
"This is as much a championship game as any other game this year," Coach Carroll told the team at the end of Wednesday's practice. "We've got to be clear about that."
It has them every week of the year.
Every in-conference contest is heavy on impact, because the Pac-10 crown is determined by the body of work over nine league games. And defense of their seven consecutive titles all starts Saturday at Washington for the Trojans.
"This is as much a championship game as any other game this year," Coach Carroll told the team at the end of Wednesday's practice. "We've got to be clear about that."
Check out this superb feature on tailback Joe McKnight's growth on and off the field, from the O.C. Register.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Throwing his age: Carroll's birthday present to himself
- Small crowd expected at Washington
- Huge first impressions: True freshmen earning time
- Regional coverage: TV map of Saturday's game
- Sourena's Sentiments
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Wednesday's practice report
- Pictures from Wednesday's practice
- Wednesday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Wednesday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Mitch Mustain gets some punting work in at the start of practice. Mustain got a look at punter for the first time on Wednesday, and he didn't disappoint, with several kicks going longer than 50 yards.
Tailback Allen Bradford braces for the fall as defensive end Malik Jackson goes horizontal for the tackle.
The Trojan offense prepares for the snap at the line of scrimmage.
Aaron Corp passes short to wideout Damian Williams.
Aaron Corp winds up to throw in 7-on-7 period.
Mitch Mustain rolls out during team period.
Thoughts from Wednesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- As Matt Barkley sat out with a bruised shoulder for the third consecutive practice, Aaron Corp continued to take all the first-team reps Wednesday, but a decision on Saturday's starter is still undetermined. "We'll just wait it out and see what happens," Coach Carroll said.
- Though he threw an interception for the second day in a row, Corp had an otherwise sharp workout, directing a dominating offensive performance in 7-on-7 period and leading the offense to a 14-12 overall practice victory in the final team period. "I'm happy with the way Aaron has taken advantage of this opportunity," Carroll said.
- Nursing a sprained right knee, safety Taylor Mays remained sidelined again Wednesday, but he did do some running at the start of practice. And Barkley, with an ice pack on his shoulder for much of the workout, remained involved in practice by staying close to quarterbacks coach and play-caller Jeremy Bates. "We're putting a sense of urgency around Matt and Taylor to see how quick we can get them back," Carroll said.
- Defensive back Marshall Jones snagged the interception off Corp in the final team period to officially label it Turnover Wednesday.
- Quarterback Mitch Mustain took reps at punter and stayed after practice to get in extra work as the redshirt junior experiments with a new position. He was booming 50-plus-yard punts during special teams period, though Carroll said he's still a few weeks away from working into the competition at punter. "He's got a really good leg," Carroll said.
- The running backs had an especially productive day Wednesday. Tailbacks Allen Bradford and C.J. Gable turned in lengthy runs up the middle during team period and, on the final play of the day, fullback Stanley Havili used a vicious stiff-arm to shed the linebacker and scamper in for a short touchdown around the left side.
- Offensive tackle Charles Brown returned to practice after sitting out the last two days with the flu. He is slated to start Saturday.
- As Matt Barkley sat out with a bruised shoulder for the third consecutive practice, Aaron Corp continued to take all the first-team reps Wednesday, but a decision on Saturday's starter is still undetermined. "We'll just wait it out and see what happens," Coach Carroll said.
- Though he threw an interception for the second day in a row, Corp had an otherwise sharp workout, directing a dominating offensive performance in 7-on-7 period and leading the offense to a 14-12 overall practice victory in the final team period. "I'm happy with the way Aaron has taken advantage of this opportunity," Carroll said.
- Nursing a sprained right knee, safety Taylor Mays remained sidelined again Wednesday, but he did do some running at the start of practice. And Barkley, with an ice pack on his shoulder for much of the workout, remained involved in practice by staying close to quarterbacks coach and play-caller Jeremy Bates. "We're putting a sense of urgency around Matt and Taylor to see how quick we can get them back," Carroll said.
- Defensive back Marshall Jones snagged the interception off Corp in the final team period to officially label it Turnover Wednesday.
- Quarterback Mitch Mustain took reps at punter and stayed after practice to get in extra work as the redshirt junior experiments with a new position. He was booming 50-plus-yard punts during special teams period, though Carroll said he's still a few weeks away from working into the competition at punter. "He's got a really good leg," Carroll said.
- The running backs had an especially productive day Wednesday. Tailbacks Allen Bradford and C.J. Gable turned in lengthy runs up the middle during team period and, on the final play of the day, fullback Stanley Havili used a vicious stiff-arm to shed the linebacker and scamper in for a short touchdown around the left side.
- Offensive tackle Charles Brown returned to practice after sitting out the last two days with the flu. He is slated to start Saturday.
The Trojans are taking the field now for their weekly Turnover Wednesday practice, so we'll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones.
Husky Stadium is notorious for being one of the loudest venues in college football.
The Trojans are preparing correspondingly, with piped-in crowd noise playing for much of today's workout on Howard Jones Field.
The Trojans are preparing correspondingly, with piped-in crowd noise playing for much of today's workout on Howard Jones Field.
Besides today being the weekly turnover-focused day, it's also a time to examine third downs -- and Saturday's game should feature a great battle between the USC defense and Washington offense on the all-important down.
So far in 2009, the Trojan defense is allowing a third-down conversion rate of just 17 percent (sixth-best in the nation), while the Husky offense is converting 67 percent of its third-down chances, ranked No. 2 in the country.
When two powerful forces collide, which one comes out on top? We'll find out on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
So far in 2009, the Trojan defense is allowing a third-down conversion rate of just 17 percent (sixth-best in the nation), while the Husky offense is converting 67 percent of its third-down chances, ranked No. 2 in the country.
When two powerful forces collide, which one comes out on top? We'll find out on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
The kickoff return unit watches film of Washington's kickoff coverage squad during this afternoon's special teams meeting in Heritage Auditorium. Turnover Wednesday is underway, with meetings lasting until a full-pads practice at 4:15 p.m.
By Sourena VasseghiWith Rich Finley
USCRipsIt Guest Bloggers
"We're Trojans, that's what we do." - Matt Barkley immediately after USC's 18-15 win over Ohio State.
Was there ever any doubt? Ummm, well...for a while there, I won't lie to you, it was nervous time. I had a group of good friends at my house on Saturday for the Ohio State game, and by the time Matt Barkley was facing a 2nd-and-19 from the USC 5-yard line, we were all frustrated, yet hopeful, that somehow, someway, the Trojans could pull it out. Well, by now, you all know what happened. Joe. Matt. Anthony. Damian. Stafon. Defense. Plane ride. So, I won't break down the game, nor tell you about how rowdy my place got -- but it DID, let me tell you.
But Matt's post-game quote got me to thinking, how many times in life do we have daunting odds pile up against us? We can all feel momentum in life, good and bad. And the challenge in life often times is to recognize momentum and not get swept up in it. What do I mean by this?
Well, we've all been having a great day, a great week, whatever in the past and it seems like nothing can go wrong, but invariably, it does, either because that's life or, possibly, you rest on your laurels and stop doing the things that got you going in the right direction in the first place. I think it's easier in life to take steps to maintain positive momentum, but the most difficult thing in life to battle is negative momentum. When things are going bad for you, and it feels like everything you're trying is in vain, the most challenging thing is to proceed with a short-term memory. It's like a quarterback 'shaking off' an interception. If you linger on what WENT wrong, and start drawing inferences from it about what MIGHT go wrong in the future, that's how self-fulfilling prophecies and losing cultures get established. You HAVE to keep moving forward, always charging ahead, and never looking backwards. You ever see those people that look back after escaping the psycho killer? What happens every time? That's right! Splat!
Give it to the guys for never resting on their laurels (that's how you win seven straight Pac-10 titles and have seven straight top-5 finishes) but also for never losing faith, even when things look their bleakest.
"We're Trojans, it's what we do."
• Sourena Vasseghi, a motivational speaker and writer, has addressed the USC football team on several occasions over the years. His book, "Love your life and it will love you back," is available here.
The Westcoast Sports Associates, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing opportunities for disadvantaged youths to play sports, is honoring Coach Carroll at a banquet at the Galen Center on Nov. 18. Get more info and purchase tickets to the event here.
Defensive lineman Manuel Wright, who played for the Trojans in 2003-04, has been signed by the UFL's Las Vegas Locos.
USC's game at Washington on Saturday will air on 52 percent of the country's TV sets as part of ABC's three-pronged regional coverage during the 12:30 p.m. slot. Check out the coverage map below to see if you'll be getting the Trojans' Pac-10 opener where you live:
We've received several questions about how the practice scoring system works and how the victory is determined each day.
In the final scrimmage-like period of each practice, the offense and defense go head-to-head to determine a victor for the day. One side gets the "win" and a point for each play. The offense wins if it rushes for four yards or more or completes a pass of any length. The defense wins if it stops the offense short of four yards on a rush, causes an incompletion or forces a turnover. All the play wins are scored, with one side in a 24-play team period having to reach 13 points to gain the overall victory.
Because Coach Carroll places a premium on competition and just happens to be the ultimate judge and scorekeeper on each play, the overall practice victory is almost always determined on the final few snaps of the day. In his creative, sneaky and often controversial ways, the playful Carroll usually finagles the score so it can be tied near the end of each practice.
The reason for keeping score each practice? It's all about creating an atmosphere of competition, where every play and every rep counts.
In the final scrimmage-like period of each practice, the offense and defense go head-to-head to determine a victor for the day. One side gets the "win" and a point for each play. The offense wins if it rushes for four yards or more or completes a pass of any length. The defense wins if it stops the offense short of four yards on a rush, causes an incompletion or forces a turnover. All the play wins are scored, with one side in a 24-play team period having to reach 13 points to gain the overall victory.
Because Coach Carroll places a premium on competition and just happens to be the ultimate judge and scorekeeper on each play, the overall practice victory is almost always determined on the final few snaps of the day. In his creative, sneaky and often controversial ways, the playful Carroll usually finagles the score so it can be tied near the end of each practice.
The reason for keeping score each practice? It's all about creating an atmosphere of competition, where every play and every rep counts.
The weather could be rainy in Seattle this weekend, so the USC equipment staff is packing appropriately.
Plenty of light rain gear for the coaches and extra long-sleeved shirts for the players are being added to the travel trunks for this weekend's trip to the Northwest. Even though forecasts say rain is only a 30 percent possibility, the equipment staff is preparing for the worst.
"We're always ready," director of equipment operations David "Pops" Scott said.
Plenty of light rain gear for the coaches and extra long-sleeved shirts for the players are being added to the travel trunks for this weekend's trip to the Northwest. Even though forecasts say rain is only a 30 percent possibility, the equipment staff is preparing for the worst.
"We're always ready," director of equipment operations David "Pops" Scott said.
The Trojans leave for Washington on Friday, but their equipment is getting a two-day head start.
USC's appropriately decorated equipment truck -- loaded with all the game, practice, medical and other gear needed for the team's trip to Seattle this weekend -- is leaving at 12:30 p.m. today to begin a 1,150-mile, roughly 24-hour drive up Interstate 5, with a scheduled arrival set for Thursday afternoon.
The truck, operated in shifts by two USC bookstore drivers, will then make the return journey immediately after the game on Saturday night.
USC's appropriately decorated equipment truck -- loaded with all the game, practice, medical and other gear needed for the team's trip to Seattle this weekend -- is leaving at 12:30 p.m. today to begin a 1,150-mile, roughly 24-hour drive up Interstate 5, with a scheduled arrival set for Thursday afternoon.
The truck, operated in shifts by two USC bookstore drivers, will then make the return journey immediately after the game on Saturday night.
Check out this great article on Matt Barkley, from today's Seattle Times.
This week's theme continues to be reinforced.
With two former USC coordinators in charge of Washington's attack -- head coach Steve Sarkisian with the offense and defensive coordinator Nick Holt with the Husky defense -- the Trojans will be very familiar with what they'll see on the other side of the ball come Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
With one very big, very quick and very dynamic caveat -- Husky quarterback Jake Locker.
"You're going up against our offense and up against our defense," Coach Carroll told the players during Tuesday's team meeting. "It's almost like we're scrimmaging ourselves -- with one exception. They have Jake Locker. He's a war daddy and he's really fast."
But even with Locker at quarterback, the Trojans still have the familiarity with Washington's schemes, and Carroll's making sure no one -- coaches and players included -- is overanalyzing the matchup.
"You have a lot of knowledge, but let's not think too much," Carroll said Tuesday. "We've just got to go play football."
With two former USC coordinators in charge of Washington's attack -- head coach Steve Sarkisian with the offense and defensive coordinator Nick Holt with the Husky defense -- the Trojans will be very familiar with what they'll see on the other side of the ball come Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
With one very big, very quick and very dynamic caveat -- Husky quarterback Jake Locker.
"You're going up against our offense and up against our defense," Coach Carroll told the players during Tuesday's team meeting. "It's almost like we're scrimmaging ourselves -- with one exception. They have Jake Locker. He's a war daddy and he's really fast."
But even with Locker at quarterback, the Trojans still have the familiarity with Washington's schemes, and Carroll's making sure no one -- coaches and players included -- is overanalyzing the matchup.
"You have a lot of knowledge, but let's not think too much," Carroll said Tuesday. "We've just got to go play football."
In Saturday's Ohio State game -- the biggest stage of the college football season so far -- Trojans were propelled in part by players just three months from earning their high school diplomas.
And we're not only talking about Matt Barkley.
Four first-year freshmen saw significant playing time in USC's 18-15 win at Ohio Stadium, a remarkable feat for players who were competing as high-schoolers last season. Safety T.J. McDonald, a few months removed from Fresno's Edison High, had a valuable role on the kickoff and punt return units. On the line, defensive end Devon Kennard, from Phoenix's Desert Vista High, rotated in and played 20 out of the 55 snaps, notching a tackle and proving he belonged.
"He's playing really well, especially for a freshman," defensive line coach Jethro Franklin said.
A freshman from Columbus, Ga., linebacker Jarvis Jones appeared at home in Columbus, Ohio, as the true freshman was a vital part of the goal-line unit that produced two huge stands against the Buckeyes. Jones also started on the punt and punt return units.
"He's knocking people around and he's really smart," linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. said. "He's definitely one of the guys already."
And then there's Matt Barkley, who took all 72 snaps from center and coolly directed the dramatic 86-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes Saturday. Overall, the freshman from Mater Dei went 15-for-31 for 195 yards in his first road game, a matchup in front of 106,033 fans and the largest TV audience for a college football game in ESPN's history.
All that for a few guys who were at their proms just a few months ago.
And we're not only talking about Matt Barkley.
Four first-year freshmen saw significant playing time in USC's 18-15 win at Ohio Stadium, a remarkable feat for players who were competing as high-schoolers last season. Safety T.J. McDonald, a few months removed from Fresno's Edison High, had a valuable role on the kickoff and punt return units. On the line, defensive end Devon Kennard, from Phoenix's Desert Vista High, rotated in and played 20 out of the 55 snaps, notching a tackle and proving he belonged."He's playing really well, especially for a freshman," defensive line coach Jethro Franklin said.
A freshman from Columbus, Ga., linebacker Jarvis Jones appeared at home in Columbus, Ohio, as the true freshman was a vital part of the goal-line unit that produced two huge stands against the Buckeyes. Jones also started on the punt and punt return units.
"He's knocking people around and he's really smart," linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. said. "He's definitely one of the guys already."
And then there's Matt Barkley, who took all 72 snaps from center and coolly directed the dramatic 86-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes Saturday. Overall, the freshman from Mater Dei went 15-for-31 for 195 yards in his first road game, a matchup in front of 106,033 fans and the largest TV audience for a college football game in ESPN's history.
All that for a few guys who were at their proms just a few months ago.
It looks like the Trojans will be going from a packed Horseshoe in Ohio to an unfilled stadium in Washington.
Only about 59,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's USC-Washington game at the 72,500-seat Husky Stadium. Just a week after playing in front of more than 106,000 at Ohio State, the Trojans could be competing in front of roughly half that total in a partly empty stadium at Washington.
USC received 2,500 tickets for Saturday's matchup and distributed or sold all of them. The Trojan allotment is in the west end zone of the stadium, with most tickets in section 6.
All that goes to say, there are still many seats available for the Pac-10 opener in Seattle. So if you're planning a last-minute trip up the coast or are a displaced Trojan fan in the Northwest, you can buy your tickets for Saturday's game here.
Only about 59,000 tickets have been sold for Saturday's USC-Washington game at the 72,500-seat Husky Stadium. Just a week after playing in front of more than 106,000 at Ohio State, the Trojans could be competing in front of roughly half that total in a partly empty stadium at Washington.
USC received 2,500 tickets for Saturday's matchup and distributed or sold all of them. The Trojan allotment is in the west end zone of the stadium, with most tickets in section 6.
All that goes to say, there are still many seats available for the Pac-10 opener in Seattle. So if you're planning a last-minute trip up the coast or are a displaced Trojan fan in the Northwest, you can buy your tickets for Saturday's game here.
Coach Carroll continued a decades-old tradition Tuesday, one that becomes more incredible with each passing year.
Carroll, who turned 58 yesterday, makes it his annual goal to throw a football as many yards as his age, and on Tuesday after practice, he heaved a ball from the 50 that landed exactly two yards from the back of the end zone.
That's exactly 58 yards in the air -- and a perfect birthday present for Carroll.
Carroll, who turned 58 yesterday, makes it his annual goal to throw a football as many yards as his age, and on Tuesday after practice, he heaved a ball from the 50 that landed exactly two yards from the back of the end zone.
That's exactly 58 yards in the air -- and a perfect birthday present for Carroll.
The Trojans could be playing in the rain this weekend.
But what else would you expect in Seattle?
A slight chance of precipitation and temperatures in the 60s are forecasted for Saturday at Washington. With about 150 days of rain per year in Seattle, odds are that the prognostication for wet weather could come true.
"Anything can happen up there," Coach Carroll said. "But as long as it rains on both sides of the field, we'll be fine."
But what else would you expect in Seattle?
A slight chance of precipitation and temperatures in the 60s are forecasted for Saturday at Washington. With about 150 days of rain per year in Seattle, odds are that the prognostication for wet weather could come true.
"Anything can happen up there," Coach Carroll said. "But as long as it rains on both sides of the field, we'll be fine."
Mark Sanchez, who went 18-for-31 for 272 yards in Sunday's 24-7 win for the New York Jets, is up for the NFL rookie of the week, so vote for him here. Sanchez's passing yards are the third-most for a rookie in Week 1 in NFL history.
After Tuesday's practice on Howard Jones Field, USC baseball coach Chad Kreuter (left) pulls out the radar gun on the Trojan football ball machine, as football equipment coordinator Tino Dominguez stands ready to fire off a football. Kreuter and his trusty device determined the machine was chucking footballs at an astounding 80 mph.
Check out this interesting -- and entertaining -- feature on USC's historically successful QB sneak play, from today's L.A. Times.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Trojans and Dodgers: USC Band at Chavez Ravine
- Inside the Life: Galen Dining Center
- Tightening down: Small roster coming
- The weekend ahead: Travel plans
- Paint the stadium cardinal: Plenty of tickets available at UW
- The quest begins: Defending the Pac-10 titles
- Dispatch from Howard Jones: Tuesday's practice report
- Tuesday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Tuesday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
The offensive line goes through position group drills.
Wideout Damian Williams prepares to receive the punt.
Wideout Brandon Carswell stretches out for the catch during 1-on-1s.
Matt Barkley, who sat out most of practice with a bruised shoulder, hands off to tailback Stafon Johnson in his limited work Tuesday.
Aaron Corp throws over the middle in 7-on-7 period.
With the offensive line blocking, Aaron Corp passes downfield.
Thoughts from Tuesday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- In place of the injured Matt Barkley, Aaron Corp took nearly all the first-unit snaps in the full-pads workout, stepping up with an impressive all-around performance. "He had a very good day today," Coach Carroll said of Corp. "He looked sharp."
- Meanwhile, Carroll said Barkley remains "day-to-day" as he tries to come back from a bruised right shoulder suffered in Saturday's 18-15 win at Ohio State. "We'll make a determination when it seems right," Carroll said of picking the starter for Saturday's game at Washington.
- Thanks to some creative, off-the-script play-calling on the final snap of the day, the offense clinched a 13-11 victory over the defense in the practice-ending team period, capturing the Competition Tuesday crown. Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates called for a designed quarterback run with Corp on the final play of the team period to secure the offense's hard-fought victory. "That's a solid win for the offense," Coach Carroll said in the post-practice huddle.
- Safety Taylor Mays sat out of the practice and watched with an ice pack on his sprained knee for much of the day.
- On the first play of the practice-ending team period, cornerback Josh Pinkard played excellent coverage and stepped in front of an Aaron Corp pass over the middle to snag the interception. But on the very next play, Corp bounced back with a perfectly placed deep ball to Damian Williams over the middle and, near the end of the period, completed another sweet pass to Williams for a touchdown.
- On one play in the final team period, linebackers Luthur Brown and Shane Horton combined for a sack on Aaron Corp, prompting a boisterous celebration from coach Ken Norton Jr. "That's what Competition Tuesday is all about!" Norton bellowed. "They just swallowed him up!"
- Aaron Corp went 5-for-6 and Mitch Mustain went 4-for-4 to give the offense a dominating performance in the 10-play 7-on-7 period. "This is officially a no-competition period!" running backs coach Todd McNair playfully yelled during the blowout.
- To add versatility to the tight 64-man Pac-10 travel roster this weekend, Garrett Green took reps at wideout and even caught a pass during the final team period.
- Former Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone and two renowned southern California pastors -- Francis Chan of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley and Todd Proctor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa -- attended the practice.
- In place of the injured Matt Barkley, Aaron Corp took nearly all the first-unit snaps in the full-pads workout, stepping up with an impressive all-around performance. "He had a very good day today," Coach Carroll said of Corp. "He looked sharp."
- Meanwhile, Carroll said Barkley remains "day-to-day" as he tries to come back from a bruised right shoulder suffered in Saturday's 18-15 win at Ohio State. "We'll make a determination when it seems right," Carroll said of picking the starter for Saturday's game at Washington.
- Thanks to some creative, off-the-script play-calling on the final snap of the day, the offense clinched a 13-11 victory over the defense in the practice-ending team period, capturing the Competition Tuesday crown. Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates called for a designed quarterback run with Corp on the final play of the team period to secure the offense's hard-fought victory. "That's a solid win for the offense," Coach Carroll said in the post-practice huddle.
- Safety Taylor Mays sat out of the practice and watched with an ice pack on his sprained knee for much of the day.
- On the first play of the practice-ending team period, cornerback Josh Pinkard played excellent coverage and stepped in front of an Aaron Corp pass over the middle to snag the interception. But on the very next play, Corp bounced back with a perfectly placed deep ball to Damian Williams over the middle and, near the end of the period, completed another sweet pass to Williams for a touchdown.
- On one play in the final team period, linebackers Luthur Brown and Shane Horton combined for a sack on Aaron Corp, prompting a boisterous celebration from coach Ken Norton Jr. "That's what Competition Tuesday is all about!" Norton bellowed. "They just swallowed him up!"
- Aaron Corp went 5-for-6 and Mitch Mustain went 4-for-4 to give the offense a dominating performance in the 10-play 7-on-7 period. "This is officially a no-competition period!" running backs coach Todd McNair playfully yelled during the blowout.
- To add versatility to the tight 64-man Pac-10 travel roster this weekend, Garrett Green took reps at wideout and even caught a pass during the final team period.
- Former Dodgers general manager Kevin Malone and two renowned southern California pastors -- Francis Chan of Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley and Todd Proctor of Rockharbor Church in Costa Mesa -- attended the practice.
Since the Trojans will be going up against almost a mirror image of themselves in Saturday's game at Washington, this week's practices carry utmost importance -- because every rep counts as dual credit for the offense and defense.
It's also the perfect opportunity to sharpen and clean up the Trojans' own game, since playing at their peak on Saturday will be even more vital when going against a team that employs similar schemes.
"With all the familiarity, we have to dig in and get our stuff right," Coach Carroll said this afternoon. "Adjustments, alignments, calls -- we need to get our stuff right. Let's be really focused on this today."
The Trojans just started their Competition Tuesday practice, so we'll be back with a report following the full-pads workout.
It's also the perfect opportunity to sharpen and clean up the Trojans' own game, since playing at their peak on Saturday will be even more vital when going against a team that employs similar schemes.
"With all the familiarity, we have to dig in and get our stuff right," Coach Carroll said this afternoon. "Adjustments, alignments, calls -- we need to get our stuff right. Let's be really focused on this today."
The Trojans just started their Competition Tuesday practice, so we'll be back with a report following the full-pads workout.
As the Trojans officially plunge into the Washington game plan during this afternoon's meetings and practice, their attention turns to the singular goal the team has each season.
To win the Pac-10.
Conference play opens this weekend at Washington, where the Trojans will begin defense of their seven straight Pac-10 titles.
"The conference championship run begins Saturday," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "Every single game is a conference championship game, because every one has the power to determine what happens at the end."
To win the Pac-10.
Conference play opens this weekend at Washington, where the Trojans will begin defense of their seven straight Pac-10 titles.
"The conference championship run begins Saturday," Coach Carroll said during this afternoon's team meeting. "Every single game is a conference championship game, because every one has the power to determine what happens at the end."
At the start of this afternoon's team meeting, players joined in singing "happy birthday" to Coach Carroll, who's turning 58 today.
When the song ended, the players incessantly asked Carroll how old he was. When he finally revealed his age, the players were dumbfounded.
"No way!" several of them responded in shock.
"You're 47!" a few of them guessed.
Meanwhile, Carroll, with a huge smile on his face, brushed the compliment aside and carried on with the meeting.
When the song ended, the players incessantly asked Carroll how old he was. When he finally revealed his age, the players were dumbfounded.
"No way!" several of them responded in shock.
"You're 47!" a few of them guessed.
Meanwhile, Carroll, with a huge smile on his face, brushed the compliment aside and carried on with the meeting.
Tuesday means it's distribution day for the offensive playbooks, as administrative staffers are assembling them in time for this afternoon's offense meeting. USC's offensive game plan for Saturday's contest at Washington has been set and neatly organized into three-ring binders that each player will receive this afternoon.
Here's the basic info on Saturday's Pac-10 opener for the Trojans:
- Kickoff: 12:36 p.m.
- TV: ABC regional broadcast (Terry Gannon, David Norrie)
- Local L.A. radio: ESPN 710-AM
- Internet stream: ESPN360.com
- Internet play-by-play: USCTrojans.com Game Tracker
Plenty of tickets are still available for USC's matchup at Washington on Saturday, so if you're thinking about heading up or are already in the Seattle area, purchase your tickets here.
The Trojans are hitting the road again this weekend, so check out the team's travel schedule for the trip to play Washington in Seattle:
Friday
1 p.m. • Leave campus for LAX
2 p.m. • Depart LAX
4:45 p.m. • Arrive at Boeing Field
5:30 p.m. • Walk-thru at Husky Stadium
Saturday
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
6 p.m. • Depart Boeing Field
8:30 p.m. • Arrive at LAX
Friday
1 p.m. • Leave campus for LAX
2 p.m. • Depart LAX
4:45 p.m. • Arrive at Boeing Field
5:30 p.m. • Walk-thru at Husky Stadium
Saturday
10:30 a.m. • Depart team hotel for Husky Stadium
10:45 a.m. • Arrive at Husky Stadium
12:36 p.m. • Kickoff
6 p.m. • Depart Boeing Field
8:30 p.m. • Arrive at LAX
Parking lots for next Saturday's home game against Washington State, set to kick off at 7:15 p.m., will open for tailgating at 8 a.m. There will be no overnight parking in Lot 2 (the RV lot).
Heritage Hall seems like a cake bakery today, as numerous cakes are flooding the football office in celebration of Coach Carroll's 58th birthday. The most elaborate one, seen below, is a replica of the Coliseum, given by a group of hard-core USC fans:
Coach Carroll's weekly press conference is about 10 minutes from getting started, so watch it live here.
Just when you think you've seen it all, something like this comes along.
Snuggies have become the joy of late-night infomercial watchers, and now they're stretching into the Trojan universe. Now available is a USC Trojan Snuggie, the blanket with sleeves with the Trojan logo all over it.
Snuggies have become the joy of late-night infomercial watchers, and now they're stretching into the Trojan universe. Now available is a USC Trojan Snuggie, the blanket with sleeves with the Trojan logo all over it.
Have a question that you'd like Coach Carroll to answer at today's press conference? Text "ASKCOACH" to 51234 to send in your query, and one lucky fan's question will be answered at Carroll's noon presser.
With the first conference game this weekend, the Trojans are preparing for a crunch.
A roster crunch.
For all Pac-10 games, teams are limited to traveling only 64 players, so USC coaches are already performing the delicate juggling act of readying a shrunken roster for this weekend's trip to Washington. With two-deep at every position and all the special teams players, 64 men is a tight fit and a challenge to squeeze every needed player on.
The final decisions don't have to be made until Friday when the team leaves for Seattle, but the coaches are already starting to sift through and figure out what the 64-man roster will look like on Saturday.
A roster crunch.
For all Pac-10 games, teams are limited to traveling only 64 players, so USC coaches are already performing the delicate juggling act of readying a shrunken roster for this weekend's trip to Washington. With two-deep at every position and all the special teams players, 64 men is a tight fit and a challenge to squeeze every needed player on.
The final decisions don't have to be made until Friday when the team leaves for Seattle, but the coaches are already starting to sift through and figure out what the 64-man roster will look like on Saturday.
We received this neat photo from Trojan fans in the U.S. Army, troops who are currently stationed in southern Iraq as part of the 2nd Battalion 29th Field Artillery. Thanks to all the men and women who are valiantly serving our country.
Throughout the season, USCRipsIt will be taking you into the off-the-field life of a player, showing you what goes on behind the scenes through "Inside the Life." In this weekly series written by staff writer Courtney Kalisz, we'll bring you into the daily life of a player and reveal the details that fill a student-athlete's schedule while off the field. Here's a feature about the Galen Center, the USC student-athlete's luxurious dining hall:
Not to be confused with the Galen basketball arena, a café of the same name is one of the most popular hangouts for USC student-athletes.
Located next to Heritage Hall, the Galen Center is a state-of-the-art dining hall complete with computers at the booths and large projection televisions always broadcasting sports. The walls are plastered with large-scale photos of contemporary Trojan sports heroes. Most notably, Galen is exclusive to athletes and athletic staff during dinner hours. But never fear, loyal USC fans, the Galen café is open to the public from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., so this unique dining experience is open to everyone. Galen café plays host to the football team for multiple meals nearly every day.
Daily hot cuisine options are abundant, rotating daily. From steak to fish to chicken, complemented with an array of sides, the menu never disappoints. During lunch hours, food is served a-la-carte style. There are several hot entrees offered, as well as a fully stocked sandwich bar, and grill options such as barbeque chicken sandwiches and burgers. Lunchtime draws an assorted crowd of students, professors, businessmen, athletic staff and of course, athletes.
The dinnertime crowd is exclusive, consisting solely of members of the athletic community. Trainers, coaches, S.A.A.S. staff members, and of course, the athletes themselves, make up the nighttime assembly at Galen. The system of the café is different for dinner services. A flat rate is paid, and diners may select whatever they choose from the buffet-style arrangement. Among the food options is a fully stocked salad bar, including a fresh fruit salad. There is always a delicious soup de jour, located next to the salad bar.
The hot buffet typically features multiple selections of meat, vegetables, pastas, and starches such as the ever-popular baked potato and toppings bar. Additional options include pizza and a self-serve sandwich bar. The most dangerous aspect of Galen café is the freshly baked cookies. Athletes and staff have been known to wait up to 20 minutes after the conclusion of their meals in order to get their daily dose of deliciousness, fresh out of the oven. For members of the athletic community in a rush, Galen offers to-go boxes, which frequently make appearances alongside athletes during nighttime classes.
Galen café also features "theme nights" such as Mexican night, complete with tacos, tamales, nachos, and even non-alcoholic margaritas. Such nights are highly anticipated by athletes and staff alike, and all parties leave satisfied, except the occasional grumble regarding the excessive sweetness of the current batch of "margarita."
The café accommodates the needs of all the athletic teams at USC and is frequently utilized as the meeting spot for many team functions, such as team dinners, meetings or banquets. So when planning their next trip to Galen, members of the athletic community should always expect the possibility of dining alongside a team meeting, or one of the other USC athletic teams celebrating that day's victory. Serving as the stomping grounds for the Trojan football team, Galen café is a great venue to experience great food, great company and a great environment rich in Trojan pride and tradition, and should be on the to-do list of every loyal USC athletics fan.
- By Courtney Kalisz, USCRipsIt staff writer
Not to be confused with the Galen basketball arena, a café of the same name is one of the most popular hangouts for USC student-athletes. Located next to Heritage Hall, the Galen Center is a state-of-the-art dining hall complete with computers at the booths and large projection televisions always broadcasting sports. The walls are plastered with large-scale photos of contemporary Trojan sports heroes. Most notably, Galen is exclusive to athletes and athletic staff during dinner hours. But never fear, loyal USC fans, the Galen café is open to the public from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., so this unique dining experience is open to everyone. Galen café plays host to the football team for multiple meals nearly every day.
Daily hot cuisine options are abundant, rotating daily. From steak to fish to chicken, complemented with an array of sides, the menu never disappoints. During lunch hours, food is served a-la-carte style. There are several hot entrees offered, as well as a fully stocked sandwich bar, and grill options such as barbeque chicken sandwiches and burgers. Lunchtime draws an assorted crowd of students, professors, businessmen, athletic staff and of course, athletes.
The dinnertime crowd is exclusive, consisting solely of members of the athletic community. Trainers, coaches, S.A.A.S. staff members, and of course, the athletes themselves, make up the nighttime assembly at Galen. The system of the café is different for dinner services. A flat rate is paid, and diners may select whatever they choose from the buffet-style arrangement. Among the food options is a fully stocked salad bar, including a fresh fruit salad. There is always a delicious soup de jour, located next to the salad bar.
The hot buffet typically features multiple selections of meat, vegetables, pastas, and starches such as the ever-popular baked potato and toppings bar. Additional options include pizza and a self-serve sandwich bar. The most dangerous aspect of Galen café is the freshly baked cookies. Athletes and staff have been known to wait up to 20 minutes after the conclusion of their meals in order to get their daily dose of deliciousness, fresh out of the oven. For members of the athletic community in a rush, Galen offers to-go boxes, which frequently make appearances alongside athletes during nighttime classes.
Galen café also features "theme nights" such as Mexican night, complete with tacos, tamales, nachos, and even non-alcoholic margaritas. Such nights are highly anticipated by athletes and staff alike, and all parties leave satisfied, except the occasional grumble regarding the excessive sweetness of the current batch of "margarita."
The café accommodates the needs of all the athletic teams at USC and is frequently utilized as the meeting spot for many team functions, such as team dinners, meetings or banquets. So when planning their next trip to Galen, members of the athletic community should always expect the possibility of dining alongside a team meeting, or one of the other USC athletic teams celebrating that day's victory. Serving as the stomping grounds for the Trojan football team, Galen café is a great venue to experience great food, great company and a great environment rich in Trojan pride and tradition, and should be on the to-do list of every loyal USC athletics fan.
- By Courtney Kalisz, USCRipsIt staff writer
Saturday's USC-Ohio State game earned a 7.33 rating and was the most-viewed college football game -- regular season or bowl -- in ESPN's history.
Coach Carroll's weekly press conference at noon today will be streamed live for free on USCTrojans.com. Watch it here.
Coach Carroll is celebrating his 58th birthday today.
Monday night was USC night at Dodger Stadium, and the Trojan Marching Band was in full force. Check out this awesome slideshow of images from the evening, courtesy of USCRipsIt staff photographer Jon SooHoo:
Former USC women's basketball player and sister of current Trojan wideout Jordan Cameron, Brynn Cameron interviews Coach Carroll after Monday's practice as part of her internship at ABC-7.
In case you couldn't follow us live, "The RipsIt Minute" gives you a quick rundown of the must-read Blog entries from the previous day:
- Double vision: Playing a familiar foe
- McKnight named Pac-10 player of the week
- Live from MMQB
- Washington State game time set for 7:15 p.m.
- Injury update on Barkley, Mays
- Coming to the team's defense: USC's powerful effort in Ohio
- Telling the truth: 'Own the accomplishment'
- Dispatch from Cromwell Field: Monday's practice report
- Monday's photo album, by Po-He Tseng
Check out this slideshow of images from Monday's practice, brought to you by USCRipsIt staff photographer Po-He Tseng:
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Photos by Po-He Tseng, USCRipsIt staff photographer
Matt Barkley hands off to C.J. Gable during running back drills.
The defensive line goes through their drills.
Tailback Allen Bradford takes the handoff from Matt Barkley.
Aaron Corp throws deep to the right sideline.
With the defensive line closing in, Aaron Corp goes airborne as he looks for a way out of the pocket.
Thoughts from Monday's practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt...
- Nursing a bruised right shoulder, Matt Barkley didn't participate in any passing drills or passing plays during Monday evening's workout, though he did remain steadily involved in the practice. The freshman quarterback ran the offense on running plays and took part in hand-off drills for the first half of the workout before handing it over to Aaron Corp, who took all but one of the snaps during the practice-ending team period.
- After injuring his knee in Saturday's win, safety Taylor Mays sat out of Monday's practice to rest his mild knee sprain.
- Safety T.J. McDonald snagged an interception during the final team period.
- The Trojans, who practiced without any helmets or pads, conducted the quick workout on Cromwell Field to get accustomed to the FieldTurf they'll be playing on at Washington's Husky Stadium on Saturday.
- Nursing a bruised right shoulder, Matt Barkley didn't participate in any passing drills or passing plays during Monday evening's workout, though he did remain steadily involved in the practice. The freshman quarterback ran the offense on running plays and took part in hand-off drills for the first half of the workout before handing it over to Aaron Corp, who took all but one of the snaps during the practice-ending team period.
- After injuring his knee in Saturday's win, safety Taylor Mays sat out of Monday's practice to rest his mild knee sprain.
- Safety T.J. McDonald snagged an interception during the final team period.
- The Trojans, who practiced without any helmets or pads, conducted the quick workout on Cromwell Field to get accustomed to the FieldTurf they'll be playing on at Washington's Husky Stadium on Saturday.
The Trojans just took the field for their short Monday practice, so we'll return with a report following the workout.
The 60 Minutes feature on Coach Carroll, which has been nominated for an Emmy, will re-air this Sunday night at 7 p.m. on CBS. The piece, seen below, was originally shown in December 2008:
At the end of the team meeting this afternoon in Heritage Auditorium, Coach Carroll made sure his players were done living in the past.
"We have the Ohio State win in our back pockets -- I don't want you to ever forget that," Carroll told the team. "But it's gone now. Today we've got to have a hell of a day. We can't do anything about tomorrow or Wednesday or Washington. We've got to take care of business today so we can play how we're capable of playing this weekend."
"We have the Ohio State win in our back pockets -- I don't want you to ever forget that," Carroll told the team. "But it's gone now. Today we've got to have a hell of a day. We can't do anything about tomorrow or Wednesday or Washington. We've got to take care of business today so we can play how we're capable of playing this weekend."
It was not all roses and rainbows during this afternoon's team meeting.
Instead, it was all truth -- some of it good, some of it bad.
"We deserved it, we won the game," Carroll told his players this afternoon. "But we need to understand how close that was."
The Trojans were kept in the game by an awe-inspiring defense, one that produced two goal-line stands that wound up saving eight points (two field goals instead of two touchdowns) and being the difference-maker in the game.
"Thank God for a defense that just would not back down," Carroll said. "It had to be a defensive night, and they got it done."
Although the game was painfully closer than anyone would have liked, Carroll emphasized how impressive the achievement was for the Trojans, with the 2009 season now just two games old.
"Let's make sure we own this accomplishment," Carroll said. "One-hundred six-thousand and thirty-three people -- we will never play in front of a bigger crowd. Know we can go place like that and get it done."
Instead, it was all truth -- some of it good, some of it bad.
"We deserved it, we won the game," Carroll told his players this afternoon. "But we need to understand how close that was."
The Trojans were kept in the game by an awe-inspiring defense, one that produced two goal-line stands that wound up saving eight points (two field goals instead of two touchdowns) and being the difference-maker in the game.
"Thank God for a defense that just would not back down," Carroll said. "It had to be a defensive night, and they got it done."
Although the game was painfully closer than anyone would have liked, Carroll emphasized how impressive the achievement was for the Trojans, with the 2009 season now just two games old.
"Let's make sure we own this accomplishment," Carroll said. "One-hundred six-thousand and thirty-three people -- we will never play in front of a bigger crowd. Know we can go place like that and get it done."
Here are two cool photos (action shot and post-game) of Mark Sanchez and Brian Cushing together in their NFL debuts on Sunday, from the Houston Texans' website.
It's Tell the Truth Monday at USC -- meetings got started at 2:15 -- and after watching the film, coaches are raving about the Trojan defense in Saturday's 18-15 victory at Ohio State.
"It was a pretty powerful effort by the defense," Coach Carroll said.
The defense packed an especially potent punch in the game's final three quarters. After the first quarter, the USC defense...
Also, the defense showed remarkable perseverance and poise in the face of repeatedly short fields. Of Ohio State's 11 offensive drives in the game, four started in USC territory, but the Trojan defense allowed just six points and forced two punts in that quartet of series. A total of seven Buckeye drives began outside of their own 30, but in those series, the USC defense stunningly gave up just two field goals and forced four punts and a turnover-on-downs.
"It was a pretty powerful effort by the defense," Coach Carroll said.
The defense packed an especially potent punch in the game's final three quarters. After the first quarter, the USC defense...
- Gave up just 117 yards (3.3 yards per play) after allowing 148 yards in the first quarter.
- Allowed only five first downs (after giving up five first downs in the opening quarter).
- Forced four three-and-outs.
Also, the defense showed remarkable perseverance and poise in the face of repeatedly short fields. Of Ohio State's 11 offensive drives in the game, four started in USC territory, but the Trojan defense allowed just six points and forced two punts in that quartet of series. A total of seven Buckeye drives began outside of their own 30, but in those series, the USC defense stunningly gave up just two field goals and forced four punts and a turnover-on-downs.
Further tests have revealed that Matt Barkley has a bruised right shoulder and safety Taylor Mays has a mild right knee sprain, Coach Carroll said this afternoon.
Carroll said Barkley "will be OK" and both he and Mays are expected to practice this week in anticipation of Saturday's Pac-10 opener at Washington.
Carroll said Barkley "will be OK" and both he and Mays are expected to practice this week in anticipation of Saturday's Pac-10 opener at Washington.
The USC-Washington State game at the Coliseum on Sept. 26 will kick off at 7:15 p.m. and be televised nationally on FSN.
Offensive guard Alex Parsons' 22nd birthday is today.
Routine or superstition?
Coaches say the former, though you might have a case for the latter.
The Trojans will practice on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field this afternoon, following in line with a years-old tradition the team employs on the Mondays prior to road games at stadiums with artificial turf. It's a strategy the team used last week before playing -- and winning -- on the FieldTurf at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
Coaches say the former, though you might have a case for the latter.
The Trojans will practice on the FieldTurf of Cromwell Field this afternoon, following in line with a years-old tradition the team employs on the Mondays prior to road games at stadiums with artificial turf. It's a strategy the team used last week before playing -- and winning -- on the FieldTurf at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Carroll goes through film from the Ohio State game during Monday Morning Quarterback today at the Galen Center's Founders Room, where more than 350 fans have assembled to hear Carroll's thoughts on Saturday's 18-15 win.
Coach Carroll conducts a Q&A session during today's Monday Morning Quarterback in the Founders Room at the Galen Center.
Taylor Mays has been recognized as the national player of the week by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Tailback Joe McKnight, who had 105 yards of offense and played a vital role in the game-winning drive at Ohio State, has been named the Pac-10's offensive player of the week.
The first Monday Morning Quarterback of the year is about to begin in the Founders Room of the Galen Center, so Coach Carroll is leaving Heritage Hall now for the weekly film session and Q&A with fans.
Get more info and sign up for future MMQBs here.
Get more info and sign up for future MMQBs here.
As the Trojans turn their attention from Saturday's victory toward this weekend's matchup at Washington, they're essentially looking in the mirror.
With the Husky coaching staff loaded with former Trojans -- including head coach and offensive play-caller Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt -- Washington's offensive and defensive schemes are almost exactly like USC's.
"We're playing against ourselves this weekend," Coach Carroll said.
Besides Sarkisian and Holt, Washington has more Trojan ties in defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin, head strength and conditioning coach Ivan Lewis, director of football operations Dennis Slutak and director of player personnel Jared Blank, who all worked at USC during the last several seasons.
With the Husky coaching staff loaded with former Trojans -- including head coach and offensive play-caller Steve Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Nick Holt -- Washington's offensive and defensive schemes are almost exactly like USC's.
"We're playing against ourselves this weekend," Coach Carroll said.
Besides Sarkisian and Holt, Washington has more Trojan ties in defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin, head strength and conditioning coach Ivan Lewis, director of football operations Dennis Slutak and director of player personnel Jared Blank, who all worked at USC during the last several seasons.
Savor the dramatic win over Ohio State with these excellent photos available for purchase through USCTrojans.com's official photo store.
Tuesday marks Coach Carroll's 58th birthday.
Saturday's game at Washington, which will be regionally televised on ABC, will also be available online at ESPN360.com. The Trojans' Pac-10 opener is set for 12:30 p.m.
One Trojan we neglected to mention is this morning's NFL report was Dallas Cowboys rookie kicker David Buehler, who had six of his seven kickoffs reach the end zone, including three that went for touchbacks. That's three more touchbacks than the Cowboys had all of last season.
Buehler's efforts neutralized the impact of Tampa Bay's Pro Bowl returner, Clifton Smith, and helped deliver the Cowboys a 34-21 victory over the Buccaneers.
Buehler's efforts neutralized the impact of Tampa Bay's Pro Bowl returner, Clifton Smith, and helped deliver the Cowboys a 34-21 victory over the Buccaneers.
Linebacker Michael Morgan does bench press reps this morning, with assistant strength and conditioning coach Jamie Yanchar spotting. After getting Sunday off (or what was left of it after returning to campus around 5 a.m.), the Trojans are back to work this morning with movement-based workouts in Heritage Hall's weight room.
We received numerous e-mails asking why some USC helmets have "Schutt" and some have "Trojans" on the back. Here's the blog entry from last week that explains it all.
On a related note, it's becoming increasingly obvious that Schutt, a football equipment manufacturer, sure is getting its money's worth on the agreement to have its name on the back of some Trojan helmets.
On a related note, it's becoming increasingly obvious that Schutt, a football equipment manufacturer, sure is getting its money's worth on the agreement to have its name on the back of some Trojan helmets.
Senior associate athletic director for football Mark Jackson is celebrating his 37th birthday today.
The kickoff time and TV arrangement for the Sept. 26 Washington State game at the Coliseum will be announced today, so be checking the Blog for the info when it becomes available.
Find out what happened in Trojan athletics during the previous seven days:
- The top-ranked men's water polo team won their only match this week, 12-3, over Long Beach State. The Trojans are a perfect 5-0 and head to Palo Alto this weekend for the NorCal Tournament.
- Women's soccer defeated Gonzaga and Michigan at McAlister Field this past weekend to improve their record to 3-4 on the season. The Women of Troy will travel to Oklahoma this week to face Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.
- The women's volleyball team won four times this week, defeating UC Irvine, Idaho State and Utah Valley twice. The 15th-ranked Women of Troy will play Portland on Friday and Fresno State on Saturday at the Galen Center.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
- The top-ranked men's water polo team won their only match this week, 12-3, over Long Beach State. The Trojans are a perfect 5-0 and head to Palo Alto this weekend for the NorCal Tournament.
- Women's soccer defeated Gonzaga and Michigan at McAlister Field this past weekend to improve their record to 3-4 on the season. The Women of Troy will travel to Oklahoma this week to face Oklahoma State and Oklahoma.
- The women's volleyball team won four times this week, defeating UC Irvine, Idaho State and Utah Valley twice. The 15th-ranked Women of Troy will play Portland on Friday and Fresno State on Saturday at the Galen Center.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
In his NFL debut, rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez went 18-of-31 for 272 yards and one touchdown in the New York Jets' 24-7 win over Houston, and see his first career touchdown pass here:
Check out the highlighted performances of USC alumni during Thursday and Sunday's action in Week 1 of the NFL season:
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
- Safety Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers) recorded six tackles and one interception on Thursday night in the win over Tennessee.
- Tailback LenDale White (Tennessee Titans) rushed eight times for 28 yards in the Titans' loss.
- Tailback Reggie Bush (New Orleans Saints) rushed seven times for 14 yards and caught five passes for 55 yards in the Saints' 45-27 win over Detroit.
- Quarterback Mark Sanchez (New York Jets) completed 18-of-31 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown in the Jets' 24-7 win over Houston.
- Linebacker Brian Cushing (Houston Texans) led the team with eight tackles in the Texans' loss.
- Quarterback Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) completed 21-of-33 passes for 247 yards in the Bengals' 12-7 loss to Denver.
- Linebacker Rey Maualuga (Cincinnati Bengals) had eight tackles in his NFL debut.
- Linebacker Keith Rivers (Cincinnati Bengals) had five tackles in the Bengals' loss.
- Wideout Steve Smith (New York Giants) led the team with six receptions totaling 80 yards.
- Linebacker Lofa Tatupu (Seattle Seahawks) had three tackles, including one sack, in the Seahawks' 28-0 win over St. Louis.
- By Ricky Cambier, USCRipsIt student assistant
With the glow of Saturday night's memorable victory still brightly gleaming -- after all, the team returned to campus just a little more than 24 hours ago -- the Trojan coaches are already deep into Washington game plan work, as all of their Ohio State game review was done on Sunday afternoon.
Sleep-deprived but buoyed by excitement and energy, the Trojans are getting to work this morning with essentially all their focus now on Washington.
Sleep-deprived but buoyed by excitement and energy, the Trojans are getting to work this morning with essentially all their focus now on Washington.
Get all of the USCRipsIt coverage from the Trojans' 18-15 win at Ohio State on Saturday night:
- 'We came through -- just like Trojans do:' Carroll's post-game locker room speech
- Pictures from the 18-15 victory: Behind the scenes with the Trojans on game day
- Images of a budding star: Matt Barkley photos
- What about the noise?: Ohio Stadium's loud crowd
- Inside the game-winning drive: The mood and energy on the sideline
- News and notes: Tidbits from the sideline
- Notable numbers: Key stats
- Peak performers: Top players
- Just the facts: Stats and AP recap
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Check out some behind-the-scenes photos from Saturday's 18-15 comeback victory at Ohio State (all photos by Ben Malcolmson, USCRipsIt):
Coach Carroll and Jim Tressel chat at midfield prior to the game.
Special teamers Jordan Congdon (38), Jake Harfman (48) and Joe Houston (30) run onto the field for warm-ups.
With a full stadium behind them, the players walk up the ramp from the field toward the locker room after warm-ups.
The linebackers sit and wait in the locker room before the game.
Defensive backs Will Harris, Kevin Thomas and Josh Pinkard take some moments to themselves in the locker room before the game.
Offensive guard Alex Parsons taps the "I'm In" sign before leaving the locker room and taking the field.
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel holds the team at the ramp leading down to the field before kickoff.
The Trojans come together before entering the field to start Saturday's game.
At the start of halftime, Coach Carroll gets up and shares a few thoughts with his team.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. talks with his players during halftime.
At the end of halftime, Coach Carroll brings his team together.
Coach Carroll watches the second-half action.
The final score after a wild ending.
Coach Carroll shares his thoughts and excitement with the players in the locker room after the victory.
The Trojans sing the fight song in the locker room after the win.
Coach Carroll and Jim Tressel chat at midfield prior to the game.
Special teamers Jordan Congdon (38), Jake Harfman (48) and Joe Houston (30) run onto the field for warm-ups.
With a full stadium behind them, the players walk up the ramp from the field toward the locker room after warm-ups.
The linebackers sit and wait in the locker room before the game.
Defensive backs Will Harris, Kevin Thomas and Josh Pinkard take some moments to themselves in the locker room before the game.
Offensive guard Alex Parsons taps the "I'm In" sign before leaving the locker room and taking the field.
Offensive line coach Pat Ruel holds the team at the ramp leading down to the field before kickoff.
The Trojans come together before entering the field to start Saturday's game.
At the start of halftime, Coach Carroll gets up and shares a few thoughts with his team.
Linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. talks with his players during halftime.
At the end of halftime, Coach Carroll brings his team together.
Coach Carroll watches the second-half action.
The final score after a wild ending.
Coach Carroll shares his thoughts and excitement with the players in the locker room after the victory.
The Trojans sing the fight song in the locker room after the win.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Just minutes after USC had secured an improbable triumph against the stunned Buckeyes, the Trojans stuffed into their tiny locker room at Ohio Stadium, filling it with excitement, joy and achievement.
A win of utmost satisfaction was theirs.
"Let's cherish the moment," a jubilant Coach Carroll bellowed in the locker room after the dramatic 18-15 comeback victory at Ohio State on Saturday night. "We came through -- just like Trojans do."
A game for the ages, one that will most likely be remembered forever, could be summed up with two rhetorical questions from Coach Carroll.
"Doesn't it feel great?" Carroll, grinning ear to ear, said to his players in the locker room. "Now wasn't that cool?"
He was referring to the team's three-point victory as well as the stunning final drive, which saw Matt Barkley lead the Trojans from their own 5-yard line all the way to the game-winning touchdown with 1:05 remaining. The USC sideline became electric during the drive, with players dancing, chanting and singing "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes as the Trojan offense charged downfield toward the victory.
The song later provided the background for a freestyle rap-like rundown of the game by Carroll, who rattled off one lesson after another while his players raucously hummed the catchy tune in the locker room.
"It doesn't matter what happens out there early in the game," Carroll said, his players grooving along around him. "As long as you keep battling, keep believing, it will come true.
"It just shows us how important it is to finish."
So as the raspy-voiced Trojans hugged, yelped and smiled their way off the field and out of Ohio Stadium on Saturday night, Carroll had a few more words for his buoyant team.
"Two-and-oh doesn't mean anything unless you go 3-0," Carroll said. "This game's over, we can't do anything about this game now. Let's celebrate tonight, but we've got to come back to work on Monday."
The wild celebration continued on, but the Trojans knew the future was just around the corner.
After all, many more memories and wins are waiting to be captured in 2009.
A win of utmost satisfaction was theirs.
"Let's cherish the moment," a jubilant Coach Carroll bellowed in the locker room after the dramatic 18-15 comeback victory at Ohio State on Saturday night. "We came through -- just like Trojans do."A game for the ages, one that will most likely be remembered forever, could be summed up with two rhetorical questions from Coach Carroll.
"Doesn't it feel great?" Carroll, grinning ear to ear, said to his players in the locker room. "Now wasn't that cool?"
He was referring to the team's three-point victory as well as the stunning final drive, which saw Matt Barkley lead the Trojans from their own 5-yard line all the way to the game-winning touchdown with 1:05 remaining. The USC sideline became electric during the drive, with players dancing, chanting and singing "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes as the Trojan offense charged downfield toward the victory.
The song later provided the background for a freestyle rap-like rundown of the game by Carroll, who rattled off one lesson after another while his players raucously hummed the catchy tune in the locker room.
"It doesn't matter what happens out there early in the game," Carroll said, his players grooving along around him. "As long as you keep battling, keep believing, it will come true.
"It just shows us how important it is to finish."
So as the raspy-voiced Trojans hugged, yelped and smiled their way off the field and out of Ohio Stadium on Saturday night, Carroll had a few more words for his buoyant team."Two-and-oh doesn't mean anything unless you go 3-0," Carroll said. "This game's over, we can't do anything about this game now. Let's celebrate tonight, but we've got to come back to work on Monday."
The wild celebration continued on, but the Trojans knew the future was just around the corner.
After all, many more memories and wins are waiting to be captured in 2009.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are photos from Matt Barkley's impressive night at Ohio State on Saturday, when he led the game-winning drive in the fourth quarter (all photos by Ben Malcolmson, USCRipsIt):
Matt Barkley sits silently at his locker prior to the game.
With center Kristofer O'Dowd snapping, Matt Barkley goes through warm-ups.
As the Goodyear blimp flies overhead, Matt Barkley stands at midfield during warm-ups.
Matt Barkley leads the huddle during warm-ups prior to kickoff.
Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates goes over adjustments with Matt Barkley in the locker room at halftime.
Standing on the sideline after the game-winning drive, Matt Barkley is all smiles.
After the win, Coach Carroll walks into the locker room with Matt Barkley.
Matt Barkley appears on ESPN's "College GameDay" on the field after the miraculous win.
Matt Barkley sits silently at his locker prior to the game.
With center Kristofer O'Dowd snapping, Matt Barkley goes through warm-ups.
As the Goodyear blimp flies overhead, Matt Barkley stands at midfield during warm-ups.
Matt Barkley leads the huddle during warm-ups prior to kickoff.
Quarterbacks coach Jeremy Bates goes over adjustments with Matt Barkley in the locker room at halftime.
Standing on the sideline after the game-winning drive, Matt Barkley is all smiles.
After the win, Coach Carroll walks into the locker room with Matt Barkley.
Matt Barkley appears on ESPN's "College GameDay" on the field after the miraculous win.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Just how loud was it on the field at Ohio Stadium on Saturday night?
Earsplitting, painful and maddening, just to name a few descriptors.
The noise at Ohio Stadium, a 106,000-seat bandbox and madhouse wrapped into one, was the most sustained and thunderous sound that a consensus among the Trojans had ever experienced. While Oregon's Autzen Stadium can reach epic noise levels and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium got pretty loud, nothing quite matches what the Ohio Stadium crowd produced for about 59 straight minutes on Saturday night.
Because the Trojans captured the win, Coach Carroll officially declared in the locker room afterward that the crowd was a nonfactor, though the offense's communication was definitely altered during the game. When Matt Barkley was at the line of scrimmage, oftentimes his guards and almost always his tackles couldn't hear his cadence. The linemen would go off the movement of the center, creating a chain reaction at the snap.
It was so loud whenever the Trojans had the ball that coaches and players had to strain to even have a conversation on the sideline, usually being forced to yell into the other person's ear to overcome the din.
But the greatest and most poignant sound of all came with 1:05 left in the game.
Utter silence.
The crowd of 106,033 turned off as Stafon Johnson ran into the end zone, allowing room for the Trojans to wildly celebrate and soak in the unbelievable game-winning drive.
Earsplitting, painful and maddening, just to name a few descriptors.
The noise at Ohio Stadium, a 106,000-seat bandbox and madhouse wrapped into one, was the most sustained and thunderous sound that a consensus among the Trojans had ever experienced. While Oregon's Autzen Stadium can reach epic noise levels and Nebraska's Memorial Stadium got pretty loud, nothing quite matches what the Ohio Stadium crowd produced for about 59 straight minutes on Saturday night.
Because the Trojans captured the win, Coach Carroll officially declared in the locker room afterward that the crowd was a nonfactor, though the offense's communication was definitely altered during the game. When Matt Barkley was at the line of scrimmage, oftentimes his guards and almost always his tackles couldn't hear his cadence. The linemen would go off the movement of the center, creating a chain reaction at the snap.
It was so loud whenever the Trojans had the ball that coaches and players had to strain to even have a conversation on the sideline, usually being forced to yell into the other person's ear to overcome the din.
But the greatest and most poignant sound of all came with 1:05 left in the game.
Utter silence.
The crowd of 106,033 turned off as Stafon Johnson ran into the end zone, allowing room for the Trojans to wildly celebrate and soak in the unbelievable game-winning drive.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Check out some behind-the-scenes tidbits from the sidelines during and after USC's incredible game-winning drive at the end of the fourth quarter:- With the Trojans down, 15-10, going into what ended up being their final drive, the USC sideline became renewed with excitement, as the players and coaches knew this could be the chance to snatch a victory. And even when the first two plays went for a loss, the players and coaches on the sideline remained fervent in support of the offense. It paid off, with the next 13 plays leading the Trojans 95 yards to the game-winning touchdown.
- The sideline was buzzing with so much energy as the drive marched onward, each completion or run increasing the excitement and anticipation for what felt almost certain. The players on the sideline chanted and sang throughout the series, creating a powerful force that seemingly propelled the offense to the end zone at the closed end of the horseshoe.
- As Stafon Johnson bounced outside and had a clear path to the end zone for the touchdown, the ear-ringing noise that had filled Ohio Stadium for nearly four quarters was instantly vacuumed out, with the only din coming from the celebratory Trojan sideline. Even though it was coming from only about 100 players and coaches, it seemed like enough noise to fill the stadium to deafening levels.
- When the game ended, the players went over to the Trojan Marching Band and the USC section in the corner of Ohio Stadium to celebrate before running up the ramp to the locker room -- while chanting "We are SC!" the whole way up.
- After the game-winning drive and post-game celebration, the Trojans were riding such a high that they probably could've gotten home early Sunday morning without the charter plane.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are some odds and ends from the sidelines and in the locker room before, during and after USC's miraculous 18-15 comeback win at Ohio State on Saturday night:
- Coach Carroll's halftime speech packed a punch and provided the players with some perspective. "Just do things right one play at a time," Carroll told the team. "We don't need to make stuff up. You can't win this game in the first or second quarter. Let's be patient with this and we'll come out and win this in the second half."
- Trojan greats Marcus Allen, Anthony Munoz and Charles White watched the game from the USC sidelines, along with comedian Will Ferrell.
- Four portable light standards were brought in to illuminate the field for Saturday's game, since Ohio State hardly ever hosts night games and therefore doesn't have permanent light fixtures. It created a poorly and oddly lit arena on Saturday night, at least more so than the Coliseum or another stadium with permanent stadium lights.
- Coach Carroll's halftime speech packed a punch and provided the players with some perspective. "Just do things right one play at a time," Carroll told the team. "We don't need to make stuff up. You can't win this game in the first or second quarter. Let's be patient with this and we'll come out and win this in the second half."
- Trojan greats Marcus Allen, Anthony Munoz and Charles White watched the game from the USC sidelines, along with comedian Will Ferrell.
- Four portable light standards were brought in to illuminate the field for Saturday's game, since Ohio State hardly ever hosts night games and therefore doesn't have permanent light fixtures. It created a poorly and oddly lit arena on Saturday night, at least more so than the Coliseum or another stadium with permanent stadium lights.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Check out some key stats from Saturday night's 18-15 victory at Ohio State:
- Wideout Damian Williams led the Trojans with five catches for 51 yards.
- Taylor Mays had a team-high eight tackles, while linebacker Michael Morgan had seven, including two for loss.
- The Trojan defense limited Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor to just 177 yards on 11-for-25 passing and 36 rushing yards on 10 carries.
- The attendance of 106,033 set a new Ohio Stadium record.
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Here are USC's stars during Saturday night's come-from-behind 18-15 win at Ohio State:
- The defense: Facing short fields all night (four Ohio State drives started inside USC territory), the defense held stout and limited the Buckeyes to only 13 points and just 265 total yards of offense. After Ohio State's 72-yard scoring drive in the first quarter, USC's lockdown defense kept the Trojans in the game and eventually put them in position to win.
- The offensive line: While the rushing yardage doesn't look too pretty (just 118 yards on the ground), the USC offensive line became the driving force in USC's game-winning series. After the sack to open the drive, the O-line protected Matt Barkley (he didn't get touched again) and paved the way for several big rushes, including two third-down quarterback sneaks that demoralized the Buckeyes. In total on Saturday, Barkley had four successful sneaks up the middle in key situations, all thanks to USC's overpowering offensive line.
- Joe McKnight: The stud tailback ran for 60 yards and had 45 receiving yards on the night, with 53 of those total yards coming on the game-winning drive. He also scored the two-point conversion to give the Trojans a three-point lead.
- Matt Barkley: On the game-winning drive, the freshman quarterback went 3-for-5 for 55 yards and smoothly guided the Trojans 86 yards in 14 plays over more than six minutes.
- Stafon Johnson: For the second straight game, Johnson scored two touchdowns, providing a near-guarantee for the Trojans in short-yardage situations.
- The defense: Facing short fields all night (four Ohio State drives started inside USC territory), the defense held stout and limited the Buckeyes to only 13 points and just 265 total yards of offense. After Ohio State's 72-yard scoring drive in the first quarter, USC's lockdown defense kept the Trojans in the game and eventually put them in position to win.
- The offensive line: While the rushing yardage doesn't look too pretty (just 118 yards on the ground), the USC offensive line became the driving force in USC's game-winning series. After the sack to open the drive, the O-line protected Matt Barkley (he didn't get touched again) and paved the way for several big rushes, including two third-down quarterback sneaks that demoralized the Buckeyes. In total on Saturday, Barkley had four successful sneaks up the middle in key situations, all thanks to USC's overpowering offensive line.
- Joe McKnight: The stud tailback ran for 60 yards and had 45 receiving yards on the night, with 53 of those total yards coming on the game-winning drive. He also scored the two-point conversion to give the Trojans a three-point lead.
- Matt Barkley: On the game-winning drive, the freshman quarterback went 3-for-5 for 55 yards and smoothly guided the Trojans 86 yards in 14 plays over more than six minutes.
- Stafon Johnson: For the second straight game, Johnson scored two touchdowns, providing a near-guarantee for the Trojans in short-yardage situations.
After a night that included an unforgettable 18-15 win and a cross-country flight, the Trojans have arrived back in L.A.
Their charter flight left Port Columbus International Airport at 2:30 a.m. Eastern time and landed at LAX at 4 a.m. Pacific time after a very quiet trip void of any wild celebrations (players were tired after the long day and tough game). Buses then brought the team back to campus, where the Trojans arrived after 4:45 a.m.
The players are now off to bed and will get Sunday off, while the coaches will be back to work to dive into the Washington game plan on Sunday afternoon.
In a hangar-turned-security checkpoint at Port Columbus International Airport, safety Taylor Mays gets checked by security. The Trojans departed Columbus around 2:30 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday morning, about three hours after their 18-15 victory over the Buckeyes.
Players deplane their charter flight at LAX a little after 4 a.m. on Sunday morning after their trip back from Columbus.
Their charter flight left Port Columbus International Airport at 2:30 a.m. Eastern time and landed at LAX at 4 a.m. Pacific time after a very quiet trip void of any wild celebrations (players were tired after the long day and tough game). Buses then brought the team back to campus, where the Trojans arrived after 4:45 a.m.
The players are now off to bed and will get Sunday off, while the coaches will be back to work to dive into the Washington game plan on Sunday afternoon.
In a hangar-turned-security checkpoint at Port Columbus International Airport, safety Taylor Mays gets checked by security. The Trojans departed Columbus around 2:30 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday morning, about three hours after their 18-15 victory over the Buckeyes.
Players deplane their charter flight at LAX a little after 4 a.m. on Sunday morning after their trip back from Columbus.
DUBLIN, Ohio -- The time has come.
After hours, days and weeks of restless waiting, the Trojans are close to departing their team hotel in suburban Columbus and heading to Ohio Stadium, where they'll begin warm-ups prior to tonight's game against Ohio State, which will kick off at 8:10 p.m. Eastern time.
The contest will be televised nationally on ESPN (and broadcast on several other platforms, as well). Immediately following the game, the Trojans will board a charter flight and return to L.A., with an estimated arrival set for 3 a.m. Pacific time.
We'll have a full behind-the-scenes game report upon touchdown in L.A. early Sunday morning, but in the meantime, we'll be posting occasional updates from pre-game and the trip back to California at http://twitter.com/USCRipsIt. Below is the Trojans' minute-by-minute schedule for the rest of the night:
5:30 p.m. • Depart hotel
6:10 p.m. • Arrive at Ohio Stadium
6:59 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
7:26 p.m. • Stretch begins
7:48 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
8:05 p.m. • Trojans take the field
8:10 p.m. • Kickoff
2 a.m. • Estimated departure from Port Columbus International Airport
3 a.m. (PDT) • Estimated arrival at LAX
After hours, days and weeks of restless waiting, the Trojans are close to departing their team hotel in suburban Columbus and heading to Ohio Stadium, where they'll begin warm-ups prior to tonight's game against Ohio State, which will kick off at 8:10 p.m. Eastern time.
The contest will be televised nationally on ESPN (and broadcast on several other platforms, as well). Immediately following the game, the Trojans will board a charter flight and return to L.A., with an estimated arrival set for 3 a.m. Pacific time.
We'll have a full behind-the-scenes game report upon touchdown in L.A. early Sunday morning, but in the meantime, we'll be posting occasional updates from pre-game and the trip back to California at http://twitter.com/USCRipsIt. Below is the Trojans' minute-by-minute schedule for the rest of the night:
5:30 p.m. • Depart hotel
6:10 p.m. • Arrive at Ohio Stadium
6:59 p.m. • Warm-ups begin
7:26 p.m. • Stretch begins
7:48 p.m. • USC returns to locker room
8:05 p.m. • Trojans take the field
8:10 p.m. • Kickoff
2 a.m. • Estimated departure from Port Columbus International Airport
3 a.m. (PDT) • Estimated arrival at LAX
DUBLIN, Ohio -- Today might be the longest day of the year for the Trojans.
It started in central Ohio this morning and will end Sunday morning in L.A. -- with meetings, meals, a nationally televised game and a cross-country flight in between. With the game not expected to end until close to midnight Eastern time, the team's charter back to LAX is estimated to depart Columbus around 2 a.m., making the arrival back in southern California well after 3 a.m. Pacific time.
A short bus ride later, and the Trojans should be back on campus around 4 or 5 a.m. Pacific time, about 21 hours after Saturday morning's wake-up call.
It started in central Ohio this morning and will end Sunday morning in L.A. -- with meetings, meals, a nationally televised game and a cross-country flight in between. With the game not expected to end until close to midnight Eastern time, the team's charter back to LAX is estimated to depart Columbus around 2 a.m., making the arrival back in southern California well after 3 a.m. Pacific time.
A short bus ride later, and the Trojans should be back on campus around 4 or 5 a.m. Pacific time, about 21 hours after Saturday morning's wake-up call.
DUBLIN, Ohio -- USC is one step closer to kickoff.
The Trojans just wrapped up their final pre-game meetings at the hotel, churning through a wild pump-up session, a special teams roll call and offensive and defensive walk-thrus before sitting down for their pre-game meal, which they'll eat in silence.
"What a beautiful day for playing ball," Coach Carroll said at the start of the pre-game meal while strolling between the tables of players. "Let's celebrate being Trojans today."
In a hotel ballroom this afternoon, the players come together for a "Trojans" chant at the end of the special teams roll call.
The defense conducts its walk-thru in the parking lot of the team hotel this afternoon, just four hours before kickoff.
The Trojans just wrapped up their final pre-game meetings at the hotel, churning through a wild pump-up session, a special teams roll call and offensive and defensive walk-thrus before sitting down for their pre-game meal, which they'll eat in silence.
"What a beautiful day for playing ball," Coach Carroll said at the start of the pre-game meal while strolling between the tables of players. "Let's celebrate being Trojans today."
In a hotel ballroom this afternoon, the players come together for a "Trojans" chant at the end of the special teams roll call.
The defense conducts its walk-thru in the parking lot of the team hotel this afternoon, just four hours before kickoff.
DUBLIN, Ohio -- The Trojans are about to convene in a hotel ballroom for their final block of pre-game meetings, consisting of a chaotic pump-up session, a special teams roll call and walk-thrus for the offense and defense. The pre-game meal follows, and the team will depart its suburban Columbus hotel at 5:30 p.m.
Today at Ohio Stadium, a worker sets up one of the eight 3D cameras that will be used for the special 3D showing of tonight's USC-Ohio State game at five locations around the U.S., including one at USC's Galen Center. [Photo courtesy of Bob Whitehill of Pixar]
DUBLIN, Ohio -- Besides the player-elected team captains -- Jeff Byers, Damian Williams, Taylor Mays and Josh Pinkard -- two other Trojans have been selected by coaches as today's game captains. Linebacker Shane Horton will represent the special teams and offensive lineman Kevin Graf will represent the service teams during tonight's game.
The weather is absolutely perfect in central Ohio this afternoon, with temperatures in the mid-70s and bright sun shining. It's forecasted to get into the 60s during the game tonight, with clear skies and no rain expected.
DUBLIN, Ohio -- Rick Carr is trying his best to wear two hats today.
A Tennessee one and a USC one.
As the Trojans' director of team security, Carr is with USC in Columbus today, but his son JR is a freshman long snapper for Tennessee, which is playing UCLA in Knoxville this afternoon.
"At least it's on TV," Carr said of the Tennessee-UCLA game, set to kickoff on ESPN at 4 p.m. Eastern. "I'll be able to catch the first half before we leave."
Carr, in his 21st year with USC, has been forced to subscribe to the SEC satellite package and will watch nearly all the Volunteer games on TiVo after returning from his duties with the Trojans, which include being Coach Carroll's bodyguard on road trips and game days. Carr said he's planning on flying out to see his son play during USC's two bye weekends later this season.
"And hopefully I'll get to go to their bowl game," Carr said.
A Tennessee one and a USC one.
As the Trojans' director of team security, Carr is with USC in Columbus today, but his son JR is a freshman long snapper for Tennessee, which is playing UCLA in Knoxville this afternoon.
"At least it's on TV," Carr said of the Tennessee-UCLA game, set to kickoff on ESPN at 4 p.m. Eastern. "I'll be able to catch the first half before we leave."
Carr, in his 21st year with USC, has been forced to subscribe to the SEC satellite package and will watch nearly all the Volunteer games on TiVo after returning from his duties with the Trojans, which include being Coach Carroll's bodyguard on road trips and game days. Carr said he's planning on flying out to see his son play during USC's two bye weekends later this season.
"And hopefully I'll get to go to their bowl game," Carr said.
Here's how you can watch, listen to or follow tonight's USC-Ohio State game:
- Kickoff: 8:10 p.m. Eastern time (5:10 p.m. Pacific)
- National TV: ESPN (Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit, Lisa Salters)
- Local L.A. radio: ESPN 710-AM
- National radio: Touchdown Radio
- Internet stream: ESPN360.com
- Internet play-by-play: USCTrojans.com Game Tracker
DUBLIN, Ohio -- Tom Petty was right: Waiting is the hardest part.
With tonight's game being their latest kickoff time in nearly five seasons, the Trojans are doing a lot of sitting and waiting today, and most of it quite anxiously, as the players and coaches pass the hours away toward the 8:10 p.m. kickoff.
"We've got to be patient about this," Coach Carroll told the players in the team meeting on Friday night. "It's going to take a while for this day to happen."
The full day of waiting -- the team doesn't leave its hotel until 5:30 p.m. tonight -- is magnified when put in comparison to last week's game day, when the Trojans woke up, had meetings and went to the Coliseum f
With tonight's game being their latest kickoff time in nearly five seasons, the Trojans are doing a lot of sitting and waiting today, and most of it quite anxiously, as the players and coaches pass the hours away toward the 8:10 p.m. kickoff.
"We've got to be patient about this," Coach Carroll told the players in the team meeting on Friday night. "It's going to take a while for this day to happen."
The full day of waiting -- the team doesn't leave its hotel until 5:30 p.m. tonight -- is magnified when put in comparison to last week's game day, when the Trojans woke up, had meetings and went to the Coliseum f