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.
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