Compiled by USCTrojans.com blog contributor Ben Weiss
Rivalry week part one began today with preparation for the battle over the coveted Shillelagh in temperatures that felt only slightly warmer than those in Oregon. A few notes on how the Trojans are looking to bounce back from their cold performance in Corvallis...
Rivalry week part one began today with preparation for the battle over the coveted Shillelagh in temperatures that felt only slightly warmer than those in Oregon. A few notes on how the Trojans are looking to bounce back from their cold performance in Corvallis...
- Mitch Mustain took about 90 percent of the quarterback reps in practice, with John Manoogian filling the other ten percent. Although Matt Barkley watched the first half of practice in sweats and walking with crutches and a boot on his left leg, Coach Lane Kiffin has not yet ruled him out for Saturday, and was hopeful that the quarterback could practice on Wednesday. "We've had two or three guys who haven't practiced on Tuesdays and start (that week)," Kiffin remarked. He also confirmed that even without taking a practice snap this week, if Barkley were healthy enough to play on Saturday, he will.
- With all the hoopla surrounding the quarterback situation, the defense made sure that it got some attention out on Howard Jones field tonight. Kiffin called it an "aggressive and spirited performance," and unlike any he had seen since his previous tenure as the Trojans' offensive coordinator. They'll need to maintain that intensity - although the Irish no longer have the tandem of Jimmy Clausen and Golden Tate, offensive-minded Head Coach Brian Kelly has still managed to help the team average 26.3 points per game, despite a slew of injuries.
- One of the people tasked with shutting down the Irish attack is linebacker Chris Galippo, who was heavily recruited in South Bend before signing with USC. After suffering a concussion against Oregon State, Galippo watched practice from the sidelines, but is experiencing minimal effects from the injury. He underwent the requisite regimen of health measurements, and afterward said that he actually scored higher the Sunday after the OSU game than he did previously this year.
- In preparing for the Notre Dame offense, Galippo knows that he has his work cut out for him. "They're probably one of the top three O-lines that we've faced this year," He said. "Walking off the bus, they look like they're an NFL offensive line."
- Despite not traveling to Oregon State and his status for Notre Dame still unclear because of an incident involving an agent, Dillon Baxter continued to practice. The team is awaiting a response from the compliance department regarding Baxter's eligibility to return on Saturday.
- The team has apparently cut ties with highly recruited freshman Markeith Ambles, as Kiffin declared that he is no longer a part of the USC football program. Ambles struggled to break into the rotation at wide receiver this year, and was ineligible to redshirt after appearing in games earlier this season.
- The Irish are a familiar program to kicker Joe Houston, who was raised in a household of Notre Dame supporters. Since joining the Trojans three seasons ago, Houston's family has made the rare switch of allegiances between rival teams. "We're definitely Cardinal and Gold all the way," Houston said. The contest also represents Houston's final game in the Coliseum, and what better way than to face an old friend. "Growing up rooting for a team and then playing against them is going to be something special. This is as big as they get. It's a dream come true."
third bullet point- One of the people tasked with shutting down the Irish attack is linebacker Chris Galippo, who was heavily recruited in South Bend before singing with USC.
signing. not singing although maybe he does that too?
What did Markeith Ambles do? Could I get his scholarship? They could use me in their Tackle Drills!
When are the sanctions official? Is there a chance the NCAA will bring up some new issues, like the Joe McKnight SUV, during the appeal process? What about the recruiting lies from Baxter? The sanctions might be worse!
I get the feeling the football program is starting a downward spiral. What can we do to turn the program around in the right direction?
No way the Irish win this game. They're TERRIBLE!!
This 2010 team was loaded with talent. I feel we should have a much better record.