The Trojans are back on the practice field boosted by Saturday's emotional victory.
- Marquis Simmons was sporting a neck brace. He sprained his neck on a collision against Utah, but he expects to play this week. With Simmons out, freshman LB Tre Madden moves up to the second team on the depth chart.
- Otherwise, the injury report was standard with Cyrus Hobbi and Martin Coleman out. Abe Markowitz is practicing on a limited basis.
- Despite few injuries, Lane Kiffin is giving some young players an opportunity to shake up the lineup. Anthony Brown is pushing Tony Burnett and Torin Harris for playing time. "It's his chance to get a turn," Kiffin said about Brown. "[He's] physical, a good tackler and really wants to be good."
- When Harris left the field with cramps against Utah, LB Dion Bailey became the nickel corner not Brown. "I am trying to get in my DB mentality when I'm at nickel," Bailey said. "I can't be out there playing like a linebacker that definitely wouldn't be good."
- Bailey has had a strong start to the campaign, including snuffing out the Utes fake punt attempt. "I played well for my first two collegiate games," he said. "I had a good week two; I'm trying to have a better week three."
In the continuing effort to solidify the offensive guard spots, true freshmen Aundrey Walker and Marcus Martin were on the first team today. "We're going to give the young guys a shot," Kiffin said. - "I'm just trying to get in," said Walker, who enjoyed his first college playing time Saturday. "I was just amazed. Growing up as a little kid, I watched it and now I'm actually in it, it was like crazy."
- Lane Kiffin has not named a starting running back as of yet for the Syracuse game, but Marc Tyler (photo by John McGillen) feels that he is no place to complain. "I don't really have any voice to say anything right now, just shut up and play," said the senior, who is just happy to be out there.
- Kiffin reiterated that Kris Albarado will redshirt, so Kyle Negrete is not in any punting competition. While some of the punts were ugly in week two, the coaches' priority is avoiding punt returns.
- Kyle Prater did get a couple snaps Saturday, but he has not been a factor yet despite his five-star reputation. "He really just hasn't been able to get into the groove," Kiffin said about Prater who is finally healthy after a year and a half of injuries.
- TE Christian Thomas is a big time athlete who opened eyes as a freshman, but he has been hurt most of this season. He showed a great burst of speed on a catch and run today.
- Freshman DT Christian Heyward dominated during one-on-ones. Kiffin mentioned him as a possibility for playing time after week one, but he did not get in against Utah.
- An extended media chat with Lane Kiffin today...
Don't forget to advertise the game-time chat. I really enjoyed the chat during the Utah game, but I found it by accident. I'm sure more people will join if they know about it in advance. Thanks, Rob Rae '81