The 83-play scrimmage served as the closest thing to a dress rehearsal before the September 1 opener versus Hawaii at the Coliseum.
Click here for the complete scrimmage recap and stats.
Click here for the complete scrimmage recap and stats.
- Dominant Defense - The defense forced five turnovers (four interceptions) and stopped the offense on downs twice in an impressive performance against one of the nation's best offenses. While the offense had the better of it all week, the D responded on the live stage Sunday. "The higher the turnover ratio, the better the team," said senior captain T.J. McDonald, who had a pick. "Execution is something that is going to fuel emotion." McDonald and Lane Kiffin singled out Gerald Bowman as a standout in the secondary.
Sluggish Offense - On the other side, the first team offense never got in sync. Many of the star players sat out the first half, which featured live tackling, and then came out in the second half and looked out of sorts. Matt Barkley (8/19 for 119 yards) led just one touchdown drive (25-yard pass to FB Soma Vainuku) and threw two interceptions. "We didn't play very well at any of our [offensive] position groups," Kiffin said. "You saw Matt make some decisions that he usually doesn't make and I think that was a product of being frustrated."
- Scrimmage Starr - Freshman LB Scott Starr was one of the MVPs of the game. He grabbed two interceptions, while leading the defensive effort from his middle linebacker position. Starr arrived a semester early and the added knowledge is paying dividends. "I feel like a different player from the spring," Starr said. "Now, it is starting to slow down for me."
- Conservative Kessler - While Max Wittek (6/16 for 104 yards) threw two interceptions, Cody Kessler kept a clean sheet, while leading two of the game's three touchdown drives. However, he was hardly perfect going 3/8 for just 29 yards and a TD pass. His best play came on a 17-yard scramble. "It was kind of a busted play, but I saw no one there, so I thought I might as well take off," said Kessler. Kiffin said he is no closer to naming a backup quarterback.
- Position Battles - Kiffin wants some time to watch the tape before he assesses the situation at strong safety between Demetrius Wright and Jawanza Starling and left tackle between Aundrey Walker and Max Tuerk. Walker did have a false start which has been an issue at times during camp.
- Lee Apologizes - The offensive frustration came to a head when Marqise Lee pushed Ryan Dillard in the facemask after the whistle. Lee was then benched for the rest of the game. The walk-on cornerback had kept Lee from a sure touchdown by committing a pass interference penalty and Lee boiled over. He took it upon himself to apologize to the entire team and coaching staff after practice.
Extra point...
- More notable stats: RB Silas Redd (9 carries for 59 yards and a fumble); RB D.J. Morgan (7 carries for 31 yards and a TD); WR Robert Woods (4 catches for 67 yards); WR Nelson Agholor (3 catches for 33 yards); WR Victor Blackwell (3 catches for 39 yards and a TD); LB Jabari Ruffin (4 tackles); DT George Uko (INT) and CB Kevon Seymour (forced fumble).
Here is the head coach on his improved defense and disappointing offense...
(Photo by John McGillen)
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