Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
The Trojans began final preparations before tomorrow's scrimmage at the Coliseum.
The Trojans began final preparations before tomorrow's scrimmage at the Coliseum.
- Only two weeks remain until the 2012 season opener and it was announced today that USC is ranked number one in the AP Poll. Coaches and players are pleased with the top-ranking and cite that it is great for USC fans and the university itself, especially after the two-year bowl ban.
- Head Coach Lane Kiffin believes the rankings are a positive thing for the university but it does not mean anything for the USC football program. "It doesn't mean a whole lot to us because it will always be about the way we practice," Kiffin said. "That will help us win games this year. However, I do think it's great for our fans and our university after everything we have been through."
- QB Matt Barkley was quick to add that the team should remain focused and not become too caught up in the preseason hype. "If you focus on where we are in the rankings, you get complacent, which is something we definitely do not want. We need to have a mindset like last year," Barkley said.
- This season the USC offense intends to play two tight ends frequently. With that being said, the Trojans will need to rely on a third TE that will be a well-suited fit for the offensive scheme. Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick has had quite an influence already and has impressed Coach Kiffin with his play thus far.
- USC will hold its second scrimmage of Fall Camp in the Coliseum tomorrow. The scrimmage will be beneficial to the Trojan roster in putting them in a game-like scenario.
- Kiffin mention three particular things that he is looking for in tomorrow's scrimmage: defensive line play, defensive tackling and how the younger players have progressed since the last scrimmage and throughout camp.
- As the defensive line has struggled with depth issues throughout Fall Camp, the scrimmage will be a good indicator in how they have adapted and how a younger defensive line will be able to step up in crucial situations.
- Both RBs Curtis McNeal and Silas Redd had notable performances in Saturday's practice. It has not been said on how many reps either will take in the scrimmage.
- Here is Kiffin...
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