The practice schedule shifts to the early morning from here on out...
- Max Wittek was named the backup quarterback today by Lane Kiffin. Wittek and fellow redshirt freshman Cody Kessler have battled for two years, and the competition remains open to replace Matt Barkley in 2013.
"I am excited about the opportunity obviously," said Wittek, who was told by Kiffin this morning. "I have to stay ready every game...stay ready every play. I have to take advantage of my opportunities when they come."- Wittek (pictured by John McGillen) lost out to Kessler last year to be Barkley's No. 2, but he has improved his command of the huddle and overall confidence. "Compete everyday," Wittek said about his focus this past year. "Regardless of what number on the depth chart you are, we all make each other better."
- In typical Kiffin fashion, he told Wittek that walk-on John Manoogian was going to be the backup before breaking the news to Wittek that he won the job.
- Kiffin on the backup QB battle: "We feel very confident about both guys. Really there isn't much difference between them. This will have nothing to do with who is the starter next season."
- If the scoreboard situation allows it, Kiffin hopes to play both Wittek and Kessler in games this year. Neither have taken a college snap before.
- As for practice today, "I thought they were a little bit sluggish getting used to the 6 a.m. format," said Kiffin.
- CB Brian Baucham practiced for the first time today, so he was flying around the field and landed a pair of big hits despite the no-contact rules.
- TE Xavier Grimble, who struggled during camp with drops, broke loose down the seam for a touchdown pass from Barkley.
- The offensive line is starting to gel under the leadership of senior captain Khaled Holmes. "I am really confident where we are right now," he said. "I think we are going to have a good day on Saturday."
- Holmes spoke at Salute to Troy about how much it meant to wear the C on his jersey. "It means the world to me. It's honestly the biggest honor in my life."
- Here is the massive media scrum around Kiffin as game week brings out the crowd...
When is the 2013 season intro video coming? I have high hopes after the 2012 video.