USC begins its modified bye week with Utah looming in 9 days...
- Lane Kiffin is happy with the timing of the bye week for two reasons. First, "This was critical for us to get guys back. Some guys that are playing at 80 or 90%, we can get them fully healthy."
And second, "This gives us a little more time to focus on [the backups]. It's going to be critical down the stretch because as we know, injuries are going to happen and we are going to need those guys."- Several coaches missed practice as they hit the recruiting trail across the country. "We want to make sure that we continue to maintain the level that we've been recruiting at and that nationally, the players understand the importance of our future."
- As you know, Lane Kiffin does not comment on injuries, but in the case of CB Brian Baucham, he is legally restricted from updating the status of his medical condition.
- Kiffin announced that Jabari Ruffin will likely redshirt. The freshman has worked at both linebacker and as a pass rusher in practice, so he can be a versatile piece of the defense next season.
- This season, the media wants to know why the passing game has not been prolific the last three weeks. Kiffin explained that USC's opponents have gone outside of their typical defensive system to game plan against Robert Woods and Marqise Lee. "Those two kids have gotten a lot of respect from defensive staffs to implement a new system to stop them. If we do run the ball...people will change and go back."
- Matt Barkley is having his patience tested by all the shell defenses to stop the deep ball, but he acknowledged that it's good practice for the NFL. Just like you see Peyton Manning and others constantly audible at the line of scrimmage on Sundays, Barkley's job is to change the play from pass to run if that's what the defense is giving him.
- Without big passing stats, individual postseason awards will be harder to come by, but the 2012 Trojans are focused only on victories. "We're not going to force things just to get people numbers," said Kiffin. "We're going to do the best thing to win."
- Both Kiffin and Barkley were asked what they were most pleased with a third of the way through the season. The head coach and quarterback singled out the defensive line for stepping up despite a lack of experience.
- USC and Oregon square off on November 3, which is a long way away, but Barkley admitted that he had one eye on the Ducks demolition of Arizona at his post-game dinner Saturday night. "I see the score just climbing and climbing. They have a way of doing that just finishing games."
- Here is Lane Kiffin addressing the media...
Leave a comment