USC continues to grind through its bye week with extra conditioning at the end of practice on a hot Wednesday.
- Lane Kiffin began his press conference with a joke. He made sure the media knows, "I love my SID." The joke refers to UCLA's morning controversy.
DE Morgan Breslin was the hot topic of conversation today. Despite a breakout season, he has politely declined to do interviews. "All he says is 'Fight On'," said Kiffin. "And Coach O likes it that way."- Breslin (pictured by John McGillen) has made more than a few statements on the field with his "relentless play." The head coach pointed out that Breslin played every defensive snap against Cal, which included a tackle for loss on the first defensive play and a sack to close out the game.
- The junior college transfer provided an inkling into his work ethic during the spring when he routinely paced the field during conditioning sprints. Kiffin would like to give him more breathers going forward though if J.R. Tavai can return to health.
- In the Pac-12, USC is No. 1 in yards per kickoff return, average yards per punt and perfect on field goals. "The kicker and the punter are a big part of that. We do have an elite kicker," Kiffin praised Kyle Negrete and Andre Heidari.
- The coaches are hoping to develop depth this week, which could present an opportunity for freshman CB Kevon Seymour, who has played sparingly since getting significant action against Hawaii and Syracuse. "You've got to make every opportunity count because playing time does not come very often," Seymour said.
- As a highly-touted prospect, Seymour dominated the high school game, but maintaining that swagger at the college level is trickier. "When you've got confidence, it's not hard to keep it going. In high school, it's different. You're just above everyone talent wise. Here, you've got to work hard to be above that person next to you."
- T.J. McDonald is not lacking in confidence. He made the game-changing interception against Cal despite starting the play out of position. "T.J. is just a gifted athlete," said fellow safety Drew McAllister.
- Among McDonald's gifts, he has enough length and strength to play in the box as an extra outside linebacker or defensive end, which opens up playing time for McAllister. "The coaches just want to get some of the best athletes on the field and kind of create some mismatches for some offenses," said McAllister about USC's safety heavy defensive schemes.
- After meeting with the media, Lane Kiffin joined his team in post-practice sprints. Here's his pre-run session though...
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