Written by USC blog contributor, Andie Hagemann
The Trojans are back to their winning ways following a 27-9 victory over the California Golden Bears. With four games in the books, USC can take a much needed break before the Trojans venture to Salt Lake City to take on the Utes.
"I think this team is a little tired in general as we had a pretty hard camp and we've been on the road for the past couple of weeks," said USC head coach Lane Kiffin. "We're pretty beat up. Even some guys that are playing are not a hundred percent and it will be really good to get those guys some rest."
USC (3-1, 1-1) sits at a similar position to last season. In 2011, USC lost to ASU in the fourth week, destroying their hopes for a perfect season. Following the loss, USC bounced back with a victory over Arizona before entering the bye week.
During that bye week, the Trojans made much needed improvements within the secondary and improved some facets of the offense. The adjustments gave USC momentum for the remainder of the season, resulting in a 10-2 overall record.
The 2012 Trojans can take their experience from the previous season and apply it to their current situation as injuries have plagued the USC roster since the beginning of fall camp, forcing them to act quickly in replacing vital players. In addition, the week off can give the younger players on the USC roster some much needed time to regroup before the season resumes.
The Trojans are back to their winning ways following a 27-9 victory over the California Golden Bears. With four games in the books, USC can take a much needed break before the Trojans venture to Salt Lake City to take on the Utes.
"I think this team is a little tired in general as we had a pretty hard camp and we've been on the road for the past couple of weeks," said USC head coach Lane Kiffin. "We're pretty beat up. Even some guys that are playing are not a hundred percent and it will be really good to get those guys some rest."USC (3-1, 1-1) sits at a similar position to last season. In 2011, USC lost to ASU in the fourth week, destroying their hopes for a perfect season. Following the loss, USC bounced back with a victory over Arizona before entering the bye week.
During that bye week, the Trojans made much needed improvements within the secondary and improved some facets of the offense. The adjustments gave USC momentum for the remainder of the season, resulting in a 10-2 overall record.
The 2012 Trojans can take their experience from the previous season and apply it to their current situation as injuries have plagued the USC roster since the beginning of fall camp, forcing them to act quickly in replacing vital players. In addition, the week off can give the younger players on the USC roster some much needed time to regroup before the season resumes.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley disagrees with Kiffin's remarks about the team being "tired." However, Barkley does agree that the break will aid the recovery process for influential players on the USC roster.
"It does come at a good time but I wouldn't categorize our team as being tired, rundown or anything like that," Barkley said. "Guys are coming up with big plays, there's always energy even at practice and it [bye week] is here at a good time, whether that's for injuries or getting more time to work with each other."
The Trojans face a difficult schedule following the bye week as USC will travel to Utah and Washington before hosting Colorado at the Coliseum.
USC defensive end Wes Horton is already eager to begin preparations for the Trojans' next opponent. "First and foremost we need to get healthy, have a great week of practice and get ready to beat Utah," Horton said.
"It does come at a good time but I wouldn't categorize our team as being tired, rundown or anything like that," Barkley said. "Guys are coming up with big plays, there's always energy even at practice and it [bye week] is here at a good time, whether that's for injuries or getting more time to work with each other."
The Trojans face a difficult schedule following the bye week as USC will travel to Utah and Washington before hosting Colorado at the Coliseum.
USC defensive end Wes Horton is already eager to begin preparations for the Trojans' next opponent. "First and foremost we need to get healthy, have a great week of practice and get ready to beat Utah," Horton said.
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