October 2012 Archives

Marqise Lee rewrote the Pac-12 record books with his 345 yards receiving at Arizona. In doing so, he has launched himself into the Heisman race and become the Biletnikoff favorite.

As a marked man, he draws a lot of attention from opposing defenses. Last Saturday, the Wildcats changed their entire defensive scheme in the second half to double team Lee.

In this week's "Barkley's Breakdown," find out how Lee gets open no matter what the coverage is against him.

All day, we have been retweeting photos of Trojan themed pumpkins.  If you would like to include yours, tweet us @USC_Athletics.

Here is one from USC athletic trainer Paul Diaz and his family...

The Trojans are finally coming home with nothing but marquee games in Los Angeles this November. With a tough test against Oregon due up Saturday, we want all fans in attendance to wear cardinal.

Please help us spread the word using the #CardinalTheColi hashtag on Twitter.

Written by USC blog contributor Farren Benjamin

The new John McKay Center celebrated Halloween with its first ever pumpkin carving contest put on by Kristy Morrell, USC's sports nutritionist, the Trojan Athletic Senate and the SAAS staff.

Each athletic program was given a team pumpkin to carve during the week, and they were then displayed on the tables right outside of the highly festive and decorated John McKay Center patio. Student-athletes were then able to vote on their favorite pumpkin as they feasted on tacos, decorated cupcakes and mingled with other athletes.  

Men's volleyball (pictured) and track and field tied in votes and took home the award for best pumpkin!

The USC defense faces a monumental challenge this week, while also trying to remain disciplined.

• The penalty questions will not go away for this team. Yesterday, Robert Woods talked about the team having "too much pride" when it comes to defending teammates.  "It's not a street fight," Lane Kiffin said. "It's a game and there's rules within it. A lot of them have the mentality where they're trained to protect their brother and that's cost us in a lot of situations."
• S T.J. McDonald, who was hit with two personal fouls against Arizona, pointed to the bigger picture. "We've got to take within ourselves the fact that we're representing a lot of people out there on the field.  The players that came before us, all the people that are watching us, we don't want to display an undisciplined team."
• (Photo by Jonathan Moore)
• Both McDonald and Drew McAllister were flagged for making contact with a sliding quarterback, which is a major quandary when facing mobile QBs like Matt Scott and Marcus Mariota. "You feel like they are a running back at some point, especially when it's a designed run that's not a quarterback scramble," McDonald said. "It's a quarterback so you want to make him pay for running the ball, but as they are going down, you've got to avoid it as best as you can."
• As always against this Oregon team, open field tackling will be the key. "It will be just like last year," said Kiffin. "You're going to have to make those tackles in space."
• With Kenjon Barner as the primary ball carrier, the Ducks rushing attack is more physical than it has been in the past. "They are still as explosive as they were last year," said S Jawanza Starling. "They run a little more physical this year and that's been a good thing for them on offense."
• Lane Kiffin has not announced a starter at left tackle between Max Tuerk and Aundrey Walker. "We feel really confident with both guys," the head coach said. "Max played really well last week, [but] this would be much more of a test this week with their ability to rush with their two ends, especially with [Dion] Jordan on third downs."
• The Trojans will play their final four games in Los Angeles, including three in the Coliseum. They are happy to be home. "I am just excited for an exciting atmosphere," said McDonald. "We've got a nasty taste in our mouth. One thing you want is respect back and this is a quick way we can do it. We hope the Coliseum is rocking and we just want to go out there and put on a good show."
• Here is Lane Kiffin's presser...

Former USC Song Girl Claudene Christian was a casualty of Hurricane Sandy aboard the HMS Bounty, which sank under the wind and waves off the North Carolina coast. Christian, a crew member on the ship, was found unresponsive in the water early Monday morning, and pronounced dead after being airlifted from the scene.

Fourteen of the 16 crew members survived in life boats, but Christian and the ship's captain, who is still missing, could not be rescued. She was 42.

Click here for the full story.

"The USC Song Girl Family is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our beautiful former Song Girls, Claudene Christian," said Song Girl coaches Lori Nelson and Dolly Rouse in a joint statement. "Our hearts and prayers go out to her parents and family. As a USC Song Girl, Claudene will always be remembered for her kindness, enthusiasm and charismatic personality. Claudene will be missed by all who knew and loved her."

Christian (pictured far right with the 1990 Song Girls) created a cheerleading doll company as a student at USC*. Initially, she made Song Girl dolls, but eventually the brand grew into the Cheerleader Doll Company.

She chose to sail with the HMS Bounty to celebrate its history as a replica of the 18th century British three-masted ship on which "Mutiny on the Bounty" was based. The vessel was featured in the film version of "Mutiny on the Bounty" and two of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

(Photo of the sunken HMS Bounty by Tim Kuklewski/U.S. Coast Guard via Getty Images)

The Trojan Family needs to lace 'em up on Sunday, November 11 for two 5K run/walks to support local causes.

On the same day rivalry week begins, USC fans can get it started on the UCLA campus participating in the "We Run the City" event to raise money for Special Olympics Southern California. The event is a competition between Team USC and Team UCLA to see who can raise more money for a great cause.

USC is hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2015.

Click here for more on "We Run the City."

And do not forget about "The Run for Her," an annual 5K hosted by former USC athletic department staffer Kelli Sargent to benefit ovarian cancer research. The disease took her mother, but Sargent has tirelessly worked to raise millions to help others fight it off.

Click here for more on "The Run for Her."

Here's a great video explaining the backstory of the race...

QB Matt Barkley and WR Marqise Lee are two of the 16 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, which is given to the national player of the year.

Click here for the complete list.

Last Saturday alone, Lee set a new Pac-12 record with 345 receiving yards in a single game and posted the second most all-purpose yards (469) in NCAA history. Barkley passed for a new school record 493 yards at Arizona just a week after becoming the first passer in Pac-12 history to hit the century mark for career touchdowns.

(Photo by Jon SooHoo)

Take a look at a physical practice through the lens of John McGillen...

Mobile and tablet users click here to view.

With no time to lick their wounds, the Trojans begin preparations for the undefeated Ducks.

• USC is not entirely over the loss at Arizona, but the Oregon challenge has shaken the Trojans from their doldrums. "We all know we screwed up last week," said Lane Kiffin. "We're moving forward. It's good to have a game like this."
• Lane Kiffin called Oregon "maybe the best team in the country," and said this is the best Oregon team of the Chip Kelly era.
• Offensively, freshman QB Marcus Mariota has taken the option to a new level with his game-breaking speed. "I think the quarterback's the difference," Kiffin said. "The quarterback's speed is faster than the other guys that have been there. When he gets in the open field, he just runs away from you."
• Defensively, the Ducks play a true 3-4, which gave USC fits against Stanford and even Cal at times. "They have some long guys on the outside," said Silas Redd. "We're really going to have to attack and hem those guys up."
• Barkley does not expect to struggle with the 3-4 concept "because we've seen it so much" this year, but he called it a "really physical defense." He singled out the defensive ends as the unit to watch.
• Oregon aside, the Trojans are concentrating on not beating themselves. "I really think that both games we lost, we've killed ourselves," said Barkley. "We can't play a game like that this week. Oregon is too good."
• The running backs heard about ball security all weekend from coach Kennedy Polamalu. "To say the least," said Redd when asked if Polamalu dug into the unit. "You be a man about it. You know what you did wrong." In the case of his fumble, Redd was carrying the ball too low.
• RB Curtis McNeal was forced to watch the game from home as he did not make the trip due to a health issue. "It was very frustrating," said McNeal. "We've got a big challenge this weekend, so last weekend is gone."
• McNeal admires the Oregon offense and his backfield counterpart DeAnthony Thomas. "They are very explosive. For DeAnthony to be a very small guy, he breaks a lot of tackles. Our defense has just got to wrap up and make sure they're on the ground."
• The pundits have cast the Trojans as heavy underdogs this week, but McNeal insists that the team is not lacking in self-belief. "We always have confidence because we are USC Trojans. We could be 0-10 and we're always going to have confidence going into the next game. We're not worried about them being undefeated. We're not worried about our two losses. We're just going to execute our game plan and play Trojan football."
• Here is Coach Kiffin's post-game press conference...

The USC men's and women's basketball programs put on an exhibition for the fans at Galen Center Sunday to tip-off hoops season. 

Men's basketball opens with Coppin State on Friday, November 9 at 8 p.m at Galen Center.  Single game tickets are now on sale for the non-conference schedule.

Women's basketball will host Gonzaga on Sunday, November 11 at 2 p.m. at Galen Center to start the season.  Single game tickets are on sale now for all games.

Here's a look at Salute to Troy from Pierson Clair...

(Mobile and tablet users click here to view.)

All-American safety T.J. McDonald is one of 15 semifinalists for the Thorpe Award, which recognizes the best defensive back in the country.

Click the link for the complete list:

McDonald leads the Trojans with 64 tackles this season.  He also has an interception and a blocked kick.

• Lane Kiffin has not made a decision yet on who will start at left tackle.  If Max Tuerk gets the nod, he will be the first true freshman in USC history to start at left tackle. 
  
• Kiffin on Tuerk: "We are really comfortable with this situation.  If he plays, I think he will play really well just like he has."
  
• The last true freshman to start at right tackle was Winston Justice in 2002.  Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews started as a freshman at weak tackle in 1979 when the offensive tackles would change sides depending on where the tight end lined up.
  
• The USC defense is tied for second in the nation in sacks per game.  The defensive line was supposed to be a team weakness, but the group has turned out to be a strength.  "If you go back to training camp, they were a big question," said Lane Kiffin.  "To do what they've done already has been great.  And obviously, we are going to need them with some big time offenses coming up."
• Here is the rest from Kiffin on his sized down defense, Matt Barkley's mindset and more...

• In the week leading up to the Colorado game, the coaches treated the Buffaloes like Alabama, so the players would not take the game for granted.  However, once the game started, the defensive coaches used the game to practice for the next two weeks.  "We rotated based off of preparing for the next two opponents," said Lane Kiffin about substituting far more frequently.  "Even though they weren't no-huddle, we treated our reps that way."
  
• Arizona is not exactly like Oregon offensively, but the Wildcats will pose similar problems in terms of pace.  "They are a no-huddle team that tries to get lined up fast and tire you down," said DT George Uko.  "You've just got to get your cleats in the ground and play."
• Uko estimated that it takes about six to nine consecutive plays before he starts feeling his conditioning against a no-huddle offense, but he knows the offensive linemen across from him are hurting too.
• Mobile quarterbacks like Matt Scott can be a nightmare for defensive linemen, but Uko actually likes playing dual-threat QBs.  "Sometimes they don't look at their reads.  Instead of reading, they watch the line looking to run," Uko cited Cal's Zach Maynard.  He gets more frustrated by quarterbacks who release the ball quickly.
• Against the No. 5 offense in the country, Uko is excited about the opportunity for his defense to make a statement.  "I love how our schedule has played out.  We've got our stuff down, and now it's time to play big time ball.  Our defense is ready to shock people."
  
• T.J. McDonald stressed forcing "three-and-outs" as the best way to keep the no-huddle from finding its rhythm and the defense fresh.  McDonald and Nickell Robey are used to playing every snap, but even they might end up in a rotation Saturday.  "I'm not a selfish player by any means, but I'd be lying to you if I told you I didn't want to be out there at all times."
  
• The Trojans will have DT Leonard Williams available for Saturday.  He was not suspended by the Pac-12 for the altercation which led to his ejection against Colorado.  "It was a learning moment for a true freshman," Kiffin said.  "I know he understands that and it will never happen again."
• USC always practices in the morning, so the head coach expects his team to respond well to the 12:30 p.m. kickoff.
• Here is Lane Kiffin...

• The USC defense will face a new level of offense starting this week with a trip to Arizona.  "We're going to have to step it up even more on defense," said Lane Kiffin.  "They are really good and they're very dangerous."
• While Arizona is just 4-3 overall, the Wildcats boast the No. 5 ranked offense in the country in Rich Rodriguez's first season.  QB Matt Scott leads the Pac-12 in passing yards per game, while posing a dual threat as the conference's second leading rusher among quarterbacks.  "They are just absolutely lighting people up," said Kiffin.    
  
• The Wildcats run Rodriguez's trademark 3-3-5 defense with an extra defensive back (called the rover) in their base package.  "Nobody else does that, so it is something new," Kiffin said.
  
• Cody Kessler wore No. 35 as the holder in the first half Saturday instead of his usual No. 6.  "We change jerseys all the time with our guys.  Everything's within the college rules," Kiffin explained.
• Kiffin did not tip his hand one way or the other about who will start at left tackle.  "I have to prepare like [I'm going to start] every week," said freshman Max Tuerk.  "It was awesome to get that experience [against Colorado].  You're in front of 90,000 people, so you've got to not get caught up in the hype."
• Robert Woods was asked about his future today, but deferred giving any answer.  The junior wide receiver knows that his records are not safe with Marqise Lee around.  "I'm just trying to keep him off my back right now," he joked.
• Lee was thrilled for Woods to break the all-time USC catch record. "He's a great leader for the receivers and for everybody on the team," said Lee.  "Seeing that smile on his face...I was happy for him.  I felt like I broke it."
• Here is Lane Kiffin's post-practice media session...

• Wednesday's practice, like Tuesday's, proved to be physical and high intensity. The Trojans are trying to get back to their usual practice schedule as the bye week and Utah game switched up the Trojans' usual routine. "We are trying to get into a routine of having normal Saturday games for the next six weeks," Kiffin said. "it feels good to be on a normal schedule."
  
• After spending the bulk of the first half of the season on the road, the team is excited to play the next five of six games in Los Angeles. Senior safety T.J. McDonald believes that playing at home definitely gives the Trojans an advantage. "It's always good to play at home in front of your crowd," McDonald said. "We know that it will be electric out there and the energy will pick us up. If it is a later game, it is always good to have the motivation from our fans because they are the twelfth man on the field."
• Kiffin praised true freshman defensive lineman Leonard Williams for his play thus far. "He is a big, physical and strong player that has only been here for two or three months and has made a huge impact," Kiffin said. "He played his best game last week and continues to improve."
• Though USC enters the contest with Colorado as a heavy favorite, McDonald believes that the Buffs should not be overlooked. "They have some taller receivers and the running game is not too bad," McDonald said. "You can never underestimate any opponent. We look at all teams the same and try to improve each week."
• With a formidable schedule ahead in the second half of the season, remaining focused will be the Trojans' biggest task. "We are creating good habits and making sure we are still paying attention," McDonald said. "For us, it's making sure we stay humble, stay hungry and keep trying to get better by improving all details of our game."
• Here is Kiffin's post practice presser...

• The energy was noticeably different on the practice field this morning.  The coaches have raised the intensity and plays were being run at a much higher tempo.  "This week is all about us.  We had probably the most physical practice that we've had all season," said Lane Kiffin.
  
• Saturday could be a special day in the Coliseum as Matt Barkley and Robert Woods have the chance to break all-time records.  Barkley is four touchdowns shy of setting a new USC and Pac-12 career mark, while Woods is five catches away from becoming the all-time Trojans receptions leader.
• Woods on the potential record: "It would mean a lot to me.  Growing up watching all the USC receivers, to be on the list with them at the top of it, it's an honor and a privilege.  Hopefully, I can do it on Saturday at home."
  
• USC is not getting the offensive output that most anticipated going into the season.  The two big problems have been 3rd down efficiency and penalties, which sort of go hand-in-hand.  "I think a lot of the penalties have killed us on third downs," Barkley said.  "It's making sure that we don't put ourselves in [third and longs], so we can make the game easier on ourselves."
  
• Freshman LT Max Tuerk is getting an extended look with the first team in place of Aundrey Walker, who leads USC in penalties, according to Kiffin.
  
• The offense has been centered around the running game in recent weeks as a reaction to the double teams on Marqise Lee and Robert Woods.  The quarterback would still like to see the offense air it out more than 20 times.  "We better see some change.  I hope so," Barkley said.
  
• Lee was held to a season low two receptions against Washington.  "It does not effect me as much as people think it does," said Lee about the low numbers.  "We still won.  If the run game is working, I say we run until they change their defense."
• The sophomore was asked if he's having fun this season.  "I'm having a great time," Lee said with a big smile.
  
• USC is one of only two teams in BCS conferences to play only two home games this season.  "We missed our fans," Woods said.  "It is fun and exciting to play at home, finally getting cheers instead of boos, but it's still football.  We've got to play our game."
  
• Kiffin dropped the stat that Barkley has thrown the same amount of touchdown passes through six games this season as last season.  "Hopefully, we'll hit our stride like we did last year at this point," Kiffin said.
• With all the media talk about individual numbers and stats, Barkley stated the overall objective clearly, "From now on, our goal is to win out the rest of the season."
• Here is Lane Kiffin's entire post-practice media session...

Here is the latest from USC and the Pac-12 on stadium walkthroughs...

The Pac-12 this week instituted a policy that permits visiting football teams to conduct a 60-minute walkthrough at the game facility on the day prior to a contest.

USC's athletic administration had not allowed visiting teams to hold Friday walkthroughs at the Coliseum this year in order to maintain the best possible condition of the field for the players. In past years, the Coliseum grass did not hold up well and visiting team walkthroughs contributed to the problem by tearing up the turf the day before a game. New sod was installed in the Coliseum this season and turf specialists recommended keeping off the turf as much as possible prior to a game.

"We are happy to abide by the Pac-12's decision," said USC senior associate athletic director J.K. McKay, who is involved in USC's use of the Coliseum. "We will request that teams wear tennis shoes for their Coliseum walkthroughs, not football cleats, in order to minimize the damage to the turf."

USC does not do walkthroughs at the Coliseum or on the road at opponent stadiums.

(Photo by Pierson Clair)

• During individual drills, the coaches and managers sprayed the Trojans with sprinklers and hoses in preparation for the expected rain in Seattle.  The forecast calls for a 60% chance of showers.
• Lane Kiffin announced that Torin Harris will start at cornerback Saturday opposite Nickell Robey.  "We think Torin is going to continue to improve," he said.
  
• Kiffin does not anticipate a reunion with Pete Carroll or his staff this weekend.  The Seahawks host New England on Sunday, so Kiffin expects them to be busy preparing for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.  "It's all business," Kiffin said.
  
• With extra days to prepare for the last two games, Kiffin loves the way his team looks.  "I think our guys have really good legs right now.  Our guys look really fast.  It feels like we've had a full bye."
  
• Here is Kiffin's full Thursday presser including some compliments for his UW counterpart Steve Sarkisian...

• Just like last week, the Trojans will go through two "Thursday" practices thanks to the extra day of preparation for Washington. 
  
• DB Josh Shaw (pictured) is the defensive story of the week.  He is moving from safety to cornerback.  "I'm getting back into the swing of things," Shaw said.  "Any way to help contribute to this team, I'm all for it."
• The challenge with corner is "you're out there on the island," said Shaw.  He embraces the competition that creates, especially in practice with guys like Robert Woods and George Farmer, who Shaw has been battling since they were kids.
• "The island" has exposed CB Torin Harris at times this season, but DB coach Marvin Sanders is not worried about the junior's confidence.  "You have to have that belief that you are better than the guy across from you," he said.  "Torin is a very confident person. I promise you, you'll start seeing the little things that he's improving on."
  
• Marvin Sanders jokingly encouraged the media to convince Kiffin to let Marqise Lee play both ways.  He would relish the opportunity to coach the uber-talent, but he'd be surprised if he ever gets the chance.  "If coach wants to offer him up, I will take him," Sanders said.  "It's not happening, but he is one of the best conditioned athletes you will see anywhere."
  
• On the defensive line, Leonard Williams started over Antwaun Woods at defensive tackle last week based on performance.  The true freshman is second on the team with 6 tackles for loss and 4 sacks.
• When J.R. Tavai returns to health, he could take snaps at both defensive end and defensive tackle.  With the emergence of Morgan Breslin at end, depth is not as big of an issue there as during fall camp.
  
• Andre Heidari had not missed a kick this season until Utah when he missed three (one was saved by a penalty).  "Andre had a really bad Thursday," Kiffin said his kicker's struggles were mental.  "Andre did not handle it very well.  He was kinda yelling at the fans...got really upset...showed some emotion on the sidelines."
  
• Heidari explained that he had a mechanical issue with his plant foot, but he did let the crowd get in his head.  "I just got distracted.  I wasn't really in the right mindset for the game."
  
• Zach Banner, who is redshirting this season, will make the trip this week to his home state.  USC can travel 70 players, and with the scholarship losses, there are extra spots for walk-ons or redshirts.  "The good thing about the sanctions is that Zach gets to go on a trip home," Kiffin said with a smile.
  
• Lane Kiffin was asked about calling plays as the head coach today and told an interesting story about a conversation he had with Pete Carroll upon taking the Raiders job.  "He said the worst thing I could do was give that up because the players feel that from you and the relationships it creates.  That's kind of always sat in the back of my head when I thought about it."
• Here's the rest from Lane Kiffin...

• Lane Kiffin has been happy with the last three weeks of practices.  The Trojans blocked a lot of field goals (Tony Burnett pictured) during special teams.
  
• Robert Woods was in good spirits again today talking about getting knocked out at Utah.  He has passed concussion tests every day since the incident. 
  
• Woods version of the events: "I don't know what happened to the other guy.  I just got jacked up, so let me get up and make him not feel good like he didn't daze me.  The whole time I was kind of like gone.  Once I hit the ground the second time, I was like now I'm good."
• Lane Kiffin and John Baxter made a small change at holder with QB Cody Kessler replacing Matt Barkley.  More than anything, it gives Kessler an opportunity to stay engaged in the game despite being a third stringer.  "It's kind of cool just having responsibility now," Kessler said.  "I have to stay ready at all times."
• Kessler is developing a rapport with PK Andre Heidari.  Despite what you may have seen in "Ace Ventura" though, he was told never to spin the football.  "He wants it tilted a little bit," Kessler said.  "It's cool working with Andre both being from Bakersfield." 
• Senior OG/C Abe Markowitz is enjoying his first extended run of playing time.  "I'm happy to be healthy," he said. "I'm happy not to be on 'Muscle Beach' with those other studs."  ("Muscle Beach" is the rehab area at practice.)
• Markowitz is a valuable member of the offensive line because of his versatility.  He stayed long after practice working on snapping with QB coach Clay Helton.  "You've got to be perfect in both," he said.  "Center is obviously harder to master than guard, so you've got to put in extra work."
• The offensive line struggled at times with the loud atmosphere in Utah.  The unit improved as the game progressed, and they will need another strong effort at a raucous CenturyLink Stadium Saturday.  "Communication is hard.  After a few hiccups, we figured it out.  We had our verbal and visual cues to one and other and got things done."
• As for the 14 penalties as a whole, Lane Kiffin is focused on reinforcing his message of discipline.  "Really continue to do what we've been doing: stress it, post it, focus on it, crowd noise.  The same stuff we did last year.  It will turn around."
• Lane Kiffin answered lots of questions about the upcoming contest with Washington in his daily scrum.  Listen in...

• According to Kiffin, having the extra days has been an advantage as the Trojans are ahead in their practice schedule. Kiffin called Sunday's practice "spirited."
  
• Kiffin said on Friday that safety Josh Shaw might move to cornerback. Kiffin reaffirmed the possible switch today. "He has experience with it and did want to do it a little while ago," Kiffin said. "It's not that hard of a move to put him back there."
• As Kiffin stated, Washington's loss to Oregon does not indicate that the Huskies are not a strong program. "They are a completely different team when they play at home," Kiffin said. "I believe they are 3-0 at home, so they play really well there."
• In regards to the possibility of wide receiver Marqise Lee playing both ways, the pros and cons are still being decided. "We don't want it to take away from what he does on offense. He is one of the best players in the country," Kiffin said. "It would be pretty hard to put him over there very much if it were going to take reps away on offense."
• Here is Kiffin's post-practice presser...

• Again under extreme heat, USC went through basically a half speed practice for most of the morning session.  The coaches have spent the last two days drilling in the game plan and schemes for Utah.  
• The bye week has been good for healing players.  "We are in the best physical shape that we've been in all year long," said Lane Kiffin.
  
• Kiffin is fond of the coaching axiom that road teams must "pack their defense and their run game."  To that end, he is hoping for a healthy Khaled Holmes.  With the center in the lineup, the Trojans ran for 250+ yards against Syracuse and Cal, but only 26 in the loss to Stanford without him.
• OG John Martinez will be making a homecoming to Utah this week.  Just like the players from the New York area earlier this season, Kiffin wants him to treat it like a business trip.  "We really downplay it.  We just talk to him about doing his job," Kiffin said.
• The final words from Kiffin on his team: "I think they are in a good place.  We need to play well.  [Utah] will come out extremely physical and excited and throw everything at us."
• Here are the rest of his words as the Trojans finish up the preparations for Utah...

• USC will have two "Thursday" practices this week, which means a lot of scout team preparation and game plan execution.
  
• The defense has had a strong week coming off its best performance of the season against Cal.  Lane Kiffin is happy with his front seven and safeties, but he wants to see his second and third corners improve.  "There's no secret.  We have not played well there.  We're working on it."
  
• Young players tend to stand out during bye weeks, and freshman CB Kevon Seymour has opened Kiffin's eyes.  "It's needed.  We need some snaps out of him at corner challenging Torin Harris.  He's going to be a really good player here."
  
• Nickell Robey continues his outstanding play at the other corner spot.  "They just don't throw at him," said Kiffin about Robey (pictured by John McGillen).  "If they don't give you the opportunity, it's hard to get numbers."
  
• All-American S T.J. McDonald has expanded his role this season by playing defensive end in obvious pass rush situations. "[His skillset] is unique," said Kiffin.  "We did some similar things with Eric Berry [at Tennessee].  It really kinda came from watching T.J. blocking kicks and how well he rushed."
  
• McDonald likes attacking offensive tackles.  "I bring a little more speed off the edge.  You get to be one-on-one with a slower guy and make a move, get some pressure on the quarterback," McDonald said.
  
• The safety has been working with defensive line coach Ed Orgeron on his pass rush technique, which will only make him a more versatile player at the next level.  "I wanted to add different elements to my game," he said.  "Whatever it is that I am asked to do, I just want to do it at a high level."
• Here is a long media session with the head coach...