Football
    Defense Dominates USC's Second Intrasquad Scrimmage
    Trojans get 5 turnovers, including 2 picks by Scott Starr.
    T.J. McDonald
    T.J. McDonald

    Aug. 19, 2012

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    Linebacker Scott Starr had 2 interceptions to help the defense dominate USC's second intrasquad football scrimmage of 2012 fall practice on a hot Sunday (Aug. 19) afternoon in the Coliseum.

    In all, the Trojan defense came up with 5 turnovers, as safety T.J. McDonald and defensive tackle George Uko also had picks and defensive tackle Antwaun Woods recovered a fumble on the first play of the scrimmage.

    Quarterbacks Matt Barkley and Max Wittek each threw a pair of interceptions. Barkley was 9-of-19 passing for 119 yards and had a 25-yard scoring pass to fullback Soma Vainuku. Wittek was 6-of-16. Quarterback Cody Kessler was 3-of-8 for 29 yards, including a 1-yard TD pass to wide receiver Victor Blackwell.

    Tailback D.J. Morgan had the day's other touchdown on a 20-yard run. He ran for 31 yards overall on 7 carries. Tailback Silas Redd, who transferred this fall from Penn State, gained 59 yards on 9 carries, but lost a fumble on his first rush. Fellow tailback Curtis McNeal ran for 23 yards on 5 carries and tailback Buck Allen had 31 yards on 6 tries.

    Wide receiver Robert Woods had 4 catches for 67 yards, while Blackwell add 3 receptions for 39 yards and wide receiver Nelson Agholor had 3 catches for 33 yards.

    Linebackers Tony Burnett and Jabari Ruffin each had 4 tackles.

    "The offense did not play very well and there was a lack of execution all over," said third-year USC head coach Lane Kiffin. "But it was a really good day for the defense. They really responded."

    The No. 1-ranked Trojans open their 2012 season at home against Hawaii on Sept. 1, with tickets available online at USCTrojans.com or by calling the USC Ticket Office at (213) 740-4672.