USC’s first scrimmage at Howard Jones Field went around 100 plays although not all of it was full tackling. The scrimmage seemed designed to focus on down-the-field passing or else the secondary just needs to improve. This scrimmage did little to alleviate concerns over the secondary . . . or offensive line. Jack Sears and Matt Fink threw long TD passes to Velus Jones. JT … Continue reading USC’s First Scrimmage Is Revealing

I learned long ago if Clay Helton‘s lips are moving, he probably isn’t telling the truth. But he is reaching new lows in training camp. The official daily practice schedule for the media said, “August 9, No practice, no interviews.” But look what Clancy Pendergast posted on twitter: A picture of practice at the Coliseum last night. Another sham. Just like the QB derby. DBs … Continue reading Camp Helton Paranoia

Since Clay Helton claimed the Notre Dame game was an epiphany for him from an offensive standpoint, let me reiterate this point: JT Daniels passed for 105 yards in the second half after Notre Dame adjusted to an offense it had not seen on film before the game. And USC failed to score in the second half until the final minute of the game. The … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Clay Helton’s Turning Point?

When USC holds its first scrimmage, a big question will be how the first-team reps will be distributed? For example, will JT Daniels get the lion’s share of the first-team reps? It matters because you have a better chance of performing well with the No. 1 offensive line if you are a QB. And Clay Helton wants Daniels to have a good scrimmage. Continue reading USC Scrimmage Question

USC’s training camp might be a lot of things but no one will ever accuse Clay Helton of overworking the players. The Trojans got a day off after two practices. They had their first full pads practice Wednesday and went back to shorts Thursday. Today will be a lighter practice because of the scrimmage Saturday and Sunday will be off. USC will actually take 3 … Continue reading A Leisurely Start To Training Camp

Thursday’s practice was a good illustration of JT Daniels‘ inconsistent nature. He went 6 for 6 during a 7-on-7 period but 0 for 3 in an 11-vs.-11 drill. What was the difference? How about a live pass rush during 11-on-11. How he handles pressure will be the key this season because he didn’t like it last season. But he has always been a 7-on-7 All-American. … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column