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Mitch Mustain mic’d up 04-12-2008 3:34 p.m.
You’ve already seen Mark Sanchez and Aaron Corp mic’d up for a spring practice. Now here’s your chance to see and hear Mitch Mustain, the third Trojan quarterback, in action at a recent spring practice in the latest video from USCRipsIt, produced by Mark Haas:
Swimming with Mike 04-12-2008 3:25 p.m.
The Trojans deployed several four-man relay teams for a fun event during today’s Swim with Mike fundraiser at McDonald’s Swim Stadium, where more than $1 million had been raised already this afternoon.
The relays consisted of four football players pushing a Song Girl, who floated in inner tubes, 25 meters per leg of the race. The special teams unit consisting of David Buehler, Greg Woidneck, Billy O’Malley and Jordan Congdon took home the title.
Offensive lineman Zack Heberer swims while pushing a floating Song Girl.
Quarterback Aaron Corp (left) pushes a Song Girl during the football team’s relay at Swim with Mike.
Tailback Joe McKnight has missed USC’s last two practices and will now be out for the rest of the spring after he dropped out of a class this week, putting him below the minimum number of academic units required by the NCAA to participate in team-related activities.
“We're very disappointed,” Coach Carroll said Saturday.
Inside the numbers 04-12-2008 2:30 p.m.
Here are some notable stats from Saturday’s scrimmage:
- Mark Sanchez (9-for-17, 97 yards) - Mitch Mustain (9-for-18, 112 yards, 1 TD) - Aaron Corp (7-for-8, 80 yards, 1 TD) - Leading rusher: C.J. Gable (50 yards on four carries) - Leading receiver: Rhett Ellison (45 yards on three catches) - 12 players caught a pass - Leading tackler: Kevin Thomas (Six tackles) - Five sacks by the defense - 88 plays
Quarterback breakdown 04-12-2008 2:16 p.m.
The defense dominated Saturday, but the quarterbacks turned in efficient performances during the two-hour scrimmage. Here’s a look at how the three quarterbacks executed on each of their drives during Saturday’s scrimmage:
Mark Sanchez 1. Three-and-out 2. Drove down to the three-yard line before cornerback Shareece Wright intercepted a pass in the end zone 3. Drove down the field to set up a 48-yard field goal by David Buehler 4. Long drive, ending in a C.J. Gable touchdown run 5. (Two-minute offense) Drove down the field in less than a minute to set up a short Jordan Congdon field goal
Aaron Corp 1. Three-and-out 2. Long drive, ending with a short touchdown pass to wideout Brandon Carswell 3. (Two-minute offense) Stalled
Mitch Mustain 1. Long drive before a botched field goal attempt 2. Long drive, ending with a 13-yard touchdown pass to receiver David Ausberry 3. Several first downs before an interception by safety Shane Horton near the goal line
Spotlight 04-12-2008 2:14 p.m.
Several Trojans had standout individual performances Saturday:
- Brandon Carswell had a punt return for a touchdown against the service team punt unit and then had a touchdown reception from Aaron Corp. - Cornerback Shareece Wright and safety Shane Horton each caught an interception. - Tailbacks Allen Bradford, C.J. Gable and Broderick Green had notably long runs. - Tight end Rhett Ellison had a lengthy catch-and-run on a rollout play from Mark Sanchez. - Cornerback Matthew Jordan had a spectacular touchdown-saving tackle when he lunged for tailback C.J. Gable and got him by the shoelaces.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-12-2008 2:13 p.m.
Thoughts from Saturday’s scrimmage, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- For the second consecutive scrimmage, the defense had a performance as hot as the blistering temperatures Saturday. Of the offense’s 11 drives, the defense recorded two turnovers and allowed only 27 points. But the stats are a little deceptive, since the offense churned out several lengthy drives that ended either in turnovers or a botched field goal. - David Ausberry and Brandon Carswell caught one touchdown each, C.J. Gable ran for one and David Buehler and Jordan Congdon nailed one field goal each for the Trojans’ scores on the day. - Fox Sports set up a makeshift studio desk in one corner of the south end zone and recorded their Trojan football spring practice show that will air Wednesday night on FSN West. - Unlike last week’s scrimmage, artificial crowd noise wasn’t piped in because of the baseball game at adjacent Dedeaux Field. But Swim with Mike made up for the lack of artificial noise with plenty of clamor of its own, as the Trojan Marching Band and a DJ played throughout most of practice at McDonald’s Swim Stadium. - Traveler made an appearance during the scrimmage, standing majestically in the north end zone for much of the day.
Game time 04-12-2008 10:49 a.m.
The Trojans are now heading out to Howard Jones field for their second scrimmage of the spring. Following the roughly 80-play scrimmage, the Trojans will head over to McDonald’s Swim Stadium to participate in Swim with Mike.
We’ll return in a few hours with a full report from both the charity event and the scrimmage.
Keys to the game
04-12-2008 10:38 a.m.
During this morning's offensive meeting, coordinator Steve Sarkisian shared the following three keys for the offense to have a successful scrimmage today:
1. Protect the ball 2. Be physical 3. Play fast
Blacked out
04-12-2008 10:19 a.m.
Florida’s spring game is on national TV today, but don’t think the Gators are setting any trends when it comes to USC.
The Trojan Huddle will be broadcast to subscribers on USCTrojans.com, and that’s as far as Coach Carroll will allow the dissemination of the end-of-spring scrimmage to go.
Most important, Carroll said he simply wants people to come to the Coliseum to see it live. But there’s also a competitive reason: By broadcasting the spring game, you open yourself up to other teams’ scouting.
Teams can record the game and break it down, giving opponents’ a leg up on scouting as they prepare for the coming season.
The format 04-12-2008 10:10 a.m.
Today’s scrimmage will pit the first-team offense against the second-team defense and the second-team offense against the first-team defense, with the scores being tallied to give the session a more game-like feel.
Preparation 04-12-2008 10:09 a.m.
Quarterbacks assistant Yogi Roth (standing) reviews play calls for today’s scrimmage with the quarterbacks outside of this morning’s special teams meeting in Heritage Auditorium.
Moving right along 04-12-2008 10:04 a.m.
The team and offense/defense meetings have just ended, and now the Trojans are in their position meetings before the pre-scrimmage clap session at 10:45. The team is treating today’s scrimmage every bit like a game, including scripting the first 15 plays for the offense.
“I want you to celebrate the competition out there,” Coach Carroll told the players during the team meeting. “I want you jacked and pumped up so we can have a great day today.”
Get pumped 04-12-2008 8:57 a.m.
The Trojans are now coming together for a team meeting, which doubles as a rowdy pump-up session for today’s scrimmage. The “game” is only two hours away.
Game day 04-12-2008 8:28 a.m.
The second scrimmage day of the spring has arrived, and it falls on a Saturday, the Trojans’ usual game day.
Juices, naturally, are flowing around the USC football office this morning.
Saturday’s scrimmage starts at 11 a.m. on Howard Jones field and is open to the public.
Trophy time 04-11-2008 11:59 a.m.
The 2007 Mackey Award, given to the Trojans’ Fred Davis as the season’s most outstanding tight end, arrived at Heritage Hall this morning, and it has found a front-and-center spot in USC’s trophy case.
The official ceremony is April 28 in Manhasset, New York.
Tight ends coach Brennan Carroll, who coached Fred Davis to the Mackey Award in 2007, holds up the newly received trophy.
Closing time 04-11-2008 11:51 a.m.
After a packed morning of film watching and scrimmage prep, coaches are starting to trickle out of the office to take the afternoon off. It’s been a busy three weeks for the coaches, so they’re taking advantage of a free afternoon to spend time with their families.
Hopefully this doesn’t jinx it 04-11-2008 10:23 a.m.
The weather seems to be warming up at the same rate as the competition at Spring Practice.
Saturday’s weather forecast shows a high of 88, meaning it could feel more like a scrimmage in August than one in early April. But the most surprising news could be the lack of rain forecasted through next Saturday, when Spring Practice 2008 comes to a close.
Unlike previous springs — especially two years ago, when it rained nearly every practice — the Trojans could escape from this spring without precipitation falling during any of their 15 practices.
A silly question 04-11-2008 9:20 a.m.
Now that you’ve seen the teams (look one entry below), what squad do you think will take home the relay championship in Saturday’s charity race?
Swim with Mike relay teams 04-11-2008 9:19 a.m.
Swim with Mike, the annual fundraiser for disabled athletes, is Saturday at USC’s McDonald’s Swim Stadium. As is tradition, the football team will deploy several four-man squads in a comical swimming relay following Saturday’s 11 a.m. practice.
Here are the eight teams that are scheduled to compete in the laughs-a-plenty relay race Saturday afternoon:
Offensive line: Jeff Byers, Zack Heberer, Kris O’Dowd, Alex Parsons
Running backs: Matt Hillier, Adam Goodman, Stafon Johnson, Marc Tyler
Wide receivers: Damian Williams, Spencer Vigoren, Garrett Green, David Ausberry
Quarterbacks/tight ends: Mark Sanchez, Mitch Mustain, Aaron Corp, Rhett Ellison
Center Alex Parsons brought a little something extra to Thursday’s practice.
A fu manchu moustache.
The junior offensive lineman donned a unique freshly shaved moustache Thursday, getting ribbed by his teammates — and even Coach Carroll in the post-practice huddle.
“Somebody do something about Alex Parsons’ moustache,” Carroll joked at the end of practice.
Center Alex Parsons shows off his new fu manchu moustache Thursday.
Welcome back 04-10-2008 6:58 p.m.
The Trojans’ long-lost assistant strength coach had a homecoming Thursday.
Longtime strength coach Bryan Bailey returned to Howard Jones for the first time since hip replacement surgery in January. Though he walked around with a crutch, his presence was welcomed by players and coaches, who hugged him throughout practice.
Coach Carroll even called Bailey into an impromptu team huddle at the start of practice to welcome him back after nearly three months away from team activities.
Players gather around assistant strength coach Bryan Bailey, who returned to the field for the first time in more than three months.
Spotlight 04-10-2008 6:46 p.m.
Several players turned in outstanding individual performances Thursday:
- During 7-on-7 drills, receiver Patrick Turner made two remarkable catches within the span of a few plays. First, he made a diving grab with a defender hanging all over him before showing off some quick reflexes by snagging a tipped bullet pass in the corner of the end zone. - Receiver David Ausberry caught a wide receiver screen pass with one hand during team period, prompting coaches and players to yell out his nickname, “The Wizard,” in awe of the play. - Tailback Allen Bradford recorded another lengthy run up the middle. - Tailback Joe McKnight caught a screen pass in the flat and then exhibited his patent shiftiness to break free for a big gain. - Wideout Garrett Green had a spectacular leaping reception that forced him to reach behind him while getting hit. -Tailback Stafon Johnson posted a pretty juke at the line of scrimmage that sprung him to a 12-yard touchdown run.
Dispatch from Howard Jones 04-10-2008 6:45 p.m.
Thoughts from Thursday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…
- For the first time this spring, the offense didn’t have a giveaway on Turnover Thursday, bestowing today’s two-hour practice with the moniker “No Turnover Thursday” until next week. - Though the defense didn’t come up with a takeaway, it didn’t mean the defenders weren’t trying. The defense was especially swarming Thursday, with up to four players surrounding the ball-carrier while trying to strip the ball on every play. - The Trojans were notably penalty-prone Thursday, as referees threw an overwhelming amount of flags throughout practice. Many were for personal fouls or late hits, and Coach Carroll gave a passionate speech in the post-practice huddle discouraging that type of behavior. “We must compete to the max, but we cannot ever cross the line,” he said.
Time to go 04-10-2008 3:57 p.m.
The Trojans are taking the field for Thursday’s practice, so we’ll return in a few hours with a report from Howard Jones.
Special attention 04-10-2008 3:16 p.m.
Each practice this spring, the Trojan coaches have unveiled a different special situation to give the team work at the various circumstances the Trojans could face on Saturdays this fall.
Today’s practice features a bevy of those so-called special situations. The team will get work on a 2nd-and-7 drill (giving the offense two downs to make a first down), two-point conversions and last-play situations, including the beloved Hail Mary.
It’s all part of the highly calculated methods of the Trojan coaching staff to prepare the team for what it’ll see this fall.
“The game is made up of special situations,” offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian told the offense this afternoon. “Our ability to get the best understanding of special situations allows us to execute the best. And today couldn’t be better to work on that — today is all special situations.”
Get a hold of it 04-10-2008 3:07 p.m.
The team meeting just concluded after the Trojans watched highlights from Tuesday’s practice and, because today is Turnover Thursday, clips of both good and bad examples of ball security from recent NFL games.
“We’ve got to have that emphasis on taking care of the football,” Coach Carroll told the team, and offense in particular, before issuing a challenge for today’s practice. “It can be No Turnover Thursday anytime you want, offense.”
Down to business 04-10-2008 2:26 p.m.
The Trojan kickoff return unit is in a film review session right now, and the team meeting will get started around 2:45. The players will hit the field at 4 p.m. for today’s turnover-themed practice.
Cake or death? 04-10-2008 1:52 p.m.
The USC football office has been given mounds of leftover cake from athletic director Mike Garrett’s surprise birthday party during lunchtime, and the pieces of vanilla cake have inspired Coach Carroll to do his best Eddie Izzard impersonation while roaming between offices.
“Cake or death?” Carroll is saying in a British accent, mimicking the famous comedian’s skit.
As you can imagine, it makes for a hilarious scene in Trojan football right now. Football meetings get going at 2:15, but in the meantime, enjoy this clip of Izzard performing the original sketch:
Lighter load 04-10-2008 1:30 p.m.
Originally slated to practice in full pads today, the Trojans will be in half pads (shoulder pads and shorts) for Turnover Thursday this afternoon.
But, as the coaches always emphasize, going from full to half pads simply means that speed and tempo are of utmost importance.
Turf war 04-10-2008 1:21 p.m.
Have no fear — the Coliseum will be a full-fledged football field come next Saturday for the Trojan Huddle, USC’s end-of-spring scrimmage.
The Coliseum grounds crew is scheduled to install new turf Monday, Coach Carroll learned today, meaning the baseball diamond will be removed and the turf should be a luscious, unblemished football field for the scrimmage next Saturday.
Exchange rate 04-10-2008 12:59 p.m.
The Trojans will be hosting a foreign exchange student of sorts during the coming months.
Noboru Hamabe coaches quarterbacks at Waseda University in Tokyo, and he’ll be visiting with USC coaches, attending practices and sitting in on meetings off and on for the next year to learn the game better from some of America’s brightest football minds.
Hamabe’s relationship with USC began last summer when offensive line coach Pat Ruel and administrative assistant Sam Anno traveled to Tokyo to teach the game to several American football teams there.
Alumnus in the news 04-10-2008 11:50 a.m.
Trojan legend and NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott has been honored with the 9th Annual Legacy for Children Award for his founding of and continued work with All Stars Helping Kids organization. The Legacy for Children Award honors those whose work has significantly benefited the learning and lives of children.
“The dedication and vision to enhance children’s lives both academically and physically, while providing the necessary leadership tools to help them achieve personal success, make All Stars and Ronnie Lott unique,” said Marilee Jennings, executive director of Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. “His legacy promises to help transform the lives of millions of children.”
Founded in 1989, All Stars Helping Kids promotes “a safe, healthy and rigorous learning environment for disadvantaged youth in low-income communities,” according to its mission statement.
Livin’ on a prayer 04-10-2008 11:32 a.m.
Four members of the Trojan football staff attended the Bon Jovi concert at Staples Center on Wednesday night, and it’s the talk of the office this morning.
“It was ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous,” said director of football operations Dennis Slutak, who went to the concert along with passing game coordinator John Morton, quarterbacks assistant Yogi Roth and assistant strength coach Ivan Lewis. “We were on stage for three songs, right next to [guitarist] Richie Sambora.”
The foursome got the special access through David Baker, the father of former Trojan Sam Baker and the commissioner of the Arena Football League, which includes a team co-owned by Jon Bon Jovi.
The more things change… 04-10-2008 10:49 a.m.
When it comes to turnover day around Trojan football, the winner of the previous week’s practice gets treated like a heavyweight champion.
The victor — the offense when there aren’t any turnovers in practice and the defense when there’s at least one takeaway — holds the crown until the opposing side earns it back. For the first two turnover-themed practices of the spring, the defense has walked away with the win, meaning it’s “Turnover Thursday” until the offense reverses the trend.
"It's still Turnover Thursday, boys," Coach Carroll said while walking between meetings this morning. "Still Turnover Thursday."
We’ll know by 6 p.m. tonight if the offense can win today’s battle and capture the title, “No Turnover Thursday” for next week’s practice.
Tiger Woods and Coach Carroll 04-10-2008 9:44 a.m.
At first glance, Tiger Woods and Coach Carroll have little in common.
They’re 24 years apart, live on opposite coasts and compete in vastly different sports.
But dig a little deeper, and you notice that their genuine philosophies and, most notably, their determined competitive drives are strikingly similar.
So as Woods tees off today and goes for his fifth Master’s title, Carroll is cheering on his competitive identical twin.
“Oh, I love him as a competitor,” Carroll said with a gleam coming across his face. “I couldn’t agree more with his work ethic, his approach to competition, how he prepares for big situations and how he performs on the biggest stages.
“He just has a great belief in himself, and it shows in all his championships.”
Carroll has such an appreciation for Woods and his competitive drive that he showed the following Woods interview from “60 Minutes” during a team meeting last fall:
Come together 04-10-2008 9:00 a.m.
The 10th day of Spring Practice 2008 has arrived, as coaches have just assembled in the War Room for a brief staff meeting before they’ll break up into offensive and defensive film sessions/practice-scripting meetings.
Trojan Huddle reminder 04-09-2008 4:29 p.m.
The Trojan Huddle, USC's annual end-of-spring scrimmage, is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 19 at the Coliseum. The event will include a scrimmage, autograph session and several other fun fan experiences.
Last year, about 15,000 people attended the event, and the Trojans are hoping more will come out to this spring’s showcase, where you can get a sneak peek at the 2008 squad.
General admission tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the gate, online (with a $1.50 service charge) or by calling (213) 740-GOSC.
USC students and children 12 and under attend for free.
Fighting on 04-09-2008 3:09 p.m.
A suspect in the heartbreaking Jamiel Shaw Jr. murder case was arraigned Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court. Alleged gang member Pedro Espinoza, 19, pleaded not guilty to murdering Shaw, a local high school football star, last month, when the 17-year-old was just steps away from his home.
Examples like this further prove that the efforts of A Better LA are much-needed to extinguish the fires of violence in inner-city Los Angeles.
“We must march on in the face of disappointment,” said Coach Carroll, one of the leaders of A Better LA. “As much as this news hurts, we know that there is hope.”
Getting exercise
04-09-2008 12:56 p.m.
It’s lunch time, so the film has gone dark and the playbooks have been shut in the USC football office.
But the coaches aren’t grabbing a bite to eat.
For the most part, the coaches are running, lifting weights or playing basketball during their lunch break today before returning shortly to the film room and chalkboard.
Going back to normal 04-09-2008 12:28 p.m.
Ten days ago, the Coliseum hosted the Dodgers-Red Sox exhibition game. Ten days from now, the stadium will welcome the Trojan Huddle, USC’s annual end-of-spring scrimmage.
But what it will look like then is still up in the air. Take a look at the transformation process in the latest feature from USCRipsIt.
Happy birthday 04-09-2008 11:58 a.m.
The Trojan football office is the site of a birthday bash today.
The coaches and staff are celebrating the birthdays of four student workers during lunch with a pizza party in the office. Marissa Mandala, Deb Goldstein, Alex Karasik and Johnny Solis are receiving a joint birthday party today, giving coaches a good excuse to take a break from watching film.
“Happy birthday everyone,” wide receivers coach John Morton belted out after enjoying some of the food. “You all do a great job for us.”
Sharpening 04-09-2008 10:25 a.m.
The on-field football activities take a break today, but the work continues on.
Players have been attending 40-minute strength and conditioning workouts in the weight room this morning, as head strength and conditioning coach Chris Carlisle and staff keep the focus on staying healthy and improving the players’ strength, flexibility and explosiveness.
“We’ve got to work every day at being an expert craftsman,” the sage Carlisle said. “We’ve got to sharpen our tools every day. If we don’t continue to sharpen our tools, then we won’t master our trade, master our game.”
Congratulations 04-09-2008 9:32 a.m.
We hosted our second group of Spring Practice Contest winners on Tuesday night, and it was “awesome” for Chris, James and Jeremy Pace.
“This was really eye-opening,” said Chris, the father of James and Jeremy.
The trio toured Heritage Hall, attended practice, met Coach Carroll, obtained autographs, ate at the Galen Dining Center and visited the football offices, all as special guests of Carroll and USCRipsIt/PeteCarroll.com.
(From left to right) Chris Pace, Jeremy Pace, Coach Carroll and James Pace pose for a picture following Tuesday’s practice.
(From left to right) James Pace, Chris Pace and Jeremy Pace pose with Mark Sanchez after Tuesday’s practice.
Film study 04-09-2008 9:16 a.m.
The offensive and defensive staffs are in separate meeting rooms this morning dissecting film from Tuesday’s practice as their midweek off day (from practice) has gotten underway.
