The Trojans took part in another physical, full-pads practice session in the blistering Southern California heat on Wednesday. For the second consecutive day, it featured plenty of 11-on-11 work with the No.1 offense going against the No. 1 defense, and the second team offense versus the second team defense.
Coming off a 37-31 loss to Boston College, there was a focus on correcting some of the problems that the team has had up to this point, as well as on adding some possible new wrinkles to the mix -- something that USC head coach Steve Sarkisian specifically brought up when discussing the offense.
"A bye week is always unique because you're trying to fix some of the issues that you have, and what you previously have installed, and then you're looking at some potential ideas for the future," Sarkisian said. "I think we're cleaning up some of the issues that we've had. We looked at a few different schemes today that we'll have to look at the film, quite honestly, to see how they look and how they mesh with what we're doing, but the guys worked hard."
Wilcox talks BC loss
Not surprisingly, before Sarkisian spoke it was USC defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox who was swarmed by the media on Wednesday. The Trojans defense struggled against Boston College's potent rushing attack Saturday, surrendering 452 yards on the ground.
Wilcox noted that a lack of discipline and communication were major causes for the defensive breakdown, but he also shouldered much of the responsibility himself.
"I've got to do a better job at making sure that we're prepared -- wherever we're playing, no matter who we're playing, that we're in the right frame of mind to do that," Wilcox said. "There were times when we were fine, and then when the emotion of the game, and the sway started going another way --you've still got to stay with it. You've got to do your job. It's mundane, but that's how you have to play against everybody, but especially those option teams. There were instances where maybe guys were trying to do a little too much, and that hurt us."
Injury update
Leonard Williams (ankle), John Plattenburg, Tre Madden (turf toe), and Randall Telfer were among those who did not practice.
After sitting out practice on Tuesday, JuJu Smith suited up and appeared to take part in the majority of practice, although Sarksian said he is still limited by his ankle.