News broke of the passing of USC football legend Sam “Bam” Cunningham shortly before USC’s Tuesday practice.
“A sad day for our Trojan family and college football,” head coach Clay Helton said to begin the press conference following the practice. “I’ve really appreciated having a relationship with him.”
Cunningham was instrumental in the integration of Black players into college football in the South. In the opening game of the 1970 season, the fullback led the Trojans to an impressive 42-21 win against the all-white Alabama team with 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His performance, along with those of his other Black teammates, was the catalyst that influenced legendary Alabama head coach Bear Bryant to start recruiting Black players. In 1971, the Crimson Tide had Black players on scholarship for the first time in school history.
“A legend in our game and a legend of a man,” Helton said of Cunningham.
The Trojans looked sharp at Tuesday’s practice in preparation for Saturday’s rivalry game. Although the Cardinal suffered a 24-7 loss to Kansas State in their opening game, USC is preparing for a hard-fought matchup.
“It’s always a physical battle,” Helton said. “You come out of this game and everyone is black and blue.”
Tuesday’s practice was more mental than physical. The emphasis was building on the strengths of Week 1 and cleaning up the missed opportunities while getting familiar with Stanford’s base offense and defense. Most of the practice focused on individual technique and run assignment-alignment.
There was no full-contact scrimmage between the offense and defense, and the rushing attack focused on creating and capitalizing on open holes after missing a few opportunities against San Jose State.
“There were two or three opportunities … to gain a couple more yards [against San Jose State],” Helton said. “And maybe a chance to score.”
The passing attack looked sharp in one-on-one drills, and the defensive backs looked unified while reviewing Stanford’s route-tree combinations. The offensive line was physically and technically sound during the rushing portion of practice while the defensive line and linebackers were explosive and disciplined during their run-defense drill.
With the first conference game for both teams set for Saturday, the Trojans embrace the challenge and opportunity.
“It’s a special game for college football,” Helton said. “We look forward to the chance to compete.”