USC football’s Tuesday practice had some distinct differences ahead of the Trojans’ Week 3 matchup against Washington State on Saturday.
“We altered a couple of things to do the things we need to do to prepare … and succeed against Washington State,” interim head coach Donte Williams said.
The few adjustments Williams made to the practice plan had a significant impact on the competitiveness, connection and confidence of the team.
The first noticeable difference was Tuesday’s practice opened with a competitive scrimmage. Hip-hop music emanated, trash-talk was communicated and players and coaches celebrated as they won. The energy that was scarce against Stanford was abundant in practice.
“[The players] are out here competing,” Williams said. “They’re going hard.”
The practice continued in the usual format with a unique sighting: Williams’ involvement in the drills. In a few drills, Williams ran routes for his defensive backs and played defensive back for the wide receivers — and yes, his coverage technique is sound. Williams’ engagement, along with his relationship with the players, fostered more connection during practice.
“[The team] needs to play more together as a family,” Williams said Monday on Trojans Live.
His presence seems to be galvanizing the team’s confidence to salvage the season after an alarming 42-28 loss against unranked Stanford.
“That’s one game,” redshirt senior safety and team captain Isaiah Pola-Mao said. “We have 11 more.”
The players looked comfortable with Williams’ coaching style. This is in large part due to the connections he made with players during his recruiting efforts at USC and prior stops.
Williams’ message to the team is to go 1-0 in everything they do. Daily winning compounds into gameday confidence — something much needed against Washington State’s balanced offense and experienced defense.
The Cougars run the spread offense yet run the ball just as much as they pass it and have a five-year starter at middle linebacker.
After reviewing the challenges of the first road game of the season, Williams expressed the same confidence he is building within the team.
“There is a lot stacked against us,” Williams said. “But we will prevail … and show we are USC.”