Coming off a 42-25 win against Arizona State, USC kept its goal at Wednesday’s practice simple: keep the foot on the gas.
The Trojans were particularly dominant in the second half in which they outscored the Sun Devils 21-8. They look to continue this trend.
“Execute, execute. Energy, energy. And just don’t get big-headed,” redshirt freshman wide receiver Kyron Hudson said regarding what the team’s mentality has been during practice. “Stay humble. Be hungry.”
USC will need to keep this mentality during the game, however, or the Trojans will face a recognizable situation. The Trojans were in a tight game at halftime during their last two games, which they will look to avoid as they go up against the Washington State Cougars Saturday.
“We do need to come out hot,” redshirt senior left guard Andrew Vorhees said. “We need to really step on the gas pedal in the beginning and really put ourselves in the best position to win.”
Playing well in both halves comes down to consistency, which is a concern for defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.
“From a consistency standpoint, that’s probably [our] failing grade,” Grinch said.
When USC is on its game, however, the Trojans are lights out. USC ranks third in the nation in ESPN’s offensive efficiency rating, behind only Ohio State and TCU. USC’s offense is led by Heisman Trophy candidate Caleb Williams.
“It’s truly a blessing [to play with Williams],” Hudson said. “He makes us all look good. He puts [the football] in the right spot to make the play.”
Williams has taken college football by storm this season with his ability to extend plays by escaping pass rushers, but so has Washington State sophomore quarterback Cameron Ward.
“[Mobile quarterbacks] can make a bad play a good play real quick,” Grinch said. “They can punish you for doing things right, which is the worst situation you can possibly be in defensively.”
Although the offense has been USC’s main selling point, the Trojans’ new defensive system has been praised by players.
“This [defensive] coaching staff is all about making plays,” redshirt senior cornerback Mekhi Blackmon said. “[They’ve been] harping on it. You need to make plays in order to stay on the field.”
The emphasis on big playmaking has translated to in-game success, as USC is tied for first in the nation in total forced turnovers with 15. Add into the equation the offense, which has only given up one turnover, and USC’s turnover margin is plus-14. This ranks first in the nation by a landslide; second place has only nine.
The entire coaching staff has prioritized a rough playing style, which starts in practice. After head coach Lincoln Riley arrived at USC from Oklahoma, he brought with him Bennie Wylie, one of the premier strength and conditioning coaches in the country.
“He’s going to have energy every day, so you can’t be moping around the weight room,” Blackmon said of Wylie. “That’s just the type of guy he is.”
Wylie’s mentality has spread across the coaching staff.
“Coach instills [straining] in us every day, and playing at the edge, practicing at the edge. When you’re tired, find that second gear … and keep pushing,” sophomore safety Jaylin Smith said on what the coaching staff focuses on in practice.
Grinch practices what he preaches. He was seen wearing a shirt with the word “strain” written across it during Wednesday’s practice press conference.
As the 5-0 Trojans aim to stay undefeated in an attempt to make the College Football Playoff, they appear to be sticking to the basics: executing, bringing energy and capitalizing on their big play ability both offensively and defensively.