![[A photo of freshman wide receiver Kyron Hudson jumping to make a catch on the practice field.]](https://uscannenberg-uscannenberg-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/B6QAKLVZJZAIXNNCFNDBHWVBEE.jpg?smart=true&auth=68bea51d129f2c8302a8070b5a1027635ef524e67a094d6d035774127d2d0a03&width=6000&height=3375)
USC practiced on a different field for Tuesday’s practice. Instead of practicing at Howard Jones Field, the Trojans took to Cromwell Field and Loker Stadium, where cloudy skies, rain and excitement set the tone.
As the players ran onto the field, a coach yelled, “Somebody is going to go to work and it better be us.”
The close nature of the Trojans’ 41-35 win against the California Golden Bears pushed the team through the practice.
Junior defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu was named the Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week after recording four tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and two sacks during the homecoming game.
Although this is Tuipulotu’s third time earning the award this season, he received the achievement with humility.
“Even though I got the award, I believe it’s a team effort because I wouldn’t be able to get the award without my guys,” Tuipulotu said.
Tuipulotu now leads the nation in sacks with nine on the season. He is also currently No. 4 in the nation in tackles for loss with 1.7 per game, leading the Pac-12 in the stat.
Senior linebacker Shane Lee was unaware of Tuipulotu leading the nation in sacks, but he wasn’t surprised when he learned.
“Tuli is a dog, man. He will go after you on every play,” Lee said. “I’m happy and proud of him because he deserves it.”
Although the defense has been breaking records this season, USC’s offense is gaining recognition with five different receivers recording a 100-yard game for the first time since 2000.
USC’s offense finished Saturday’s game with 515 yards, 155 rushing yards and no interceptions.
In fact, sophomore quarterback Caleb Williams’ only interception this season was against Arizona State. Williams said practices throughout the week help him to avoid throwing interceptions on game day.
“Staying locked in throughout every play, watching film, talking to Coach Riley throughout the whole game, and the connection with the offense helps me try and stay consistent,” Williams said.
Sophomore wide receiver Michael Jackson III has been stepping up to his role in recent games, with five receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns this past weekend. Jackson also received a spot on the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll.
When Williams was asked if he expected Jackson to break the tackle for a third quarter 59-yard touchdown, he referred to Jackson’s hard work during practice.
“He actually did it again today. He broke a tackle and went down the sideline,” Williams said. “One thing about Mike Jack is that he always worked hard and hated not being on the field.”
Head coach Lincoln Riley said although there are moments when the offense and defense aren’t playing to the best of their ability, the team often plays well enough on one side of the ball to make up for the other’s shortcomings.
“This team has done a great job of covering up for both for each other [offense and defense],” Riley said. “That’s why we have won all of our games except for one.”
Riley, Williams and Lee echoed the importance of staying true to this during the last few games of the regular season. Although USC’s main challenge is consistency on the field, the Trojans hope to move past this and win Friday’s game.
“There’s this hunger from all sides of the field to get better and put ourselves in the best position to win,” Riley said.
The Trojans will play against Colorado on Veterans Day at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.