News updates from Thursday's closed practice ...
Clay Helton said Isaac Whitney is out with a broken collarbone.
Steven Mitchell Jr. (ankle) still hasn't practiced and is doubtful.
Darreus Rogers (hamstring) is a game-time decision.
When asked about the receiving corps, Helton said Jalen Greene and Deontay Burnett will both see their roles increase. He also mentioned Adoree' Jackson and Dominic Davis potentially being more involved on offense.
"You want an Isaac Whitney and you want a Darreus Rogers and a Steven Mitchell," Helton said. "But they don't pay you to make excuses, they pay you to find answers."
Helton reiterated that the primary focus in practices this week was the play of the offensive and defensive lines. He wants USC to be more physical.
"We know that's what's going to win this game," he said. "This has always been a very physical game, when we play Notre Dame. We want it to carry on, not only this game but for the rest of the season."
Helton said Marcus Allen was among the many who have contacted him to express their support. Helton said he idolized Allen as a kid and met him while Allen played for the Los Angeles Raiders, where Helton's father, Kim, was an assistant coach.
"This is the most humbling experience that I've had in my lifetime," he said. "For those type of men to reach out, it's mind-blowing to me. It won't hit me until probably later on. But I appreciate every one of them."
With dozens of students nearby, Keyshawn Johnson, Willie McGinest and Keith Rivers spoke to the players during a team rally following practice. About 20 former players were in attendance, including Chris Claiborne, Jeremy Hogue, Lawrence Jackson, Alex Holmes, Will Poole, Kevin Arbet, Jeff Byers, Tom Malone and Joe Walshe.
Clay Helton said Isaac Whitney is out with a broken collarbone.
Steven Mitchell Jr. (ankle) still hasn't practiced and is doubtful.
Darreus Rogers (hamstring) is a game-time decision.
When asked about the receiving corps, Helton said Jalen Greene and Deontay Burnett will both see their roles increase. He also mentioned Adoree' Jackson and Dominic Davis potentially being more involved on offense.
"You want an Isaac Whitney and you want a Darreus Rogers and a Steven Mitchell," Helton said. "But they don't pay you to make excuses, they pay you to find answers."
Helton reiterated that the primary focus in practices this week was the play of the offensive and defensive lines. He wants USC to be more physical.
"We know that's what's going to win this game," he said. "This has always been a very physical game, when we play Notre Dame. We want it to carry on, not only this game but for the rest of the season."
Helton said Marcus Allen was among the many who have contacted him to express their support. Helton said he idolized Allen as a kid and met him while Allen played for the Los Angeles Raiders, where Helton's father, Kim, was an assistant coach.
"This is the most humbling experience that I've had in my lifetime," he said. "For those type of men to reach out, it's mind-blowing to me. It won't hit me until probably later on. But I appreciate every one of them."
With dozens of students nearby, Keyshawn Johnson, Willie McGinest and Keith Rivers spoke to the players during a team rally following practice. About 20 former players were in attendance, including Chris Claiborne, Jeremy Hogue, Lawrence Jackson, Alex Holmes, Will Poole, Kevin Arbet, Jeff Byers, Tom Malone and Joe Walshe.
