No. 6 Trojans inch closer to opening up Pac-12 Conference play at home

The Trojans (2-0) had another strong practice in preparation for the game against the Cardinal (1-1) on Saturday.

“I loved the energy of the defense,” said head coach Steve Sarkisian. “It was very encouraging.”

Sarkisian refers to Wednesday practices as “lunch pail and hard hat days.” He says his players are working hard and have put in a lot intense work so far this week.

In the two teams’ five previous meetings, a combined 23 points have decided the games. Their last two matchups both came down to a field goal. Even though USC is a 10-point favorite heading into the game, the Trojans are treating it as if it is going to be just as competitive as year’s past.

“Every year is unique to its own,” defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox said. “So we’re going to have to play our best game.”

Freshman tailback Ronald Jones II had successful games to start the season, receiving high praise for his play. Some are even comparing him to Reggie Bush.

“I think it’s way too soon. [Bush is] the best, the greatest in my opinion,” Jones said. “But it’s an honor to even be in the same category as him.”

The five tailbacks have been rotating throughout the past two games.

“I think we just all complement each other,” Jones said. “And just bring out the best in each other.”

The overall intensity of practices has been stronger when compared to fall camp. For Sarkisian, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the “meat and potatoes” days of practice.

“[The players are] really giving us a lot of intensity and energy,” Sarkisian said.

One of USC’s key players is sophomore wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Against Idaho, Smith-Schuster had 10 catches for 192 yards. Sarkisian emphasized Smith-Schuster’s “unbelievably competitive” personality and great leadership qualities.

On Smith-Schuster’s main receiver role on the offense, Sarkisian spoke about how much work Smith-Schuster has put in so far this season.

“He’s a guy that is really cherishing the opportunity to be the go-to guy,” Sarkisian said. “He’s earned it.”

Looking at Stanford, Sarkisian focused on the fact that the team will need to find a way to stop redshirt senior quarterback Kevin Hogan from finding his rhythm. The key will be to keep him “uncomfortable” throughout the game.

“When he gets hot, it’s very, very scary,” Sarkisian said.

For freshman linebacker Cameron Smith, playing Stanford this weekend will feel different compared to the games against Arkansas State and Idaho.

“I feel more passionate,” Smith said. “It’s going to be more of a college game than these last two.”

Something that is new to the Trojans this year in relation to previous seasons is the depth USC now has. Sarkisian made it a point to play everyone in the first two games because the team’s depth is a strength for them.

“The idea behind it all is that these [games] are going to become four quarter games,” Sarkisian said. “We want to be at our best in the fourth quarter.”

Sarkisian is not looking at this game having a similar outcome to the previous matchups with Stanford. He is making sure his players are practicing hard and playing quality football as Saturday draws near.

“Every game takes on its own personality,” Sarkisian said.

The players are looking forward to their first look at Pac-12 play.

“I’m just ready to go out there and compete,” said sophomore wide receiver cornerback Adoree’ Jackson.

The Trojans take on the Cardinal this Saturday at the Coliseum at 5 p.m.