Trojans focus on slowing down Utah’s rushing attack

The Trojans continued to gear up at practice Wednesday for their matchup with the Utah Utes. In preparation for the game, USC is focused on stopping Utah’s ground-and-pound attack.

Ready, Set, Stop

Utah’s offense up to this point has been rather transparent, as the Utes continue to be extremely run-heavy. This approach can be attributed to the skill of their powerful running back Devontae Booker.

“I think he runs angry,” USC head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Booker. “I think he appears to almost get stronger as the game goes on. Our defensive front has a tall order this week.”

The defense appears to be up to the challenge and hopes to use a newfound motivation and attitude to stop the running attack.

“The running back is a pretty good back,” said junior defensive end Leonard Williams. “We’re looking forward to a big, physical-type game.”

With such a relentless downfield rushing approach, the Trojans know that all 11 men on the field have to approach the ball and do their job. Booker’s ability to break arm tackles means that USC will have to secure wrap-up tackles and get to the ball quickly.

Finding a Groove

Sarkisian was encouraged by Wednesday’s practice and was pleased with the energy that the team brought to practice heading into Saturday’s game. Sarkisian also praised some of his players for being leaders and setting the tone in practice.

“I think we have some natural leaders that kind of set the tone through the way they practice,” Sarkisian said. The head coach cited the efforts of junior wide receiver Nelson Agholor, freshman wide receiver Juju Smith, redshirt junior running back Javorius “Buck” Allen and senior outside linebacker J.R. Tavai. “I think they really set the tone and the other guys have followed them.”

Past the midway point in the season, the Trojans are starting to find their niche and identity as a team.

“I think the running game took shape a little quicker than the passing game,” Sarkisian said. “We are unique to some degree offensively in the fact that we do go up tempo, but we do still have pro-style principles. It takes time to bring all of that together, but I think we’re hitting our stride as a team at the right time.”

Sophomore outside linebacker Su’a Cravens is also coming into his own after getting another interception in the game against Colorado. Cravens’ coverage skills have been a bright spot in the Trojans’ defense this season.

“When they throw it on my side, I’m going to try and make a play on it,” Cravens said. “Whenever they test me, I take it to my heart. I take it personally.”

Cravens is also excited to play in a hostile environment on the road.

“I love a big crowd, especially in an away game like this. I love when the crowd’s booing us and when it’s loud,” Cravens said. “We shouldn’t let the crowd get to us, and I’m going to talk to the freshmen and tell them ‘don’t let the crowd get to you, just play your game.’”

Injury Update

Injuries have plagued the Trojans throughout the season, but some of the injured players were able to see some more productivity in practice Wednesday.

Redshirt senior linebackers Hayes Pullard and Gerald Bowman were both more active in practice, and freshman wide receiver Ajene Harris and redshirt junior wide receiver George Farmer were limited but participated on Wednesday. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Steven Mitchell was pulled from practice, as he suffered an injury that Sarkisian described as a “twing.”

Redshirt junior fullback Soma Vainuku was limited as well, but Sarkisian was hopeful that he could play Saturday.

Freshman starting cornerback Adoree’ Jackson fully participated in practice and looked good to go for the entire game on Saturday.

“I’m 100 percent,” Jackson said. “I feel great. I feel like it’s day one.”