PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR Devon Williams made the first three catches of his career, going for 77 yards with a touchdown. The 6-foot-4 Williams gives the USC passing attack another rangy option, which could be of particular importance if big-play threat Michael Pittman is sidelined this week. Pittman was pulled from the lineup at Oregon State due to a shoulder injury.
–OT Chuma Edoga returned from lingering injury issues to key what coach Clay Helton called, along with OT Austin Jackson, the best performance of the season from the USC line. Giving QB JT Daniels a clean pocket allowed the Trojans to use a more diverse series of play calls, including opening the perimeter.
–CB Ajene Harris has been a stalwart of the injury-depleted USC secondary throughout the season, but his role takes on heightened importance this week with fellow veteran cornerback Iman Marshall potentially sidelined due to an ankle injury.
–DE Jay Tufele, a freshman, helped lead what coach Clay Helton described as one of the difference-making facets of the win at Oregon State, providing two of the Trojans’ six sacks. Tufele’s emergence helps to address some of the void left with preseason All-American pass-rush specialist Porter Gustin sidelined by injury.
SERIES HISTORY: USC leads the series with Cal, 70-30-5 and has won 13 in a row (not including a vacated 2005 game). Three of the last four were decided by 10 points or fewer, including last season’s 30-20 outcome in Berkeley.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “The way they approached Tuesday’s practice, their attitude, how they really doubled-up in 9-on-7 … they took it to heart and had a great attitude about it and really prepped. I love to pat ourselves on the back as coaches, but those kids did a phenomenal job preparing.” — USC coach Clay Helton on bouncing back from two losses in practice.
