By Rusty Simmons
Senior linebacker Worrell Williams is known for spending countless hours studying tape of Cal's upcoming opponents and finding their tendencies. When he watches USC, however, it's the actions of the Trojans' opponents that jump out at him. "You see guys doing things they don't normally do," Williams said. "USC has their opponents going crazy because of the presence they bring to the field. We've got to defend against getting overly excited." Coach Jeff Tedford starting preaching that message after Saturday's win over Oregon, though he conceded that there's no way he'll be able to convince his players that the No. 21 Cal-No. 7 USC meeting will be just another game.
"They're not going to buy that," he said. "They will know that we have to prepare the same no matter whom we play every week, but when you go down to play USC, you have a tendency to get really hyped up."
Patchwork line I: Cal's offensive line might get a boost this week with the return of senior right guard Noris Malele, but it looks like right tackle Chet Teofilo will miss his second consecutive game with a sprained ankle. Malele participated in individual drills Tuesday night and moved well on the ankle he sprained Oct. 28. Teofilo, who was injured Oct. 25, watched from the sideline on crutches.
Patchwork line II: Defensive linemen Rulon Davis (leg) and Cody Jones (ankle) were in full pads and could add depth to a unit that is beat up. Defensive end Tyson Alualu (pulled arm muscle) and defensive tackle Derrick Hill (shoulder) were limited in practice, and defensive lineman Kendrick Payne is out for the season after knee surgery. Davis has been out since Sept. 27, and Jones has been out since training camp.
Briefly: Tailback Jahvid Best didn't practice, but Tedford said the sophomore's injured foot is no worse than it was heading into the Oregon game. ... Informed that USC is 24-0 in November under coach Pete Carroll, Tedford said, "Thanks for telling me that. Now, I really won't sleep tonight."
No comments:
Post a Comment