Trojans' offense not on track in scrimmage
A sloppy first scrimmage is expected in August but even USC coach Pete Carroll characterized Sunday's effort as "raggedy" as the offense clearly trailed the defense.
"We were not nearly as sharp as we needed to be," Carroll said.
The defensive pass rush bothered the quarterbacks, who never really got on track.
"We've got some work to do but it's only Week 1," quarterback John David Booty said. "Its not like the defense has a lot of guys in new positions or roles."
John David Booty completed 7 of 14 passes for 53 yards with two touchdowns while Mark Sanchez was 4 for 8 for 29 yards with an interception. Freshman Aaron Corp was 4 for 4 for 49 yards and a touchdown.
Chauncey Washington had a 78-yard run and Stafon Johnson gained 51 yards in 13 carries.
Legal advice: Lawyer Carmen Trutanich spoke to the USC freshman football players along with several other law enforcement officials in an effort to reduce the possibility of future problems. This is the second straight year Trutanich addressed the team.
He represented just about every USC player to get into legal trouble in recent years, including Hershel Dennis, Eric Wright, Rey Maualuga, Manuel Wright and Josh Pinkard.
Squeeze play: Quarterback Mark Sanchez is trying to somehow challenge starter John David Booty for playing time while at the same time fending off newcomers Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp.
"I catch myself helping them all the time," Sanchez said of Mustain and Aaron Corp. "They're good guys."
At the same time, Sanchez, who was inconsistent this week, said he needs to show he can play in a game even if he has no chance of beating out John David Booty.
"It could be like last year with a lot of watching from the sideline," he said. "I need to take advantage of game situations like (Sunday's) scrimmage. The coaches remind all the time and call me the vice president. I'm doing what I can to keep it a battle."
Scouting report: An NFL scout who attended practice listed USC's size, versatility at tailback and linebacker as team strengths. He mentioned speed at wide receiver, cornerback, the passing game's ability to handle pressure as a weakness. He also said the defensive line was adequate.
See more at www.dailynews.com
