(Cal)ifornia Love

Now that’s the way USC football ought to be played - a firing offense and a lockdown defense. USC’s stellar first half shut out against Cal was certainly reminiscent of the SC teams that dominated this past decade. Though times have changed, the Trojan’s ability to play hard hasn’t. Seeing the offense, defense, and special teams play as well as they did was exactly what the Trojan Nation needed as we enter our bye week in preparation for Oregon.

Here are a few notable stats from Saturday:
• USC put up 602 total yards, while Cal tallied 245.
• Matt Barkley had another solid performance: 25-37 for 352 yards and 5 TD’s
• Freshman WR Robert Woods didn’t disappoint: 7 catches for 116 yards and 2 TD’s. Senior WR Ronald Johnson also had 7 receptions for 2 TD’s.
• Kicker Joe Houston was perfect on the day: 6-6 in extra points and 2-2 in field goals
• The defense gave up only 10 first downs (first team defense allowed only 3)
• T.J. McDonald’s interception didn’t come as a surprise because he plays safety. But how about the interception by the 305 pound, defensive tackle, DaJohn Harris?

With that, it is safe to say that all things were clicking for the team this weekend. Yesterday and today are our rest days. We’ll be back at it tomorrow, but not at our normal time. For the next couple days, we’ll be conducting early morning practices. 6 a.m. to be exact. So the managers be out on Howard Jones Field at 5:15 a.m. to set up the equipment. Though some may call us crazy, this is what we live for! Fight On!

Yet another impressive locker room set up for us Jimokes.

We take pride in making each players locker identical to its neighbor.

Cal's equipment truck.

Cal's marching band.

Myself and fellow sophomore manager Wilson Palmer just before kickoff.

Kiffin making sure everyone is on the same page.

The USC sideline was alive and well.

The USC defense played tough all day.

Coach Kiffin calling the shots.

Not a bad halftime score to have.

Honoring new USC President Max Nikias at halftime.

RB Marc Tyler running for a first down. Managers Gavin Williams, Cody Kelly, Brian Wagner, Wilson Palmer, and myself in the background (left to right).