USC football practice notes: Helton explains playcalling takeover (10/30)

USC football head coach Clay Helton explained his decision to take over playcalling duties as the Trojans opened preparations for Oregon State on Tuesday.

Clay Helton has had an itch that he finally opted to scratch this week. The head coach announced on Monday that he has taken over playcalling duties for offensive coordinator Tee Martin. Tuesday was a chance to go into further detail on that decision.

“The playcalling is something I’ve been itching to do, to get back more involved with the offense and I felt it was an appropriate time,” Helton said.

Careful to heap praise on Martin for the job he’s done thus far (“He helped win a Rose Bowl and Pac-12 title”), Helton framed the decision…