For once, the veterans of the USC defense only needed to listen. This week, the younger players have run team meetings, relaying lessons from film sessions to the rest of the Trojans.
The switch was made by the coaching staff to give the younger players more responsibility. Coach Clay Helton targeted players on the border — those who are one injury away from being a starter but must improve to be ready.
Helton said players on the cusp have stepped up. The extra repetitions during USC’s off week have provided lessons that are normally limited when the team’s attention is trained on the immediate opponent.