USC Trojans Football 2016: Playing the deep ball and winning 3rd down against Cal

Clay Helton addressed the media after practice on Monday and he stressed the importance of winning on third down on both sides of the ball. Cal is an offense that runs a ton of plays and that can wear down a defense so getting three and outs and getting the defense off the field with quick stops will be critical for USC. Likewise one of the best ways to stop a high powered offense like Cal’s is to maintain possession. Therefore USC will want to consistently convert on third down while on offense. That will keep the ball out of Bears’ quarterback Davis Webb’s hands while keeping the Trojans defense on the sidelines and rested. USC spent Monday’s practice working 3rd down situations.

Speaking of Cal’s quarterback Davis Webb, Helton said that Webb was one of the more accurate quarterbacks out there and that the receivers he is throwing to are making great plays on the ball. To stop that Helton wants the defensive front to get Webb off his spot and force him into unfavorable situations. When Webb does get passes off the USC defensive backs are going to have to get aggressive in making plays on the ball.

On the injury front USC is mostly healthy, the off week provided enough time to help heal plenty of bumps and bruises. Justin Davis, however, is looking increasingly unlikely to play against Cal but the other running backs should continue to fill in nicely in his spot. Other than Davis just about everyone else was back at practice on Monday.

You can watch the full presser here:

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