Introduction to USC’s Practices at the Coliseum
The Spirit of Troy marching band, though inside Howard Jones practice field, could be heard across campus. “We have the best band in the universe,” cornerback Braylon Conley said. Wednesday marked 10 days until USC football’s home opener against Missouri State and the final practice of fall training camp that was partially available to the media. The band performance provides a game day feel, and the off-site practices add to the anticipation for the players.
Importance of Off-Campus Practices
USC has held multiple practices off campus during fall training camp, which could prove beneficial to the team. “(It’s important) just to see the stadium, to know what stretch is going to be like,” defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn told reporters after practice on Wednesday. “To get that feel, so you’re not in that stadium for the first time on game day. We’ll go through things like what’s it going to be like pregame? What’s halftime going to be like? What’s the locker room like? Just so on game day, there’s nothing new.”
USC’s Home Schedule
USC went 4-2 at home last season and last finished unbeaten at home in 2022 while still playing in the Pac-12. This season’s home opponents are Missouri State, Georgia Southern, Michigan State, Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa and UCLA. Michigan is the only one of those teams ranked in the AP Top 25 preseason poll, and will likely give USC its stiffest challenge out of the group. Getting dominant wins at home will be critical to boosting the Trojans’ playoff chances.
Honoring the Coliseum
Director of Sports Performance Trumain Carroll, who is in his first year with the team, told players that he wanted them to earn the right to run the steps and represent USC in the Coliseum because he sees it as “such a sacred place.” “Whether it is jam-packed with fans, or whether there’s not a single person sitting in the stands and we’re just in there scrimmaging, it has that vibe,” head coach Lincoln Riley said. “And this team’s talked a lot about protecting that, playing very well at home, having an appreciation for where we play and who we play for. Those practices have been very meaningful.”
Transfer linebacker Ta’mere Robinson played a game in the Coliseum while at Penn State, but the redshirt sophomore is embracing his time at the venue as a Trojan. “Just going over there, just seeing the sighting, being on the field, getting the smell for the grass over there, just knowing what it’s going to be like on game day,” Robinson said. “I played in there last year when we played, but actually being on the team and being over there, and calling that my home stadium is amazing. It’s beautiful.”
Coliseum Pays Homage to Running History
The Coliseum hosted 500 runners for the Nike Victory Relay 2.0 two weeks before USC’s home opener against Missouri State. Run clubs from around Los Angeles converged and formed relay teams to try and collectively beat Joan Benoit Samuelson’s Olympic gold medal-winning 3,000-meter time, which she recorded at the Coliseum during the 1984 Summer Games. “It means a lot to us to go back to the finish line of where Joanie finished that 1984 race,” Ian Sheppard, head of marketing for Nike LA, said of the Coliseum. “And then to be able to hand that down to the next generation of runners and give them a forum to compete and run as a team, there’s no other place that we probably could do it. It’s just such an iconic piece of Legacy.” Women’s first-place winners included Quick Track Club, Corona High School and FastHER and men’s first-place winners were Quick Track Club, Redondo Premiere Track Club and Good Vibes Track Club.
Conclusion
USC’s practices at the Coliseum have been meaningful, with the team looking to honor the stadium and make the most of their home games. The off-campus practices have provided the team with a game day feel, and the players are embracing their time at the venue. With a tough home schedule ahead, the Trojans will need to be at their best if they want to boost their playoff chances.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of USC’s practices at the Coliseum?
A: The practices at the Coliseum are significant because they provide the team with a game day feel and help the players get accustomed to the stadium.
Q: Who is the Director of Sports Performance for USC?
A: Trumain Carroll is the Director of Sports Performance for USC.
Q: What event did the Coliseum host two weeks before USC’s home opener?
A: The Coliseum hosted the Nike Victory Relay 2.0, which featured 500 runners from around Los Angeles.
Q: What is the importance of the Coliseum to USC?
A: The Coliseum is a sacred place for USC, and the team wants to earn the right to run the steps and represent the university in the stadium.
Q: What is the goal of USC’s home games?
A: The goal of USC’s home games is to get dominant wins and boost their playoff chances.
