USC Practice Report: LT Max Tuerk Likely To Start Vs. Arizona

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

The Trojans gathered at Howard Jones field today to begin practice for Arizona, the final tough road game USC has this year. With the game the Wildcats played on Saturday against Washington, they are not to be taken lightly and Coach Kiffin knows it. There was a slight development regarding the left tackle situation, and Kiffin addressed a minor Twitter controversy that began late Sunday night.

Here’s the rundown from Tuesday’s practice:

Kiffin told the media post practice that despite Arizona’s record, this could be their toughest game yet. He continued to say the team has a lot of concerns including penalties but going forward with tougher offenses, it means defense needs to step up.

In Kiffin’s weekly post-game teleconference, he indicated to the media that on USC’s two-point conversion attempt, back-up QB Cody Kessler–who normally wears NO. 6–took the field in a No. 35 jersey. At the time, it was assumed that it was P Kyle Negrete, but Kiffin revealed otherwise. There was some discussion on Twitter about the ramifications of this, though it is perfectly within the NCAA rulebook to have players switch jersey numbers. The head coach said players change numbers all the time and everything was within the college rules.

Cody Kessler was also asked about it, saying that he did not know why Special Teams Coach John Baxter asked him to put on No. 35, but that he did as he was asked.

LT Max Tuerk got a lot of reps with the first team today but Kiffin did not say whether he would start Saturday. Tuerk didn’t volunteer any information either way either, only indicating that he would like to start if the opportunity exists.

QB Matt Barkley said the tough part of the schedule coming up is like a playoff.

LB Dion Bailey, who was seen wearing street clothes during Saturday’s win, practiced on Tuesday. TE Randall Telfer also said his ankle is feeling great after resting it for two weeks because of a sprain.

When asked about his future with the Trojans, Robert Woods said he has not yet though about if he will turn pro after the season. Fellow WR Marqise Lee was also asked about Woods, and he said the two have not discussed it because “he [Woods] can make his own decisions.” Lee also said he did not ask Barkley last year while he was going through a similar decision-making process.