The frustration from Saturday’s embarrassing blowout loss to Alabama has apparently spilled over to USC’s practice field.
What was described as a chippy session Tuesday turned Trojan teammates on one another following a pass breakup late in the practice. All-Pac-12 wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster didn’t appreciate the level of celebration defenders displayed after making a play on him, leading to the receiver and safety Ykili Ross going at it with each other.
Specifically, Smith-Schuster took a few swings at the defensive back before teammates and coaches broke up the scuffle. Smith-Schuster then stormed off the field briefly before being coaxed back by Adoreé Jackson, although the receiver didn’t participate the remainder of practice.
Despite the Trojan-on-Trojan violence, Clay Helton didn’t seem particularly upset over the situation. In fact, the head coach seemed quite pleased with the fire his team was showing.
“We’ve got a mad football team right now,” the coach said. “Wish we could play today, to be honest with you. But it was ultra-competitive out here today, which is a good sign.”
One of Helton’s other players disagreed, with offensive tackle Zach Banner labeling it “unacceptable.” “You’re not allowed to do that with your teammates,” the lineman added.
The first test of who’s right or wrong will come Saturday as USC will look t bounce back against Utah State Saturday.