Press conference recap

A quick recap of Will Muschamp's comments during his Tuesday press conference in advance of USC's Saturday matchup with UMass.

Muschamp notes that it was a 10-7 game for UMass in the fourth quarter against Florida and that they led at halftime against Mississippi State, a team that beat USC already this season.

Asked about punt return, Muschamp noted that USC has had struggles. They're constantly putting the guys under duress and practice it every day. They feel they're coaching the right things, going live in practice, but it's different doing it in games. They've ramped it up lately in practice, but they're looking for someone to step forward and show some guts to catch the ball. Sometimes you have to see it in games to know what you've got. Sometimes guys catch it well in practice but not in games. Bryan Edwards, Kiel Pollard, AJ Turner are some others working at punt return. Samuel is back catching them to, but there are a "bunch of guys", Muschamp said.

Running through contact is something you look at, "bull yards", when evaluating players out of high school. Rico Dowdle has done a good job and AJ Turner is working on it, Muschamp said. It's hard to get a clean look in the running game, so you have to be able to be physical.

Muschamp encourages the guys to decompress and get away from football during the off time. Muschamp worked most of the day on Saturday.

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Any freshman that does not go through spring ball, you have to learn terminology, tempo of practice, regardless of who it is. You have to study the playbook and catch on, he said. They're pleased with the approach and the practice on Sunday. There were objectives on offense, defense, and special teams. The guys attacked the issues. There was a workmanlike attitude during today's practice and the one on Sunday was spirited.

The turnovers and field position were critical against UGA, Muschamp said. They have to stay on the field on third down offensively.

As for Jake Bentley, Muschamp said they're making a decision based on what's best for the team. After camp, Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain were ahead. As the season has gone on, the production hasn't been there. It's not just the quarterback, but you have to do what's good for the team, Muschamp said. They won't make a change for for the sake of changing. They will not disclose the decision until Saturday.

Muschamp has emphasized playing and coaching better in the late game situations. USC has found itself with a chance to be in the game or win the game late and has not done it, but Muschamp notes they're not in it to play games close.

Muschamp is encouraged offensively because 70 percent of receptions are freshmen and 80 percent of rushes. The challenge has been toughness. They've done some more good on good work, more than usual, and USC already does a lot. The team has accepted everything and has been no push back.

Taylor Stallworth plays square on the line of scrimmage and on blocks. He plays blocks very well and the team needs more guys like him, Muschamp said. He holds the double teams, sometimes 700 pounds in this league, well.

Muschamp has been pleased with Shameik Blackshear's approach and work ethic. The year off from lifting has really hurt him in terms of strengths and being physically ready. He runs well and is going to be a really good player, Muschamp said.

During the open week, Muschamp saw four games and will see more this week. He believes it's important to get out and promote the game and he enjoys being around high school games and seeing prospects that USC is recruiting competing. As far as run defense, it's about repping over and over. USC hasn't been good there in a while, Muschamp said. Guys cannot play like they do in high school and it takes time.

Darius English practices very hard and does a good job setting the edge and affecting the quarterback. To Muschamp, it all goes back to practice.

Keir Thomas was someone Muschamp started recruiting 2-3 years ago and he was about 220 pounds then. He's 270 now. It's hard for interior defensive linemen and offensive linemen to play as freshmen because of how fast and violent it is. It's not what USC or Thomas wants, but he's progressed and plays the right way.

Jonathan Walton has played well and it hurt taking him out of the UGA game. He's a thumper, Muschamp said. It's not good for run defense. TJ Holloman has played every position. Brunson and Pittman and Allen-Williams can play all the inside linebacker spots.

Larenz Bryant is practicing well and will play SAM linebacker and start. USC has also missed him on special teams.