Cody Kessler is confident USC will rebound this week at the Coliseum. (Charlie Magovern/Neon Tommy)

Practice kicked off with high intensity on both sides of the ball. The scout team played with a lot of energy. On both defense and offense, everyone looked determined and dedicated to playing their best.

On offense, redshirt junior quarterback Cody Kessler was nailing his receivers left and right, and on defense, sophomore safety Su’a Cravens and true freshman cornerback Adoree’ Jackson both had great coverage and touches on the ball. 

In the center of it all, head coach Steve Sarkisian was completely fired up and was pleased with the Trojans’ performance during practice.

“The guys were really efficient,” Sarkisian said. “It was a good hard physical practice, which is what we need.”  

He noted that he's been very impressed with Jackson and that he expects his role on defense to increase this weekend, commenting “He’s earning more playing time."

Reflecting on the loss and the bye week, Sark shared, “You dwell on the loss probably a little bit more than you would on a normal week.”

Kessler added, “You have to put it behind you. You learn from it and move on.”

Redshirt senior tight end Randall Telfer shared, “Everyone just kind of takes a deep breath...We’re getting in a lot of teaching, especially for the young guys."

After the team's worst rushing performance of the season, offensive line coach Tim Drevno reflected that the loss was a growing experience.

“It’s always good to get a piece of humble pie, it all makes you better,” he said. “We’ll be better because of it, I really believe that.”

SEE MORE: USC's Defense: How Has It Stacked Up To Last Year's Unit?

Kessler also noticed the hard work his team has put in and feels ready for Saturday’s game. 

“We fixed a lot of things,” the offensive captain noted about the bye week. “We come out here and treat it like any other week.” 

Sarkisian commented on how he’s looking at a successful season for his Trojans. “I chose to come to USC to be the best,” Sarkisian added. “I’m here to win championships.”

He continued to talk about how the offense needs to be better on first and 10s, as well as being overall more efficient on their drives.  

Looking towards the weekend, Kessler emphasized, “We want to put long drives together and keep the other team off the field...Our biggest emphasis is finishing in the end zone.”

He continued to share about the work ethic and drive that the team has right now. “The attitude of the team right now is outstanding.”

At the end of a great Tuesday morning practice, the Trojans look forward to put forth their best effort and showcase their hard work on Saturday against Oregon State at 7:30 PM at the Coliseum.

Reach Staff Reporter Jodee Sullivan here and on Twitter here.