USC quarterback Matt Barkley got off to an inconsistent start in the Trojans' first scrimmage of training camp at the Coliseum on Monday night.
Barkley completed 10 of 20 passes with a touchdown and interception in the first half but also showed accuracy problems. In one series, he underthrew wide receiver Kyle Prater and overthrew tight end Rhett Ellison.
He also threw a pass that cornerback Nickell Robey dropped.
Freshman quarterback Cody Kessler got off to a fast start, completing eight of 10 passes for 63 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown pass to tailback Dillon Baxter. But Kessler also had a pass intercepted by safety Dion Bailey, who returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. Bailey intercepted two passes in the half.
Kessler rebounded with a 35-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brice Butler. Baxter looked sharp with 69 yards in eight carries. D.J. Morgan gained 37 yards in 11 carries.
Freshman quarterback Max Wittek struggled in the first half with two poor passes dropped by cornerback Anthony Brown. Quarterback Jessie Scroggins did not play in the first half but did play in the second.
Tyler hearing
USC tailback Marc Tyler attended a hearing last week with the office of student judicial affairs regarding two alleged incidents with female students last spring. Tyler, according to sources, was not suspended by a disciplinary board although USC has not released details of the hearing.
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"I'm hopeful (he will return soon)," said running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu, who is working one on one with Tyler during his suspension for making controversial comments about the program. Sources said Tyler would be reinstated to practice prior to the first day of classes Aug. 22.
Defensive improvement
There seems to be a feeling in training camp that USC's defense must be better than last season.
"(Defensive end) Devon Kennard is just about unblockable, we have depth and a veteran defensive line," linebacker Chris Galippo said. "(Linebacker) Shane Horton and I are playing well. (Defensive end) Nick Perry and Devon are two of the best pass rushers in the (Pac-12)."
Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin is cautious but complimented the speed of the defense in its second year learning his system.
"We're playing fast and good things happen when you play fast," Kiffin said.
But defensive tackle Christian Tupou, who redshirted last season with a knee injury, said it was too soon to make any bold pronouncements.
"We're looking fluid. I wouldn't say we're better because we haven't played yet," Tupou said. "There were small mistakes last year. Everybody wants to get to the top so fast, but you've got to take every curve with discipline."
Tupou said he spent the year studying film with defensive line coach Ed Orgeron to learn what his coach wants.
"I benefitted from picking his mind," Tupou said. "Just being able to recognize blocks and pass protections and knowing what he wants from me in those situations."
One aspect of the defense that draws curiosity are freshmen linebackers led by highly touted Lamar Dawson in the middle. But Galippo said not to expect much from the group right away.
"They're all pretty raw," he said. "Not that it's a negative but they are sort of overwhelmed like they should be. Our schemes are pretty intricate."