The Trojans, like other schools, are allotted 15 practices prior to a bowl game. USC’s first Rose Bowl practices are scheduled for this weekend: Friday (12/7) at 4:00p, and Saturday (12/8) at 11:00a. Their remaining practice dates are: December 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31. When they do practice, they’ll have brand-new grass on Howard Jones Field.

The team did gather with the coaching staff for a meeting on Monday afternoon to discuss the upcoming schedule and review the UCLA game. And on many of the days when there are no practices scheduled, the players will be in the weight room for extra strength and conditioning time with Coach Carlisle, something the team has done prior to each of their BCS bowls. The coaching staff, on the other hand, will be traveling around the country on the recruiting trail.

TrojanUpdate’s Game Preview: 2008 Rose Bowl