USC’s freshman quarterback Aaron Corp, who is redshirtting this year to learn the playbook and get stronger before competing for playing time next spring with Mark Sanchez and Mitch Mustain, has impressed Trojan coaches with his bowl practice performances as the would-be “Juice” Williams, Illinois’ mobile starting quarterback. Pete Carroll told the LA Times, “At times he’s been too good for us…It’s been hard to defend him. His offense out of high school did everything that they’re doing here running and throwing.” Though he likely won’t start in 2008 with the talent and experience ahead of him on the depth chart, if the coaches are sufficiently impressed with him by next fall, perhaps they’ll design some plays for him in 2008 similar to those tailored to the freshman Tim Tebow’s strengths, which will give him the option to pass or run when he finds an opening.

• WR Patrick Turner did not practice once again on Friday and remains doubtful for the Rose Bowl. Pete Carroll told the LA Times, “It’s not looking very good for him to get back if he can’t practice…He’s got to get in the game plan.” Turner told Scott Wolf that he should practice Saturday: “I’ll be cool.” David Ausberry would be the primary beneficiary of Turner’s sitting out.
• CB Terrell Thomas sat out part of practice with back tightness.
• Carroll told reporters that no players are academically ineligible to play in the Rose Bowl. Scott Wolf notes, by way of possible explanation, that because the second semester won’t begin until January 14 (a week later than normal), grades won’t be posted until after Tuesday’s game.
• Illinois freshman wide receiver Arrelious Benn described USC’s defensive schemes to the Chicago Sun-Times: “They haven’t been doing anything special. It’s nothing we haven’t seen all year.” Benn told the OC Register he was impressed with USC’s recruiting efforts, but that the West Coast location turned the D.C. native off.

Benn: “We’re here to win the game” (Chicago Sun-Times)
USC’s Williams has everyone’s back (LA Times)
Hurry-up offense rushes defense (LA Times)
Booty reflects on career as a Trojan (LA Times)
Illinois’ Zook, USC’s Carroll foes on recruiting path (LA Daily News)
Zook’s blueprint for success is hard work (Long Beach Press-Telegram)
USC’s defense turns it around (The Press-Enterprise)
USC notes: Is Illinois an Oregon repeat? (Orange County Register)
Whicker column: USC’s learning experience (Orange County Register)