USC football morning report: No practice until Saturday

Quote of the day: “We’ve been in some really physical and emotional type of games. They just kind of take their toll on you and how you feel.”

-- Coach Steve Sarkisian, on his decision to give players the week off from practice

USC has an open date on Saturday and will not practice before then.

The Trojans improved to 6-3 overall and 5-2 in the Pac-12 Conference after a 44-17 victory Saturday at Washington State.

USC plays California on Nov. 13 in a Thursday night game. Coach Steve Sarkisian said the team would resume practice on Saturday.

California defeated Oregon State, 45-31, on Saturday in Corvallis, Ore.

The Bears -- 5-4, 3-4 -- also have an open date Saturday.

In The Times:

• Update on Cody Kessler, Greg Townsend, Jr. and Steven Mitchell
• Chris Dufresne doesn’t apologize for defending Steve Sarkisian
• Update on the concussion settlement with the NFL

Around the Web:

• Is New York missing Mark Sanchez?
• Only bumps and bruises for Washington Redskins and Silas Redd
• Keeping an eye on the Irish

Questions or comments about USC? Email me at LNThiry@gmail.com or tweet @LindseyThiry and I will respond to select emails in a weekly USC Now mailbag