USC returns with ‘extremely average’ practice, Steve Sarkisian says

After several days off, USC resumed practice Wednesday for the Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl against Nebraska.

And the Trojans’ performance during the workout was “extremely average,” Coach Steve Sarkisian said.

“We have to recapture these guys,” he said, adding, “Today wasn’t good enough for us to win.”

Players have been completing classwork and finals, which conclude Wednesday.

Sarkisian said he anticipated that players might not be quite as on point on the field.

“You prepare for it, but you never want to accept it,” he said. “And they understand it. I expect us to be much better,” Thursday, he said.

The Trojans are scheduled to practice Thursday, Friday and Saturday before taking two days off. They’re set to return to practice on Tuesday and then depart for the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.