Imperfect Practice Doesn’t Bother Trojans

It was the first practice since the shutout victory over UCLA, the first of many that will take place before the Dec. 25 Las Vegas Bowl game against Utah.

While the USC Trojans were often out of sync, as expected, in their drills Friday, they also weren’t lethargic in their return to the field after the long layoff.

“We did some good work today,” Coach Pete Carroll said. “It was real high-spirited, some good intensity. We were a little sloppy, but that’s to be expected.”

The anticipation of the Trojans’ first bowl game in three years--even if it is more than three weeks away--was evident. On the practice field sideline the record 7-5 was spray-painted in white.

“We were very anxious to get out there,” free safety Troy Polamalu said. “We came out and had fun.”

Sophomore receiver Keary Colbert will be held out of practice until next week to rest sprained ankles, Carroll said. Colbert wouldn’t admit to how much pain he was in during the UCLA game but said he felt he was well enough to get back into action.