ASU Thursday: Notes

The Trojans hit the practice field for the last time before heading to Tempe for their Saturday night matchup against Arizona State.

The injury report remained the same as yesterday's, with a few updates from head coach Clay Helton: DE Christian Rector's hand is broken and will require surgery, leaving him out for several weeks. DT Josh Fatu (concussion) got limited work and will be a game time decision, as will OLB Porter Gustin (foot injury). OT Chuma Edoga (stomach bug) practiced fully and is expected to play. TE Josh Falo (foot injury) is not expected to play and neither is RB Stephen Carr.

Asked about his philosophy to stay optimistic even after losses, Helton said, "I've always thought, maybe it's because of the nature of me playing the quarterback position or maybe it's being a quarterback coach by trade, but I think [the players] always look to you for leadership and how your body language is. They understand that I coach them hard, but I also love them and I believe in them, and I always will...I'd rather coach them and communicate with them and get them better, that's my job."

Talking about QB Sam Darnold's demeanor this year compared to what it was during the nine-game win streak last year, Helton said Darnold's handling of the losses and criticism has been "unbelievable." Adding that some of the things he appreciates most about Darnold is how focused he is on the team, how well he understands the role of the quarterback, and Helton mentioned how, "You really can't tell when he throws a touchdown pass or when he has a missed play. He just moves on to the next play, in my opinion, and that's what he does game-wise too. He's always been a terrific leader for this team and there is no day he doesn't work to try to improve, and I think that rubs off on the other kids."

Regarding how the team seems to play better in quick-tempo situations like two-minute or four-minute drills, Helton said he believes it's because the players and offensive coordinator Tee Martin "get in a flow," but that in the third quarter against Notre Dame last week he thinks the team did a, "Nice change of pace, especially in the first two drives of kind of just lining up and going. Our kids did a wonderful job with it and I think it's something Tee can get to at any point in time...I know Tee always has it as a tool in our toolbox."

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