USC football: Trojans prepare for another scrimmage at Coliseum

Eliminating mental mistakes will be one of USC’s main goals when it returns to the Coliseum on Monday night for its second scrimmage.

The Trojans are less than two weeks away from their Aug. 30 opener against Fresno State.

Last Wednesday, the Trojans ran 98 plays during a scrimmage that featured several highlight plays but numerous penalties.

Coaches and players said excitement and anxiousness about performing in the Coliseum affected play.

Quarterback Cody Kessler, who had an ankle-injury scare during the scrimmage, said Sunday that the Trojans’ focus would be on eliminating miscues.

“Just playing smart football,” he said, adding, “getting used to playing in that stadium and eliminating these mental lapses.”

The scrimmage is closed to the public.

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