Thoughts from Monday’s practice, through the eyes of USCRipsIt…

– For the third straight day, the Trojans turned in a highly competitive — and remarkably crisp — practice, with the offense and defense both producing highlight-reel plays on the team’s first day in shoulder pads. And for the second time in three practices, the offense captured the overall practice victory, this time by a 16-14 score. “That’s a hell of a first day in pads,” Coach Carroll told the players in the post-practice huddle.

– Quarterbacks Aaron Corp and Matt Barkley both had their shining moments Monday. The play of the day for Corp, who had a minor scare when a lineman rolled onto his ankle near the end of practice (he quickly bounced back and took more snaps), came on a deep pass to Brice Butler that was made sweeter by the wideout’s shifty moves after the catch. Barkley, meanwhile, became an automatic touchdown machine, throwing several TDs throughout the day.

– During one five-play set in red zone 7-on-7 drills, Matt Barkley went 4-for-5, including touchdowns to tight end Anthony McCoy and wideout Jordan Cameron.

– Other than one long run each from tailbacks Allen Bradford and Joe McKnight, the defense logged an overpowering performance in the rushing-focused 9-on-7 drill.

– Quarterback Mitch Mustain was not at the practice to attend a summer school class. A total of 22 players will have missed at least one walk-thru or practice this week, the final one of summer school classes.