USC’s Chris Galippo can use the rest

No USC football player looked forward to Saturday’s open date more than Chris Galippo.

The Trojans’ middle linebacker played nearly every snap against Arizona State and the entire game against Arizona, both of which ended with USC giving up more than 40 points.

Galippo was unfazed after Coach Lane Kiffin told reporters this week that the senior’s first three games this season were better than his last two.

Galippo had three tackles against Arizona State and seven against Arizona, which rolled up 554 yards and 37 first downs.

“I didn’t play well — no excuses,” Galippo said Wednesday. “I think after Arizona State I was so concerned with not having a repeat bad performance, I got a little out of my element.

“Playing as much as I did, I was tired and sluggish. So there were little things that really just kind of took me out of my game.”

Galippo is using this week’s practices to shore up his technique, the scheduled days off to rejuvenate his body.

He also is looking forward to backup Lamar Dawson’s return. The freshman was sidelined the last two games because of a sprained ankle, but he could be ready for the Trojans’ Oct. 13 game against California at San Francisco’s AT&T Park.

“I have to get back to where I was the first few weeks,” Galippo said. “I’ve got to sort of refocus, so it’s good timing that we have the bye.

“Hopefully, we can get Lamar healthy this week and refocus as a defense as a whole and just play better.”

Farmer in the backfield

Freshman George Farmer, regarded as perhaps the No. 1 receiver prospect nationally coming out of Gardena Serra High, shook off an ankle sprain suffered Tuesday and worked at tailback despite constant rainfall.

“I feel pretty good at the position,” he said. “I’ve just got to learn the plays and the concepts.”

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Farmer was slowed by a concussion during training camp and is expected to redshirt, meaning he would retain four years of eligibility.

Kiffin said Farmer, who ran the 100 meters in 10.4 seconds in high school, looked “pretty natural” in the backfield.

If Farmer sticks at tailback, he would be perhaps the Trojans’ fastest player at the position.

“There aren’t many people… that run 10.4,” Kiffin said. “He can play receiver — we know he can do that. And if he could do this at running back too, that would be a nightmare matchup issue for people.”

Quick hits

With upcoming trips to San Francisco, South Bend, Ind., Boulder, Colo., and Eugene, Ore., players and coaches said they welcomed the opportunity to practice in the rain… The Trojans are off Thursday and will resume practice Friday.

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