USC players and coaches embrace rain-soaked practice

USC returned to practice Friday, embracing the rainstorm that soaked the Southland.

Freshman receiver JuJu Smith, one of the first players on the artificial turf field at the track stadium, screamed, “Let’s get it!”

Offensive lineman Zach Banner, who grew up in Washington, described the conditions as “beautiful.”

The Trojans are preparing for the Dec. 27 Holiday Bowl against Nebraska, though they will not begin installing a game plan until next week.

“This was a great chance for us,” said Coach Steve Sarkisian, who spent the previous five seasons at Washington. “We haven’t been faced with a whole lot of adverse weather conditions in the year I’ve been here.”

The Trojans, and Holiday Bowl organizers, are hoping for clear skies when USC plays Nebraska at Qualcomm Stadium.