The USC Trojans headed into practice Tuesday looking to bounce back from a disappointing 21-14 loss to the Stanford Cardinal on Saturday in Palo Alto, and head coach Lane Kiffin had some harsh criticism for his players, according to report from USC's Ripsit Blog.
Kiffin wasn't pleased with quarterback Matt Barkley's poor decision-making on Saturday, as the senior threw two interceptions in the loss, but he made those comments in the context of praising his quarterback, likening Barkley's performance to the Denver Broncos Peyton Manning throwing three interceptions in the first quarter on Monday Night Football.
Barkley understood the criticism and appreciated Kiffin's honesty.
"I made some poor decisions. He's going to be real. I'm glad he's not hiding me behind a curtain. I know what I did."
Kiffin was displeased with the efforts of the Trojans as a whole.
"We won't tolerate lack of great effort...not when you put on these jerseys that all these great players have worn before."
He also noted that the competition for the Trojans' left tackle spot is open this week, as Aundrey Walker and Max Tuerk battle for playing time.
Saturday's loss dropped the Trojans to No. 13 in the AP Top 25 and put a bit of a damper on the team's BCS Championship hopes. They'll look to rebound in a Week 4 game against the Cal Bears (1-2) who are coming off a 35-28 loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Kickoff for Saturday's game is slated for 3 p.m. PT at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
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