After two weeks of training camp and another of game-week rehearsals, USC finally can turn its attention to a real opponent.
The Trojans, ranked eighth in the Associated Press media poll and 10th in the coaches' poll, on Monday move into preparations for Saturday night's game against Arkansas State at the Coliseum.
"We're not playing USC anymore," senior defensive lineman Antwaun Woods said, "so everything counts.
"The studying and the preparation get more serious."
USC will not resume practice until Tuesday, and the Trojans are eager to turn all of their attention to football.
Players spent the last week answering questions about Coach Steve Sarkisian and the controversy caused by his apparent intoxicated appearance at a booster event.