(Editor's note: Southern California's Travis Claridge, a senior offensive tackle, will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season. For more information on the Trojans, visit the official USC site.)

Sept. 17, 1999

It's been good to have the extra time off after the Hawaii game. But the team hasn't let up one bit.

	Claridge, a preseason Student Advantage All-American, was an All-Pac-10 first team pick in '98.

We've been going full blast in practice each week. We were given the choice of either taking Sunday off or practicing, but we were out there for 2½ hours Sunday night. It was good for the team to get a day ahead so we did it. We're approaching this game against San Diego State -- and every game -- like it's the Rose Bowl.

I got a chance to watch a little bit of football on Saturday for once. The UCLA-Ohio State game was entertaining. Mostly, though, the weekend was a chance to get some personal things done, like laundry, housecleaning and schoolwork. The clothes were starting to pile up. We have such busy schedules that it's hard to fit everything in when you want to. So last weekend was my time to get things done.

This week, looking toward San Diego State, I think the offensive line has really prepared well. There were so many plays against Hawaii where we were only one block away from breaking a big play. We missed a couple assignments because we really couldn't be sure what they would throw at us since they had a new system and new coaches. But against San Diego State, I am pretty confident that the line is going to look sharper and make fewer assignment errors.

	THE FULL DOSE OF DIARIES
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	Georgia Tech's Joe Hamilton: Head won't hang long
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	Ole Miss' Todd Wade: The first step in the process

That old saying that teams improve the most from game one to game two is something I'd agree with. It'll apply the most to our freshmen, I think. Guys like (wide receivers) Kareem Kelly and Marcell Allmond were just getting their feet wet against Hawaii.

Against San Diego State, I expect them to really make a huge leap forward. It also helps that we played them last year and we know their defense. We know those players and their tendencies. Still, they are a talented bunch. Their defensive line is very active: it stunts a lot and blitzes on almost every down.

This offense is at the point where we are very confident in ourselves and in our coaches. We've had coach (Paul) Hackett's offense in place for a year now.

Sometimes when we practice, (offensive line) coach (Steve) Greatwood will show us things that may not make sense right away, but then we look at the tapes afterward and see the big picture and then it makes perfect sense. We are always made aware of the big picture and what everyone's responsibilities are. We have the utmost confidence in our coaches.

It helps, too, that we have veteran leadership on this team. You need leaders for those times when things don't go well, someone to tell you to get off your butt and back on to your feet. It's my job to be a leader on the offensive line, to be there for the young guys.

We have so much speed and talent on this team, especially on offense. As linemen, we know that if we give (tailbacks) Chad Morton or Sultan McCullough even the slightest crease, it'll go for a good gain, if not a touchdown. I also think that (center/offensive guard) Lenny Vandermade is going to be just a great player eventually. He's only a freshman, but he's so smart and he's picked up the system so fast.

Then, of course, there are the outstanding freshmen receivers. I remember what it was like playing as a freshman, how tough it was, and those guys are doing just a great job.

It's been a good bye week. But now it's time to play the Aztecs, and I can't wait.