Mustain, Williams End 2007 on a High Note

Mitch Mustain and Damian Williams have been lighting up scoreboards all over the South since they were kids. On Sunday the duo put on a show for the USC faithful. Mustain lead the Trojans on three scoring drives and Williams had a handful of acrobatic catches.

USC’s scrimmage on Sunday was highlighted by the spectacular play of Mitch Mustain and Damian Williams. Sunday was the first real chance that the two transfers from Arkansas got to show off their skills in a game-like setting, and the duo wasted no time proving that they are ready to contribute in 2008.

“Today was the perfect shot for us and I think we really capitalized on it,” said Mustain.

Mitch Mustain threw touchdown passes to three different receivers on Sunday. Mustain connected with tight end Cooper Stephenson for a 22-yard TD, wide receiver Sean Calcagnie for a 17-yard TD and Damian Williams for an 11-yard TD.

While Mustain spread the ball around the field, completing 10 of 16 pass attempts for 162 yards and three touchdowns, it was obvious that he was most comfortable throwing the ball to his longtime friend and fellow transfer Damian Williams.

“There is no question that there is a chemistry there and it was exciting to see how obvious it was. They are familiar, they have been playing together since they were  little kids and it showed today,” Pete Carroll  said after the scrimmage.

 Williams made a handful of acrobatic catches  jumping over and around defenders. “He made  plays in very difficult situations and was very  tough about making the catches in traffic,” said  Carroll. “Damian just jumped out and jumped  off the charts today.”

 Mustain has been throwing touchdown passes  to Damian Williams since they were young kids  and Sunday’s breakout performance by  Williams was no surprise to the quarterback.  “He has always done that,” explained Mustain.  “I don’t think he has had a chance to really do it  this year.”

Mustain continually looked for Williams any time he needed a big play. “It wasn’t anything planned it was just they stuck us in there and we got our chance. He did a good job making plays. Especially on that last drive he made some huge plays for us,” said Mustain.

On the day Williams had 5 catches for 58 yards and a touchdown.

Sunday was the highlight of the year for Mustain, who arrived at USC after a controversial freshman year at Arkansas. “I had a whole season to learn everything and really this is the first full time we had a whole session structured so we could actually use it. I think it was a great help to us.”

When asked if the scrimmage was a confidence booster Mustain replied, “A huge one, again it’s a lot more than I thought I would ever get out of it. I was kind of skeptical of this being my last one and not getting a chance. But I am happy going out on that one and just kind of maintaining it through the break and coming back strong.”

NCAA transfer rules prohibit Mustain and Williams from practicing once the semester ends so Sunday was their last opportunity to make an impression on the coaching staff before next year.

“We really wanted to see these guys get some reps and some turns where they could start battling for what’s coming up here in the future,” said Pete Carroll.