Dec. 24--Nothing like a little brotherly bowl competition.
USC Coach Clay Helton is preparing the Trojans for Wednesday night's Holiday Bowl against Wisconsin, his final game as the Trojans' play-caller.
On Monday, Helton's younger brother, Tyson, helped coordinate a Western Kentucky offense that produced 612 yards in a 45-35 victory over South Florida in the Miami Beach Bowl.
Coach Jeff Brohm calls plays for Western Kentucky, but Tyson Helton is the offensive coordinator of a record-setting attack that generated 49 touchdown passes in 2014 and 50 this season.
Clay Helton said Wednesday that he watched Western Kentucky's comeback victory while reviewing practice tape.
"I come in and it's 7-0 South Florida," Helton said. "I'm like, 'What is going on?'"
Western Kentucky rallied for the victory.
"What they've done over the past two years is impressive," Clay Helton said. "I can't tell you, as an older brother, how proud I am of him.
"He's a really talented coach."
Seymour questionable
Senior cornerback Kevon Seymour suffered a high ankle sprain this week and his availability for the Holiday Bowl is "50-50 at best," Helton said.
Seymour, a senior, has not practiced since Monday. He will be reevaluated when the Trojans resume practice in San Diego on Sunday.
"We'll have to see," Helton said. "With a skill kid, it's kind of like a wideout, those kids change direction often."
Seymour opened the season as a starter opposite sophomore Adoree' Jackson but suffered a knee injury and was supplanted by freshman Iman Marshall.
Marshall, a Freshman All-American, has intercepted three passes.
Jackson has intercepted one, which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
Seymour, who also plays on special teams, has one interception.
Senior send-off
Seniors went through the traditional send-off, running a gantlet of teammates as they exited from Howard Jones-Brian Kennedy Field for the final time.
"Being a part of this family, this program and team -- you never forget it," senior defensive lineman Greg Townsend Jr. said.
Sophomore Jackson said he was sad because older players that helped guide him, particularly Seymour, are moving on.
"He's like my big brother," Jackson said.
Etc.
Helton provided no update on offensive tackle Chad Wheeler, who has been absent since his involvement in an incident with police Saturday. He was not arrested. Wheeler is listed as a co-starter at left tackle on the depth chart. When asked whether Wheeler would accompany the team to San Diego, Helton said, "Still working through that," and that he had not spoken to Wheeler.
gary.klein@latimes.com
