Before USC played TCU in the Alamo Bowl, it announced the game would be broadcast on KNX-1070 AM instead of its regular station (710). But during the game, multiple USC fans contacted me to tell me the game was not on 1070. “I was driving and the game wasn’t on any of the stations I tried,” a fan said. “I got in my car at … Continue reading The Sound Of Silence From Texas

Did you see former USC players who got better playing yesterday in the College Football Playoff? Zacariah Branch showed he regained his speed last night against Mississippi. Something happened to him in 2024 because he was noticeably slower. Has a player from Georgia ever transferred to USC and got better? His brother, Zion, had five tackles for Georgia too and made a big hit late … Continue reading Morning Buzz: The College Football Playoff Had A USC Flavor

I said this morning the fact TCU had two star players play in the Alamo Bowl while a host of USC players opted out showed a difference in the culture of the programs. Today, former USC player Marvin Powell III made this comment. “As a culture, as a team, we are much further behind than I thought we were.” Powell is the son of former … Continue reading USC Needs A Culture Reset

Have you recovered from the Alamo Bowl yet? I can still hear “the game is not over” in my head. So USC finished with a 9-4 record. Same as Michigan, Iowa and Illinois. None of those schools are paying a scarecrow $11 million to stand on the sideline, however. How does anyone accept 9-4 as a significant step forward? I don’t think most of the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Fallout From The Epic Failure

Lincoln Riley finds new ways to lose and embarrass USC. How does he blow a 10-point lead to TCU and its backup QB in the final five minutes? How does USC let a third-and-20 in overtime turn into a 35-yard game-winning touchdown pass?Do you still think this season showed progress? Do you trust Riley to lead USC to success? What amazes me is people are … Continue reading Analysis: Another Epic Failure For Lincoln Riley

Lincoln Riley has lost 15 games in the past 3 years at USC but he’s making progress Where does this rank among Lincoln Riley choke jobs? On third-and-20! USC should really have put this game away given TCU’s QB situation. Jaden Richardson with the highlight reel one-handed catch and it’s USC, 21-14. It’s a good thing Jayden Maiava re-signed BEFORE the bowl game. Jayden Maiava … Continue reading USC-TCU Live Blog

Oh yes, the game tonight. Who will win? Who will play? Is D’Anton Lynn fired up? OK, time to pick the score between the team’s and their missing star players. Continue reading Pick The USC-TCU Score

An interesting situation has developed with D’Anton Lynn departing to Penn State. All of the other defensive assistants would like to succeed him. Rob Ryan was at one time a top NFL defensive coordinator. Doug Belk was defensive coordinator at Houston and Eric “Dawg Work” Henderson has a case because he recruited a lot of players. Now I’m not recommending any of them get it, … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Who Doesn’t Want To Be Defensive Coordinator?

This is an amazing example of gall from Lincoln Riley. He had the nerve this morning at the Alamo Bowl press conference to play the tough guy regarding to Notre Dame. “Had Notre Dame lived up to their word and played us anytime, anywhere we’d be playing them the next two years.” This is like a loudmouth at the bar who wants to fight someone … Continue reading Lincoln Riley Talks Tough To Notre Dame

USC defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn is going to Penn State, per Matt Zenitz. It should be fairly easy for USC to upgrade here. Can someone else allow 500 yards of offense to Illinois? Or more than 400 yards to Oregon and Notre Dame? Well, no more Notre Dame. So who leaves with him? Is he taking Dawg Work? Does Rob Ryan want to move to … Continue reading D’Anton Lynn To Penn State

Did Matt Leinart feel some backlash to his weak response to the cancellation of the USC-Notre Dame game? Below is an updated response he gave to his initial comments. I don’t understand the last line. “Understand the decision to suspend given the situation we were put into.” What situation was that? Did someone force USC into the Big Ten? Did someone force USC to whine … Continue reading Sunday Buzz: The Backlash Continues

Some great Trojans passed away in 2025 and I’ll be spotlighting them next week. Continue reading Saturday Buzz: Life Imitates Art

Kyle Whittingham signed a five-year contract to become the head coach at Michigan. Time to take the Wolverines off the schedule! Did Sir Lincoln of Riley call Jen Cohen to wipe Michigan off future schedules today? Riley is 0-3 against Whittingham at USC. USC already doesn’t want to go back there in November. They probably will say they don’t want a home game in November … Continue reading Time To Take Michigan Off Schedule

What a wild week it’s been with all the controversy over the USC-Notre Dame rivalry. If there has been a positive, it’s been the way many USC and Notre Dame fans have unified on this issue. They don’t want to hear excuses or engage in the lame trash talk. They just want a great rivalry back. As an ex-USC player tol me this week: “The … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Matt Leinart finally broke his silence on USC-Notre Dame and we all would have been better off if he hadn’t. “Call me lame but I’m going to trust a school that’s produced more Heisman winners than anyone else in history and 11 National Championships to do what’s right for the program,” Leinart tweeted. Excuse me? How many of those 11 titles were won by Lincoln … Continue reading Christmas Buzz: Maybe It Would Be Better For Some To Remain Silent On USC-Notre Dame

Did any of you imagine in your lifetimes that USC would stop playing Notre Dame? I covered USC for decades and never pondered whether the schools would ever reach a deal to keep playing. Let’s look at what Pete Carroll said the week of the 2003 game vs. Notre Dame: “I think it’s important that we do talk about what this great match-up means and … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Unthinkable Happened And Some Actually Cheer It

Tell me anything Kirby Smart says in the following quote sounds like something Lincoln Riley would say: “Everybody’s announcing what they’re doing. I’m announcing that I’m going in the portal. I’m announcing that I’m re-signing. How about you announce that you’re getting better and you’re going to practice?” Smart sounds like the anti-Riley to me especially as USC announces every player who re-signs. Continue reading USC Notes: The Anti-Riley

When it was announced USC and Notre Dame would suspend their series yesterday, it was one of those moments when you really see what some people are made of. For example, the fanboy USC media, who generally have something to say about every development, were mostly silent. One had as much to say about Sherrone Moore as USC-Notre Dame. That’s what happens when you are … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: In Crunch Time, Voices Went Silent

What are the odds USC and Notre Dame resume their rivalry in 2030? Lincoln Riley probably won’t be around. Who knows if Jen Cohen will be? They are the architects of this disaster. “This is totally against what being a Trojan is about,” a former USC coach texted me today. USC went to Alabama in 1978 when one loss could ruin your national title hopes. … Continue reading Will USC Even Want To Play Notre Dame In 2030?

This will come as no surprise to readers of this blog but USC and Notre Dame are officially not playing each other next season. And the earliest they can play is 2030! This is a rivalry that has existed since 1926 and only stopped for World War II and Covid. This will forever be a stain on the legacy of Jen Cohen and Lincoln Riley. … Continue reading USC Will Not Play Notre Dame In 2026

Can you imagine if an NFL team listened to this guy two years ago and drafted Sam Hartman over Caleb Williams? But there are people who follow him and believe he is an expert. Williams has six game-winning drives this season. Has Hartman played a down in the NFL yet? And it’s not Hartman’s fault this guy tried to inflate his stock. Has this guy … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Beware The Experts

If you are like me, you are more interested who hasn’t signed with USC yet than who has signed. So here are some notable names: Husan Longstreet, Elijah Page, Alani Noa, Desman Stephens. Page is actually the name that stands out because he is supposed to be the Trojans’ best offensive lineman. Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Who Hasn’t Signed Yet?

Among the players USC announced re-signing today was defensive tackle Jamaal Jarrett. He had three tackles in four games. When USC went to Notre Dame in 1931, the Trojans held two practices during their journey by train. One in Tucson and one in Hutchinson, Kan. The Tucson practice was 45 minutes long! And they still beat undefeated Notre Dame. Continue reading USC Notes: Is Practice Overrated?

Georgia, Alabama and Oregon are teams interested in former USC defensive tackle Devan Thompkins. Here’s what I know: If Thompkins went to Georgia, he would do better than the Georgia defensive linemen who have transferred to USC. Of course, that’s a fairly low bar to clear. But the two Georgia transfers (Bear Alexander, Jamaal Jarrett) were not actually starters at Georgia, unlike Thompkins at USC. Continue reading Saturday Buzz: Georgia Likes USC Player

The Alamo Bowl is shaping up to be a real dud. Can we say we don’t want to watch or is that too negative? Ryan doesn’t deserve it based on his job coaching the linebackers this season but being defensive coordinator is different than being a position coach. Let’s go back to 1931 and see some of the unusual things that happened when USC played … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Oregon is a possible destination for USC defensive tackle Devan Thompkins. Maybe he saw how Bear Alexander got better. Some have derided the small crowd at the Galen Center last night. Officially, it was 3,030. This is finals week at USC and the game started at 6 p.m. But the bigger issue is if the crowds are a problem, play a better schedule. The women’s … Continue reading USC Notes: Oregon In Mix For Transfer

D’Anton Lynn is “the target” for Penn State, according to CBS Sports. Oh my. Will Lynn take the job at his alma mater? Depends how happy he is at USC? You never know with coaches. How many of his staff would go with him? Frankly, I wouldn’t care. What did Rob Ryan bring to the table? How many defensive linemen has Dawg Work developed? One … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: D’Anton Lynn To Penn State Heating Up

USC announced defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn would not speak at his scheduled media appearance this week. Could it be that Lynn does not want to answer questions about the defensive coordinator’s position at Penn State? If only it could be true. Lynn’s defense gave up more than 1,300 yards in USC’s three losses but that doesn’t mean he won’t land another plum job. Remember the … Continue reading Is Penn State Pursuing D’Anton Lynn?

USC has lost 15 players to the transfer portal but other than depth purposes, the Trojans can afford to lose most of them. However, there is no way USC wanted to lose defensive tackle Devan Thompkins. His numbers improved each of the past three seasons and he put up the best numbers of any defensive tackle. You can say he and other players simply leave … Continue reading USC Notes: A Rare Loss That Hurts

Some surprising additions to the transfer portal this morning. Defensive tackle Devan Thompkins and tight end Walker Lyons have entered the portal. Thompkins had the most tackles (31) of any defensive tackles at USC this season along with three sacks. Lyons caught 20 passes for 223 yards with two touchdowns. With USC losing Lake McRee, its top two tight ends are set to depart. Some … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Surprising Additions To Transfer Portal

Jayden Maiava has re-signed with USC. This is a logical development but it was being watched because of the speculation about whether Husan Longstreet would return if Maiva remained at USC. Some fans actually thought Lincoln Riley would nudge Maiava out of the program so Longstreet could start next season. But you don’t give up someone who has 27 college career starts. So now it’s … Continue reading Jayden Maiava Re-Signs With USC

‘I can rest easy now that Prophet Brown has re-signed for next season. So how did USC respond when the Trojans returned four days later from South Bend? It immediately reduced ticket prices for the next two home games. Why? Because the public repeatedly asked for a reduction in ticket prices. Remember, this was during the Great Depression. If people in the athletic dept. read … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Great Example Of How Things (Used To) Work

Lincoln Riley said the following players will miss the Alamo Bowl because of either opt-outs or injuries. Continue reading USC Will Miss 10 Players For Alamo Bowl

USC wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane said he will declare for the NFL Draft. Does this mean he won’t play in the Alamo Bowl for a chance at three straight games with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty? USC will have to replace Makai Lemon and Lane next season. Do they look to the transfer portal or rely on freshmen like Trent Mosley? Continue reading Ja’Kobi Lane Turning Pro

USC safety Kamari Ramsey said he will enter the NFL Draft. Ramsey missed two games because of injury this season. He didn’t have as good a season as last year but was still clearly better than whoever else could replace him. I’ve felt like Raiola was overrated but maybe he will improve in a new environment. Continue reading USC Notes: Kamari Ramsey Departs; More All-America Honors

Carrington Pierce, a transfer from Oklahoma State, has committed to USC. Pierce didn’t actually play at Oklahoma State. He was at Chaffey College in 2024, went to Oklahoma State, but entered the transfer portal in October. He is the younger brother of USC safety Christian Pierce, so it probably didn’t take much recruiting. Nebraska, Toledo and San Diego were also interested. Continue reading USC Lands Easy Transfer

USC has re-signed Braylan Shelby, Christian Pierce and Jadyn Walker to NIL deals. I admit I don’t like reading about college players “re-signing” with schools. Either come back or leave. Are we going to have to hear about this 75 times in the offseason? Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: How Many Player Signing Announcements Will Their Be?

USC wide receiver Prince Strachan has entered the transfer portal. Who? He was touted as the possible No. 3 receiver when he transferred from Boise State. But he caught one pass and played in one game this season. At least the crowd of 9,035 was respectable. Continue reading USC Notes: Wide Receiver Transfers

USC tailback Waymond Jordan has signed a new NIL deal with the Trojans and will return next season. This sets up an interesting running backs room next season with Jordan and King Miller plus freshmen Shahan Alston and DeShonne Redeaux. A year from now, let’s see who is still around. It was the highlight of the Heisman ceremonies for me that year. Of course, Young … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Roster News And Another Scandal

I’d like to know what Jen Cohen thinks of the idea that Lincoln Riley’s representation has been floating his name for jobs, as Andy Staples reported earlier this week. My guess is that she would be pleased because it would allow her to go after her own coach, namely Kalen DeBoer of Alabama. And if DeBoer said no, Cohen would still be happy to hire … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC tight end Lake McRee declared for the NFL Draft. McRee has played 10-or-more games each of the past four seasons so I’m still trying to figure out how he could return to USC next year. Continue reading USC Notes: Tight End Going Pro

USC will play Louisiana at the Coliseum on Sept. 12, 2026, according to FBSschedules. The Trojans have been looking for a cupcake to add to the schedule because Fresno State was the only nonconference game officially on the 2026 calendar. Now it has two unattractive home games while still messing around with the status of the Notre Dame game. This would seem to rule out … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC Schedules Mighty Louisiana In 2026

Michigan fired Coach Sherrone Moore today and while discussing who might replace him, Andy Staples of On3 made the following comment: “Another name that was floating around during all these coaching searches because their represenation was putting their name out there, Lincoln Riley, USC coach.” Is Riley a candidate for Michigan? I don’t think Michigan would want him but I do think Riley would go … Continue reading Could Lincoln Riley Be Candidate At Michigan?

Has the College Football Playoff made everyone lose their senses? The Notre Dame bookstore canceled a scheduled appearance Friday by writer Ivan Maisel, who has a new book out on legendary Irish coach Frank Leahy. Why? Maisel is a member of the College Football Playoff committee. Once word got out that Maisel’s appearance was canceled, the bookstore reversed course and now he will speak Friday. … Continue reading People Have Lost Their Senses Over The College Football Playoff

New UCLA coach Bob Chesney said a couple things yesterday that made him seem like the anti-Riley. ‘We will be a yes program, where the majority of the time, if someone comes to us and says, ‘Can you help us with this?’ My answer will be yes, and then I’ll figure out how to do it and how to manage it after that. “It’s important … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Do We Have New Rivalry Of Polar Opposites?

You mean to tell me that allowing 1,300 yards in offense to Illinois, Notre Dame and Oregon did not get D’Anton Lynn on this list for the Broyles Award, which goes to the nation’s top assistant coach. T-shirt of the day Continue reading USC Notes: Football Staff Misses Cut