

An Issue Continues With Kedon Slovis
When I frequently mention the USC offensive line being a weakness, there is another issue that goes hand-in-hand with it and doubles the Trojans’ dilemma. Kedon Slovis hates pressure. When I say that, I mean defensive pressure. He’s not especially mobile and has played behind a porous line his first two seasons. This leads to injuries and happy feet. A troubling aspect of spring I’ve … Continue reading An Issue Continues With Kedon Slovis

USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week
WINNERS USC baseball team Stuck it to Mike Bohn and Co. with a public statement in support of women’s soccer team. That never happened to Lynn Swann. Baseball will be on double-secret probation for the rest of the season. USC basketball A slap on the wrist from NCAA, Coach Bohn pretended there was no wrongdoing and Memphis guard Boogie Ellis will transfer in. Warning: Has … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week

Former USC Offensive Lineman Chris Brown Dies
Former USC offensive lineman Chris Brown has died, according to Clay Helton. He was 24. Brown attended Loyola High School in Los Angeles and enjoyed his best season in 2017, when he was All-Pac-12 honorable mention and the USC offensive lineman of the year. He played left guard that season. Brown is the second recent offensive lineman to die in the past year. Max Tuerk … Continue reading Former USC Offensive Lineman Chris Brown Dies

USC Spring Game Report
The USC spring game confirmed a lot of suspicions about the Trojans. The quarterbacks were sacked at least eight times. The defensive line won the line-of-scrimmage battles. Three of the four scholarship QBs also threw interceptions, including Kedon Slovis. The offense had five turnovers. Defensive end Drake Jackson was dominating in the time he was on the field, knocking down a Slovis pass and sacking … Continue reading USC Spring Game Report

Isaiah Mobley Enters Name In NBA Draft
USC forward Isaiah Mobley announced today he will enter his name in the NBA Draft but will maintain his eligibility with the option of playing at USC in 2021-22. “I look forward to gathering feedback during the process as I continue to work toward my dream of playing in the NBA,” Mobley said. Continue reading Isaiah Mobley Enters Name In NBA Draft

USC Saturday Buzz: It’s Game Day!
The spring game is today. Hurray! You have two options: Buy a ticket or watch on the Pac-12 Network at 1 p.m. JB Long and Yogi Roth are the announcers, which means you won’t hear any criticisms. The USC baseball team courageously offered a statement of support Friday for the women’s soccer team not getting the chance to host as many fans as the spring … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: It’s Game Day!

USC Baseball Team Stands With Women’s Soccer
It isn’t every day an entire team comes out and stands against its athletic dept. But the USC baseball team has put out a statement supporting the women’s soccer team and decrying the decision to limit today’s game vs. UCLA to four people per player. This is obviously a cost issue because USC does not want to staff a Coliseum crowd for something other than … Continue reading USC Baseball Team Stands With Women’s Soccer

Evan Mobley Turns Pro
Everyone knew Evan Mobley was turning pro but he found a way to make money off it. Mobley announced his decision to enter the NBA Draft by making an NFT “rookie card” that will be auctioned off April 16. LEAGUE BOUND! I’ve dreamed about turning pro since I was a kid. Come along for the journey: https://t.co/mIpfUaZRy0 #1of1 #NFT pic.twitter.com/nD1uTVkSkv — Evan Mobley (@evan_mobley7) April … Continue reading Evan Mobley Turns Pro

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
It’s been a crazy week. USC is in Week 3 of a fairly uneventful spring practice but I’ve posted a lot less this week because I’ve spent so much time dealing with sources ranging from USC security to football players. They all want to talk about the homeless guy. Everyone seems to have their own story where they interacted with him and I won’t list … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC Morning Buzz: Tickets Available!
It is Thursday and USC still has tickets available in three sections for Saturday’s scrimmage at the Coliseum. No fans since 2019 and still tickets available and only 5000 are allowed to attend? I’m sure most of you are not surprised by this fact. Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Tickets Available!

The Next Chapter In Story That Won’t Go Away
A USC football player sent me this photo that is making the rounds among the athletes. It is allegedly the person that was returning punts two weeks ago and posing as a football player at USC practice. Continue reading The Next Chapter In Story That Won’t Go Away

USC Morning Buzz: Lynn Swann Surfaces Again
It’s funny how things happen by chance. I haven’t heard much about Lynn Swann, then he attended the Masters last week. And Monday I came across this show Peyton Manning does for ESPN+, and he apparently does a whole episode on Swann (Heaven help us!). No questions about USC, I’m guessing. I didn’t watch but Swann looks happier than the time he missed the Board … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lynn Swann Surfaces Again

USC Gets Memphis Transfer
Boogie Ellis, a 6-3 guard from the University of Memphis, announced he has committed to USC. Ellis averaged 10.2 points and 2.1 rebounds last season. He averaged 8.0 points and 3.3 rebounds his freshman season. Wonder what this means in terms of USC landing Utah-transfer Timmy Allen. Continue reading USC Gets Memphis Transfer

USC Allows 5,000 To Spring Game
USC is going to allow 5,000 fans at its spring game on Saturday at the Coliseum. The 5,000 will consist of family members, guests and fans. Football season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets. How many season-ticket holders will want to go? That’s a key question. Now here’s the other twist: Clay Helton has turned the spring game into a glorified … Continue reading USC Allows 5,000 To Spring Game

USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week
USC season-ticket holders The deadline for season tickets came and went and USC is still pursuing them to renew their tickets. Mike Garrett The former USC Heisman Trophy winner/athletic director turns 77 today. Sam Darnold Any time you can get away from the New York Jets, it’s a good thing. Pete Carroll He recently spoke to the Arizona football team. When is the last time … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week

USC Sunday Buzz: When John McKay Didn’t Hold Back
If you missed Friday’s newsletter, there was a look back at USC’s 15-15 tie with Cal in 1974 that featured some memorable comments from John McKay. :Our team ought to listen when a coach tells them that the other team can beat them,” McKay said. “This is a team playing in the past, without a future.” There are more McKay quotes in the newsletter link, … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: When John McKay Didn’t Hold Back

An Obvious Fact Arises At USC Spring Practice
What a shock the offensive line struggled today in scrimmage-like situations against the defense. Well, not really. But then again, four starters return. So should they get dominated? The alibi will be that they are learning a new system from offensive line coach Clay McGuire. But that ignores the real limitations from this group. It will be a team weakness next season, no matter what. Continue reading An Obvious Fact Arises At USC Spring Practice

USC Wants A No. 1 Tailback
Clay Helton said today he wants a No. 1 tailback to emerge in 2021. “We’d love to have a guy that can touch the ball from 22-25 times per game and a second guy comes in to spell him with 12-15 touches,” Helton said. If I went based on what USC coaches tell me about spring practice performances, I would nominate Texas-transfer Keaontay Ingram for … Continue reading USC Wants A No. 1 Tailback

Saturday Buzz: USC Finally Makes National Impact
The L.A. media is not interested in the football imposter story but it’s picking up nationally. Ironically, this is about the only way USC makes national headlines in football these days. And now Washington State coach Nick Rolovich is commenting. I got sideline passes for him if he can get on that charter in mid September. https://t.co/Dd1PlV9Jlt — Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich) April 9, 2021 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: USC Finally Makes National Impact

Ref’s Collapse At USC-Gonzaga Game May Have Saved Life
It turns out when referee Bert Smith collapsed during the USC-Gonzaga game, it probably saved his life. Smith told the Indianapolis Star that Dr. Katie Trammell insisted on running tests that eventually detected a blood clot in his lung. “She sits down next to the bed,” Smith said, “and she says: ‘I saw your fall tonight. Something doesn’t add up. I want to know why … Continue reading Ref’s Collapse At USC-Gonzaga Game May Have Saved Life

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
I hear there is a photo floating around of the football imposter using a jacuzzi at the McKay Center. “He’s pretty young looking and could pass as a college student,” said a member of USC campus security, who did not wish to be identified. “He is about 5-10 but I heard he wore No. 87 at practice. The guy who really wears 87 is 6-4, … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Lynn Swann Sighting
Lynn Swann has kept an extremely low profile since he was fired as USC athletic director. But he has surfaced this week — unsurprisingly — at The Masters golf tournament. Swann is a member of Augusta National Golf Course. He got a mention in this story today. Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson. Sir Nick Faldo. Charles Coody. Cameron Champ. Corey Conners. Lynn Swann. Condoleezza Rice. They … Continue reading Lynn Swann Sighting

Tahj Eaddy Turns Pro
USC point guard Tahj Eaddy announced today that he will not return next season and turn pro. The decision was expected because he is 24 and needs to try his chances as a pro. Eaddy’s stock wasn’t going to rise with another year of college either. Eaddy averaged 13.6 points per game and will always be remembered for his game-winning shot vs. UCLA. Check out … Continue reading Tahj Eaddy Turns Pro

USC Morning Buzz: Imposter Did Even More Than Thought
This football imposter is becoming more and more amazing. I’ve had several conversations with a USC campus security source the past 2 days and was told the following based on conversations with the imposter: 1.) The imposter actually shared a jacuzzi at the McKay Center with other football players. 2.) He ate at the football dining facility without issue. 3.) He also slept for some … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Imposter Did Even More Than Thought

USC Notes: Wednesday Transactions
I’ve been working on some stories and will have some entertaining tales tomorrow. In the meantime: USC cornerback Max Williams tore knee ligaments during Tuesday’s practice. Williams was with the first-team defense in early practices. He also tore knee ligaments while he was at Serra in Gardena. Drake guard Joe Yesufu, who scored 26 points against USC, transferred to Kansas. He picked the Jayhawks over … Continue reading USC Notes: Wednesday Transactions

Morning Buzz: Just What Is A USC Season-Ticket Deadline?
USC has been telling its fans that the season-ticket deadline was March 26th. But fans who did not renew — and even fans who did renew — have been getting this message in April: I suspect the deadline will go right up to the first game of the season, especially when demand is so low. Maybe there is a double-secret deadline. Meanwhile, Petros Papadakis has … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Just What Is A USC Season-Ticket Deadline?

Discuss The Baylor-Gonzaga Game
Baylor played a great first half but Gonzaga is down 10 at the half. Will it be a blowout or a close second half? Continue reading Discuss The Baylor-Gonzaga Game

USC Guard Noah Baumann Enters Transfer Portal
USC guard Noah Baumann has entered the transfer portal according to Verbal Commits. It’s not surprising because Baumann averaged 3.6 points and 11 minutes per game. Even when he hit shots, he sometimes got a quick hook or did not return. USC probably wants the scholarship for a transfer, anyways. Continue reading USC Guard Noah Baumann Enters Transfer Portal

Football Is Not Only Sport That Needs Help
The failure to address Clay Helton’s terrible reign as football coach is obviously a huge shortcoming for the USC athletic dept. But . . . The women’s basketball team has not made the NCAA Tournament since 2014 and only two times since 2006. This is a program that was the nation’s crown jewel in the 1980’s. Now it has a coach (Mark Trakh) on his … Continue reading Football Is Not Only Sport That Needs Help

Former USC QB Sam Darnold Traded
The New York Jets Jets traded QB Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for a 2021 sixth-round pick and second- and fourth-round picks in 2022, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Continue reading Former USC QB Sam Darnold Traded

USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week
WINNERS The football imposter Hey, it takes some guts to walk into a high-security facility and have the know-how to find a helmet, jersey and cleats. And then to field some punts! Now we need a guy to walk in there, weld a hat on his head, throw on a USC polo and pretend he is the head coach. Or is that what’s happened the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Winners And Losers Of The Week

USC Women’s Volleyball Does Not Make NCAA’s
For the first time since 1990, the USC women’s volleyball team did not make the NCAA Tournament. As Coach Bohn says, “it’s about the seed!” The Trojans were 7-8 this season and finished seventh in the Pac-12 under first-year coach Brad Keller. I’m sure COVID-19 will be an excuse. But it’s really something to see the women’s volleyball team experience a mediocre season. Continue reading USC Women’s Volleyball Does Not Make NCAA’s

Gonzaga Beats UCLA In Thriller!
How many of you think UCLA was better than USC this season? How many of you thought UCLA would almost beat Gonzaga? How many of you thought USC could have done better vs. Gonzaga? How many of you think Mick Cronin is a better coach than Andy Enfield? Continue reading Gonzaga Beats UCLA In Thriller!

A USC Final Four Story
With the Final Four today, here’s a story on USC’s last trip to the Final Four in 1954 about how big a hit the USC band was at the Final Four at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium. Popular Los Angeles radio broadcaster Sam Balter, a former UCLA All-American, broadcast the story on his KLAC program on March 25, 1954: “I never thought I would be … Continue reading A USC Final Four Story

USC Saturday Buzz: More Details On The Imposter
With so much feedback Friday about the imposter story, I had to call by campus security for some more details. Here is how the incident was recorded in the security log. So the imposter apparently showed up at the McKay Center and found his way inside to the locker room. He then grabbed a helmet, jersey and cleats. At this point, give him credit for … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: More Details On The Imposter

USC Friday Afternoon Notes
Be sure to sign up for the USC newsletter. Today, it includes a UCLA coach liking my story about the imposter who showed up at practice yesterday and a long-time USC booster giving up his season tickets. Three-star offensive lineman Dylan Lopez of Bradenton, Fla., has decommitted from USC. And now for some history: I was amazed to find out Linda Ronstadt performed a concert … Continue reading USC Friday Afternoon Notes

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Some people don’t believe me when I say USC is a circus. I got a call last night from a USC campus security source telling me what happened at Thursday’s spring football practice at Howard Jones Field. And you will find it hard to believe. A guy showed up off the street who wanted to be a walk-on and found his way inside the McKay … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC Admission Stats Are Out
USC accepted 12.4 percent of its applicants this year. USC received a record 70,971 applications. That is 7 percent more than the previous record, which was set in 2019. It was also 20 percent more than applied last year. There was a fierce recruitment between Oregon and USC a few years ago for offensive tackle Jonah Tauanu’u of Narbonne, who signed with the Ducks. It … Continue reading USC Admission Stats Are Out

USC Morning Buzz: Questions Need Immediate Answers
USC might still be celebrating its Elite Eight appearance but there are already some pressing questions ahead. It’s important to know who is leaving if USC is going to bring in any transfers. Will Isaiah Mobley leave? Tahj Eaddy is 24 years old so he is expected to leave for the sake of his potential pro career. Does Isaiah White want to return? Does Chevez … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Questions Need Immediate Answers

Wednesday USC Notes: Quick Look At Transfers
Defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher, the transfer from Alabama, has been getting around USC recently on a portable scooter after undergoing surgery for compartment syndrome. He will miss spring practice. Meanwhile, I’ve heard some glowing early reports about the attitude of tailback Keaontay Ingram, the transfer from Texas, and coaches fully expect a significant role for him. USC is deep at tailback (Vavae Malepeai, Stephen Carr, Kenan … Continue reading Wednesday USC Notes: Quick Look At Transfers

Can USC Remain An Elite Eight Contender?
When you make it to the Elite Eight at USC, it’s always noteworthy. USC didn’t win the Pac-12 Conference. It didn’t win the Pac-12 Tournament. But it did get to the Elite Eight. The question is did it get there because of or in spite of Andy Enfield? Here’s two small examples of why I say things like that: When point guard Julian Jacobs wanted … Continue reading Can USC Remain An Elite Eight Contender?

USC Morning Buzz: Plenty To Say About Football
I’ll have more on basketball, but football demands some coverage here. OK, maybe one basketball note: I guarantee you Coach Bohn had some mixed emotions when UCLA won Tuesday night. It added to the Pac-12’s financial haul (more than $35 million for the payout period) but he was pretty bitter when Mick Cronin left Cincinnati for UCLA and that had to hurt watching him get … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Plenty To Say About Football

Discuss The USC-Gonzaga Game
For now, I will just say this: Let’s put to bed the debate over whether the 2021 or 2001 Trojans were the best? That USC team pushed eventual national champions Duke the entire game and had some dodgy ref decisions to deal with. Tonight was just a push over. Continue reading Discuss The USC-Gonzaga Game

USC-Gonzaga Live Blog
Never even close. Gonzaga wins, 85-66. Its’s now 56-34 so USC has not gotten off to a better start in the second half. Gonzaga leads 49-30 at halftime. Zags have 1 turnover. USC has 7. Trojans shooting 36 percent, 30 percent on 3’s USC has no answer for Drew Timme or anyone else. The ref appears OK and is taken off by a stretcher. The … Continue reading USC-Gonzaga Live Blog

Hungry In Indianapolis? Here’s A Tip
If you’re hungry and in Indianapolis, stop by the free USC Happy Hour at the JW Marriott’s High Velocity sports bar at 4 p.m. local time. Tell them “Scott Wolf sent you.” If you went Sunday, you got to hear athletic director Mike Bohn proudly introduce his No. 2, Brandon Sosna. That was the admission price for the free food. Continue reading Hungry In Indianapolis? Here’s A Tip