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Morning Buzz: Now This Would Really Be A Gut Punch For USC Baseball
USC pitcher Grant Govel was drafted in the 16th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates, but what does that mean exactly? Being drafted in the 16th round is not great. Any bonus the Pirates pay Govel over $150,000 counts against the Pirates’ overall draft bonus pool that it is allowed to pay its draft picks. So let’s say they offer Govel a $1 million bonus. That … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Now This Would Really Be A Gut Punch For USC Baseball
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Sunday Buzz: Remembering A USC Episode Of Emergency!
Randolph Mantooth, who portayed firefighter-paramedic Johnny Gage on “Emergency!,” has died at age 80. This is a good time to point out that an entire episode of “Emergency!” revolved around the 1975 USC-Stanford game at the Coliseum. The 1976 season premier was titled, “The Game.” In the episode, Squad 51 is assigned to work the USC-Stanford game at the Coliseum. Fight On and Conquest are … Continue reading Sunday Buzz: Remembering A USC Episode Of Emergency!
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An Update To My USC Basketball Suggestion
So yesterday I took Eric Musselman and USC to task about producing a non-conference schedule worthy of a team ranked in the preseason top 15. So I got this response from Dan Shell, who helps put on the Arcisure Classic Invitational in Coachella Valley that USC will play in this season. My response to Shell was that USC hasn’t wanted to tango since Andy Enfield … Continue reading An Update To My USC Basketball Suggestion
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USC Morning Buzz: Key Questions For Defense
There are things I am going to emphasize as the season draws closer that will need to be answered during the season for USC to be a playoff contender. For example: The defense’s back seven has questions, where one linebacker spot and the entire secondary have question marks. Is there a go-to cornerback? A standout at safety? Does USC have two linebackers who can disrupt … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Key Questions For Defense
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USC Notes: Will Basketball Produce A Schedule Worthy Of Its Ranking?
Since everyone is hyping USC men’s basketball for next season, here’s a radical thought: How about Eric Musselman create a non-conference schedule worthy of a top 15 program? So far, USC is scheduled to play two teams in Coachella Valley in Novemeber. The potential opponments are Arizona State, LSU, SMU, South Carolina and Utah State. UCLA just agreed to a new three-year seies with Duke. … Continue reading USC Notes: Will Basketball Produce A Schedule Worthy Of Its Ranking?
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Morning Buzz: What Is USC’s Biggest Trap Game?
Which USC game most-qualifies as a trap game? USC will host Washington. It travels to Penn State. It faces UCLA at the Rose Bowl. And few will mention it, but there is a trip to Wisconsin that could be dicey. So which game is the biggest trap game? Continue reading Morning Buzz: What Is USC’s Biggest Trap Game?
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USC Sunday Buzz: A Trojan Legacy Commits
I almost got fooled yesterday when I saw that USC landed Texas Tech transfer Connor Shouse, who hit .353 with 10 home runs and 66 RBI. Turned out he had committed to South Carolina. USC can’t land a transfer like this, apparently. Where are the power hitters in next year’s lineup, by the way? Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: A Trojan Legacy Commits
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A Less-Than-Stellar Manning Camp Report
When I wrote this morning about Jayden Maiava’s inconsistency, which USC-media types seem to ignore, I didn’t even know there was a critical report of his performance at the recent Manning Passing Academy. From CBS Sports: “(Maiava) left something to be desired from a pure arm-strength standpoint. “Somewhat of a mechanical thrower, the ball doesn’t jump out of his hand — especially when surrounded by … Continue reading A Less-Than-Stellar Manning Camp Report
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USC Morning Buzz: The Good/Bad Of Football And Another Key Baseball Defection
Let’s look at the potential strengths and weaknesses of the USC football team: PRIMARY STRENGTHS: The offense features a Heisman Trophy contender and the usual array of star prospects at the skill prospects. The offensive line returns all five starters and has size and depth. In a reversal for recent USC teams, the defense will be led by its defensive line, which could solve last … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Good/Bad Of Football And Another Key Baseball Defection
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Lincoln Riley Says He Is A Better Coach At USC Than At Oklahoma
I didn’t see this quote that Lincoln Riley gave to CBS during his offseason rehab tour. “I’m a lot better coach than at any point at Oklahoma,” he said. So he is better coach, it’s just the wins and losses that are worse. Winning and losing is the least important part of coaching, apparently. And if he such a better coach, why doesn’t he want … Continue reading Lincoln Riley Says He Is A Better Coach At USC Than At Oklahoma
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USC Morning Buzz: Four-Star Receiver Decommits
Four-star wide receiver Eli Woodard of Temecula has decommitted from USC. He had committed to USC in February. Remember, Chad Bowden’s policy of not letting recruits take visits to other schools. Miami and Georgia are interested in Woodard. “It’s time,” Riley told ESPN about making the College Football Playoff. “The program’s ready for it.” In Year 5. Riley forgot to mention it would take at … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Four-Star Receiver Decommits
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USC Finally Makes Change With Lacrosse Coach
USC and lacrosse coach Lindsey Munday are “parting ways” after 14 seasons. It was a bit overdue. Munday has been the only lacrosse coach in USC history, hired in 2011 when the athletic dept. decided to start playing the sport. At the time, it was thought USC could quickly become a national power given the school’s location and prestige. But Munday only took USC to … Continue reading USC Finally Makes Change With Lacrosse Coach
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USC Morning Buzz: Don’t Believe Scholarship Figure Is Set In Stone
USC says it will sign 16 recruits for the Class of 2027 and already has 14 commitments. Do you really think if a five-star defensive tackle wants to commit after the Trojans get 16 commitments, they will tell the recruit no thanks because their class is full? Now I don’t doubt they want to sign a small class, I just don’t think the number is … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Don’t Believe Scholarship Figure Is Set In Stone
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USC Gets Commitment From Safety
As expected, four-star safety Gavin Williams from Damien High School in La Verne has committed to USC. Williams also considered Notre Dame, UCLA and Washington. He is the No. 6 safety in the nation for the Class of 2027 according to 247. USC now has 14 commitments for the Class of 2027. If you believe general manager Charmin Bowden, USC will take only two more … Continue reading USC Gets Commitment From Safety
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Sunday Buzz: A Ticket To USC-Penn State Game Costs What?
Are you thinking of going to the USC-Penn State game in State College, Pa.? Well, a ticket for the game costs $302. Don’t believe me? Check below. That is ridiculous. Is Penn State insane? And don’t forget Beaver Stadium capacity is more 106,000, so you are paying $300 for a horrible seat. When you factor in how difficult it is to get to State College, … Continue reading Sunday Buzz: A Ticket To USC-Penn State Game Costs What?
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USC Saturday Buzz: An Inspiring Moment
Pete Carroll spoke at the USC Business School graduation ceremony Friday at the Coliseum. He said “always compete” multiple times during the speech. And this version is just as memorable from Thursday’s graduation with USC president Beong-Soo Kim on cello and Gustavo Dudamel of the L.A. Philharmonic conducting. Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: An Inspiring Moment
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If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
USC baseball defeated Oregon, 2-1, in 11 innings last night in a big road victory for the Trojans. Isaac Cadena homered in the 11th for the Trojans and Mason Edwards struck out 12 in six shutout innings. Edwards finished the regular season with an 8-0 record, 1.49 ERA, 154 K’s and 37 BB in 84.1 innings. The victory was USC’s first Quad 1 win of … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
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USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out
Most former USC players are not happy with the cancellation of the Notre Dame series. Among those who have spoken out is radio host Sean Salisbury: “Both universities should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m not cutting my university any slack on this. We should never have been to this point.” That’s a much stronger take than another former … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out
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There’s A USC-Related Book Tour Going On, In Case You Didn’t Know
Former USC president Max Nikias is a on a book tour. He went to the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda on Monday night. The event was hosted and sponsored by USC trustee Stephanie Argyros and the Argyros Family Foundation, who bought books for all attendees. Nikias said more than 200 people were in attendance. This begs the question: Is anyone actually buying the book? Continue reading There’s A USC-Related Book Tour Going On, In Case You Didn’t Know
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USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled
Here is my USC depth chart for the skill positions on offense. The key here will be how the freshmen receivers develop along with North Carolina-transfer Terrell Anderson. And will freshman tight end Mark Bowman live up to the hype? QB/Jayden Maiava/Sr../Jonas Williams, Fr. RB/King Miller/So./Waymond Jordan, Sr. WR/Tanook Hines/So./Corey Simms, So. WR/Trent Mosley/Fr../Zacharyus Williams, So. WR/Terrell Anderson/Jr./Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Fr. TE/Mark Bowman/Fr./ Tucker Ashcraft, Jr. Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled
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USC Great Charle Young Passes Away
Charle Young, a two-time USC All-American who was the greatest tight end in school history, has passed away according to the San Francisco 49ers. He was 75. Young was a member of the 1972 national championship team and in three seasons set the school record for receptions by a tight end (62). He was an All-American in 1971 and 1972, when he was a unanimous … Continue reading USC Great Charle Young Passes Away
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USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team
One thing to keep in mind as USC talks to Notre Dame about possibly resuming the series in 2030. One can assume it’s being done with the idea Lincoln Riley will not be the coach at USC. Riley’s reps put out feelers for other jobs after the season according to Andy Staples. And I don’t think USC would be too unhappy if he left. I … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team
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USC Notes: Rivalry Back In News
USC and Notre Dame are talking about renewing their rivalry, per the L.A. Times. The schools never really stopped talking since their series was officially discontinued. But here’s something interesting: Donors and luxury suite holders have complained to the USC athletic dept. over their disgust with the decision (and the athletic director), which has also played a part in USC’s change in philosophy. Continue reading USC Notes: Rivalry Back In News
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Morning Buzz: This Is Where USC’s Season Will Be Determined
I’ve been putting together a USC depth chart since the end of spring football and here is where I think USC has a “concern.” This might not be exactly the way it ends up in the fall but this is the general corps of players. And remember, teams cannot add transfers this summer. My issue: How many proven performers do you see in the back … Continue reading Morning Buzz: This Is Where USC’s Season Will Be Determined
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USC Sunday Buzz: Weekend Wrap-Up
Wisconsin has more atmosphere at its graduation than USC has at its football games. The Trojans play at Camp Randall Stadium on Oct. 24. Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Weekend Wrap-Up
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Saturday Buzz: USC Is Now Linebacker Coach U.
Rob Ryan is still working at USC with the title of assistant head coach for the defense but he is not listed among the coaching staff. Instead, he is listed as support staff. That could limit what duties he can perform. It also begs the question what he does on a daily basis (on a no doubt exorbitant salary). Even if he isn’t part of … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: USC Is Now Linebacker Coach U.
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A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse
The USC-Fresno State has been moved to Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. PT. That is a Friday night. So what was previously just a bad game is now a bad game on a Friday night. How will the Trojans manage with a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs? At this moment, I’m not in the mood to watch USC play Louisiana, San Jose State … Continue reading A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse
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If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
USC assistant coach Paul Gonzales posted a video of him and other staffers taking a helicopter from downtown L.A, to La Verne to see Damien safety Gavin Williams. This reeks of Chad “Charmin” Bowden. But I’m not sure why USC went to the trouble when they are strong favorites to land Williams. I think a much more interesting video would be to show the guy … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
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Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall
Pete Carroll said in an interview with 247 that he intends to teach a class at USC for the fall semester. “I’m done coaching,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to the class we’ll do at USC in the fall. I’m finished (coaching). I should have done it the year before. “Unfortunately, I had to wind up as the oldest coach in the history of the … Continue reading Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall
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USC Morning Buzz: Pete Carroll-Mack Brown Rematch Scheduled
Pete Carroll and Mack Brown have been named coaches of the 2027 Polynesian Bowl, a rematch of their legendary national title game at the Rose Bowl. Does Carroll promise to have Reggie Bush on the field on fourth down this time around? Carroll probably loved the idea of going to Hawaii for a football since he’s had a home there for years. Someone is going … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Pete Carroll-Mack Brown Rematch Scheduled
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USC Notes: Basketball Adds Another Scorer, For Better Or Worse
Just to follow-up on this morning’s post where I noted how coaches do not want to compete. One reason Lincoln Riley took the USC job was because he did not want to go to the SEC with Oklahoma. And he took the USC job before the Trojans moved to the Big Ten. So he gets no credit for playing a Big Ten schedule. He also … Continue reading USC Notes: Basketball Adds Another Scorer, For Better Or Worse
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USC Morning Buzz: Competing Is A Lost Art
Do football coaches want to compete anymore? Lincoln Riley vs. Notre Dame is a prime example they do not. Now the American Football Coaches Assn. (AFCA) is recommending the College Football Playoff be expanded to as many as 24 teams. Why? Because the coaches only care about their job security. The more teams in the playoff, the more coaches who can keep their jobs. Do … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Competing Is A Lost Art
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USC Morning Buzz: Football Is Simple For Elite Coaches
Wouldn’t it be nice if Lincoln Riley adapted this attitude at USC? Here’s an Athletic excerpt that reveals Curt Cignetti’s attitude against Alabama in the Rose Bowl. You know what wins college football games? Defense and running the ball. Does Riley prioritize those? I bet Cignetti does. Vince Lombardi used to say football is two things: blocking and tackling. All these things were hallmarks of … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Football Is Simple For Elite Coaches
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The Crosstown Rivalry Has Neighborly Edge
I hear new UCLA football coach Bob Chesney has purchased a home that makes him neighbors with a member of the USC Board of Trustees. After USC played Notre Dame in the early 1970’s, Hubbard flew back to Los Angeles on the team plane. But then he disappeared for two weeks. “They couldn’t find him,” Levy said. “They eventually found him in Germany on a … Continue reading The Crosstown Rivalry Has Neighborly Edge
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USC Morning Buzz: A Smaller Recruiting Class On Horizon
Did you catch that USC expects to sign only 16 recruits for the Class of 2027 because it determined the class lack the quality to sign more players per On3? No doubt this comes via general manager Charmin Bowden. On its face, I don’t have a problem with signing fewer players if the class isn’t good enough. But here is my concern: USC is bringing … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Smaller Recruiting Class On Horizon
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USC-UCLA Split Dual Track Meet
USC and UCLA have split the dual track meet. The Bruin men won, 87-76 while the Trojan women won, 93-69. I said before the meet that the men’s portion was a toss up but it’s still a tough loss for USC coach Quincy Watts, who has lost the men’s meet to the Bruins two straight years to his former USC assistant, Joanna Hayes. It also … Continue reading USC-UCLA Split Dual Track Meet
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It Pays Off To Do A Spring Game
Look at the crowd and the goodwill generated by UCLA today at its spring game at the Rose Bowl. It is insane that Lincoln Riley would cede this to the Crosstown Rival. Every school should do a spring game for their fans. Never listen to the entitled coach just because he doesn’t want to do something. USC fans would have loved a day like this. Continue reading It Pays Off To Do A Spring Game
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Saturday Buzz: USC Gets Its Payday
The USC men’s volleyball team is going to be in a hornet’s nest tonight when it plays Hawaii at Honolulu in the NCAA Tournament at 7 p.m. PT. As of Friday night, 9,723 tickets were sold ahead of tonight’s match. The record for attendance in an NCAA men’s volleyball tournament match is 9,822 in 1998. That match was also held at the University of Hawaii. … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: USC Gets Its Payday
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If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
USC director of football recruiting operations Zaire Turner has been hired by SMU, where she will be senior director of recruiting. She was brought to USC by Chad “Charmin” Bowden. I wrote about USC presdident John Hubbard a couple times in the past week and could probably write about him every week. Here’s another gem: Hubbard used to have his own private cubicle in the … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
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Everything Has A USC Connection
Grant Gustavson, the grandson of USC mega-booster Wayne Hughes, is leading the primary group hoping to relocate the Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team to Las Vegas, according to Sportico. Hughes, who founded Public Storage, gave USC around $400 million before he died in 2021 and was the biggest booster in the history of USC athletics. According to Sportico, Gustavson’s mother, Tamara (the dauthter of Hughes), is … Continue reading Everything Has A USC Connection
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USC Morning Buzz: Several Defensive Questions Heading Into Season
Here are some questions I have about USC’s defense going into the season: On coming back next season: “It’s a statement for me and a statement for USC,” Arenas said. It’s also a statement that his draft stock wasn’t where he thought it was. In fact, Arenas is an example of one of my pet peeves, players who reclassify and graduate early from high school. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Several Defensive Questions Heading Into Season
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USC Morning Buzz: If You Can’t Compete, Just Expand
A 24-team College Football Playoff. A 76-team NCAA Tournament. It sounds like two guys who haven’t been able to make post-season at USC (Lincoln Riley, Eric Musselman) are coming up with the latest expansions plans, which you just know USC would support unconditionally. It’s all about making more money and making it easier to participate in the playoffs. Why compete when you just expand? It’s … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: If You Can’t Compete, Just Expand
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The MIP (Most Interesting President)
In Friday’s column, I recounted the time USC President John Hubbard went and ate dinner at a dorm with the students. So I thought this is a good time to mention how colorful a life he lived, according to his memoir. Continue reading The MIP (Most Interesting President)
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USC Morning Buzz: Overhyping Players Always A Danger
Former USC linebacker Tackett Curtis is now at Central Florida and playing for former USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. If you went back and read some of the stuff written about Curtis when he first arrived at USC, it would be a great lesson in how some people overhype players before they even get a chance to properly adjust to college. It’s actually happening again … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Overhyping Players Always A Danger
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Alijah Arenas Changes Mind, Will Return To USC
The whole Alijah Arenas situation has become so sloppy. He hasn’t made any public announcements, entered his name in the NBA Draft and now has suddenly withdrawn it. Arenas returning to USC will be cheered in many quarters. But I will stand by what I said earlier today. He took 13 shots a game last season (too many); shot 34 percent from the field and … Continue reading Alijah Arenas Changes Mind, Will Return To USC
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Alijah Arenas Declares For NBA Draft
The NBA released its list of its of underclassmen who have declared for the NBA Draft and Alijah Arenas was on the list. Not exactly a surprise but I find it kind of classless to enter the draft without even a statement for the USC fans or a word of appreciation for the basketball program that supported you. Does this affect USC’s Top 25 ranking … Continue reading Alijah Arenas Declares For NBA Draft
USC Morning Buzz: Back To Grind For Trojans
The goal for the No. 19-ranked USC baseball team is to host a regional. The good news is USC’s RPI is No. 9 in the nation. The bad news is USC is 0-8 against Quad 1 teams and its best victory is against UC Santa Barbara (RPI 36). Its next-best wins are over No. 65 Purdue. USC has a big series against Oregon coming up … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Back To Grind For Trojans
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USC Wins NCAA Water Polo National Title
USC defeated Cal, 10-9, to win the NCAA national title tonight at UC San Diego. Goalie Anna Reed was fantastic for the Trojans and made a multitude of saves through the game, including in the fourth quarter when USC’s offense went stagnant. She finished with 10 saves. “She’s incredible,” USC coach Casey Moon said. “She plays like she’s 7-feet tall. She made four or five … Continue reading USC Wins NCAA Water Polo National Title
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USC Sunday Buzz: The NFL Draft Reinforced One Stereotype
Two wide receivers (Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane) and a safety who transferred from UCLA (Kamari Ramsey) got drafted yesterday. This certainly doesn’t do much to dispel the stereotype that Lincoln Riley can develop quarterbacks and wide receivers and everyone else is pretty much left to their talent/work ethic. Even five of the six free agents transferred from somewhere else. Here are the USC players who … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: The NFL Draft Reinforced One Stereotype
USC Morning Buzz: The Hits Keep Coming For Baseball
The hits just keep coming for USC baseball. Former Hawaii pitcher Brody Martin–Grudzielanek has committed to Oregon. It was thought USC might land him because his brother played at USC and because the Trojans recently hired Hawaii pitching coach Keith Zuniga. It also appears Oregon found some NIL for baseball because it now has nine transfers committed, including USC first baseman Adrian Lopez. A few … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Hits Keep Coming For Baseball
Is USC’s Offensive Line A Strength Or Not?
USC’s entire offensive line returns intact led by left tackle Elijah Paige, who is a three-year starter. That has led some to say the offensive line is a USC strength. But they didn’t always shine last season and I have doubts about the unit despite its experience, especially since the offensive line has been an Achilles’ heel for the Trojans during the entire Riley Era. … Continue reading Is USC’s Offensive Line A Strength Or Not?
USC Saturday Buzz: Will A Trojan Go In First Round Of MLB Draft? No
The MLB Draft is underway and through 27 picks, USC pitcher Mason Edwards has not been selected. UCLA shortstop Roch Cholowsky was the No. 1 pick. Players from Huntington Beach and Corona high schools have also been drafted. There are 40 picks in the first round, so still time for Edwards. UPDATED: Edwards slipped to the second round, where he was taken by the A’s … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Will A Trojan Go In First Round Of MLB Draft? No
If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Former USC basketball player Chad Baker-Mazara has joined the Gigantes de Carolina-Canóvanas team of Puerto Rico’s BSN, the team announced. The above 1953 picture shows USC running back Addison Hawthorne (23), who joined the team in 1952. Hawthorne was the first African-American to play at USC since All-American Brice Taylor in 1925. But few discuss him today. He was a well-known player at Pasadena City College … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
InsideUSC with Scott Wolf 