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USC Morning Buzz: The Spring Game Plan Gets More Compicated This Week

USC returns from spring break today and resumes spring workouts. It’s always a dilemma if it is better for USC to squeeze three practices in before spring break? Do players retain what they learned the first three practices when they immediately go out of town for a week? Especially if the coaches are trying to put any new aspects to the offense or defense. This … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Spring Game Plan Gets More Compicated This Week

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Recruit Enjoys USC Visit

Four-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte of Buford, Ga., enjoyed his visit to USC over the weekend. LOVED USC!!! @CoachBOdom @LincolnRiley @CoachRoyM — Jadon Perlotte—-6’4 215 (@Jadon_Perlotte5) March 19, 2023 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js USC also offered Perlotte a scholarship. Now a couple caveats: Perlotte is committed to Georgia. Buford is 50 miles from the University of Georgia. So it’s a tall order to get him to flip from the … Continue reading Recruit Enjoys USC Visit

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USC Sunday Buzz: A Decade Of Accomplishment

I didn’t intend to say anything else about USC basketball but assistant coach Chris Capko took to twitter to laud the program and appreciate its accomplishments. All I will say is two first-round victories in nine years. March Madness is the cream of the crop (a thread). Coaches work decades and never get the experience. Players play entire college careers and don’t get a taste. … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: A Decade Of Accomplishment

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A USC Connection You Might Not Know About

There are of Cinderellas in the NCAA Tournament and while it wasn’t one of the biggest upset, Florida Atlantic surprised some with its victory over Memphis. Florida Atlantic coach Dusty May was an administrative assistant/video coordinator at USC from 2000-02 under Henry Bibby. May left USC to take an administrative job at Indiana and then was an assistant at Eastern Michigan, Murray State, Alabama-Birmingham and … Continue reading A USC Connection You Might Not Know About

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USC Saturday Buzz: One Final Thought On Columbus

USC had the privilege of playing Friday at Nationwide Arena in Columbus before 20,000 fans. It was the first game of the day in the NCAA Tournament, it was on CBS (no truTV), and it was guaranteed a large audience because for the first 90 minutes, the only other competition was Kennesaw St. vs. Xavier (on truTV). I mention all this because this game was … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: One Final Thought On Columbus

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USC Women’s Basketball Is One And Done

The USC women’s basketball team and men’s basketball team had identical endings to the season. They both lost their first games of the Pac-12 Tournament. And they both lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The women’s team lost in overtime to South Dakota State, 62-57. It was a brutal game. USC shot 31 percent and made 6 of 24 shots from 3-point … Continue reading USC Women’s Basketball Is One And Done

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This USC Loss Had A Familiar Feature

Tell me this doesn’t describe so many USC losses during the Enfield Era. “I thought in the second half there were a couple possessions where we went one on one too much instead of just playing basketball the way we’re capable of,” Andy Enfield said. “We also missed some wide open, timely shots. To win a game like this, they hit a couple of big … Continue reading This USC Loss Had A Familiar Feature

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Discuss The USC-Michigan State Game

Another one-and-done NCAA Tournament for USC under Andy Enfield. That’s happened three of the five times USC has been to the NCAA Tournament under Enfield. What about the Elite Eight? Well, he has as many NCAA wins as Wayne Tinkle the past three seasons. Enfield’s NCAA record with Evan Mobley (one season): 3-1. Enfield’s NCAA record without Evan Mobley (eight seasons): 2-4. The two wins … Continue reading Discuss The USC-Michigan State Game

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USC-Michigan State Live Blog

We are live from Columbus, Ohio, for today’s East Region game. And just like that, the NCAA Tournament is over for USC. Can’t say I’m surprised. Michigan State can’t make a free throw and USC cannot capitalize. The floodgates have opened as USC allows Michigan State some open 3’s and isn’t doing anything to get open shots itself. USC shot selection needs to improve. The … Continue reading USC-Michigan State Live Blog

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Down Goes Arizona!

It’s not exactly news when Arizona underachieves in the NCAA Tournament. But Arizona losing to a No. 15-seed hasn’t happened to the Wildcats in 30 years, when Steve Nash-led Santa Clara upset Arizona. It’s the third straight year a No. 15-seed has defeated a No. 2 seed. Of course, it’s also feels very Pac-12-like when the conference suffers a big upset. At least (future Pac-12 … Continue reading Down Goes Arizona!

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Another Important Recruiting Weekend At USC

USC might be on spring break but it’s another imporant recruiting weekend. The headliner is five-star defensive tackle David Stone of Bradenton, Fla. Five-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte of Buford, Ga., who is committed to Georgia, will visit USC and UCLA this weekend. Also visiting USC are four-star offensive tackle Marques Easley of Kankakee, Ill.; four-star safety Jason Mitchell of St. John Bosco; four-star linebacker Jaylen … Continue reading Another Important Recruiting Weekend At USC

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USC Morning Buzz: Game-Time Decision On Injury

Forward Vincent Iwuchukwu (back) watched today’s open practice at Nationwide Arena in his pajamas. He is expected to be a game-time decision. Teams also practice off site so it’s possible Iwuchukwu will participate later today. Izzo said he is concerned about Big Ten teams in the NCAA Tournament. “I worry a little bit. I think we beat the hell out of each other,” he said. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Game-Time Decision On Injury

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Notes: USC-LSU Game Time Set

The USC-LSU game to kick off the 2024 season will take place Sept. 1, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. PT. It will be on ABC. The game is being played at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The 60,000-square foot building near Dupont Circle is located at 1771 N St. NW and be used for teaching, research, lobbying, recruiting, alumni networking and community outreach. “So many of … Continue reading Notes: USC-LSU Game Time Set

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Morning Buzz: USC’s Going To Look Like Arizona West

One other item from the first week of USC spring practice. It’s already a given that Arizona transfers Dorian Singer and Christian Roland-Wallace will start. Roland-Wallace is not at the same level as last season’s big corner transfer, Mekhi Blackmon. The third Arizona transfer (defensive lineman Kyon Barrs) could also start after the first week. “He’s flashed a few times,” a USC coach said. “It … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC’s Going To Look Like Arizona West

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USC Morning Buzz: Who Stood Out In Week 1

I asked a USC coach who stood out last week during the first three spring practices, where were closed to the media and public. The immediate answer was wide receiver Dorian Singer, the transfer from Arizona. “He’s got a chance to be the top receiver on the team,” the coach said. “He’s got a relentless drive and he won’t just be happy with one-or-two touchdowns … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Who Stood Out In Week 1

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USC Notes: A Less Hectic Spring Start

I spoke to a USC coach who said the first three spring practices went fairly smoothly because even though there are plenty of transfer additions, it’s not like last season. “Last spring, the first practice you almost couldn’t remember everyone’s names,” the coach said. “We could have used some tape on the front of helmets (with names). This year isn’t quite the same.” Continue reading USC Notes: A Less Hectic Spring Start

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Did USC Get A Great NCAA Draw?

USC’s going to be outnumbered at the NCAA Tournament’s East Region in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State (Lansing, Mich.) and Marquette (Milwaukee) are close enough for fans to fly or drive. But you can also make the case USC should be happy with the draw. If the Trojans defeat Michigan State, they will probably play Marquette. That sounds better than playing the other No. 2 seeds: … Continue reading Did USC Get A Great NCAA Draw?

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Morning Buzz: Sparty Has History With USC

When USC plays Michigan State, it might be hard to tell the mascots apart. The difference is the Trojan mascot looks happier than Sparty because he is smiling. Both teams used to have the same throwback mascot. The only difference was their names. Michigan State had Sparty. USC had Butch. East Region Purdue 9/4 (+225) Marquette 17/4 (+425) Tennessee 17/4 (+425) Duke 8/1 (+800) Kansas … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Sparty Has History With USC

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USC Plays Michigan State In NCAA Tournament

USC, the No. 10 seed, will play No. 7-seed Michigan State in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday in an East Regional first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. If USC wins, it will probably face No. 2-seed Marquette. Michigan State is 19-12 overall, so they are hardly an unbeatable opponent. The less attractive aspect for USC fans is Tom Izzo vs. Andy Enfield. Michigan State is also … Continue reading USC Plays Michigan State In NCAA Tournament

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Where Will USC Go For NCAAs?

USC is going to hit the road for the NCAA Tournament. But where? Jerry Palm of CBS Sports and Joe Lunardi of ESPN both have the Trojans headed to Columbus, Ohio. Palm has USC playing San Diego State while Lunardi has the Trojans playing Northwestern in the first round. For those planning to join USC, the least convenient sites are Albany, N.Y., Greensboro, N.C., and … Continue reading Where Will USC Go For NCAAs?

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Sunday Buzz: UCLA-Arizona Full Of Drama

When Arizona and UCLA get together in basketball, there can always be only one outcome: It’s the refs’ fault. Which part? Everything. These refs are a joke. This is the best this conference has? — Jason Scheer (@jasonscheer) March 12, 2023 https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Mick Cronin: "My takeaway is an offensive foul not called, they hit a three. An offensive foul not called on a guy who … Continue reading Sunday Buzz: UCLA-Arizona Full Of Drama

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USC Saturday Buzz: Looks Like A Crutch Is Being Brought In

USC is hiring Greg Brown as a defensive analyst. The good part is Brown is a veteran coach and was Colorado’s defensive coordinator from 2011-12. The flip side is Brown has been like a pinball with nine jobs in the past 13 seasons. That’s never a good sign. I doubt he’s going to have much influence with Alex Grinch. But . . . here is … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Looks Like A Crutch Is Being Brought In

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If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Was there anything going on Thursday night? Oh, yes. Say it with us: Thanks, Enfield! This picture packs a punch for USC fans. It’s a gathering of tailbacks. From left: Anthony Davis, O.J. Simpson, Marcus Allen, Clarence Davis, Ricky Bell and Mike Garrett. And with the exception of Simpson, they are all from Southern California. Can you name the high schools they attended? Answer below. … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

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Mick Cronin Strains Credibility

UCLA coach Mick Cronin was asked today about Jaylen Clark’s injury status. “There’s a little thing called ‘HIPAA,’ ” Cronin said. Cronin was referring to The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which is a federal law. HIPAA requires health-care providers to comply with privacy and security regulations. It has nothing to do with a basketball coach saying his player has an … Continue reading Mick Cronin Strains Credibility

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USC 2024 QB Derby Preview

There are now some forecasts five-star QB Dylan Raiola would commit to USC over Nebraska. The question is whether Raiola would be worried about the fact USC already has a five-star QB (Malachi Nelson) who just started his first spring practice for the Trojans. So I asked a Pac-12 coach who watched Raiola in Arizona last season and also observed Nelson. “They are different types … Continue reading USC 2024 QB Derby Preview

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USC Morning Buzz: Spring Is Time To Help Transfers

One of the big jobs of spring practice is making sure the offensive line-transfers like Jarrett Kingston of Washington State and Michael Tarquin of Florida have a smooth transition. “A lot of potential. They care. They’re into it. They want to be good. So that’s a step in the right direction,” USC offensive line coach Josh Henson said. “Every O-line coach teaches things differently, so … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Spring Is Time To Help Transfers

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USC’s Turnovers Were A 2022 Marvel

Here’s a stat I keep thinking about going into next year: USC lost only two fumbles in 2022. In 14 games. Does anyone think that will be replicated? USC might play better next season but it won’t be better from a turnover perspective. The Trojans recovered nine fumbles for a +7 Theoretically, USC could drop a game next season if it cannot match this margin. … Continue reading USC’s Turnovers Were A 2022 Marvel

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A Story Unfolds As Predicted

Jeff Goodman of Stadium reports UCLA guard Jaylen Clark is out for the season with an Achilles’ injury. It’s sad news for Clark. But it also backs up what I wrote this morning regarding the media and who would report Clark’s injury. Goodman is a national college basketball reporter. He doesn’t care about the UCLA fanbase or if he might upset Mick Cronin with the … Continue reading A Story Unfolds As Predicted

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Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Says USC Staff In Demand

I’m becoming more convinced Bronny James will end up at USC, especially after he scored 10 points in Sierra Canyon’s 80-61 loss to Notre Dame on Tuesday night. LeBron James tweeted Monday that Bronny was already better than some NBA players. Maybe Notre Dame guard Caleb Foster is the one who is ready. He had 28 points and will go to Duke next year. Foster … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Says USC Staff In Demand

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Should We Believe Lincoln Riley On USC Defense?

Was anyone convinced by the comments of Lincoln Riley this morning regarding the USC defense? “We expect to be an extremely high-level defense here at USC,” he said. “No reason in the world why we can’t and why we won’t be. And we expect that that will happen and happen soon.” That’s all well-and-good. But what changes are being implemented to assure this? What is … Continue reading Should We Believe Lincoln Riley On USC Defense?

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USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Expects High-Level Defense

Lincoln Riley spoke after USC’s second spring practice today and promised a significantly improved defense. “We expect to be an extremely high-level defense here at USC,” he said. “No reason in the world why we can’t and why we won’t be. And we expect that that will happen and happen soon.” “Malachi hasn’t had maybe the most ideal start in terms of having shoulder surgery … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Expects High-Level Defense

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USC Notes: Been Overdue For A Scandal

USC’s been overdue for a scandal. Never fear. Sales have been suspended for a new book by USC oncologist David Agus after the L.A. Times found 95 instances of plagiarism. Agus is well-known because he is a contributor to CBS News and founding director and CEO of USC’s Ellison Institute in Santa Monica. It's parents' weekend at USC and @danijackel_ is getting them educated on … Continue reading USC Notes: Been Overdue For A Scandal

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Andrew Vorhees Tears ACL And Still

Tests revealed USC offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees tore his ACL at the NFL Combine on Sunday. But that didn’t stop Vorhees on Monday, as he benchpressed 225 pounds 38 times with one leg on the ground. It was the best benchpress mark at the Combine this morning. This feat did not go unnoticed by USC coach Lincoln Riley. Complete warrior…played hurt the entire 2nd half … Continue reading Andrew Vorhees Tears ACL And Still

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USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Go Crazy Over Player Weights

There are always some people who go gaga when new weights are released by USC for the football players. Eric Gentry gained 5 pounds. Justin Dedich lost 10 pounds. Mason Murphy gained 10 pounds. Wow! First off, let’s be clear. Some of these players probably weighed close to these marks during the past season. But they haven’t been officially weighed for the roster since the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Go Crazy Over Player Weights

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USC Started Spring Practice!

USC started spring practice today with little fanfare because the media was not allowed to attend. There will also be no media at Tuesday’s second practice. The big news today was the visit of five-star QB Dylan Raiola, who did watch practice. It feels like it will be USC and Nebraska for Raiola. I wonder how closely he watched five-star QB Malachi Nelson in his … Continue reading USC Started Spring Practice!

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USC Sunday Buzz: Does This Make Sense?

USC lists Korey Foreman as being 10 pounds lighter (235 pounds). Wasn’t he too light at 245 last season? Foreman is now listed as a “defensive lineman” instead of a rush end. I’m not optimistic. He should play linebacker if he really weighs 235. USC has been over the scholarship limit so three more Helton Era players are no longer on the roster: tight end … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Does This Make Sense?

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USC Plays Tulane And Again There’s Little Defense

USC defeated Tulane, 13-8, at Dedeaux Field today in a rematch of the Cotton Bowl. Tulane might have a 1-10 record but it hit four home runs. USC center fielder Austin Overn, who also is on the football team, went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI and scored 3 runs. Right fielder Cole Gabrielson was 2 for 4 with 4 RBI and a home run. … Continue reading USC Plays Tulane And Again There’s Little Defense

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Jordan Addison Makes Quick Impression At NFL Combine

Jordan Addison ran the 40-yard dash in 4.49-seconds today at the NFL Combine. That’s a time that won’t hurt his draft stock. He actually ran his fastest time on his second attempt, which is unusual. Addison also caught some passes but then shut it down because of a minor back strain. That means he will have to finish his workout on March 21 at USC … Continue reading Jordan Addison Makes Quick Impression At NFL Combine

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USC Saturday Buzz: Who Can You Trust On Pac-12 Deal?

Who can you trust when it comes to the Pac-12 media-rights deal? The media who cover the Pac-12 closest seem to think everything will be fine. The national media are painting a more dire picture. Someone I trust is John Ourand of Sports Business Journal, who said George Kliavkoff should have taken a deal six months ago. Kliavkoff is still immune from local criticism. My … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Who Can You Trust On Pac-12 Deal?