Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Are These Numbers Befitting A Star?
I’m told at the baseball dinner last week, Andy Stankiewicz made a plea for donations to finish Dedeaux Field. The entire athletics project is still $50 million shy of its stated goal. “I kind of had to say that” Stankiewicz said. If USC wants to have a successful NCAA Tournament run, their star is going to need to shoot better. Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Are These Numbers Befitting A Star?
Sticky post
USC Notes: An Improvised Athletic Event
USC had its alumni baseball game last weekend. The stands at the new Dedeaux Field did not yet pass inspection, so the boosters who came for the alumni game had to sit down in the bullpen with the porta-potties away from everything. Among those who showed up to festivities the night before were Lars Nootbar, Mark McGwire and Bret Boone. Continue reading USC Notes: An Improvised Athletic Event
Sticky post
Morning Buzz: Seven USC Players Make NFL Combine
Seven USC player have been invited to the NFL Combine: Makai Lemon, Ja’Kobi Lane, Bishop Fitzgerald, Kamari Ramsey, Lake McRee, Eric Gentry and Anthony Lucas. “These are the type of games you want,” Riley said. “These are the type of games that we came here for. We want guys to come to USC because they want to be in these games as well.” Continue reading Morning Buzz: Seven USC Players Make NFL Combine
Sticky post
USC Promotes Analyst To Coach Defensive Tackles
USC defensive analyst Skyler Jones is being promoted to defensive tackles coach. What’s funny is the people who wanted Ed Orgeron or the former Texas Tech defensive line coach will celebrate this like it was a shrewd move. What this tells me is Gary Patterson didn’t really have anyone he wanted to coach the tackles. Patterson is known for being a defensive backs guy and … Continue reading USC Promotes Analyst To Coach Defensive Tackles
Sticky post
A Crazy USC Fact Of Day
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Solomon Tuliaupupu were in the same class at Mater Dei and attended USC together. St. Brown just completed his fifth season in the NFL an Tuliaupupu is about to enter his ninth season of college. If Tuliaupupu made an NFL team, he would be a rookie during St. Brown’s seventh NFL season. Continue reading A Crazy USC Fact Of Day
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Here’s A Turkey For The Schedule
I love how some people are suggesting USC could now play North Dakota State with the Bisons moving into the Mountain West Conference. That’s the state of the program, to find any opponent and pass it off as a good deal. Is it better than playing Notre Dame? For Lincoln Riley it is, obviously. But what about the ticket-buying fans? What about those who valued … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Here’s A Turkey For The Schedule
Sticky post
Former USC Player Gets Ninth-Year Of Eligibility!
Former USC defensive end Solomon Tuliaupupu has been granted a ninth year of eligibility. This is not a misprint. A ninth year! What is his 401 (k) looking like? He was a Class of 2018 high school graduate at Mater Dei and will play next season at Montana, where he also spent last season. He had 43 tackles last season at Montana. She is in … Continue reading Former USC Player Gets Ninth-Year Of Eligibility!
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: An Underreported Seahawks Connection
With all the ties between USC and the Seattle Seahawks, there is one that didn’t get mentioned yesterday. Former USC player/assistant coach Kennedy Polamalu was an assistant coach with the Seahawks until taking a personal leave of absence in December. Last month, it was announced he would not be returning to the team. No explanation was given for the leave of absence. He joined the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: An Underreported Seahawks Connection
Sticky post
It’s A USC Super Bowl!
The USC Seahawks won in style tonight. The cherry on top was when Uchenna Nwosu scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery. So here’s a story on him: When Ed Orgeron was the interim coach following the firing of Lane Kiffin, the recruiting class fell apart. Orgeron decided to offer a scholarship to Nwosu. There was resistance from Pat Haden and J.K. McKay about whether … Continue reading It’s A USC Super Bowl!
Sticky post
USC Super Bowl Sunday Buzz: A Telling Story On Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold is going to wear No. 14 with the Seattle Seahawks, the number he has worn since USC. But unlike many players, Darnold did not demand to wear No. 14. When he arrived at USC, he did not make any demands for a jersey number, which is different than many recruits. Just think of all the numbers USC has worn by two players because … Continue reading USC Super Bowl Sunday Buzz: A Telling Story On Sam Darnold
Sticky post
USC Saturday Buzz: Would Lincoln Riley Want A Legend?
There’s been some speculation that USC should hire Ed Orgeron as defensive line coach. This happens whenever USC has an opening for a d-line coach. I don’t see it happening because Orgeron and Lincoln Riley are like oil and water. Orgeron wants to play physical football. Does Riley? Orgeron would want demanding, physical practices? Would Riley? Also: I’m not sure Riley ever got over the … Continue reading USC Saturday Buzz: Would Lincoln Riley Want A Legend?
If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
It’s not something that will be discussed in polite circles, but there are a couple scenarios where Gary Patterson could be leading the USC football program. Let’s say USC’s schedule is a little too difficult for Lincoln Riley, if he got fired who would be the immiediate replacement? Patterson. Or, let’s say Riley’s represenatatives reach out to schools again for open jobs. Like a Florida … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Sticky post
Not Every School Is Dumbing Down Their Schedule
Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte has spoken at length on non-conference schedules and his desire for an expanded College Football Playoff. “I prefer to preserve the regular season by playing great games and not dumbing down your schedule and playing nobody with the hopes that you can get in the playoff because you played nobody. If we can strengthen our regular season and keep … Continue reading Not Every School Is Dumbing Down Their Schedule
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Sprinting, Not Walking, To NFL
Would Eric Henderson have gone to the Washington Commanders if D’Anton Lynn was still the defensive coordinator? Probably. But once USC hired Gary Patterson, Henderson couldn’t get to the NFL fast enough. As a former Patterson colleague told me this week, “Gary’s the type of guy where you could be having dinner with your wife or girl friend and he’ll just walk up to you … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Sprinting, Not Walking, To NFL
Sticky post
Dawg Work To D.C.
Just when you thought it was safe for USC to keep Eric Henderson, he is going to the Washington Commanders, according to CBS Sports. Henderson will be defensive line coach and run-game coordinator. Imagine being a Commanders fan and hiring a coach the Dallas Cowboys rejected. Let’s see if incoming USC defensive linemen actually care about this. The recruiting junkies will go to DEFCON 1. Continue reading Dawg Work To D.C.
Sticky post
USC Names Beong-Soo Kim As President
USC’s Board of Trustees selected Beong-Soo Kim to become permanent president. He has been the interim president. The selection of Kim was fairly easy: He’s been a popular figure on campus in contrast to his two predecessors (Max Nikias, Carol Folt) and known as a people person despite inheriting some awful financial predicaments from Folt. He also received a hearty endorsement from Jen Cohen, which … Continue reading USC Names Beong-Soo Kim As President
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Someone Feels Sick About Season
USC’s Board of Trustees are scheduled to meet today, which means we could have a decision on the next president of the university. “I’m sick to my stomach for donors. I’m sick to my stomach for people that might be unhappy with winning nine games. And they should be unhappy.” This is supposed to be a refreshing comment. But does it address why he is … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Someone Feels Sick About Season
Sticky post
USC Notes: Lincoln Riley Says Future Is Now; What’s New?
Lincoln Riley reiterated Monday that expectations are high every year at USC. “There’s pressure to win championships here every single year,” Riley said. “You’re in a blue blood program. Even the first year when we didn’t do it, even though we came back and won a bunch more games than they did and probably surpassed a lot of people’s expectations, like, that’s just — you … Continue reading USC Notes: Lincoln Riley Says Future Is Now; What’s New?
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: An Irony In Dallas
So Dawg Work did not get the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive line job. Was it a surprise? Only to USC fans. The irony here is that the Cowboys hired Marcus Dixon, who in 2021 was the assistant defensive line coach with the Rams working under . . . Eric Henderson. The Cowboys brought both to Dallas for interviews and went with Dixon. Hmmm. It’s got to … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: An Irony In Dallas
Sticky post
USC Notes: Two Recruits Make McDonald’s Game
Still haven’t heard any word as of now whether the Dallas Cowboys are hiring Dawg Work aka Eric Henderson. Don’t ask Gary Patterson. He’s busy watching film. Continue reading USC Notes: Two Recruits Make McDonald’s Game
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: A One-Year Job On Football Staff?
I’ve heard Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer advised a coach against taking the USC defensive coordinator position. His reasoning? That it might be a one-year job if Lincoln Riley does not make the College Football Playoff. During the 1958 football season, Buford led the Trojans in rushing (306 yards), interceptions, and punt returns. Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A One-Year Job On Football Staff?
Sticky post
Sunday Buzz: One USC Team Not Ducking Competition
USC is one of eight colleges invited to the Fiesta Bowl flag football tournament April 18-19 at Arizona State. Georgia, Florida and Arizona State are among the other teams in the tournament. USC has just started a flag football club team. Some would argue Lincoln Riley’s defenses play flag football the past four seasons. If this is true, Musselman needs to evaluate what he is … Continue reading Sunday Buzz: One USC Team Not Ducking Competition
Sticky post
Gary Patterson Directly And Indirectly Shaking Things Up
Gary Patterson’s shake-up continues. He is hiring his former player, Sam Carter, as an assistant. Now here’s the thing: Carter has coached cornerbacks at Arkansas, Mississippi and Purdue. So is USC cornerbacks coach Trovon Reed being sidelined like Rob Ryan? Does USC need two cornerbacks coaches? It has two linebacker coaches. And two defensive line coaches (Eric Henderson, Shaun Nua). Henderson is interviewing with the … Continue reading Gary Patterson Directly And Indirectly Shaking Things Up
Sticky post
Saturday Buzz: Does Lincoln Riley Fit Into This Maequee Group?
If you look at the coaches who won national titles the past 10 years, they all seem to come from a cold-blooded culture with strong leadership. Cignetti, Day, Harbaugh, Smart, Saban, Swinney. Now I ask you: Does Lincoln Riley fit into this group culturally? Can Riley lead the way these coaches could at their peak? I say peak because someone will inevitably point out Swinney’s … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: Does Lincoln Riley Fit Into This Maequee Group?
Sticky post
If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
There is a growing belief in coaching circles that if USC does not make the College Football Playoff this season, Lincoln Riley is in trouble and Jen Cohen would move to replace him. Who are the top candidates? Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, who was hired by Cohen at Washington and Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham. Would either take the job? With DeBoer, it would depend … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Sticky post
The Problems With New USC Billboard Campaign
Just a couple follow-ups on this new USC billboard campaign. Does “The Time : Is Now” mean USC can make the College Football Playoff because it no longer plays Notre Dame? Also, several readers have pointed out to me the grammar issues with the space before a colon. As Jim Healy listeners might remember: Who goofed? I’ve got to know. Continue reading The Problems With New USC Billboard Campaign
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Gary Patterson Is Going To Be Whirlwind
Gary Patterson was full of material yesterday confirming the stereotype that he is a football filmaholic. “My wife watches Netflix, I watch film,” Patterson said. The press conference was watched with amusement by a coach who used to work with Patterson and warned the current defensive staff. “Gary will be a pain in the a–,” the coach said. “He will coach the whole defense. He … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Gary Patterson Is Going To Be Whirlwind
Sticky post
USC Notes: New Slogan For Lincoln Riley?
What is this latest campaign for USC football? Sounds like a warning to Lincoln Riley. Win now! If only Jen Cohen had the nerve. Continue reading USC Notes: New Slogan For Lincoln Riley?
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Remember The 12th Game Promise?
USC is expected to add a 12th game on August 29th. Now I want to point out this promise from Jen Cohen when she was tap dancing around not playing Notre Dame: “Of our three non-conference games each year, we will schedule at least one Power 4 opponent. If that opponent is a rival with whom we share a long and storied tradition, all the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Remember The 12th Game Promise?
Sticky post
USC Fans And Lincoln Riley Won’t Like Parts Of Schedule
The USC schedule is out and we already have a talking point for Lincoln Riley and his lame defenders. USC has to play Indiana and Ohio State when those teams are coming off byes! And the Trojans play Oregon the week after the Ducks play Portland State. You know what I don’t like about the schedule? The USC-UCLA game is on Thanksgiving weekend. Without Notre … Continue reading USC Fans And Lincoln Riley Won’t Like Parts Of Schedule
Sticky post
USC Targets Former TCU Assistant
Last week I said to keep an eye on Baylor cornerbacks coach Paul Gonzales and CBS Sports reports today Gary Patterson is targeting his former assistant to coach the defensive backs at USC. This explains the removal of Doug Belk and gives Patterson at least one assistant coach he is comfortable with on staff. Continue reading USC Targets Former TCU Assistant
Sticky post
Morning Buzz: Rivals Ranks USC Recruit No. 1
USC defensive end Luke Wafle finished as the No. 1 recruit in the final Rivals 300 rankings. “I don’t think he’s had a soda in six years. I know he hasn’t ice cream or any kind of sweets. He’s eight eggs and a pound of bison breakfast guy every day,” his father told Rivals. Luke Wafle-rinovich? Here are the Rivals’ five-star recruits: Continue reading Morning Buzz: Rivals Ranks USC Recruit No. 1
Sticky post
Who Does These USC Buyouts?
Has anyone at USC the past 10 years ever expressed a doubt about the buyout policy with football coaches? Lincoln Riley is currently holding USC hostage with his massive buyout ($50-60 million). But before that, there was the same issue with Clay Helton. Helton got $4.2 million from USC in 2024 and has made $13 million since being fired. He was the third-highest paid employee … Continue reading Who Does These USC Buyouts?
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: Gary Patterson Inherits Already Built Culture?
This comment from Lincoln Riley on Gary Patterson caught my eye. “His impact will be immediate, elevating our defense and strengthening the culture we’ve built,” Riley said. The culture we’ve built? What’s that? Giving up a 35-yard touchdown pass in the Alamo Bowl on third-and-20? Giving up 500 yards to Illinois? Letting Notre Dame rush for more than 300 yards? Letting Tyler Warren catch 17 … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Gary Patterson Inherits Already Built Culture?
Sticky post
USC Wins Narrowly At Wisconsin But Not Everyone Stops Slide
USC went into Wisconsin today and beat the Badgers, 73-71, to stop their mini two-game losing streak and get their NCAA Tournament hopes back on track. But . . . Alijah Arenas was 3 for 12 from the field and is now 6 for 27 in two games this season. Continue reading USC Wins Narrowly At Wisconsin But Not Everyone Stops Slide
Sticky post
USC Sunday Buzz: An Assistant Off To Alabama
USC analyst Adrian Klemm is the frontrunner to become offensive line coach at Alabama. Did you forget Klemm works at USC? He’s been everywhere: UCLA, Oregon, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots. Naturally at USC he coached on the defensive side despite always being an offensive line coach. I guess USC thought the offensive line was so well coached it didn’t need his help. Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: An Assistant Off To Alabama
Sticky post
Saturday Buzz: There Are Always USC Connections
Former Stanford and San Francisco 49ers star QB John Brodie died yesterday at age 90. And there was plenty of USC connections. His brother, Bill Brodie, was a quarterback on the USC freshman team in 1956, graduated from USC and was also an apartment manager just off campus in 1959. John Brodie’s daughter, Diane, was a tennis player at USC and a membere of the 1985 … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: There Are Always USC Connections
Sticky post
USC Finally Hires Gary Patterson
It took awhile but USC finally announced the hiring of Gary Patterson this morning. Like I said before, here is what someone who coached with Patterson told me about him. “It will be a good hire if they get the old Gary Patterson and not old Gary Patterson,” he said. Either way, it will be an upgrade from D’Anton Lynn. And once again: To give … Continue reading USC Finally Hires Gary Patterson
Sticky post
If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Did you notice I never fell for the nonsense about USC assistant Shaun Nua getting the defensive coordinator job at BYU or Eric Henderson getting the same job at Georgia Tech. They weren’t getting those jobs and the fanboys still wanted USC to promote from within for defensive coordinator. Raiders’ owner Al Davis famously invited Boseman to Raiders’ training camp, he was so intrigued by … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column
Sticky post
USC Notes: Emergency Plan B Is In Place
If nothing else, Gary Patterson could always take over the program if Lincoln Riley got fired. Not that I’m saying USC has the courage to do that. But it’s an easy transition in an emergency situation. I’m sure Chad “Charmin” Bowden has thought that, if only for a fleeting moment. Continue reading USC Notes: Emergency Plan B Is In Place
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: The Puzzle Finally Comes Together
The USC defensive staff has become a hodgepodge but at least now we know what we are getting. There is the new coodinator (Gary Patterson); the holdovers (Eric Henderson, Trovon Reed); the shoehorned addition (Mike Ekeler) and the yet-to-be-hired safeties coach. Now what about Rob Ryan. He will be an analyst, which seems like an unwieldy role given his presence. Why did Ryan stay? Well, … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Puzzle Finally Comes Together
Sticky post
USC Notes: Coach Juggling Continues
The reason Mike Ekeler left Nebraska is because USC is also letting him coach linebackers. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Rob Ryan is out. Ekeler will likely assist Ryan unless a new defensive coordinator makes a strong push to replace Ryan. I remember Ekeler from his lone season at USC under Lane Kiffin (2013). It was unremarkable. Let’s face it: He’s being brought to USC … Continue reading USC Notes: Coach Juggling Continues
Sticky post
Morning Buzz: USC Bows On Defensive Change
Last week, I wrote USC was telling prospective defensive coordinators that it wanted to keep the coaching staff intact. And I said most self-respecting defensive coordinators want to bring some assistants with them. That explains why USC safeties coach Doug Belk was fired. Did Gary Patterson demand it? He hasn’t been hired yet but he seems to be the focus right now. I’ll just point … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC Bows On Defensive Change
Sticky post
USC Notes: Do You Want An Old Or Young Team?
There is no way who makes excuses more than Lincoln Riley defenders. One excuses getting a lot of play is that Indiana won the national title because it has old players. Does anyone remember that Chad “Charmin” Bowman made a big point after he got hired about signing the biggest freshman class ever and the importance of high school recruits over the transfer portal? So … Continue reading USC Notes: Do You Want An Old Or Young Team?
Sticky post
USC Morning Buzz: What Can We Learn From Indiana?
Can we learn anything from Indiana winning the national championship? Curt Cignetti is a leader of men. Lincoln Riley is not. Systems are nothing vs. culture. USC used to succeed because of an unmistakenly strong and defined culture of rugged football. It imposed its will on the other team. Now? It tries to be operate a fancy-pants offense with sand-castle defending. Who would you want … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: What Can We Learn From Indiana?
Sticky post
Who Is Watching Indiana-Miami?
Curt Cignetti: National title in Year 2 Kalen DeBoer: National title game in Year 2 Lincoln Riley defenders: But, but, but Where is Sean McDonough? Indiana leads 10-0 at halftime. Can Miami come back? Nick Saban and Marcus Freeman picked the Hurricanes. Continue reading Who Is Watching Indiana-Miami?
USC Morning Buzz: One Way To Get Lincoln Riley To Play Notre Dame (Maybe)
USC returns its entire starting offensive line from last season. Is that such a good thing? I mean, the line wasn’t all that great (unless you believe the fan boys). He blamed the officiating. He blamed injuries. My favorite part is when he was asked if he ever thought about putting guard Ryan Cornish back in the game? “No. Ryan Cornish was minus-12 in 7 … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: One Way To Get Lincoln Riley To Play Notre Dame (Maybe)
InsideUSC with Scott Wolf 