When The USC Band Took Over The Final Four

USC’s last trip to the Final Four was in 1954. And I recently came across a story of how big a hit the USC band was at the Final Four at the Kansas City Municipal Auditorium. Here is how 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 … Continue reading When The USC Band Took Over The Final Four

USC Ranked No. 12 By Sporting News

The Sporting News has its way-too-early Top 25 rankings and USC is No. 12. That seems high to me, given USC’s uncertainty on offense and some legitimate questions on defense. I also question whether the general sloppiness from last season has been addressed or will be corrected. But I would expect USC to be ranked in the top 15 of most preseason polls. USC is … Continue reading USC Ranked No. 12 By Sporting News

Should This Be Final Word On Quarterbacks?

Is it even worth mentioning USC’s quarterbacks are struggling this spring? Jack Sears threw another interception Tuesday but the bigger picture is this spring will be remembered for the problems experienced in the battle to replace Sam Darnold. “We have to get them right,” USC quarterbacks coach Bryan Ellis said. “It’s all on us. It’s all on me. I gotta get the quatterbacks understanding what … Continue reading Should This Be Final Word On Quarterbacks?

Remembering A Great From USC-UCLA Rivalry

The above photo is from the 1973 USC-UCLA game. The UCLA back leading the wishbone formation is the great James McAlister, who died last weekend. He was a star in football and track. McAlister was part of a great Blair High School football team that also featured USC safety Charles Phillips (who also played quarterback at Blair) and tailback Kermit Johnson, who went to UCLA. … Continue reading Remembering A Great From USC-UCLA Rivalry

A USC Coaching Item

I’ve heard some good things about Joe DeForest, who recently joined the coaching staff and is apparently helping the defense. He is replacing linebackers coach Johnny Nansen during spring practice because Nansen underwent knee surgery. But a writer from West Virginia told me that DeForest’s one season as defensive coordinator was a disaster. The Mountaineers defense allowed 472.5 yards of total offense and 37 points a … Continue reading A USC Coaching Item