Did you hear UCLA beat USC with 57 scholarship players? When USC had similar numbers in the sanctions era under Lane Kiffin, it was noted in the weekly press release that the Trojans were short handed. At least Chip Kelly didn’t use it as an excuse. Continue reading Don’t Cry About Scholarships

I like to speak to NFL coaches about USC games. Here is what one said to me who watched the USC-UCLA game. “Did you know on UCLA’s long touchdown run, the defense was misaligned? They didn’t have anyone on the tight end. Not a linebacker or a defensive back. The guys don’t know what to do. “The defensive line can’t off blocks, the linebackers are … Continue reading USC’s Defensive Confusion Needs Recognition

Remember this September quote from Clay Helton: “I can’t wait for people see where we’re at in November.” USC is worse now than ever this season and a 10-point underdog to Notre Dame. I remember two years ago thinking USC had a small chance to beat Alabama. I feel like it has no chance to beat the Irish. Imagine how bad USC is against these … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: How Do You Like November?

Take a deep breath for the weekly Clay Helton press conference: Helton asked why Lynn Swann has not backed him up in public: “When he’s ready to make a comment, I know he will. It’s his right to do it whenever he feels free. But he’s given me the utmost support.” Helton was asked about his job security: “Not one thing different. Same offensive and … Continue reading Sunday Night With Clay Helton

You probably heard Colorado fired Mike MacIntyre today. I liked MacIntyre so I’m not happy he got fired. But I’m posting this because it shows you can fire a coach with a game still on the schedule. The Buffaloes play Cal on Saturday. Colorado will probably also have a search committee and a real search run by an athletic director who has some administration experience. Can you imagine … Continue reading Colorado Gets It But Does USC?

Here’s my story on the USC-UCLA for the Sporting News. Excerpt: “Within the football program, coaches fret over the lack of discipline, permitted because of Clay Helton’s laid-back, players-first style. There has even been off-field drama within the coaching staff, when an assistant coach’s wife accidentally sent a text message to other coaches’ wives that were critical of offensive coordinator Tee Martin’s playcalling.” Full story here Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Anatomy Of A Debacle