Cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart (concussion) is questionable for the Utah game. Chris Steele will start in his place. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is day-to-day with a sore foot. Cornerback Greg Johnson (concussion) is cleared to play. Defensive end Christian Rector (ankle) will be a game-time decision. “He’s been medically cleared to practice and play but there’s also a confidence level,” USC coach Clay Helton said. … Continue reading USC Injury Report

One more thing on the defense. A big problem vs. BYU was players being out of position . . . and poor tackling. “If USC worked on fundamentals and techniques for 40 minutes a day, they would be so much better,” said an NFL scout who attends practices. “They spend little or no time on fundamentals.” Continue reading USC Needs More Fundamentals

College football analyst Phil Steele had USC as his No. 6 most-improved team in the nation entering the season. He also had USC as No. 3 in his “best buy” category, which is teams ready to make a big jump back after a disappointing season. But that does not mean he is picking USC to beat Utah on Friday. “I think with the defensive line … Continue reading Who Does Phil Steele Like In USC-Utah Game?

With Clay Helton fighting for his USC coaching life, it might help if Clancy Pendergast would abandon his well-known stubborness during games. Pendergast prefers to play man-to-man coverages but against BYU, USC actually had its most success during some short stints of zone coverage. Unfortunately for USC and Helton, Pendergast didn’t use too much and BYU prevailed. Pendergast does not like to listen others and … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Clay Helton’s Not Getting Help From Staff

Under Clay Helton, USC is 1-12 outright and 2-11 ATS as a dog. 11 of the 12 losses have come by double digits, 8 of the 12 losses came by at least 17 points. Avg margin of defeat in SC’s last 12 losses as a dog – 18.8 PPG. USC is currently a 3.5-point home underdog vs Utah. — Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) September 18, 2019 … Continue reading Clay Helton As Underdog

Why isn’t anyone talking about how gassed the defense looked Saturday? At one point, I thought it was semi-embarrassing. Especially since it was still the first half. So the apologists will claim it was the altitude of Provo (4,551 feet). If that is the case, why didn’t USC do extra running last week in practices? Or hydrate more? We have all been sold the con … Continue reading USC Almost Vanished Into Thin Air