Are stats getting overemphasized with college football? Every time I turn around, USC is citing a new PFF stat: Offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has not allowed a sack; John Houston is the highest-graded linebacker the past two games in the Pac-12; Kedon Slovis is . . . well look at the graphic below: I like Slovis A LOT more than JT Daniels. But do these … Continue reading Are Stats The Whole Story?

Is the USC coaching staff respected in the coaching community? If you know coaches, you can ask around and get opinions. I asked someone who coaches an AFC East Division team that I was referred to by an ex-USC coach. “You have a head coach that doesn’t know what he doesn’t know,” the NFL coach said. (Clay Helton) needs to look at the defensive coordinator … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Do USC Coaches Know What They Don’t Know?

Chris Steele and Christian Rector returned to practice. Everyone else (Drake Jackson, Jordan Iosefa, Palaie Gaoteote, Talanoa Hufanga, Vavae Malepeai, Stephen Carr, Markese Stepp) was out. Clay Helton said wide receiver Bru McCoy will officially redshirt. Here is USC’s statement on the NCAA’s early comments saying it will allow college athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness. Continue reading USC Injury Report

Here is this week’s podcast, where we discuss Clay Helton’s future, whether USC can beat Oregon and look at key parts of the Colorado game. I also discuss my “two mannequins” theory, which says a mannequin on the USC and Oregon sidelines might be better than we get at the Coliseum on Saturday. Continue reading USC-Oregon Podcast!

What happens if USC beats Oregon? And Arizona State? And Cal? And UCLA? Do I think USC will win all of those games? No. Is it possible? Yes. Is that enough to save Clay Helton‘s job? If USC wins the Pac-12 South, no. But what if USC wins the Pac-12? Wouldn’t that do it? Remember, I advocated for a coaching change in 2017 after 10 … Continue reading The Doomsday Scenario

The NCAA will permit athletes to be compensated for their names, images and likenesses, its Board of Governors said. Here is what the Associated Press reported: The NCAA Board of Governors has taken the first step toward allowing athletes to cash in on their fame. The board voted unanimously on Tuesday to clear the way for the amateur athletes to “benefit from the use of … Continue reading NCAA To Permit Athletes To Be Compensated