Last year, I compared Graham Harrell to Eb Dawson from Green Acres. But maybe he is really Alfred E. Newman of Mad Magazine, whose motto was What Me Worry? Ever since he got hired at USC from North Texas, I’ve written I heard even coaches at North Texas felt like Harrell didn’t really like running the ball. Harrell was asked Tuesday how concerned he was … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Is Graham Harrell The New Alfred E. Newman?

When USC hired John David Baker as tight ends coach, he talked about how he wanted the tight ends on the field more this season. “That’s what we’d like to do, we’d like to stay in 11 personnel as much as possible,” Baker said. Graham Harrell also talked about throwing more to the tight ends and got the media to buy into it like in … Continue reading USC Still Not Using Its Tight Ends

Cornerback Greg Johnson will undergo knee surgery and miss the rest of the season. Going forward, will he go pro or return for another season? I suspect any player with even a chance of making an NFL roster will go pro after this short season. Tight end Jude Wolfe broke a bone in his foot and is out for the season. Continue reading USC Loses Cornerback

QUARTERBACK This was the first time Kedon Slovis looked like the 2019 version for an entire game. Now let’s see if it happens in a game USC doesn’t lead 28-0 before the cardboard cutouts make their seats warm. Grade: B+ RUNNING BACKS Maybe one of the worst collective performances by a group of backs in USC history. And I’ve already said to blame the offensive … Continue reading USC-Washington State Report Card

A couple thoughts this morning: Why does it matter if USC gained only five yards rushing if it carved up Washington State’s defense at will through the air? Because there are times in football games when it is really important to get four yards. Or three yards. Or two yards. Or one yard. This USC team has not demonstrated it can do that, which could … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Does It Matter If USC Can’t Run The Ball?

So it doesn’t feel like rivalry week but it is. No students on campus. No rallies. Think back to 2005, when USC defeated UCLA, 66-19. It was the Trojans’ 16th-straight victory over a ranked team. And 34th straight victory overall. Does it feel like that long ago? No rushing for 5 yards in that game. Meanwhile, John Robinson took a tumble last weekend. #BAMAvsLSU Najee … Continue reading USC Night Notes: It’s Rivalry Week