FOOTBALL

USC Sunday Buzz: Alex Grinch Wants To “Vomit”

Alex Grinch was the man in the spotlight after last night’s debacle of a defensive performance at the Coliseum.

“You’re 10 weeks into the season,” Grinch said. “Which, as soon as I say that, you want to vomit at some of the issues we have 10 weeks into the season. So I don’t know if some of these things we can get fixed in 48 hours and 72 hours.

“We can be excited about a win but be pissed off about how we played.

“It’s coaching. We’ve obviously got to do a better job. We’ve done a good job in the second half in the past. We didn’t even come close tonight.”

Some of it is coaching but some of it is not.

For example, just last week I wrote about how Ceyair Wright remained unproven after eight games and I didn’t understan why opponents didn’t attack him. No one else wants to talk about this because it’s not a feel-good story.

After Wright gave up a 57-yard pass last night, he got benched in favor of sophomore Jacobe Covington. This didn’t surprise me but if you just listen to the fanboys all season, you would be surprised.

And cornerback Jaylin Smith, who also started all season, was exposed a few times too, including that ridiculous busted coverage 47-yard TD to Mavin Anderson. I’ll have more on him later.

What does it tell you that safety Bryson Shaw, who wasn’t even playing regularly until last week, had 11 tackles last night? It tells you that there isn’t a lot of talent in the secondary.

90 thoughts on “USC Sunday Buzz: Alex Grinch Wants To “Vomit””

  1. Of all Scott’s predictions —Sark was poor choice who would blow up, Sam was better than Max, Helton would prove to be a clown and he would team up with another clown, Swann —-the prediction that USC would win games 63-62 turns out to be the best.
    This isn’t to say Grinch is a bad coach —there is only so much a guy can do with the players we have on defense. Somebody wrote they run like they’re pulling a truck —it’s funny …but true. This bunch can’t stop UCLA ….our only hope is the offense has the best day of their lives —and Special Teams and the defense don’t hurt them TOO much….

    Liked by 7 people

    Reply

    1. A win is a win, so people need to stop complaining, because unless you’re a complete imbecile, then you knew what Lincoln Riley’s football philosophy was. History speaks for itself, and as long as Riley was coach of the Oklahoma Sooners, they didn’t play defense either . It’s not the kinda of football I prefer to watch, but it’s a far cry better then anything Clay Helton produced.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

    2. Ditto, my Man, but as ‘Celeb’ goes so goes SC, more instrumental than even Wiley. Shrugging off the Colorado threat Celeb must understand he has to be good for 40 points to stay up with the sucla Midget-Bears and perhaps might need more. But then again I feel it might be a mistake-ridden contest with the pressure of a “Final-4″ possible ranking in the balance causing the score to be held down to something like 31-24

      Skipped the Tennessee game, did they ‘Volunteer’ to go to Georgia?

      First time ever rooting for ‘Neuter Dame’ but hold that Tiger

      LSU surprised Satan Saban with the ol’ 2-point trick play,
      shades of Utah. Lead changes 8-times in one of LSU’s rare Crimson Tide victories in recent years leading to a charge of hundreds onto the field at game’s end, with the 6’5” Freshman 2-point Tigers’ hero crying on his girl’s shoulders

      Prediction– SC could jump as high as No. 6 in the polls but more likely is that Tennessee will remain ahead of the Trojans with SC at No. 7

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  2. Despite the success USC has had this season, I am hearing and reading comments from some who seem to have forgotten the sad state of the program before this new coaching staff took it over AND in less than 1 full year of playing, SC is in the NCAA playoff discussion. As you say, there is only so much you can do with the players you have. I’d love to read and hear comments of respect for the remarkable turnaround. Hopefully, next year we’ll have more talented defensive players to add to the few talented on the team already. Enjoy being in the news again. When the clown helton was here, SC was an afterthought, not a headline as it is today. Fight On!!!

    Liked by 10 people

    Reply

    1. So true, Carra.
      To wit, last year I enjoyed 4 sips of lousy Bourbon the whole season.
      Not a single fine batch.

      Last night was JD–which of course is not Bourbon but is TN sour mash*. Wasn’t a bourbon worthy game. Still, a nice turnaround from 2021.

      *…and how about Kirby Smart’s TN sour mash yesterday! Great game to watch.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

      1. BOURBON4ME, I like your analogy! I enjoyed the Tennessee / Georgia game. I was eager to see Hooker play since he is ahead of Caleb in Heisman watch. I got a bonus seeing bad officiating and feeling it’s a professional problem and not limited to Pac12. That uncalled, even after video review, safety was sooooo Pac12. There has to be some done to improve this serious game effecting problem.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. The crowd loved it when the final UT-UA score was flashed on the video board.

        For all those who suggested it earlier in the season, they did bring this back when the team enters the field! I’ve been meaning to mention. Of course, the crowd loves it!!

        Liked by 2 people

      5. Scottie’s blog is stuck in 1990s HTML technology. It is equivalent to a Model T. It would take less than $1k to bring it up to industry standards, but he seems to like what he has.

        Liked by 3 people

      7. I’m ok with it. We just need to pay attention to what we’re typing and not beat ourselves up for an occasional typo. No one is harder on us than we are to ourselves.

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Cara –Thanks for the reminder. Sincerely.
      I think Riley is an unbelievable coach —smart and charismatic. He’s working miracles with this team. I also think USC is looking ahead to UCLA —they want to be in a game that MATTERS to them. But to be ready for that game they need to improve in a lot of little ways. Hopefully, Gentry, Mario and Jordan will be ready to help them do that this Friday.

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

      1. Michael, again good points. I think the lack of those incredible players have an effect. Being thrust into the key role instead a comfortable backup role is heavy especially for a young person regardless their talent. I still remember my knees knocking when, at the last minute, I had to give a presentation to 2000 people at a technical workshop. I am praying for a return of those players before UCLA. Also, it’s easy to think Cal is a nobody and we can coast. Remember those crazy losses during Pete’s reign. Always, a poor team! I’m hopeful this was a dress rehearsal and the correction will be made. We learn our best lessons with mistakes.

        Liked by 5 people

      2. Carra —
        The fact Riley continues to win without so many of his “stars” is unbelievable in itself.
        Hope we’re ready to explode on November 19th!
        [You know my trick for talking to huge groups? I always tell myself before I start, “I don’t want to be perfect today –I just wanna be pretty good.” It takes all the pressure off….then you can actually shoot for perfect after you warm up]….

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Carra is always good – wish you would post more.

        The team is 8-1, not 5-4. Grinch can’t make the plays himself. If he can’t coach what to do, then at some point he will be replaced, but he needs a chance to get his own recruits out there, the guys who can deliver the D he wants to implement.

        Liked by 3 people

      4. If we had thought SC would have a chance to be 10-3 this year incl winning some bowl game,compared to last year, we would think Heaven had come to bless us,compared to last year and even previous years…that’s what we have at the minimum…

        Liked by 3 people

  3. The offense has played fairly well but the defense will have a difficult time defending teams like UCLA and Notre Dame. We made Plummer look like a Heisman trophy candidate.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. If not for that INT late in the second quarter, how horrible it could have been!!

      20-7 at halftime instead of 14-13? Whew!

      Like

      Reply

  4. The defense is too inconsistent. It makes one great play, then gives up a big play because of blown coverage or just simply missing tackles . DC you must do a better job evaluating players who make the least mistakes from film study between position coaches. I believe that in order to fix this problem, we simply need more cerebral players who can execute the DC’s scheme. I heard the analyst say Grinch scheme is to fly to the ball. Flying to the ball and not tackling is not it. Do they teach them fundamentals, because we are most talented team offensively and the worst defensive team. The only way we make the CFP is the Committee has a brain freeze like LR and AG.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. You know what? Our D mostly sucks …but…our D-line would be more of a force if the Pac 12 refs weren’t allowing so much holding. It seems like the ONE thing that’s right about our defense is getting neutralized by the officiating.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. Permitting holding really works against smaller quicker guys, not as much as against the super strong guys who can bull their way through the blocker. We don’t have a huge D-line, so I agree they are coming up to the plate with 1, maybe 2 strikes against them. Did you watch Foreman last night? He gets held like nobody’s business. 315 lb OT versus 250 lb edge, the 315 guy will win all day long if he can hold.

        Liked by 4 people

  5. The computer had USC as the #8-9 ranked team before Gentry went out, and the #50 defense (not good, but…). With Gentry out, USC has dropped to #13 overall and the #77 (out of 128 fer cripesake) D.

    If Gentry is 100%, get him some game reps vs CU Boulder and have him rested and revv’d vs UCLA and ND. If Gentry is not ready, expect “more of the same.”

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    1. You can’t overvalue how much Gentry’s leadership means on defense. And you can’t overstate how much Addison’s presence on the field helps Caleb run the offense. [And getting Mario back wouldn’t hurt either].
      I hope Riley doesn’t think Raleek is gonna be a Big Weapon in the UCLA game. He runs terrible routes …and he makes bad decisions on Special Teams.

      Liked by 5 people

      Reply

      1. Raleek is a true frosh. He made one bad decision on the 8-yard loss, but OTOH, the TE didn’t get his assignment done to pin the Cal edge. Raleek will learn. Maybe he will get more reps vs Colorado- he needs game experience. During Fall camp, I remember Tui saying Raleek has amazing acceleration.

        His kickoff return average was 22 per return, which is solid, particularly given he is doing a lot of that on his own. At some point, he will break one.

        Liked by 4 people

      2. It appears Releek, like Caleb at times, wants to make the BIG play instead of the lesser safe play. I understand wanting to feel successful. However, it’s a big jump between high school and college. Releek needs some coaching to help him use his talent more effectively. He will never be a total answer. We need a Lendale White clone who can “thunder’ his way through the defense.

        Regarding Gentry, I think he is to the defense what Caleb is to the offense. He is a force of nature with talent that is innate, developed and taught. I love, love, love his leadership. Like Caleb, he is a master team player and great role model.

        Liked by 4 people

      3. Yes, Carra. Getting Gentry back will be huge for the defense —they miss his leadership as much as his tackling.
        As far as Raleek, I hope we get another back to help out next season — Raleek is never gonna be The Guy. Not in the way Dye is anyway. Although, I agree with 67 — with his speed & acceleration he’s gonna break a couple —hope they come during the UCLA game.

        Liked by 2 people

      4. Releek needs more lower body strength so he can break tackles no he will never be like Dye but he is a 5th year player you can’t compare him to Dye at this point period. Hopefully he stays around until he is a senior, because he will need to mature as a player along with his body. He is not a bust give me a break, small sample size to label a bust.

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Dye is 210 lbs, Raleek is 170 – maybe – so he can’t move the pile. But he will get stronger over time, just 18 years old.

        Liked by 2 people

      6. I agree –we’ve seen it before, 67 — frosh running back returns 10-15 pounds heavier and stronger as a soph and their stock goes way up….
        #But….StillHopeWe’reAlsoLookingForALendale-TypeForNextYear

        Liked by 2 people

  6. I see I’m still living in my stalker’s head rent free. But he thought about me a half dozen times yesterday, even though I hadn’t posted on the live game blog. If that isn’t obsession, I don’t know what is. I’m not shocked he can’t find anyone to give as much love to in person. LOL

    I also see he actually had the nerve to say another poster had no wit when HE uses the same lame shar pei, outhouse and Depends jokes over & over & over again. As most Dims, he’s the biggest hypocrite on this board.

    Now for Homecoming…it was a really good time. A lot of clubs didn’t have booths, but I did visit the USC Catholic Center’s booth and got a very nice “USC Catholic Trojan” t-shirt I know some on this board would appreciate.

    FYI, the Catholic Center is having a mass & Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec 4: mass 4:30, tree lighting 6:00.

    BEAT THE BUFFALOES!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  7. The regular season 75% over, and I wonder if Scottie has enjoyed one down of football?

    It has been great to watch Caleb Williams.

    His season stats thru 9 games versus Carson Palmer in his Heisman year, adjusted for 9 games:

    Caleb: 314 yards per game, 8.7 average yards per pass, 3.1 TD per game
    Carson: 303 yards per game, 8,8 average yards per pass, 2.5 TD per game

    0.1 int per game for Caleb, nearly 1 int per game for Carson

    And we know which QB had the better protection

    Liked by 5 people

    Reply

    1. Well…THAT puts Caleb’s contribution into pretty stark relief.
      [I think we’re all beginning to take his miracle runs on 3rd or 4th down for granted —those first downs he’s grabbing represent the difference between this year and the last 4 years with J.T and Slovis].

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

      1. If there was an “MVP” award, I can’t think of a guy more deserving than Caleb. Ohio State would be fine without Stroud. Bryce was the difference maker in one ‘Bama game. Caleb has been the difference-maker in 5 games.

        Liked by 3 people

    2. Way to bring the data….

      So much QB competition these days.
      Remember when OSU could be counted on to have a lousy QB (a la Herbstreit, etc). Now it’s Burrows, Fields, Stroud…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  8. Anyone here think that Donte Williams has mailed it in as far as coaching the corners because he knows that he’s as good as gone when the season is over? I know it sounds crazy but I wouldn’t put it past him, because I think he’s probably pissed off he wasn’t given the head job. Either way, his position group is fundamentally poorly coached and they need to get better in a hurry.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I don’t think he’s mailing it in. I think he’s giving it everything he’s got. It’s just that what he’s got isn’t very much. He’s another of Helton’s flashes in the pan —much like Harrell or Orlando.
      I don’t think Riley wanted him —- he just was pressured into keeping him.
      But —you’re right —in the words of Clemenza from the Godfather — after this season, “we won’t be seeing him anymore.”

      Liked by 2 people

      Reply

      1. Isn’t Donte the one who recruited these players? So either he is not a good fundamentals coach or he is a lousy evaluator of talent. A change needs to be made because I really think he is hamstringing Grinch.

        Like

      2. It is real interesting to me that at the beginning of the season we were all so worried about the defensive line and the offensive line, yet, they are now much less the problem. They are getting pressure with 3 or 4 rushers. Although Ford/Haskins have turned out to be a bust.

        What I am most frustrated with this team is that the coaches dont seem to be able/willing to put the best player on the field. MJ3 should have been getting playing time long before now, he is tons better than Kyle Ford or Brandon Rice, maybe even better than Taj. He is probably going to be receiver #3. I think CJ Williams and Ware Hudson are better than Ford/Rice and should be getting more playing time.

        I really wonder if Nomura and Lee are the best linebackers, because they are a disaster. Why have we not seen any Raesjon Davis?

        The biggest problem for USC might be that Donte Williams/Brian Odom and Grinch himself are not good position coaches. The 2023 recruiting on the defensive side is poor. Donte, who is supposed to be a great recruiter does not have any elite talent coming in 2023.

        But Riley will not fire Grinch or force him to clear house on his staff. Nua is the only coach that seems to be getting his players better. I agree that Donte is gone next year. But is Odom a good coach with horrible players, or is there a coaching problem here? And the safeties dont look very good either.

        The defense doesnt know how to solo tackle and doesnt know how to attack from the waist down. They aim high and also seem to get frozen, waiting for the ball carrier to gain yards downfield before tackling them. Is this what Grinch teaches?

        I didnt see the Notre Dame game, but 9-3 appears to be the likely record now. This team is all on Caleb’s shoulders. Caleb and Travis Dye.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. To paraphrase the immortal Mike Bohn, “Did Riley know what he was doing when he brought Caleb with him or what?!”

      This made me laugh out loud!

      Like

      Reply

    3. Mehki Blackmon is playing well, but Ceyair Wright just hasn’t been taught technique. Poor Ceyair looks demoralized on the field. Give him some practice reps and let him grow up on the practice field. Not
      ready for major CFB.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. This guy Bryson Shaw is our best football player on defense next to Gentry. He led the team in tackles once again. The real problem is we miss Golforth, and Gentry in the middle of the defense, and of course we are terriflbe on the DL except for Tuli.

    TACKLES MISC
    TOT SOLO SACKS TFL PD QB HUR TD
    Bryson Shaw 11 10 0 0 1 0 0
    Shane Lee 7 5 0 1 0 1 0
    Jaylin Smith 6 5 0 0 0 0 0
    Mekhi Blackmon 5 3 0 1 1 0 0
    Max Williams 5 3 0 1.5 0 0 0
    Tuli Tuipulotu 4 3 2 2.5 0 0 0
    Jacobe Covington 3 3 0 0 1 0 0
    Latrell McCutchin 3 3 0 0 0 0 0
    Brandon Pili 2 2 0 0 0 1 0
    Micah Croom 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
    Solomon Byrd 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
    Ceyair Wright 2 1 0 0 0 0 0
    Tyrone Taleni 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
    Nick Figueroa 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
    De’jon Benton 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
    Stanley Ta’ufo’ou 1 1 0 1 0 0 0
    Korey Foreman 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
    Brandon Outlaw 1 1 0 0 0 0 0
    Calen Bullock 1 0 0 0 1 0 0
    Kyron Hudson 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
    Solomon Tuliaupupu 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
    TEAM 60 46 3 9 4 3 0

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

    1. Those stats show that too many ball carriers and receivers are succeeding at getting into the secondary, well past the linebackers. Really need Gentry back.

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

  10. Great to see Michael Jackson last night. 4.4 speed, maybe the best hands out there with Addison out for the time being, and his reverse was great. I don’t see how he was behind Rice on the depth chart before last night’s game.

    Liked by 6 people

    Reply

      2. MG, your right MJ should be starting, he is very fast strong n has hands. I don’t understand how they didn’t know how good he was. This is my top 8 receivers that should see time going forward. 1. Addison 2. Washongton 3. Williams 4. Jackson 5. Hudson 6. Ford 7. Rice 8. CJ . Hey MG with the receiver room adding more weapons with Branch Lemon n Lane who stays n who enters transfer portal.

        Like

  11. Did somebody mention enjoying the 2022 SC Football Season
    at least more than Scott is– thought so, but people in general today seem to be more negatively wired than ever whatever the reasons
    and so see the ‘glass as half empty’ when in reality it is half full.

    Liked by 4 people

    Reply

    2. 8-1 sounds more like the glass is 85% full. Scottie is the “15% guy”.

      “Inside USC” was great when Helton was here. It was the one place you could go to bitch and moan about the awful state of USC football after Pete left. Times are very different now, but Scottie won’t update his schtick.

      Liked by 4 people

      Reply

      1. Ha! 85% true, pardner. I’ve noticed Scott is begrudgingly offering kudos to Lincoln — and I think he reconciled himself to the 62-63 scores back in August.
        Bottom line: No one could have done better with this team than Lincoln Riley. He’s the Man.

        Liked by 3 people

      2. Riley’s peers in coaching rank him highly. When he gives clinics, they send their assistants to learn from him, including ‘bama and clemson. Now, Grinch has to get his guys to deliver, somehow, some way. Keep sucla under 35, keep domers under 24.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. If we get Addison & Gentry back this Friday I think we have a chance to run the table. [I bet ONE takeaway will win the UCLA game for us].

        Liked by 1 person

      5. admittedly, this defense makes me want to vomit, so I won’t dog Mr. Wolf.

        Still, the O-line is playing well. All the skill players on O playing well.
        D-line shows promise, and the full LB compliment is developing.
        The weak CB is a problem, and even Mekhi has flubbed it a few times.
        I like our safety crew. Who coaches the safeties?

        Liked by 1 person

  12. Please tell me why we did not run the ball more. 15 carries only for Dye yet we ran the ball well all night. The offensive line is doing a good job this year open up the running game more.

    We need to control the clock more. Our offense is based on scoring quickly. We need to move the chains, run the ball more up and down the field to keep our terrible defense off the field. Both UCLA and Notre Dame will run the ball to keep our offense off the field. We need to run the ball more to keep our defense off the field, have more long drives or we will get beat with the teams with a good running game like UCLA, and ND.

    Riley, needs to recruit some sledge hammer type of backs instead of small backs who can catch the ball as the top priority. John Mckay, would vomit with the amount of time Cal had the ball during this game especially with our terrible defense. I remember when UCLA had the best offense in the Nation with Harmon, and James Mccalister, and Kermit Johnson, and Mckay kept them off the field with ball control which means moving the chains up and down the field with short passing game, and running the ball which eats up the clock. Big play offenses are fun to watch except in big games where the good teams control the time of possession, and keep the other teams’ offense the field.

    Riley thinks he can out score every team, but this will not work against teams with a strong running game like UCLA. Yes, we will score points vs. UCLA, but we won’t have as many opportunities to score because we wont’ have the ball as much. Slow down the game vs the Bruins, move the chains, control the time of possession, and Keep this terrible USC defense off the field for longer periods of time.

    Thank you John Mckay for believing the running game wins football games especially against even or better teams with high powered offenses. The reason Cal had such a terrific game is our terrible defense was on the field too long, and our offense moved up and down the field too quickly giving Cal more opportunities to have the ball.
    The ball is not heavy………………….give Dye, and our other backs the ball more.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

    1. I remember that sucla team of McAlister and Johnson but I recall them being bottled up by a stout Trojan defense,

      And I don’t know how to tell an offense not to score quickly since that might stilt their style, and the Trojan defense has basically a 2-week training camp with a Colorado “scrimmage” thrown in to improve their Midget-Bear tackling techniques

      Liked by 3 people

      Reply

      1. 100%, John. I always get a kick outta announcers telling a team not to score the go ahead TD “too quickly” — cuz “it will leave too much clock” for the opposition.” Score the fucking TD any way you can —quick, slow….just score it. If you are a fastbreak offense and you try to get cute by slowing the potentially winning drive down you run the risk of not scoring it at all.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Disagree- use the running back more the ball is not heavy. 16 carries a game is rediculous…. UCLA will come after Caleb……run the ball more to keep them guessing. Boy, I wish we had a running back like UCLA has our backs look like midgets running through the line. You think our defense looks bad now UCLA will blow up our defense for the entire 4 quarters so you better score 70 points to keep our defense and the UCLA offense off the field.

        Like

    2. My guess, only a guess, is that Riley is using these 3 games to test out players and get Caleb some more stats/experience. Caleb is at one time a wonderful QB and a QB who still needs to learn alot. He really needs to stop holding onto the ball and learn to get it out fast. He needs to be willing to dump it off underneath, instead of forcing a pass on 3rd down that could kill a drive.

      If I am Riley, I WANT to keep my defense on the field and allow them to get more practice and test out some inexperienced players. Not sure why they are not testing out some other players at linebacker. Are they trying to preserve the redshirt year for Raesjon Davis, by not playing him in some of these games? Is Carson Tabarrucci injured?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  13. OK, it’s Sunday…

    Go Raiders! Go Logano!!

    That video game move by Chastain last week was wild! For those of you who missed it, look it up! Put his own car against the wall and floored it!! Passed a handful of cars on the inside and his car appears as if they sped up the video. (Martinsville)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

      2. Yeah, when he passed #11 (Hamlin) at the finish line by 1/2 a car, that put HIM in the 4 car champsionship race today and Hamlin out! LOL

        You can see Hamlin taking a drink and looking as if “WTF just happened?!”

        He was a good sport about it. Some cried that it should be illegal because it’s dangerous. But as of right now, it isn’t!!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. I just hope we don’t see this as the new racing gimmick —sooner or later somebody would get killed.

        Like

  15. We need to run the ball more you won’t get these big plays/quick scores in the big games. Running the ball will keep our defense on the bench longer. UCLA has a better more consistent offense than SC because they run the ball first then throw. USC has the more explosive offense no question, but we were explosive team the last two weeks, and barely won the game against very weak opponents. Dye needs to carry the ball more, and what happened to his backup.??

    Just wait until the UCLA game…….UCLA will limit the amount of times USC has the ball FEWER Possessions = FEWER POINTS ON THE BOARD FOR THE TROJANS. Every Pac 12 coach knows USC has no defense, and to beat them you must keep their offense off the field with long scoring drives/ running the ball.

    USC is Stanford in the 60’s, and 70’s. Great offense no defense. How many championships did Stanford win with all those great QB’s and great offenses. Not many!! Riley, is another Bill Walsh both being offensive guru’s, but no championships.

    USC will not score 70 points against UCLA. You guys are dreaming so please tell me how you are going to beat UCLA with no defense. The best option is more balance on offense with more running of the football. UCLA will wear down our defense easily by halftime if we don’t run the ball more on offense.

    At this point– UCLA wins big 48- 31…. SC will have the quick pretty explosive scores, but UCLA is the better, balanced football team.

    Oregon vs. UCLA in the championship game unless Riley changes up some things for the Bruins. Fancy football vs. Power Football- POWER FOOTBALL WINS FOOTBALL GAMES- WE STILL LOOK LIKE A FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM.

    Like

    Reply

  16. #8 in the CFP poll and LSU moves ahead of us. Makes sense to me.

    I think USC is the new Clemson, everyone thinks we are overrated and going to take a big fall once we play UCLA and Notre Dame or Oregon in the Pac-12 title game.

    Like

    Reply

    1. We are the new Clemson except our offense is better than Clemson n our Qb is way better. Now looking at DJ he has never improved but has regressed since his 2 game performance his freshman yr, where he was hyped up to be a 1st round pick. Now he has to come back for another year or enter transfer portal.

      Like

      Reply

    2. If our LB’s are healthy vs UCLA and ND, we will see a better D from USC. This kid, Shaw, is a baller. Get Ceyair off the field.

      I’m optimistic for the next 3+ games.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. Re: Regarding Michael Jackson. This guy is a very talented athlete and strong. When Addison and William return he should replace Rice, and I might use him in the running back position to back up Dye also to get him more touches. In Spring Ball, give him a shot a running back the guy is a super athlete a natural catching and running the rock.

    Fast break passing offenses look good……..but none of them win championships….History will show you that statement is true! This team is fun to watch, but I’m afraid we will be very disappointed in two weeks even with Gentry, Addison, and Williams returning. Riley, is not adjusting his game plans to match up to the opponents. He is waiting for SC to score 70 to fulfill his ego, that’s might happen against Colorado, but not UCLA and Notre Dame which are our two toughest games this year.

    Like

    Reply

  18. Joe Burrow won a championship at LSU in a “fastbreak” offense. Cal ran for 63 yards against USC. The pass interference calls are reducing the level of aggression in the defensive backs. Defenders are being pulled out because they are repeating mistakes instead of adjusting. Both sides of the ball need to communicate better. Either they figure it out (like LSU) or they will fail against the Bruins and the Irish. Coaches can’t save them during the game. Clearly, bad habits like dropped balls or blown coverages are a result of sloppiness from being happy and lack of fear of being removed from the team. Some folks need to be told their scholarship is in jeopardy.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  20. The problem in the secondary is not talent. The front seven could definitely use some more talented players. When you have Tuipulottu playing LB at times and other times edge rusher when he should really be in the interior D-Line, you know you are trying to make up for a lack of talent. But the D-Line is playing well. But, like you said, the DB’s are talented. They shouldn’t be giving up 400 yards a game passing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  22. Yeah, LSU ran a traditional offense to win a championship. . . Well to answer your question what’s going on against Cal, when USC went zone, Cal struggled because they lack speed. So Cal went to flood zone concepts because they couldn’t run the ball. Grinch countered with more man with an occasional blitz. To counter that, Musgrave started using spread concepts or spread formations. Now why was USC in zone? To protect the linebackers. It’s easy to play quarters or run brackets on certain targets that Plummer likes to force him to hold the ball. Here’s where the coaching comes in. When players get called for a penalty, or blow an assignment? You sub them out. Wright was replaced by Covington. Smith was replaced by McCutcheon. What happens when they start to screw up? You get 35 points scored on your watch. Guys are playing in a panic mode making mistakes due to bad communication. At least they stopped the run.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  23. Well I have to give Grinch credit. At least he: A) acknowledges that they have a problem, B) admits he and the coaches need to do a much better job C) its making him sick. The first step in solving a problem is to admit you have a problem. Will it be in time to save the end of the season against 2 very productive offenses. Probably not, but we shall see.

    Who here think that they would have ever seen that kind of accountability from Harrell last couple years. He would have cooked up a word salad with that smug “you have no idea cause I’m an offensive genius and could never be the cause of any problems” look on his face. Then double down on the what’s not working plan of attack. Cause he is the smartest person in the room in his own mind. Not once did he say “we as a staff need to do a better job”. I know cause I actively listened for him to admit it even once. Now does that solve the defensive wows. No but at least someone is actively looking for changes. Of course they tackle like crap, don’t break down properly, take poor angles, afraid to get up and press, yet still grab. When a dude sits down in a zone surrounded by 3 guys and has a 15′ cushion in any direction and everyone is static and not breaking down on the receiver you have issues. Or when you are in nickel and are finally in press coverage and bringing the linebackers and no safety in the middle and you decide to play the slot outside/in press on 4th and 3, you have major issues. Make the thrower go long outside into the flat where the %s drop and you have help. Worst case is a short first down on a great throw not an easy throw that nets 20. Thats communications stuff and needs to be taught.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Vault91 I have been saying this all season, no press coverage or jam the receivers off the line, nothing but let the receiver catch the ball in front of me with no resistence at all. Way to go Grinch n Donte. You guys make me sick with your non coaching ass. I hope every coach is held accountable for this defensive ineptness. Let’s beat Colorado 70-9, and change the perception of our defense

      Like

      Reply

  24. It’s simple. Teams have figured out USC pass coverage rules. Time for more sophistication. Ceyair Wright can’t be left alone and the linebackers can’t cover vertical seam patterns and struggle against option routes. So play 5 man lines, bump and rag doll tight ends who are attached on the line, tell your db’s how to play combo pass along coverages and be more physical. The biggest difference between Georgia and USC is physicality. USC defenders get weaker during a game due to a lack of maturity. Georgia players know they can’t get on the field unless they can tackle in space, play disciplined and best their match-up on every effort. Not just every down. You can see the lack of extra work from the Trojan defenders.

    Like

    Reply

  25. Here’s a rundown of Ceyair’s game vs. Arizona for real football heads that don’t listen to Scott Wolfetickets and actually watch tape.

    Ceyair Wright Lockdown Report:

    -4 targets, 2 catches for 6 yards and 1 TD, one catch of which was a 1 yarder a RB out of the backfield and the other a 5yd one.

    -2 PIs for 17 yards (one for 15 and another for 2 yards)

    -First TD given up all year (5 yarder with 1:34 left with the game in the bag) and his only one through 13 games this year

    -Gave up 1 catch for 5 yards to wideouts on a day where Arizona’s top 3 wideouts Cowing- McMillan, and Singer combined for 17 catches for 283 yards and De Laura threw for 380 total. Ceyair wasn’t getting targeted because he was on their ass. Wolfe’s doesn’t get that simple concept. I know he never played the game, but it isn’t a difficult one to grasp.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.