FOOTBALL

Morning Buzz: Is USC Being Disrespected?

Former QB Cody Kessler says the fact the Trojans are not ranked in the Top 25 polls shows a lack of respect exists for USC.

“It is obvious that no one respects this USC football team and that was evident when these rankings came out,” he said. “We have become accustomed to being disrespected over the last couple of years.”

Creating an us vs. them mentality is standard fare for teams not ranked so that’s nothing new.

But here’s another comment from Kessler:

“You either bleed Cardinal and Gold and you love USC football and you’re a Trojan for life, or you hate USC with everything that you have. There is nowhere in between.”

Isn’t there a middle ground? You can’t love USC football but point out the coach has made some boneheaded decisions the past few years? You can’t point out things that will make USC better?

That’s what the coaches do when they watch film with the players.

It feels forced to tell people everything is black and white. That’s the difference between good and bad analysis. You can support a program but note areas for improvement. It’s OK.

16 thoughts on “Morning Buzz: Is USC Being Disrespected?”

  1. Scott, being critical does not mean you do not love USC football. Loving USC football is why you would point out a coach’s boneheaded decisions or point out ways that the team could be better.

    Those who are not passionate usually do not take the time to offer their opinions or critique. Some of the most “loving fans” are the most critical.

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    1. I disagree. I think the best approach when we lose is to say “we are a good but not great team & we fought like gladiators.” I think it’s morally wrong to question play calling or demand better clock management. What kind of “loving fan” suggests finetuning?

      #I’dRatherGo7-6EverySeason

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      1. Or deny a big loveable guy the opportunity to long snap, even though he has shown several times he can’t long snap.

        #JustOneMoreHeltonNeckHugWillSolveTheProblem

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  2. KAM: SC football is feeling disrespected because not voted a Top-25 team?– Whatever happened to ‘earning your respect?’

    DON: The true test of a great SC fan is ‘Do you still appreciate the Trojan effort even when they lose?’

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    1. I appreciate a well-played game with excellent coaching and effort. But my distaste for the loss far outweighs my appreciation in such circumstances.

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      1. …yeah…. last second Cotton Bowl losses to Tulane aren’t that special to me…. but, then again, getting our butts kicked from start to finish by Urban Meyer in the Cotton Bowl wasn’t that fun either…..

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  3. Kessler’s comment probably can be applied to ‘Bama, ND, Ohio St. and some others. You either are all in or you can’t stand them. And being all in doesn’t preclude one being disgusted with the team or the coach if the team loses/underperforms.

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    1. I will hand it to Helton for keeping the team together after that Alabama embarrassment —he took them on a 9 game winning streak and a Classic Rose Bowl…..other than that…….well, you know…..

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      2. Tim, there was a ton of talent on that 2016 team with Sam, Adoree, Ronald Jones at RB, JuJu, Pittman, Tyler Vaughans, Porter Gustin, Cam Smith. And we criticized the o-line back then, but I suspect they were better than this year. I hope I am wrong

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    1. I think Kessler’s comments are directed at those who have lost hope in the program. As Andy said to Red, “hope is a good thing, perhaps the best thing. ” You can be critical but must always believe you can turn things around. If you have lost that belief, you are no longer a fan.

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  5. That was not Cody’s point … it was that either people love USC as a fan or alum, but everyone else hates USC. There is no one indifferent about USC.

    It wasn’t about blindly supporting USC.

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