Linebackers coach Rob Ryan told ESPN that USC will be his final coaching job. “This is it for us,” Ryan said, referring to himself and his wife. “This is our last move until we walk off in the sunset.”  As a perennial skeptic of what coaches say about themselves, a couple points. Ryan hasn’t been an NFL defensive coordinator for 10 years so coming to … Continue reading USC Notes: Take Coach Comments With Grain Of Salt

USC looks good at the skill positions after two games. No surprise there. But as we now progress through the schedule, will the offensive line, defensive line, linebackers and secondary be able to join the skill positions? And, honestly, can the skill spots keep their torrid pace? No one wants to talk about how bad Georgia Southern’s defense was. Every pass caught was a missed … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: When Does Rest Of Team Catch Up To Skill Spots?

When does Rob Ryan make an impact? It’s been only two games but have the linebackers looked significantly better? Maybe this is the week they step up? It’s like so many things with USC. It’s not so much that they supposed to be a lot better but there is so much hype, it is assumed they are much better. I’ve been skeptical of the linebacker … Continue reading A Quick Thought On USC Football

Do fans matter to colleges? No. Only their money does. Michigan State fans are furious that their game at the Coliseum kicks off at 11 p.m. ET. USC fans aren’t happy about that either. Look at what a USC season-ticket holder gets this season: Games vs. Missouri State and Georgia Southern. A Friday night game at the Coliseum vs. Northwestern. And now an 8 p.m. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Do Fans’ Matter To Colleges?

I’m not sure how people — including Lincoln Riley — can make definitive judgments on the offensive line based on games vs. Missouri State and Georgia Southern. Some people are using Pro Football Focus scores, which is a horrible way to evaluate against inferior teams. How much criticism did you hear after the Missouri State game about right guard Alani Noa? But Riley benched him … Continue reading USC Notes: People Love Definitive Judgments After 2 Games