Special teams coach John Baxter is a lightning rod for criticism . . . for many, many reasons. Before this season, one of my favorite moments was that he had only eight men on the field multiple times to defend extra points in the 2016 USC-Stanford game. Then came this year’s Fresno State game with the two No. 7’s on the opening kickoff. With such … Continue reading Don’t Question John Baxter
Here are 10 things USC needs to fix before it plays Utah on Friday night. 1.) Help Kedon Slovis All you hear from the coaches is how the offense does not need to change because a true freshman is at quarterback. But if he is getting passes deflected at the line or over the middle, try throwing more to the sidelines. Or even, dare we … Continue reading Morning Buzz: 10 Things USC Needs To Fix To Beat Utah
Cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart (concussion) is questionable for the Utah game. Chris Steele will start in his place. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is day-to-day with a sore foot. Cornerback Greg Johnson (concussion) is cleared to play. Defensive end Christian Rector (ankle) will be a game-time decision. “He’s been medically cleared to practice and play but there’s also a confidence level,” USC coach Clay Helton said. … Continue reading USC Injury Report
One more thing on the defense. A big problem vs. BYU was players being out of position . . . and poor tackling. “If USC worked on fundamentals and techniques for 40 minutes a day, they would be so much better,” said an NFL scout who attends practices. “They spend little or no time on fundamentals.” Continue reading USC Needs More Fundamentals
College football analyst Phil Steele had USC as his No. 6 most-improved team in the nation entering the season. He also had USC as No. 3 in his “best buy” category, which is teams ready to make a big jump back after a disappointing season. But that does not mean he is picking USC to beat Utah on Friday. “I think with the defensive line … Continue reading Who Does Phil Steele Like In USC-Utah Game?
With Clay Helton fighting for his USC coaching life, it might help if Clancy Pendergast would abandon his well-known stubborness during games. Pendergast prefers to play man-to-man coverages but against BYU, USC actually had its most success during some short stints of zone coverage. Unfortunately for USC and Helton, Pendergast didn’t use too much and BYU prevailed. Pendergast does not like to listen others and … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Clay Helton’s Not Getting Help From Staff
