Do I think USC’s offense will be better this season under Graham Harrell? Yes. I preface this item with that because of an interesting piece of information I got from someone with ties to North Texas, where Harrell was the offensive coordinator. I’m told by a reliable source that if Harrell stayed at North Texas, he was going to have playcalling duties taken away from … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Good Timing For Graham Harrell

Former USC linebacker and NFL coach Jack Del Rio attended practice today. Yes, he would jump at the chance to coach USC. I asked him at the USC Hall of Fame ceremonies in 2015, when he coached the Raiders, how much he wanted the job when it opened up in 2013? “I still want this job,” Del Rio said. “Just kidding, I love my job … Continue reading Jack Del Rio Shows Up At USC Practice

I like that USC has a simple, new offense. So I want to revisit a play last weekend where cornerback Olaijah Griffin intercepted a JT Daniels pass in practice. I asked a former Pac-12 defensive coordinator about the play. “The quarterback misread the defense,” the coach said. “The defensive coverage changed and the quarterback didn’t adjust. The wide receiver didn’t adjust either. “It also depends … Continue reading USC Afternoon Notes

Is tailback Stephen Carr finally out of the doghouse? “I really see a healthy Stephen Carr for the first time in a while,” Clay Helton said Monday after a nice run. “To see that burst back and that lack of hesitation, with a litlte more confidence, that was great to see.” Carr has entertained thoughts of transferring in the past and is trying to find … Continue reading Is Stephen Carr Out Of Doghouse?

Maybe the oddest comment from Clay Helton in the past five days was that he wants to be “super selective” with the Class of 2020 recruiting class. When did Helton decide this? USC’s recruiting class is a collection of mostly three stars and ranked in the 50’s nationally. Does that sound “super selective”? When Helton tries to turn a negative into a positive it rarely … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC Does Have A Recruiting Game Plan

USC’s first-team cornerbacks were Greg Johnson and Isaac Taylor-Stuart today. Olaijah Griffin, who has three interceptions, is on the second team but gave up a deep TD pass Monday. QB Matt Fink was intercepted by Johnson. JT Daniels also had a couple near interceptions. USC tailback Vavae Malepeai missed practice today with a sore knee. An MRI on his knee was negative. Senior linebacker Jordan … Continue reading USC Monday Practice Report