I spoke to an NFL defensive coordinator who watched the USC-Stanford game and wondered if the coaches/administration have any idea what the nation’s top programs are doing to be successful? “USC football is in a sad state of affairs. whoever is overseeing the program, they are not paying attention to what is going on at the top of college football,” he said. Forbes magazine has … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Does USC Try To Learn From Programs Like Alabama?

There was no line on the USC-Texas game, presumably because of JT Daniels’ hand injury. But there is a line today: USC is a 3.5-point underdog. So it’s basically the home-field advantage for Texas. Meanwhile, check out this video from the USC-Stanford game and keep an eye on right tackle Chuma Edoga. Harry Houdini or @jtdaniels06? The freshman QB escapes the rush and notches a … Continue reading The Latest Line

Here’s my column for the Sporting News on the Pac-12’s up-and-down weekend: Stanford’s business-like 17-3 victory over USC solidified the Cardinal’s status as a top-10 team. But it also exposed the Trojans as a unit with several weaknesses, especially on offense. That could lead to future embarrassments for the Pac-12’s most recognizable brand, this time in marquee nonconference games against Texas on Saturday and Notre Dame on Nov. … Continue reading USC Isn’t Helping The Conference Of Champions’ Image Either

Someone who was on the sideline during the USC-Stanford game told me they were shocked at the lack of emotion on the sideline during the game. This does not contradict USC’s performance. In the second half, it looked to me like USC had either lost interest or given up as it became apparent the Trojans’ offense wasn’t going to be able to mount a comeback … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Where Was The Emotion?

USC coach Clay Helton said JT Daniels has a bruised hand after he underwent an MRI today. He will be re-evaluated but is expected to play Tuesday. Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is out at least two weeks with a dislocated shoulder. As for the game, Helton said, “I thought our players competed extremely hard and that was evident on the tape.” Asked again about the lack of … Continue reading Sunday Night With Clay Helton

USC dropped to No. 21 in the coaches’ poll and No. 22 in the AP Top 25 poll. Frankly, I’m surprised USC is still ranked in the polls, especially since everyone could watch last night’s game. But Clay Helton has a vote in the coaches’ poll, so that helps the Trojans. And Helton thought USC “competed like warriors” so why should they drop out?   Continue reading USC Drops In Top 25 Polls