The big USC Associates booster group pre-game picnic on campus drew less than 400 people at the San Jose State game. Usually, the smallest crowd of the season for the picnic is between 800-900. A Saturday noon kickoff in boiling heat and a Friday night kickoff in Week 2. Is this the most fan unfriendly start to a USC season? Not to mention the opponents. … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

I’m disappointed USC did not have Gary Patterson available to speak to the media this week. He’s the one guy worth talking to, especially since Lincoln Riley was so clear about the defense playing well the first three quarters and falling apart in the fourth. “I know he’s pissed right now about the fourth quarter, as you can imagine, because the guy’s standards are so … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A “Reality” Check For The Boss

Over on social media, someone asked me why it matters if Lincoln Riley speaks to fans, students, boosters, etc.? Well, here is one angle: The college football coach is part of the community and the highest-paid employee on campus. He wants his community (boosters, alumni) to pay for his new football building. He wants them to give money for NIL. There’s a reason USC is … Continue reading Reasons For Lincoln Riley To Care About Fans

QUARTERBACK Jayden Maiava’s stats looked better than he did but part of that was the vanilla offense. He also didn’t look like a senior on a couple plays (the key 13-yard sack, the failed 4th down near the goal line). Grade: B- RUNNING BACKS Two tailbacks who each flashed during games last season plodded through the line with zero breakaway threat. And you know what? … Continue reading USC-San Jose State Report Card

USC had the No. 1-ranked recruiting class, no questions asked. The problem is there is a cottage industry of media/fans who overhype everything at USC, especially the recruiting class. They have done this for months . . . and months. So is it a surprise that some of the fans that naively listen to these people are then frustrated when the freshmen struggled in the … Continue reading The Same People Who Overhyped Freshmen Now Say To Relax

What is wrong with this picture? It’s the second quarter and San Jose State called a timeout facing a fourth-and-1 situation at the USC 7-yard line. The USC defense is gathered around the 15-yard line. And about 15 yards away is USC coach Lincoln Riley, facing the opposite direction of the huddled players. Everyone knows he is not a defensive guy but C’mon. Now the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Now This Picture Really Tells A Story