The reason Mike Ekeler left Nebraska is because USC is also letting him coach linebackers. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Rob Ryan is out. Ekeler will likely assist Ryan unless a new defensive coordinator makes a strong push to replace Ryan. I remember Ekeler from his lone season at USC under Lane Kiffin (2013). It was unremarkable. Let’s face it: He’s being brought to USC … Continue reading USC Notes: Coach Juggling Continues
Last week, I wrote USC was telling prospective defensive coordinators that it wanted to keep the coaching staff intact. And I said most self-respecting defensive coordinators want to bring some assistants with them. That explains why USC safeties coach Doug Belk was fired. Did Gary Patterson demand it? He hasn’t been hired yet but he seems to be the focus right now. I’ll just point … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC Bows On Defensive Change
There is no way who makes excuses more than Lincoln Riley defenders. One excuses getting a lot of play is that Indiana won the national title because it has old players. Does anyone remember that Chad “Charmin” Bowman made a big point after he got hired about signing the biggest freshman class ever and the importance of high school recruits over the transfer portal? So … Continue reading USC Notes: Do You Want An Old Or Young Team?
Can we learn anything from Indiana winning the national championship? Curt Cignetti is a leader of men. Lincoln Riley is not. Systems are nothing vs. culture. USC used to succeed because of an unmistakenly strong and defined culture of rugged football. It imposed its will on the other team. Now? It tries to be operate a fancy-pants offense with sand-castle defending. Who would you want … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: What Can We Learn From Indiana?
Curt Cignetti: National title in Year 2 Kalen DeBoer: National title game in Year 2 Lincoln Riley defenders: But, but, but Where is Sean McDonough? Indiana leads 10-0 at halftime. Can Miami come back? Nick Saban and Marcus Freeman picked the Hurricanes. Continue reading Who Is Watching Indiana-Miami?
USC returns its entire starting offensive line from last season. Is that such a good thing? I mean, the line wasn’t all that great (unless you believe the fan boys). He blamed the officiating. He blamed injuries. My favorite part is when he was asked if he ever thought about putting guard Ryan Cornish back in the game? “No. Ryan Cornish was minus-12 in 7 … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: One Way To Get Lincoln Riley To Play Notre Dame (Maybe)
InsideUSC with Scott Wolf 