I want to revisit the spin from Graham Harrell that Markese Stepp was too tired to carry the ball more than 10 times last night. Stepp was asked if he was “a bit winded at times” during the game. “Sometimes,” he said. “When you are carrying six people you tend to get winded, that’s a lot of people.” Of course, you are going to get … Continue reading Was Markese Stepp Really Too Tired?

With USC now 3-3, here’s a column I wrote for the Sporting News on Clay Helton’s future. Excerpt: USC has six regular season games left, and Helton probably needs victories in at least five of those games to save his job. That means he needs to beat Colorado, UCLA and at least three of the following teams: Arizona, Oregon, Arizona State and California. Of course, … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Clay Helton’s Six-Game Plan

At least it was close! This the world we all live in under Clay Helton. We’re all surprised he covered and kept it close. The shame is USC had a great chance to win this game. But the defense wilted in critical situatons and the offense took way too long to generate anything. Can someone fire Helton, Graham Harrell or whoever is responsible for keeping … Continue reading Discuss The USC-Notre Dame Game

USC comes back and scores as Markese Stepp barrels through the defense. Notre Dame 30, USC 27. Here comes the onside kick. Well, it’s time to make a stand and USC wilts. The Irish go 75 yards in 14 plays and have rushed for 311 yards as Ian Book caps it off with a TD run. Notre Dame 30, USC 20. Kedon Slovis finds Tyler … Continue reading USC-Notre Dame Live Blog

Two years ago, I picked Notre Dame to blow out USC and was correct as the Irish won, 49-14. A lot of the same conditions exist today: USC players seem to be tuning out Clay Helton; the practices are not terribly hard based on what I hear; the motivation is questionable. Helton is not a leader of men. At the same time, I wonder if … Continue reading Morning Buzz: My USC-Notre Dame Pick

Here is the Notre Dame band entering the Athletic and Convocation Center for the Friday night rally. The crowd size is not great, perhaps because of the rainy weather. Or maybe USC doesn’t excite anyone. Here’s Brian Kelly telling a subdued crowd that it’s a chance for Notre Dame “getting after #USC one more time.” There are 4 USC fans at the rally. Below is … Continue reading Notre Dame Rally Videos