It looks like the running back competition has started to take shape: Transfer Woody Marks will start, as expected. Freshman Quenten Joyner is the backup tailback. Two other freshmen — A’Marion Peterson and Bryan Jackson — could also contribute but let’s face it, under Riley, it’s really two tailbacks who get the reps and everyone else takes a back seat. So it will be Marks … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Running Back Sorts Itself
USC is holding its New Student Convocation on Friday morning at the Coliseum. This is unprecedented. It’s usually held on campus. So why the change? Well, family members like to come to the event so it draws a crowd. And I bet USC wants to control that crowd, still smarting from last spring’s protests and the awful decision to cancel graduation. It doesn’t want any … Continue reading Just Call It Paranoid U.
Forget about quarterback, right guard remains a more interesting situation. Lincoln Riley couldn’t even name a starter on Tuesday. In fact, he couldn’t even narrow the competiton down from three players. Alani Noa, Amos Talalele and Gino Quinones are all getting reps at the position. As I said previously, if someone hasn’t emerged yet, it doesn’t speak well for what’s happened in training camp or … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Quarterback Overshadows Another Competition
Pete Carroll said in a radio interview in Seattle today that he will be teaching a class at USC this semester. Carroll will probably teach a once-a-week class. At least that means one USC football coach on campus will have a personality. “I could coach tomorrow. I’m in the best shape of my life. I’m not desiring it though….if this is the end of my … Continue reading Pete Carroll Returning To USC
Since the NCAA has expanded the number of coaches on staff, some USC staffers have received new titles. Ryan Dougherty, who was senior special teams analyst, is now special teams coordinator. I don’t see this making any difference. Dougherty worked with Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma (2017-21) and then came to USC last season. So it’s not like USC went out and hired a big-time special … Continue reading USC Notes: A Special Teams Coorindator (Sort Of)
There wasn’t much difference between Miller Moss and Jayden Maiava before Lincoln Riley made his decision Monday afternoon. “They both were doing good things and making plays in practice,” said a USC coach. “The thing is, a tie goes to Miller given all the time he has spent in the program and the trust he has built with his teammates from all the years he … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: How Moss Won Job?
