Here was Lincoln Riley on the hamstring injury to Caleb Williams last night. “He was not even 50 percent,” Riley said. “… I thought about taking him out but he wouldn’t let me … maybe the gutsiest performance (at that position) I’ve ever seen.” This begs the question whether it was a wise decision? Let’s say we can all agree Williams is the best QB … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Hobbled Caleb Williams Refused To Come Out

Yes, Caleb Williams was hurt. But . . . Lincoln Riley’s decision-making was questionable. The defense was laughable. The offensive line was atrocious. “They were not ready,” a Pac-12 defensive coordinator texted me tonight. Utah went on a 44-7 run after USC took a 17-3 lead. Continue reading USC Not Ready For Prime Time

A Pac-12 defensive coordinator texted me: “Somebody is getting fired. They might blame it on secondary They might blame Donte Williams.” There needs to be an inquest on what the defense is taught. Utah corner Clark Phillips had a very costly slip there and Caleb Williams keeps making plays. USC cannot cover a tight end. Period. What a shambolic TD that was. Caleb Williams is … Continue reading Discuss The USC-Utah Game

All right, let’s get down to business. Who do you have tonight? I’m picking USC, 41-30. I think Caleb Williams is too talented to lose and Cam Rising won’t quite be able to match him. Based on the buffet at the MGM Grand, Utah fans greatly outnumber USC fans. We’ll see how that translates to the game. Continue reading Pick The USC-Utah Score

If it’s Friday, it’s time for the Pac-12 championship game. Fox and ESPN love having the game on Friday night, secluded from all those other conference championship contests. But to me, it makes the game feel not ready for prime time, because it can’t make the Saturday stage. It’s also less convenient for fans, who could travel to Las Vegas on a Saturday and not … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

The USC-Utah is officially sold out. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be empty seats. The Pac-12 expects more than 60,000. Capacity is 65,000. I’m actually hearing a lot of USC students are making the trip to Las Vegas so there should be a strong contingent of Trojan fans. Still, I would be surprised if Utah didn’t have more fans in the stadium. Continue reading Pac-12 Title Game Is Sold Out