I thought it was a quiet opening performance for USC’s much-ballyhoed senior safeties — Talanoa Hufanga, Isaiah Pola-Mao — but I’m not blaming them. If the safeties are mostly playing man-to-man coverage, it’s difficult for them to make plays. Or maybe they were tied up because Todd Orlando loves to blitz so much? The safeties, who are seniors, are one of USC strengths. The dilemma … Continue reading Tuesday Reader Forum: What’s Up With The Safeties?

Long-time readers know I like to speak to coaches. So I called a Pac-12 coach today about the USC game regarding defensive coordinator Todd Orlando. “(Orlando) is feast or famine. He’s going to blitz and either have a tackle for loss or give up a big play. “It’s almost like he blitzes to blitz. I don’t know if he knows what he’s doing. I’m thinking, … Continue reading Pac-12 Coach: “I Don’t Know If He Knows What He’s Doing”

QUARTERBACK Kedon Slovis was way off the form that led to all the pre-season hype and no one will say the tipped TD pass was great, but he can live off that final TD pass all season. Grade: C TAILBACKS They didn’t get much help from Graham Harrell or the offensive line. And they fumbled. Grade: D+ WIDE RECEIVER I was starting to wonder if … Continue reading USC-Arizona State Report Card

WINNERS Kedon Slovis No one will remember anything but the last pass so it’s a successful opening performance in 2020. Drake London His size and athletic ability already make him an NFL target, especially if he makes TD catches like in the fourth quarter. Amon-Ra St. Brown USC targeted him 13 times and he caught seven passes. I’d argue Slovis focused too much on St. … Continue reading Monday Reader Forum: USC Winners And Losers Of The Week

Clay Helton said defensive tackle Brandon Pili broke his middle finger and underwent surgery Friday. He is considered week-to-week. Center Brett Neilon sprained his ankle and is possible. Now for the predictable stuff: Helton said Kedon Slovis improved throughout the game and Marlon Tuipulotu was a “rock star.” Helton said left tackle Alijah Vera-Tucker for was “dominant.” Helton said kicker Chase McGrath suffered knee and … Continue reading Sunday Night With Clay Helton

USC will play Arizona at 12:30 p.m. PT on Fox. Here’s the full Pac-12 schedule with Utah-UCLA moved to Saturday now. Meanwhile, what is going on at Washington State? It was revealed after OSU game that WSU was without 32 players. Coach Nick Rolovich refused to give an explanation. He was asked if any missed due to COVID. "C'mon. We're celebrating a great win here, … Continue reading USC-Arizona Game Time Set