How much of a beating does the USC brain trust (Clay Helton, Graham Harrell) think it is OK for Kedon Slovis to absorb? Slovis got knocked out of two games (Utah, Iowa) and left two other games (Arizona State, UCLA). When you don’t run the ball and throw as many as 55 passes a game, this is probably a logical conclusion for a quarterback, especially … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Kedon Slovis Needs Protection From Helton/Harrell

USC already had problems with its defense and special teams all season. But do you think Clancy Pendergast and John Baxter were mailing it in during bowl practices since they were probably told by Clay Helton they would be fired (per Coach Bohn’s order) right after the season? This is why I recommended Helton fire them immediately after the UCLA game. It’s better to make … Continue reading This Is Why You Fire Coaches Before Bowl Game

A Coliseum luxury box suite seat completely broke apart during today’s Rams-Cardinals game. The seat next to it is partially broken. So the $315 million renovation has seats that almost lasted a full season. Do you think USC linebacker Juliano Falaniko will need to apologize for kicking an Iowa player in the head on Friday night? I ask because I remember Notre Dame defensive tackle … Continue reading Examples Of USC’s Off-Field Clown Show

Will a new defensive coordinator and special teams coach be able to overcome the lack of discipline that permeates the USC program? I spoke to a prospective candidate, who said, “I’m not going to put up with with any of that. Things would need to change a lot.” Remember all the talk from Clay Helton about a “culture change” that was swallowed by the pundits? … Continue reading How Much Can A Defensive Coordinator Change?

Sources tell me the hiring of a new defensive coordinator will be directly handled by USC athletic director Mike Bohn. That could greatly expand the list of possible candidates because it might not matter as much if Clay Helton is comfortable with the new coach. It will also provide more insight into Bohn. If he hires someone Helton already knows, it will show Bohn is … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: “Coach Bohn” Will Hire Defensive Coordinator

How does Clay Helton ever look at himself? Let’s look at his staff turnover: Fired today: Clancy Pendergast, John Baxter. Fired a year ago: Tee Martin, Kenechi Udeze, Ronnie Bradford, Neil Callaway. That is six coaches in around 12 months. The guy has basically blamed around 2/3 of the coaching staff for his problems. It’s the offensive coordinator’s fault. No, it’s the defensive coordinator’s fault. … Continue reading Can Someone Buy Clay Helton A Mirror?