There was a report this week that Arizona State had 34 scholarship baseball players. That’s an extraordinary number. The NCAA allowed only 11.7 scholarships for years in baseball but once the House settlement took effect, schools now have fixed roster limits and are allowed to offer a scholarship to every single athlete on their roster (if they can afford it). This raises a question: How … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Did you see when Jared Verse showed up at Cleveland Browns practice this week, he was wearing No. 8. That number belongs to Browns QB Dillon Gabriel. Or belonged to Gabriel, anyway. This reminded me of 2003, when USC coach Pete Carroll made quarterback Brandon Hance give up No. 4 and awarded it to wide receiver Whitney Lewis. Lewis had originally worn No. 26 before … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Who Remembers This Jersey Switch?

Texas Tech has had communication with USC and Notre Dame about playing a home-and-home series, according to CBS Sports. Now, let’s remember that Muleshoe, Texas, (home of Sir Lincolm of Riley) is only 68 miles from Texas Tech. But . . . let’s also remember that Riley hates to play good teams, especially one with the NIL budget of Texas Tech. Do you think Riley … Continue reading Would USC Play Texas Tech?

Nick Saban testified to the U.S. Senate this morning and said it is in the best interest of college athletes to play in regional conferences. “I don’t think it’s fair for someone at USC to have to go to Rutgers, whether field hockey or a football game. That’s crazy.” Now if USC loses Friday, it would be hard to hold Govel unless he doesn’t feel … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Nick Saban Wants Regional Conferences

Now let’s point out a little athletic dept. hypocrisy in between the good feelings about the USC baseball team. Jen Cohen told the L.A. Times that athletic dept. revenue at USC is up 60 percent the past three years and donors have increased the department’s financial reserves by more than 700 percent since she took over as athletic director. How hard was she patting herself … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Some Things Don’t Add Up