If people want to say it’s unfair to compare Lincoln Riley to Curt Cignetti, let’s look at another Year 2 coach. Mike Elko is 8-0 and has Texas A&M ranked No. 3 in the nation in Year 2. He also beat Notre Dame in South Bend. Now some USC fans will immediately say, “Riley beat Elko last season!” Yes, the Las Vegas Bowl is huge. … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Another Example Of Year 2 Winner

It’s pretty amazing Lincoln Riley has had anything to say about USC’s schedule. No Ohio State. No Indiana. No Penn State (who was supposed to be good). He lost to Illinois, who got blown out by Indiana and Washington. At least Notre Dame provides a test with no conference implications. What’s he going to do in future years when USC has to play the good … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Man, The Schedule Could Have Been Much Worse

My blood pressure will be lower today not having to rely on the decision making of Lincoln Riley and D’Anton Lynn. But I want to address what the Pretzel Crew says about USC. The who? The Pretzel Crew. These are the people who twist themselves into a pretzel to rationalize and defend Riley and USC, despite shocking performances at Illinois and Notre Dame. They say … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Don’t Fall For Lincoln Riley Spin Merchants

Has any expert mentioned D’Anton Lynn for the UCLA job this week? Anyone? Anyone? And they need to let everyone know when they will reach an agreement with Notre Dame for 2026 and beyond. It might seem hard to believe but USC used to be able to dominate Notre Dame in South Bend. On Oct. 20, 1979, Charles White rushed for 261 yards and four … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

I wonder if Netflix got a look at the weekend TV ratings? They might be surprised where the USC-Notre Dame game ranked. Week 8 most-watched college football games, per Nielsen: Continue reading A Surprising USC-Notre Dame Stat

Here is a problem for the USC defense. After the Illinois loss, I spoke to a Big Ten defensive coach who watched the game films and asked what he thought of the secondary? The first thing he told me was the players had “poor technique.” Yesterday, I spoke to another Big Ten coach who watched the Notre Dame game and asked about the defensive line? … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Big Problem For Defense