There’s no word on how long it will take Lincoln Riley to do his “deep dive” into the football program, specifically the defense. I can tell you that I know there are quite a few assistant coaches nationally who are putting out feelers to see what is going on in case Riley decides to replace Alex Grinch. One problem is Riley’s ties are mostly from … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

QUARTERBACK Caleb Williams did everything he needed to do to win the game but even his extraordinary powers cannot overcome the entity known as the USC defense. Grade: A- RUNNING BACKS The absence of Travis Dye finally showed itself in the final game as Austin Jones never really got going. Raleek Brown had a nice TD run but still lacks maturity. Then again, how much … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC-Tulane Report Card

It’s a cliche but how can today be the 17th anniversary of the USC-Texas game? It really doesn’t seem that long ago to me. But maybe it does for you. One of my pronouncements before that season was USC would never win a national title without Norm Chow. I also felt if USC had beaten Texas, it could have just kept winning national titles. Remember, … Continue reading Say What? It’s The 17th Anniversary Of USC-Texas

Think back to Nov. 26. USC defeated Notre Dame and was riding high. Caleb Williams clinched the Heisman and almost everyone believed the Trojans would beat Utah in the Pac-12 title game. I remember the analysts praising the USC defense immediately after the game for their physical play in stopping the Irish’s running game. Somehow, everything turned to ashes after that high point, and if … Continue reading USC Late-Season Collapse Leaves Bitter Taste

I asked a Pac-12 coach who watched the Cotton Bowl why USC is so bad at tackling? “You can practice it all you want but if guys don’t have the heart to do it, it doesn’t matter,” the coach said. “What you saw (against Tulane) looked like some guys who were trying to protect their futures. They saw what was coming at them and didn’t … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Why Can’t USC Tackle?

No surprise as USC defensive lineman Tuli Tuipulotu announced tonight he would declare for the 2023 NFL Draft. He finished the season with an FBS-leading 13.5 sacks. Continue reading Tuli Tuipulotu Announces He Will Enter NFL Draft