This is a rough one. USC is a 36-point favorite against a team playing its first FBS game. Frankly, it’s an embarrassing opponent. The issue is whether people will admit it. Lincoln Riley will not. This should be a chance to see the new defensive line dominate an outmatched opponent. It should also allow Jayden Maiava plenty of TD’s without those pick sixes he threw … Continue reading Pick The USC-Misery State Score

Freshman defensive end Jahkeem Stewart and freshman cornerback Alex Graham are out for Saturday’s game against Misery State. Sophomore cornerback Chasen Johnson is a game-time decision. This mindset is a problem. USC built its football program by not being “typical” and never backing down from a challenge. This is the mentality of someone who grew up thinking the Apple Cup was the biggest game of … Continue reading USC-Misery State Friday Notes

Athletic director Jen Cohen has told the L.A. Times that she is “hopeful” that a new USC offer to extend the Notre Dame series will be accepted by the Irish. The key is USC wants to play the game every year in September and needs Notre Dame to go along with the new date. REACTION: The fact USC is now backing down about continuing the … Continue reading USC Blinks On Notre Dame Rivalry

Late last night, USC released its depth chart. Here’s one thing that stands out: Neither Kentucky transfer Keyshawn Silver nor mammoth Georgia transfer Jamaal Jarrett are starting on the defensive line. Jarrett is actually third-string. Is he the next Bear Alexander? The other news is true freshman Tanook Hines is the No. 3 wide receiver. One mini-narrative from within the program is that less transfers … Continue reading USC Finally Releases Depth Chart

You want to hear something funny? This isn’t even the first time Lincoln Riley has played Missouri State. Oklahoma faced Missouri State in its 2020 season-opener and won, 48-0. Maybe Riley wants to play Missouri State every year to replace Notre Dame. One thing to remember: USC remains the only NCAA FBS (Division I-A) school that has never played a FCS (non-Division I-A) opponent (since … Continue reading Is This Lincoln Riley’s Rivalry Game?

How much difference do you think there is between the NIL that new starting center Killian O’Connor (a former walk-on) makes vs. J’Onre Reed, who was brought in after starting two seasons at Syracuse? Some teams have a policy where a starter has to make more than their backup? That’s not happening here. Remember too that long-time starting guard Emmauel Pregnon reportedly transferred to Oregon … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: The Price Is Right For Some Starters