The USC coaching staff is known for its Oklahoma ties. But it really has strong Washington State ties. Alex Grinch was the Cougars’ defensive coordinator from 2015-17. USC assistant head coach Dennis Simmons was wide receivers coach at Washington State from 2012-14. Linebackers coach Roy Manning held the same position at Washington State from 2015-17. Inside linebackers coach Brian Odom was a quality control assistant … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

Remember I spoke about morale at Heritage Hall last week. I hear Ed Stewart, the new Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director who came from the Big 12, is supposed to have a big meeting with many departments to smooth out feelings of ill will toward the recruiting dept. “People don’t want to help the recruiting dept.,” a senior official said. “They are driving people up … Continue reading Tales From Heritage Hall

Lincoln Riley said an important aspect of his job is to coach the coaching staff and make leaders within the program. “There better be consistency in the messages or people are going to be splintering off in different directions,” Riley said. Continue reading Thursday With Lincoln Riley

Caleb Williams said Wednesday, “at the end of the day we are 5-0.” USC is undefeated as it heads into the Washington State game. But are some people letting their euphoria overshadow the schedule? USC’s beaten underwhelming Rice, awful Stanford, overhyped Fresno State, plucky Oregon State and turmoil-ridden Arizona State. We all knew the schedule was relatively easy so being 5-0 is where USC would … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Where’s The Major Test For USC?

Has anyone been underrated this season for USC? I’m talking about guys who don’t get a lot of headlines. Someone like linebacker Eric Gentry gets a lot of praise, so he’s not underrated. I think an underrated player is defensive tackle Tyrone Taleni, who has quietly put together some solid games. He had three tackles and 1.5 sacks vs. Arizona State. He’s a transfer from … Continue reading Who Are Your Underrated USC Players?

I give Su’a Cravens credit. Even though he works for USC on its Coliseum pre-game and post-game radio shows, he isn’t afraid to say what he thinks. Even when USC is promoting its awful yellow tights that are being worn by some players and now Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey. “I hate em!!! Bring thw Red Tights.” As you can see, Cravens’ colleague Max Browne is … Continue reading A Dissenting Opinion On Uniform Change