WINNERS Bobby Haskins The transfer from Virginia gets it. I like the way he talks. He’s mature and offers good leadership for the offensive line. He should be a starter by Sept. 3. Lincoln Riley Has avoided any serious injuries to key players so far in training camp. And with USC ranked No. 14 in the AP Poll, expectations are just right for him. Not … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC Winners And Losers Of Week

Of course it’s a nearly impossible task to pick 100 players for the California High School Hall of Fame. But here are some omissions I noticed: Keyshawn Johnson, Larry Allen, Daryle Lamonica, Craig Morton, Brian Sipe, Henry Ellard, Ed White, Jack Snow, Chris McAlister and for obvious reasons . . . O.J. Simpson. Continue reading And Now For Some Hall Of Fame Omissions

The first California High School Football Hall of Fame was unveiled today and featured 100 players. About a third of the class are former USC players. It’s an impressive list although I don’t believe Pat Haden was one of the top 100 players in state history. He had a good career but top 100 should be the best of the best. A permanent exhibit is … Continue reading USC Players Dominate State Hall Of Fame Class

USC checked in at No. 14, right between North Carolina and Michigan State in the Associated Press Top 25 preseason poll. Utah is the top Pac-12 team at No. 7. Oregon is No. 11. The polls manage to agree with themselves as USC was ranked No. 15 in the coaches’ poll. Here’s the full poll including others receiving votes: RANK TEAM PV RANK CONFERENCE POINTS … Continue reading USC Ranked No. 14 In AP Poll

Have you noticed any differences to USC training camp? Here’s one: A decrease in the breathless reports on the performance of players. This is because Lincoln Riley is closing a lot of practices. Thursday was closed. Saturday and Sunday were closed. Even an open practice like Friday means people can watch about 20 minutes of stretching and some individual drills. So that cuts down significantly … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: A Significant Difference In Training Camp

During training camp, one group USC’s had in the secondary is Calen Bullock and Xavion Alford at safety, Mekhi Blackmon and Ceyair Wright at cornerback and Max Williams at nickelback. I’ve consistently promoted Blackmon and Bullock so I’m bullish on them. But I have to say if this is the starting group, I’m not exactly inspired. Alford played last season and had some good moments … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Does Secondary Inspire You?