USC ranks No. 101 nationally in run defense, allowing 208 yards per game. It’s not just yards gained, the Trojans have given up plenty of long runs too (more than 15 plays of 10-yards-or-more). That means Todd Orlando has four problems: 1.) Front mechanics 2.) Alignments 3.) Run-fit integrity 4.) Tackling Now maybe two games is not a good sample size and I’m not prepared … Continue reading Can Todd Orlando Stop the Clancy Pendergast Imitation?

USC coach Clay Helton is one of 19 coaches on the midseason watch list for the Dodd Trophy, which “celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity.” This is 2020. Helton’s only coached two games and is on a watch list. Brandon Pili (finger) and Brett Neilon (ankle) are both possible … Continue reading Clay Helton On Dodd Trophy Watch List (Really)

USC obviously likes a tailback-by-committee approach, which is pretty fitting give Graham Harrell’s approach to the running game. If he won’t even snap under center on fourth-and-1, and says it takes too much practice to try snapping under center, what does he care about a successful running game? I wrote about this nearly two years ago how at North Texas, some offensive coaches objected to … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Commitment To Run Remains Shaky

Former USC quarterback JT Daniels will finally get his chance to start for Georgia on Saturday when the Bulldogs face Mississippi State, according to multiple reports. This has been a long time coming for Daniels, given how Georgia’s quarterbacks have struggled lately. We will also get to see how he does against SEC defensive linemen. “Since he’s been here, he’s done some nice things,” Georgia … Continue reading JT Daniels Expected To Start for Georgia On Saturday

Earlier today, I ran this Todd Orlando quote on Chris Steele: “You want guys to be aggressive. If you get too much into a corner’s head and make them soft, you’ll never get that back.” You know why this is a bad quote? Because it means you don’t know how to correct it. It means you are not coaching. If USC cornerbacks are holding and … Continue reading Here’s Why Coaching Matters At USC

Petros Papadakis has weighed in on the Kedon Slovis controversy, specifically Clay Helton’s different answers when asked about Slovis having problems throwing a spiral. “It’s been very difficult for our friend, Clay Helton, to answer the question,” Papadakis said. “Just answer the question honestly. “Whatever the truth is, he doesn’t say it. There was no wind (a Arizona).” Continue reading Petros Papadakis On Clay Helton’s Response To Kedon Slovis Passes