This should tell you something about USC’s recruiting class. Today, the Trojans offered four-star tailback Chris Street of JSerra, who is committed to Cal. They also offered three-star wide receiver Casey Filkins of Lake Oswego, Ore., who is also committed to Cal. And they apparently told Filkins he would play tailback. So they want two Cal recruits. At tailback. Is this because Graham Harrell thinks … Continue reading USC Going After Cal Commits

It’s the fourth anniversary of the most memorable play in USC special teams coach John Baxter‘s career. Except it happened at Michigan. Did you see DirecTV is going to start carrying the new Cubs channel? The Pac-12 Network is so far out of the picture it’s not even worth discussing. Look, a real coach was at the Galen Center today. Great practice preparing for tomorrow … Continue reading USC Afternoon Notes

Maybe Clay Helton is walking around the McKay Center like he beat Notre Dame because he knows he is playing Arizona. USC still has things it must fix. But it’s a lot easier to do when you are back in the sanctuary of the Pac-12. 1.) Get Michael Pittman more touches USC’s best receiver had only four receptions vs. Notre Dame and Graham Harrell said … Continue reading 10 Things USC Needs To Fix To Beat Arizona

Is there any scenario the Pac-12 can get a team in the College Football Playoff? Oregon, Arizona State and Utah all have one loss, so this column examines whether one of them can go undefeated. “A cynic would say neither Utah nor Arizona State belongs in any CFP conversation and the Pac-12 should just be glad it is still considered a Power 5 conference.” Full … Continue reading Morning Buzz: The Pac-12 Needs Help

Vavae Malepeai underwent knee surgery. Now here is who did not dress for practice Wednesday. Palaie Gaoteote (ankle) Olaijah Griffin (back) Greg Johnson (shoulder) Christian Rector (ankle) Isaac Taylor-Stuart (ankle) Tyler Vaughns (unreported) What a great strength and conditioning program. If USC had a game today, the secondary could be Talanoa Hufanga and Isaiah Pola-Mao at safety with Dorian Hewett, Chris Steele, Max Williams and … Continue reading USC Injury Report

A USC assistant coach I spoke to this week told me I should be grateful Markese Stepp got even 10 carries vs. Notre Dame. “The reason he got in the first quarter at all was because he is from Indiana,” the coach said. “If we played another team, he probably would have waited until the second quarter.” If you are skeptical, think back to the … Continue reading Be Glad Markese Stepp Had 10 Carries