A former USC All-American called me after the Notre Dame. ” Who has (Clay Helton) beaten other than Penn State on a national stage?” he said. This is a problem because the former players value games like Alabama, Ohio State and Notre Dame. Helton did beat Notre Dame in 2016 when the Irish were 4-8. So that is definitely an asterisk. I guess it’s just … Continue reading The Marquee Game Dilemma

Here’s what a former USC player said about the Trojans’ defense: “USC runs a 2-gap defense, which means the inside linebackers have to take on offensive linemen. They are big guys against teams like Notre Dame, that pound you. “You have to have personnel to plug in, like the Raiders had with Matt Millen. Against the wide-open teams, yes our inside linebackers can run.” This ties in with … Continue reading Is Defensive Scheme Hurting USC?

Graham Harrell said Tuesday he isn’t playing eight wide receivers — as promised before the season — because USC has only 10-11 possessions per game and North Texas had 17 last year. Welcome to the big leagues, I guess, even if it is the Pac-12. He’s not getting the possessions he used to against Incarnate Word and Liberty (North Texas opponents last season) or in … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Shhh, Genius At Work

USC’s defense looks depleted today as cornerback Greg Johnson (seperated shoulder) is out vs. Arizona and linebacker Palaie Gaoteote looks out with his foot in a boot today. Cornerback Olaijah Griffin has a bulging disc in his back and is officially questionable. Cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart (ankle) is questionable and wore a boot on his tool If Geoteote cannot play, he will be replaced by Kana’i Mauga … Continue reading USC Defense Depleted

Do you think when USC offensive coordinator Graham Harrell said Markese Stepp was “sucking wind” he realized how much he stepped on tradition? Do you think Harrell or running backs coach Mike Jinks, who are from Texas, have ever told a recruit about Ricky Bell, Marcus Allen or Charles White? Would they even know what to tell them? I guarantee you Harrell would not. Bell … Continue reading USC Doesn’t Know What It Doesn’t Know

USC announced cornerback Max Williams was suspended for the Notre Dame game because of a team rules violation. But sources tell me linebacker Ralen Goforth and safety Briton Allen were also suspended. They did not dress for the game. I’ve now heard different reasons for the suspension, none of which would be considered serious. Seems a bit odd USC just didn’t announce all three were … Continue reading Three USC Players Were Suspended For Notre Dame Game