Like I always say, first practices are not a great barometer of much. One thing that was a little surprising Tuesday, though, was the tempo of USC’s first practice was pretty much the same as any other Clay Helton-led practice. One might assume practices will be faster than in the past to change USC’s soft culture. The pro-Helton crowd will counter that the head coach … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Clay Helton Envious?

You know what did not change for USC’s first spring practice? The number of players who did not participate: Dominic Davis, Olaijah Griffin, Chase McGrath, Bernard Schirmer, Caleb Tremblay, C.J. Pollard and Daniel Imatorbhebhe. Pollard and Imatorbhebhe were not even there and it wouldn’t surprise me if one transferred. Safeties Talanoa Hufanga and Isaiah Pola-Mao may also be limited to non-contact About half the plays … Continue reading One Thing Has Not Changed This Spring

USC’s first spring practice is over and it appears JT Daniels worked with the first team the most Tuesday. “I’m a big fan of (the new offense),” Daniels said. “I feel like it plays to the strengths I have.” The key will be Thursday to see if Clay Helton and Graham Harrell rotate who works with the first team. Continue reading Guess Who Got The Most First-Team Reps?

Don’t expect too much to be gained from this week’s spring practices. They are in shorts and usually you can’t tell too much. Former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez, who lives in South Orange County, is at practice today. Defensive end Hunter Echols made light of his situation before practice when he said, “I’m still here, baby.” Strength coach Aaron Ausmus is at practice in his … Continue reading USC Afternoon Notes

The Las Vegas Bowl will start having a Pac-12 vs. SEC/Big Ten matchup beginning in 2020, according to Brett McMurphy of Stadium. The more attractive matchup will coincide with the bowl moving into the new Las Vegas Stadium being built for the Raiders. It will feature the third-or-fourth place Pac-12 team. The SEC and Big Ten teams will each make three appearances under the six-year … Continue reading Pac-12 Bowl Arrangements Are Changing

USC coach Clay Helton has a new policy. “We won’t even have a depth chart until the day before each game because players will be competing for playing time on a weekly basis,” Helton said in the spring media guide. The idea is that players will compete harder and no one will own a starting spot. But let’s face it: That idea is pervasive because … Continue reading Clay Helton Has A Novel New Idea