It probably says something about the season that linebacker Cameron Smith could miss two games and play only eight snaps against Utah but still was named USC’s most valuable player Wednesday night. There was no player of the game awards vs. UCLA or Notre Dame. In the past, USC would give out this award even if it lost the game. But not any more. A … Continue reading Cameron Smith Named USC MVP

I never underestimate USC’s ability to put together a top recruiting class with its tradition. But these are not the headlines I normally see: USC offers defensive back committed to Colorado Cornerback committed to Georgia Tech will visit USC this weekend Top USC offensive line prospect decommits from North Carolina State Like I said, anything is possible in recruiting but it would be nice to … Continue reading USC Recruiting Is Something Else, Part III

A couple quick items are posted at USC247.com. A key offensive player from last season has decided to return next year. And USC is pursuing an NFL assistant coach for its secondary job. Continue reading USC Afternoon Notes

Kliff Kingsbury has so much power right now he has to be the coach to decide who starts on offense. That means he has a big decision to make at quarterback. What could complicate the decision is how vocal many of USC’s wide receivers have been the past six weeks about wanting Jack Sears to be the starter. Several players have told me since the … Continue reading Kliff Kingsbury Will Face A Real Dilemma At USC

I’m sure social media is not a great way to gauge how fans feel on an issue but so far USC fans seem desperate to approve of what’s happened with the coaching staff since the season ended. Three facts: Clancy Pendergast is an average-to-below average defensive coordinator. John Baxter has been a below-average special teams coach the past three seasons. The strength and conditioning program … Continue reading Are USC Fans This Easy To Please?

At least we know Clay Helton had nothing to do with this hire: Mike Jinks, who was Kliff Kingsbury’s running backs coach at Texas Tech from 2013-15. He was also associate head coach in 2015. He lasted 31 games as head coach at Bowling Green before getting fired with a 7-24 record. So now he will be USC’s running backs coach. In 2014, Texas Tech running … Continue reading USC Officially Hires Mike Jinks As Running Backs Coach