Here are the grades from the season opener: QUARTERBACK JT Daniels is not Sam Darnold and can’t match the hype from the past nine months. But he can help USC win games especially when he throws to Amon-Ra St. Brown. B TAILBACKS USC rotated three backs and looks like it wants to feature Aca’Cedric Ware. Is he a game-changer? No. If USC wants to beat … Continue reading USC-UNLV Report Card

USC is a 3.5-point underdog to Stanford. The line opened with Stanford a 6-point favorite. Continue reading The Latest Line

I’ve heard some USC media twist themselves into pretzels trying to defend the UNLV performance. Luckily, some former players have contacted me since the game to express their frustations. They were disappointed in the defense, especially the front 7. Some where disappointed in the offensive line. But again, they are more perplexed by the leadership of the program. I want to point to something I … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Does USC Need More Focus?

USC coach Clay Helton spoke to reporters tonight. On allowing 308 yards rushing: “To give over 300 yards of rushing is not us.” On JT Daniels: “I couldn’t have been more pleased…He looked extremely comfortable. He was efficient. He was accurate.” On the offense: “If originally you would’ve told me that we were going to start an 18-year-old quarterback and have a redshirt freshman center, … Continue reading Sunday Night With Clay Helton

I wanted to wait a day before posting too many thoughts on the first game. It’s hard to get around the fact USC’s defense allowed 308 yards rushing. Go back and read some of the practice reports on the Internet from August. The praise for the defense. The talk of the defensive line dominating the offensive line. The usual puffery concerning the linebackers. I remember … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: Let’s Analyze The UNLV Game

Here are the USC players cut when NFL teams trimmed their rosters to 53 players: Arizona: WR Brice Butler Cincinnati: CB Josh Shaw Dallas: OG Damien Mama Kansas City: S Leon McQuay L.A. Rams: Steven Mitchell Oakland Raiders: WR Isaac Whitney; CB Shareece Wright Tennessee: WR Deontay Burnett The surprise is Burnett, who led the Titans with 11 receptions. UPDATED: The Jets signed Burnett to … Continue reading Wide Receiver Deontay Burnett Highlights NFL Cuts