The last time USC went to Austin, it defeated Texas, 10-6, in 1966. But the part that remains fascinating was the appearance on the USC sideline of legendary actor John Wayne. “He would make a Hook ’em Horns sign to the crowd and they were cheering,” former USC assistant coach Dave Levy said. “But he was saying f—) ‘em Horns.” Levy also remembered Wayne happily … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

With USC playing Texas, it brings back memories of the 2006 BCS title game. I spoke to former USC linebacker Collin Ashton this week about the game. Ashton, who called the defensive signals on the final series, said he still remembers when he went over to the sideline to speak to Pete Carroll during a timeout. “Is this not the most fun you’ve had in … Continue reading A USC-Texas Memory

Last week, Clay Helton said offensive coordinator Tee Martin calls the plays. “Last year Tee called it and Tyson (Helton) and I would chime in,” Helton said. So I decided to find out who called plays against Stanford? I was told Martin calls the plays but Helton and QB coach Bryan Ellis also chime in too. I don’t think they are calling as many plays … Continue reading About USC’s Playcalling

1.) Coach better This might seem like a joke. But USC needs to up its game from the sideline. It would be stunning to hear USC had the dreaded “ocho package” for wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and failed to get him the ball, but remember a couple years ago how the USC coaches were unable to get the ball to JuJu Smith-Schuster against Alabama … Continue reading 10 Things USC Needs To Fix To Beat Texas

Have you seen the weather forecast for Austin on Saturday? A 90 percent chance of rain with a high of 83 degrees. That means the humidity could be awful. Even if it did not rain, the heat and humidity is a concern for teams that time of the year. If you are going to the game, should be fun. I’m sure Clay Helton will have … Continue reading Weather Concerns?

USC ranked 122nd nationally in rushing yards per carry allowed (6.69 yards). Now, some of you will immediately point to one Bryce Love run and a fake reverse by UNLV for inflating the stat. But then that leads to a discussion on explosive plays allowed. Besides, USC radio announcer Pete Arbogast (and others) said before the season this would be the best defense since 2008. … Continue reading Maybe QB Is Way Down USC’s List Of Concerns