So where are all the people who insisted the defense was much better? I hope they all watched that debacle in the desert Saturday night because USC let a 34.5-point underdog play with it for four quarters. I don’t know where to start. I did reference the USC interior offensive linemen twice during the week as a weak spot and they had four penalties. Plus, … Continue reading My Reaction On USC’s “Performance” At ASU

Tim Brando: “I’m a believer now in Alex Grinch’s defense.” Two awful missed tackles on Cameron Skattebo, who goes down sideline for TD. Lincoln Riley arrogance in full display as he eschews the field goal and USC fails to convert on fourth down. USC gets a field goal to expand its lead to 27-21. They were 34.5-point favorites. A timeout after a kick return. Inexcusable. … Continue reading USC-Arizona State Live Blog

Maybe that USC-Colorado game isn’t so interesting after all. Now, what about tonight’s game? Time to pick a score: I’m taking USC, 59-23. I think Arizona State will play better than last week but they have a depleted offensive line and shaky offense. Hard to believe Drew Pyne completed 23 of 26 passes vs. USC last year, but at the time, it seemed like a … Continue reading Pick The USC-Arizona State Score

What kind of strength program is Kenny Dillingham running at Arizona State? There are 12 players on the injury list after only three games and the Sun Devils played Southern Utah, Oklahoma State and Fresno State. That’s a better schedule than USC but it’s not like they played Utah or some other teams known for their physicality. Does it ultimately matter if USC is a … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: What Is Going On With Arizona State?

For the second time this season, the USC game will have Tim Brando and Spencer Tillman as the announcers for Fox Sports. So here’s my one story that sort of involves Brando. I was in Charlotte, N.C., for the NCAA Tournament and on a day off, went to dinner with George Raveling, who brought his TV broadcast partner, Brando. Raveling picked the restaurant, of course, … Continue reading The Friday USC Column Supplement

It’s too bad the USC-Arizona State game isn’t going to be more competitive because there could be a good atmosphere Saturday night. Maybe because it’s Family Weekend at Arizona State, a crowd of around 54,000 is expected at Sun Devil Stadium, and it could be a sellout. But expectations are non-existent for the game. A member of the Raiders’ famed Soul Patrol defensive backfield with … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column