I spoke to a source in the USC university administration yesterday who told me an offer sheet was presented to Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell. “His wife said no,” the source said. “And that was the end of it. But he was the first choice early on. Carol Folt approved. They had a contract prepared. It was all set if he approved. Or if she approved.” … Continue reading Sunday Buzz: Why Didn’t Luke Fickell Take USC Job?

Last week I ran a photo of dapper-looking USC assistant Bill Fisk from 1954. I said I would show other sartorially resplendent USC assistant coaches. Here is assistant coach Joseph Muha from 1951. Check out the geometric-patterned tie! Muha was an assistant at USC under Jess Hill from 1951-52. He played five seasons for the Phildelphia Eagles (1946-50). After leaving USC, Muha was an NFL umpire … Continue reading USC Notes Column Friday Supplement

The best thing about this week is the Caleb Williams saga is finally over. It’s always subjective to rank quarterbacks but if I had to rank them I would say Williams is in the top 2 with Alabama quarterback Bryce Young. That is going to erase a lot of shortcomings next season. So will an easy schedule. But the defense will have to improve for … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC assistant coaches spoke to the media today. Remember the excitement when the staff met the media two years ago? Anyways, today had some good lines. Here is one from wide receivers coach Dennis Simmons, who is closest to Lincoln Riley among the coaches: “If you don’t block, you won’t play. It’s honestly just that simple.” Simmons also said this about Caleb Williams: “Those guys … Continue reading Some Good One-Liners From USC Staff

Is there any limit to what USC will do for a buck? Of course not! Caleb Williams has barely started classes but USC is selling his autograph on items at its team store. The prices range from $199.99 to $599.99. But the real sign of the apocalypse is at the USC bookstore: A Swarovski Crystal USC football helmet for $10,000. That includes a certificate of … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Money For Nothing

I’ve heard from USC fans today, including some on campus, that the streaming quality of the Lincoln Riley press conference was poor. There is actually interest in the program now so some people need to up their game. I got a kick out of the part where Riley said speaking to Caleb Williams after he entered the transfer portal was like talking to a “long, … Continue reading Lincoln Riley Press Conference Reaction