Well, here’s another example of Lincoln Riley doing what he does best: Ducking the competition. USC has withdrawn from a potential series with Texas Tech with the games in Houston (2027) and Las Vegas (2028), according to Brett McMurphy of On3. So Riley doesn’t even want to play his alma mater now? Let’s review: Under Riley, USC begged Fox Sports to let it out of … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Lincoln Riley Does What He Does Best

I’m not a fan of this display of the donors for the new football building. It should be inside a meeting room. Not on the outside wall. But what stands out to me is that these are the same people who donated before the groundbreaking. So no one else has become a cornerstone donor? Why does it matter? Because the project (including the new Dedeaux … Continue reading USC Notes: Donors Get Props

Gary Patterson says he might play five defensive linemen in games in order to help stop the run, especially because the defensive line is a position of strength for the Trojans. “The less you have to add secondary players to stop the run,” Patterson said, “the less chance you have of giving up big plays.” USC is ranked No. 14 in the USA Today Top … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Gary Patterson Really Wants To Stop Run

I don’t put a lot of stock in things that get said today or during USC training camp. The exception is Gary Patterson, because he knows what he is doing. Patterson said one of his roles — besides running the defense — is to be a resource for Lincoln Riley. “There’s not a lot of guys in this profession of the age that you can … Continue reading USC Notes: Gary Patterson Offers Unofficial Role For This Season

I hit a nerve Friday when I mentioned freshman wide receiver Trent Mosley was 20 years old. So is freshman safety Madden Riordan. One interesting aspect of this is that under the NCAA’s new “five for five” eligibility plan, the five-year window starts upon full-time college enrollment or the year after turning 19. For a quarterback, that might become an issue. This is also what … Continue reading Saturday Buzz: USC Quietly Opens Camp

Lincoln Riley spoke at Big Ten media day and — big surprise — Notre Dame was a prime topic. “Nothing’s changed from my vantage point. We want to play the game. I want to play the game. We would be playing the game had some things come true that were said. And so hopefully we get to that point.” So Riley’s lips are moving but … Continue reading Lincoln Riley Big Ten Media Day Highlights (Lowlights)