Let me give an example of why I criticize USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. I have mentioned he blitzes too much and leaves his cornerbacks in one-one coverage too much. Last week, he blitzed and left redshirt freshman cornerback Isaac Taylor-Stuart by himself on Colorado’s top receiver, Laviska Shenault. The results were predictable: Shenault caught a slant pass and raced 71 yards for a touchdown. The … Continue reading USC Afternoon Notes: Clancy Pendergast Spotlight

Are stats getting overemphasized with college football? Every time I turn around, USC is citing a new PFF stat: Offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker has not allowed a sack; John Houston is the highest-graded linebacker the past two games in the Pac-12; Kedon Slovis is . . . well look at the graphic below: I like Slovis A LOT more than JT Daniels. But do these … Continue reading Are Stats The Whole Story?

Is the USC coaching staff respected in the coaching community? If you know coaches, you can ask around and get opinions. I asked someone who coaches an AFC East Division team that I was referred to by an ex-USC coach. “You have a head coach that doesn’t know what he doesn’t know,” the NFL coach said. (Clay Helton) needs to look at the defensive coordinator … Continue reading Morning Buzz: Do USC Coaches Know What They Don’t Know?

Chris Steele and Christian Rector returned to practice. Everyone else (Drake Jackson, Jordan Iosefa, Palaie Gaoteote, Talanoa Hufanga, Vavae Malepeai, Stephen Carr, Markese Stepp) was out. Clay Helton said wide receiver Bru McCoy will officially redshirt. Here is USC’s statement on the NCAA’s early comments saying it will allow college athletes to benefit from their name, image and likeness. Continue reading USC Injury Report

Here is this week’s podcast, where we discuss Clay Helton’s future, whether USC can beat Oregon and look at key parts of the Colorado game. I also discuss my “two mannequins” theory, which says a mannequin on the USC and Oregon sidelines might be better than we get at the Coliseum on Saturday. Continue reading USC-Oregon Podcast!