Here’s my column for the Sporting News on the Pac-12’s up-and-down weekend: Stanford’s business-like 17-3 victory over USC solidified the Cardinal’s status as a top-10 team. But it also exposed the Trojans as a unit with several weaknesses, especially on offense. That could lead to future embarrassments for the Pac-12’s most recognizable brand, this time in marquee nonconference games against Texas on Saturday and Notre Dame on Nov. … Continue reading USC Isn’t Helping The Conference Of Champions’ Image Either

Someone who was on the sideline during the USC-Stanford game told me they were shocked at the lack of emotion on the sideline during the game. This does not contradict USC’s performance. In the second half, it looked to me like USC had either lost interest or given up as it became apparent the Trojans’ offense wasn’t going to be able to mount a comeback … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Where Was The Emotion?

USC coach Clay Helton said JT Daniels has a bruised hand after he underwent an MRI today. He will be re-evaluated but is expected to play Tuesday. Safety Isaiah Pola-Mao is out at least two weeks with a dislocated shoulder. As for the game, Helton said, “I thought our players competed extremely hard and that was evident on the tape.” Asked again about the lack of … Continue reading Sunday Night With Clay Helton

USC dropped to No. 21 in the coaches’ poll and No. 22 in the AP Top 25 poll. Frankly, I’m surprised USC is still ranked in the polls, especially since everyone could watch last night’s game. But Clay Helton has a vote in the coaches’ poll, so that helps the Trojans. And Helton thought USC “competed like warriors” so why should they drop out?   Continue reading USC Drops In Top 25 Polls

If you do not get enough aggravation from watching USC, it gets worse when you hear the post-game explanations. Here’s a few favorites: Why did wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown get only two touches? Clay Helton said USC designed a special package for St. Brown tonight called the “Ocho package.” “We actually had a special package for Amon-Ra tonight. We’re trying to do everything we can … Continue reading USC Sunday Buzz: The Reaction Was As Bad As The Game

UPDATED: It’s not the 17-3 loss to Stanford, but the gutless nature of the performance that should bother Clay Helton tonight. It was so bad and he did nothing to give USC a sense of urgency. Again. USC has no leadership. No energy. No purpose. The coaching is atrocious. And if you think JT Daniels will provide late magic like Sam Darnold, tonight proved otherwise. … Continue reading Discuss The USC-Stanford Game