I’m told USC intends to institute its campus-wide layoffs by August 1st. It is believed the layoffs could hit 6 percent of the university employees. The university wants the layoffs to occur before school starts in August so it can start the year with a “clean slate.” Tell that to anyone who gets laid off. The idea, apparently, is to try and rebuild from the … Continue reading If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

About two weeks ago, I chronicled the fiscal mismanagement at USC and now I have a sterling example of why it matters. The big athletics project (new football building, baseball stadium, women’s soccer stadium) is still more than $50 million short in fundraising. Well, guess what? USC has decided that because of this, the baseball stadium will be completed in phases. That means USC will … Continue reading Morning Buzz: USC’s Finances Hit Stadium Construction

Did you see what Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark said about the College Football Playoff’s expansion to 16 teams? “I’m doubling down today on 5-11,” Yormark said Tuesday. “I’m confident we’ll get to the right place. I’m confident we’ll get to 5-11.” That will not make Lincoln Riley happy. The 5-11 model means the five highest-ranked conference champions would get automatic bids and the remaining … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: This Plan Won’t Make Lincoln Riley Happy

It was just about three weeks ago that Fox analyst Joel Klatt said if USC loses to Illinois this season, “it puts USC on a path towards like are they going to be 7-5 again.” And this week, he ranks USC No. 7 among teams among teams who have a chance to make their first College Football Playoff. It’s a great gift, really, to cover … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Covering All Your Bases As Usual