Some people (fans/pundits) expect USC to get better because players naturally develop. But can you assume that? Did Zacariah Branch develop this season? Did Ja’Kobi Lane? Did Duce Robinson? They were all projected to have big seasons and their impact was mixed at best. We can hope certain players flourish but this is no guarantee in the Riley Era. And we will never be able … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Don’t Assume Anything With This Leadership

I mentioned yesterday how Notre Dame’s defense seemed to know the play USC was running when it threw a short pass to Zacariah Branch that gained a yard on fourth-and-2 in the first possession of the game. Well, that wasn’t the only play the Irish seemed to know in advance vs. the offensive genius. This was a good catch by the broadcast seeing Drayk Bowen … Continue reading Notre Dame Seemed To Know USC’s Offense

This is hardly unexpected given the final three games of the season but Miller Moss has officially entered the transfer portal. It will be interesting to see where he ends up and how he does with new coaching. Moss was a loyal Trojan and a good role model for USC. It also puts the spotlight back on the QB position: USC needs to get a … Continue reading How Will USC Respond To Losing Miller Moss?

It was about a year ago that people who work for USC went on YouTube and said that Lincoln Riley’s first season was misleading because it masked the enormous rebuild that would require more time. Things were getting better, they said. Progress was being made, they assured the fans. Well, they never envisioned a 6-6 record in 2024. Don’t expect any contrition today. Besides, the … Continue reading USC Morning Buzz: Other Third-Year Coaches Find Way To Win

Lincoln Riley tried to spin after the Notre Dame about the future of USC. “I could rattle off all the stats, I could show you facilities, I could show you recruiting . . . I can show you the staff. I can go on about that for an hour. I just don’t think that it’s the appropriate time right now.” Here is the bottom line: … Continue reading Is This Progress For USC?

If you were a defensive coordinator facing USC, it only seems like Lincoln Riley does whatever he can to help you. Riley offered another perplexing game plan against arch-rival Notre Dame on Saturday. He stubbornly forced Jayden Maiava to throw pass-after-pass down the sidelines in favor of letting the mobile QB roll out or do anything that might confuse a defense. Sooner or later, a … Continue reading USC-Notre Dame Analysis: Another Ridiculous Game Plan