USC vs. Oregon: Trojans will try to keep up with the Ducks - LA Times
The Trojans find themselves in the unfamiliar position of being a sizable underdog for the second time in one season...
Friday, November 18, 2011
Game at Oregon is as close as USC will get to a bowl game - LA Times
The No. 18 Trojans, barred from playing in the postseason because of NCAA sanctions, take on the No. 4 Ducks in what might be the most important game of Coach Lane Kiffin's short tenure.
The No. 18 Trojans, barred from playing in the postseason because of NCAA sanctions, take on the No. 4 Ducks in what might be the most important game of Coach Lane Kiffin's short tenure.
Mike Bellotti rising at Arizona - Football Rumor Mill
Mike Bellotti rising at Arizona. Lots of chatter tonight.
Mike Bellotti rising at Arizona. Lots of chatter tonight.
USC vs. Oregon: It's the real Pac-12 championship game - LA Times
Saturday's matchup between USC — which is the best team in Pac-12 South but can't go to the official title game — and Oregon should settle who gets the bragging rights as the conference's best team...
Saturday's matchup between USC — which is the best team in Pac-12 South but can't go to the official title game — and Oregon should settle who gets the bragging rights as the conference's best team...
Arrogant Game Preview: Oregon Ducks - Lost Angeles
I am deep in an undisclosed forest right now enjoying a meal strange enough for an Indiana Jones film (by the way, Indiana Jones is fifth on a list of 37 people both fictional and real I have been basing my training on). This meal is part of a society of chefs too wild for normal chef duties, so they come to the wild and hunt and cook their own prey. I got an evite, so I rolled.
I had totally forgotten about today’s post until one chef (Olek) brought out a croque en bouche of pickled duck face mousse puffs. An impressive feat, but it made one ugly image pop into my head. Donald Duck’s rapist brother Puddles.
Look at his crotch-shot pose. Look at his dilated eyes from drinking back-country moonshine and sniffing glue. Look at his outfit, clearly designed to lure in drunken sailors and boarding school children. His furry fingers devoid of fingerprints. This is a story of love-lost, drug addiction, northwestern ambivalence and possibly tied to years living in the Portland underground (which is a real thing where they’d trap drunks and press them into servitude).
How did Puddles turn into this wide-eyed coke fiend? Look at his roots...
He started as Donald Duck re-purposed by Disney, which kind of shows you that before Nike, Oregon wasn’t getting much respect. At least Sparky the Pedodevil was an original creation Disney made for ASU, even if it is embarrassing. I just want to know why Puddles has gone so far down the wrong path.
I think it’s because he hangs out with the wrong crowd.
The visored impostor!
This is who has been drugging and teaching Puddles with an almost Sith-like mind-warp. Once a Disney character, now a drug trafficking deviant who is so jacked up on pain-killers and moonshine, he feels no pain doing thousands of pushups a game (Oregon does score a lot, ironically, not so much people from Oregon). Frankly, I’m not sure Puddles even knows he is at a game at this point. Duck a l’orange would be a better end than the one he has coming...
I am deep in an undisclosed forest right now enjoying a meal strange enough for an Indiana Jones film (by the way, Indiana Jones is fifth on a list of 37 people both fictional and real I have been basing my training on). This meal is part of a society of chefs too wild for normal chef duties, so they come to the wild and hunt and cook their own prey. I got an evite, so I rolled.
I had totally forgotten about today’s post until one chef (Olek) brought out a croque en bouche of pickled duck face mousse puffs. An impressive feat, but it made one ugly image pop into my head. Donald Duck’s rapist brother Puddles.
Look at his crotch-shot pose. Look at his dilated eyes from drinking back-country moonshine and sniffing glue. Look at his outfit, clearly designed to lure in drunken sailors and boarding school children. His furry fingers devoid of fingerprints. This is a story of love-lost, drug addiction, northwestern ambivalence and possibly tied to years living in the Portland underground (which is a real thing where they’d trap drunks and press them into servitude).How did Puddles turn into this wide-eyed coke fiend? Look at his roots...
He started as Donald Duck re-purposed by Disney, which kind of shows you that before Nike, Oregon wasn’t getting much respect. At least Sparky the Pedodevil was an original creation Disney made for ASU, even if it is embarrassing. I just want to know why Puddles has gone so far down the wrong path.I think it’s because he hangs out with the wrong crowd.
The visored impostor!
This is who has been drugging and teaching Puddles with an almost Sith-like mind-warp. Once a Disney character, now a drug trafficking deviant who is so jacked up on pain-killers and moonshine, he feels no pain doing thousands of pushups a game (Oregon does score a lot, ironically, not so much people from Oregon). Frankly, I’m not sure Puddles even knows he is at a game at this point. Duck a l’orange would be a better end than the one he has coming...
USC's Matt Barkley could quack the Heisman leader board Saturday - LA Times [Dwyre]
A big day by Matt Barkley against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium might sway Heisman voters who have fallen under the spell of Stanford's Andrew Luck. It's happened before; Carson Palmer's performance at Autzen in 2002 helped him earn the trophy...
A big day by Matt Barkley against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium might sway Heisman voters who have fallen under the spell of Stanford's Andrew Luck. It's happened before; Carson Palmer's performance at Autzen in 2002 helped him earn the trophy...
Pre-Game Analysis - LA Daily News
Once again, it comes courtesy of the venerable Gold Sheet: ``Trusted Pac-12 observers suggest Monte Kiffin's stop unit not properly prepared and constructed to deal with "Wildcat" looks and mobile QBs such as Oregon's Thomas.''
Once again, it comes courtesy of the venerable Gold Sheet: ``Trusted Pac-12 observers suggest Monte Kiffin's stop unit not properly prepared and constructed to deal with "Wildcat" looks and mobile QBs such as Oregon's Thomas.''
Steve Sarkisian to UCLA? - Football Rumor Mill
Considering the heat on Rick Neuheisel, Dan Guerrero may have a list of possible replacements that includes Boise State’s Chris Petersen. Guerrero is obligated to take a run at him, just in case he is willing to listen, and at the same time be prepared to move on quickly. It’s pretty much the same with Urban Meyer, the former Florida coach. If he returns to coaching, the thought is he is likely to pop up at Ohio State. Next up, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. Didn’t he just get hammered in the Coliseum by USC? Correct. But he still has a 2-1 record against the Trojans, which has to resonate in Westwood. Sarkisian has the Huskies on the right track after taking over a program that was in worse shape than UCLA.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_19355201
Considering the heat on Rick Neuheisel, Dan Guerrero may have a list of possible replacements that includes Boise State’s Chris Petersen. Guerrero is obligated to take a run at him, just in case he is willing to listen, and at the same time be prepared to move on quickly. It’s pretty much the same with Urban Meyer, the former Florida coach. If he returns to coaching, the thought is he is likely to pop up at Ohio State. Next up, Washington coach Steve Sarkisian. Didn’t he just get hammered in the Coliseum by USC? Correct. But he still has a 2-1 record against the Trojans, which has to resonate in Westwood. Sarkisian has the Huskies on the right track after taking over a program that was in worse shape than UCLA.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_19355201
When Oregon Fans Make The "O" Symbol, They're Screaming "Vagina" - DeadspinThe New York Times shared an important revelation out of Eugene, Ore. yesterday, and we wanted to pass it on because we are immature: the spade-shaped Oregon "O" that Ducks fans so enthusiastically make to show support for the team means "vagina" in American Sign Language...
Pac-12 football: Picks of the Week (the impact of a USC victory) SJ Mercury News [Wilner]
The Trojans have been the most disliked (hated? reviled?) team in the conference for years — decades, really — largely because of their success. But this week may represent a new low (high?) for them: I’d imagine that every fan, school administrator and conference official is rooting against Kiffin and Co. A victory at Oregon...
The Trojans have been the most disliked (hated? reviled?) team in the conference for years — decades, really — largely because of their success. But this week may represent a new low (high?) for them: I’d imagine that every fan, school administrator and conference official is rooting against Kiffin and Co. A victory at Oregon...
Oregon's Thomas is better than you think - ESPN [Miller]
Quick: Name the second-rated passer in the Pac-12 behind Stanford's Andrew Luck.
It's not USC's Matt Barkley. It's not Washington's Keith Price or Arizona's Nick Foles.
It's Oregon's Darron Thomas, the guy that some -- let's call it a vocal minority -- speculated just a few weeks ago should be benched in favor of backup Bryan Bennett...
Quick: Name the second-rated passer in the Pac-12 behind Stanford's Andrew Luck.
It's not USC's Matt Barkley. It's not Washington's Keith Price or Arizona's Nick Foles.
It's Oregon's Darron Thomas, the guy that some -- let's call it a vocal minority -- speculated just a few weeks ago should be benched in favor of backup Bryan Bennett...
USC to provide challenge for Oregon's push for title - USA Today
It's looking like Oregon might need some help to get into the Bowl Championship Series title game, and it could come Saturday night...
It's looking like Oregon might need some help to get into the Bowl Championship Series title game, and it could come Saturday night...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
What to watch in the Pac-12: Week 12 - ESPN [Miller]
Barkley's big moment? While much was made of USC quarterback Matt Barkley saying that Oregon didn't seem to be as good this season as the previous two years, a minor tweak won't decide this game. What it did do, however, is brighten the spotlight on Barkley just that much more. He's been the face of the Trojans for three years. This is likely his last college game that will attract national interest...
Barkley's big moment? While much was made of USC quarterback Matt Barkley saying that Oregon didn't seem to be as good this season as the previous two years, a minor tweak won't decide this game. What it did do, however, is brighten the spotlight on Barkley just that much more. He's been the face of the Trojans for three years. This is likely his last college game that will attract national interest...
Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas in his comfort zone - LA Times
The former Crenshaw High star was bound for USC, but changed course and chose the Ducks, for whom he's had a productive freshman season. 'I just felt comfortable' in Eugene, Ore., he says...
The former Crenshaw High star was bound for USC, but changed course and chose the Ducks, for whom he's had a productive freshman season. 'I just felt comfortable' in Eugene, Ore., he says...
Oregon presents a moving target for USC's defense - LA Times
Trojans say they're ready for Ducks' speed; now all they have to do is tackle...
Trojans say they're ready for Ducks' speed; now all they have to do is tackle...
The NCAA Accidentally Leaked Five Years Of Financial Statements Online - DeadSpin:
...a resourceful tipster alerted us to a thread on the message boards of Cats Illustrated...The NCAA had left its internal SharePoint site unprotected (for some time, apparently, as Google had already crawled and indexed its files), meaning any outsider could comb through its data, which included years of accounting statements... By the time the NCAA realized its mistake late Tuesday, and made all the files inaccessible, they had all been downloaded and passed along to us. More »
...a resourceful tipster alerted us to a thread on the message boards of Cats Illustrated...The NCAA had left its internal SharePoint site unprotected (for some time, apparently, as Google had already crawled and indexed its files), meaning any outsider could comb through its data, which included years of accounting statements... By the time the NCAA realized its mistake late Tuesday, and made all the files inaccessible, they had all been downloaded and passed along to us. More »
Arizona should consider reunion with Dykes - Football Rumor Mill
Credit Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne for taking a swing at Urban Meyer, and he’ll now likely turn his attention to the usual suspects. But if Byrne is unable to land one of those strong candidates, a familiar name to Arizona fans should get a phone call: Sonny Dykes. Dykes is currently the head coach at Louisiana Tech, where he’s led the Bulldogs to five straight victories, including a 27-7 win at Ole Miss last week. … Dykes knows the Arizona program well, having served as offensive coordinator from 2007-09 under Stoops. He introduced the program to the spread offense, helped develop former signal-caller Willie Tuitama and brought star quarterback Nick Foles to Tucson.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Could-a-DykesArizona-reunion-be-on-the-horizon.html
Credit Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne for taking a swing at Urban Meyer, and he’ll now likely turn his attention to the usual suspects. But if Byrne is unable to land one of those strong candidates, a familiar name to Arizona fans should get a phone call: Sonny Dykes. Dykes is currently the head coach at Louisiana Tech, where he’s led the Bulldogs to five straight victories, including a 27-7 win at Ole Miss last week. … Dykes knows the Arizona program well, having served as offensive coordinator from 2007-09 under Stoops. He introduced the program to the spread offense, helped develop former signal-caller Willie Tuitama and brought star quarterback Nick Foles to Tucson.
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Could-a-DykesArizona-reunion-be-on-the-horizon.html
Gary Pinkel arrested for DWI - Football Rumor Mill
Boone County sheriff deputies arrested MU football coach Gary Pinkel Wednesday night for DWI. Pinkel posted a $500 bond and was released from the Boone County Jail.
http://www.komu.com/news/gary-pinkel-arrested-for-dwi/
Boone County sheriff deputies arrested MU football coach Gary Pinkel Wednesday night for DWI. Pinkel posted a $500 bond and was released from the Boone County Jail.
http://www.komu.com/news/gary-pinkel-arrested-for-dwi/
Time has come for UCLA - Football Rumor Mill
Time has come for UCLA to fire Neuheisel and move on [Waldner - The Daily Breeze]
http://t.co/a4XmzvOM
Time has come for UCLA to fire Neuheisel and move on [Waldner - The Daily Breeze]
http://t.co/a4XmzvOM
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A look at Pac-12 coaching salaries - Seattle Times
USA Today is releasing its annual package on college football salaries for tomorrow's print edition.
But the on-line version is already available, and here it is.
The general theme of the story is that coaching salaries simply continue to rise, the average major college coach making $1.47 million per year, up 55 percent since 2006.
The list, however, does not include those of coaches from private schools, who are not bound to release such information. That includes two Pac-12 schools --- USC and Stanford.
Here's the list of the other Pac-12 coaches in order of what the newspaper lists as "total pay."
1, Chip Kelly, Oregon, $2.8 million
2, Jeff Tedford, Cal, $2.3 million
3, Steve Sarkisian, Washington, $2.25 million
4, Kyle Whittingham, Utah, $1.7 million
5, Dennis Erickson, Arizona State, $1.5 million
6, Mike Stoops, Arizona, $1.465 million
7, Mike Riley, Oregon State, $1.31 million
8, Rick Neuheisel, UCLA, $1.285 million
9, Jon Embree, Colorado, $725,000
10, Paul Wulff, Washington State, $600,050
USC's Lane Kiffin is probably the highest-paid coach, one report last year saying he makes as much as $4 million a year...
USA Today is releasing its annual package on college football salaries for tomorrow's print edition.
But the on-line version is already available, and here it is.
The general theme of the story is that coaching salaries simply continue to rise, the average major college coach making $1.47 million per year, up 55 percent since 2006.
The list, however, does not include those of coaches from private schools, who are not bound to release such information. That includes two Pac-12 schools --- USC and Stanford.
Here's the list of the other Pac-12 coaches in order of what the newspaper lists as "total pay."
1, Chip Kelly, Oregon, $2.8 million
2, Jeff Tedford, Cal, $2.3 million
3, Steve Sarkisian, Washington, $2.25 million
4, Kyle Whittingham, Utah, $1.7 million
5, Dennis Erickson, Arizona State, $1.5 million
6, Mike Stoops, Arizona, $1.465 million
7, Mike Riley, Oregon State, $1.31 million
8, Rick Neuheisel, UCLA, $1.285 million
9, Jon Embree, Colorado, $725,000
10, Paul Wulff, Washington State, $600,050
USC's Lane Kiffin is probably the highest-paid coach, one report last year saying he makes as much as $4 million a year...
Defending Oregon - LA Times
USC assistant coach Ed Orgeron said the key to playing Oregon is making sure the first player near the ball makes the tackle. ``You can't get spread out,'' Orgeron said. ``Otherwise LaMichael James will take off. You've got to make the first tackle.''
USC assistant coach Ed Orgeron said the key to playing Oregon is making sure the first player near the ball makes the tackle. ``You can't get spread out,'' Orgeron said. ``Otherwise LaMichael James will take off. You've got to make the first tackle.''
USC football: Dillon Baxter considering San Diego State and UNLV, report says - LA Times
Dillon Baxter, who last month was removed from USC’s football program by Coach Lane Kiffin, is considering transferring to San Diego State or Nevada Las Vegas, according to this report.
Baxter told the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Mark Anderson that he was intrigued by the possibility of playing for UNLV and was "looking at it pretty seriously.” Baxter also said he would prefer to play wide receiver...
Dillon Baxter, who last month was removed from USC’s football program by Coach Lane Kiffin, is considering transferring to San Diego State or Nevada Las Vegas, according to this report.
Baxter told the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Mark Anderson that he was intrigued by the possibility of playing for UNLV and was "looking at it pretty seriously.” Baxter also said he would prefer to play wide receiver...
USC football: Lane Kiffin OK with Marc Tyler appearing on TMZ.com - LA Times
Last summer, USC tailback Marc Tyler made remarks on camera to TMZ that were deemed inappropriate by the school and triggered a suspension by Coach Lane Kiffin.
This week, Tyler appeared again on TMZ.com in a video, saying the website helped him change, become sober and made him more conscious of what he says and does.
"I want to thank TMZ for helping me out," Tyler said in the video.
Kiffin said he had watched Tyler's latest appearance and had no problem with it.
"I thought he handled himself in a first-class manner," Kiffin said. "He's still a kid and those situations are hard...
Last summer, USC tailback Marc Tyler made remarks on camera to TMZ that were deemed inappropriate by the school and triggered a suspension by Coach Lane Kiffin.
This week, Tyler appeared again on TMZ.com in a video, saying the website helped him change, become sober and made him more conscious of what he says and does.
"I want to thank TMZ for helping me out," Tyler said in the video.
Kiffin said he had watched Tyler's latest appearance and had no problem with it.
"I thought he handled himself in a first-class manner," Kiffin said. "He's still a kid and those situations are hard...
USC's Matt Barkley says Oregon is deserving of its ranking - LA Times
The junior quarterback had said that the Ducks teams he played against in the past were better, but he said Tuesday that No. 4 Oregon might have one of the top defenses the Trojans will play.
The junior quarterback had said that the Ducks teams he played against in the past were better, but he said Tuesday that No. 4 Oregon might have one of the top defenses the Trojans will play.
Farmer Not An Option - LA Daily News
Lane Kiffin said George Farmer is not an option to replace Robert Woods at wide receiver and will remain at tailback. ``It's too hard to move him back,'' Kiffin said.
Lane Kiffin said George Farmer is not an option to replace Robert Woods at wide receiver and will remain at tailback. ``It's too hard to move him back,'' Kiffin said.
Will Arizona State join Arizona? - Football Rumor Mill
Will Arizona State join Arizona in looking for a football coach?
Will Arizona State join Arizona in looking for a football coach?
Bob Davie to coach New Mexico - Football Rumor Mill
Bob Davie to coach New Mexico...He replaces Mike Locksley.
Bob Davie to coach New Mexico...He replaces Mike Locksley.
Matt Barkley’s N.F.L. Draft Decision - Pre-Snap Read
The temptation of a major payday has led far lesser N.F.L. prospects to make the jump a year — even two years — early, so you can see why U.S.C.’s Matt Barkley will have a difficult career decision to make once the Trojans’ season ends against U.C.L.A. on Nov. 26. Should he stay or should he go?...
...You can see the pros: money, first and foremost, but it’s far from the deciding factor. Leaving as a junior grants Barkley a head start on an N.F.L. career with a decidedly short shelf life; injuries happen, cross your fingers, and the graveyard of should-have-been-stars is littered with quarterbacks who, either through injuries or ineffectiveness, never lived up to expectations...
The temptation of a major payday has led far lesser N.F.L. prospects to make the jump a year — even two years — early, so you can see why U.S.C.’s Matt Barkley will have a difficult career decision to make once the Trojans’ season ends against U.C.L.A. on Nov. 26. Should he stay or should he go?......You can see the pros: money, first and foremost, but it’s far from the deciding factor. Leaving as a junior grants Barkley a head start on an N.F.L. career with a decidedly short shelf life; injuries happen, cross your fingers, and the graveyard of should-have-been-stars is littered with quarterbacks who, either through injuries or ineffectiveness, never lived up to expectations...
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
USC's Matt Barkley says Oregon is deserving of its ranking - LA Times
The junior quarterback had said that the Ducks teams he played against in the past were better, but he said Tuesday that No. 4 Oregon might have one of the top defenses the Trojans will play...
The junior quarterback had said that the Ducks teams he played against in the past were better, but he said Tuesday that No. 4 Oregon might have one of the top defenses the Trojans will play...
Recruiting: Visitors for USC include Arik Armstead, Faith Ekakite, Jakes Rodrigues, Kevin Seymour, and Dwayne Stanford - The Oregonian
The visitors for Oregon's game this weekend against USC all have tiny little numbers by their names. Arik Armstead has a 1 by his name. He's the nation's number one offensive lineman and he''s reportedly down to Oregon and USC...
The visitors for Oregon's game this weekend against USC all have tiny little numbers by their names. Arik Armstead has a 1 by his name. He's the nation's number one offensive lineman and he''s reportedly down to Oregon and USC...
USC's Hayes Pullard eager to face Oregon's De'Anthony Thomas - LA Times
Pullard, a redshirt freshman linebacker who has started every game, was teammates with Thomas at Crenshaw High. They are best of friends, but Pullard says he won't hold back...
Pullard, a redshirt freshman linebacker who has started every game, was teammates with Thomas at Crenshaw High. They are best of friends, but Pullard says he won't hold back...
With Matt Schaub injured, Matt Leinart is a starting QB again - LA Times 
Just when the Houston Texans were looking like one of the teams to beat in the AFC, quarterback Matt Schaub suffers a foot injury that will keep him out indefinitely. Now is the time for Matt Leinart to prove, once and for all, that he can be a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” said Leinart, a former Heisman trophy winner at USC who has served as Schaub's backup the last two seasons...
Just when the Houston Texans were looking like one of the teams to beat in the AFC, quarterback Matt Schaub suffers a foot injury that will keep him out indefinitely. Now is the time for Matt Leinart to prove, once and for all, that he can be a successful starting quarterback in the NFL.
“It’s a huge opportunity for me,” said Leinart, a former Heisman trophy winner at USC who has served as Schaub's backup the last two seasons...
Arrogant Game Recap: Washington Huskies - Lost Angeles
It’s starting to hit me this season is almost over and I admit, I haven’t been this pumped up since early in the Pete Carroll days. This team is young, fast and literally getting better every game. If you haven’t been watching the games, you aren’t realizing that it is literally happening again. ESPN does not show our highlights, the media downplays USC’s accomplishments and the only time they mention us is to try and pump Barkley up to leave by making grandiose statements about him (not to say he doesn’t deserve them).
The truth is, we have a chance for a 10 win season while sanctioned. We have a chance to win the Pac 12 South. Oregon is going to be a beast this week, but there’s a palpable sense that our “penance” has been paid and the rest of the world is going to have to reap what they sowed...
It’s starting to hit me this season is almost over and I admit, I haven’t been this pumped up since early in the Pete Carroll days. This team is young, fast and literally getting better every game. If you haven’t been watching the games, you aren’t realizing that it is literally happening again. ESPN does not show our highlights, the media downplays USC’s accomplishments and the only time they mention us is to try and pump Barkley up to leave by making grandiose statements about him (not to say he doesn’t deserve them).
The truth is, we have a chance for a 10 win season while sanctioned. We have a chance to win the Pac 12 South. Oregon is going to be a beast this week, but there’s a palpable sense that our “penance” has been paid and the rest of the world is going to have to reap what they sowed...
Do or die for ASU, Erickson? - ESPN
On Oct. 30, a day after whipping Colorado 48-14, Arizona State was 6-2 and ranked 19th in the BCS standings. Looking at its four remaining games -- UCLA, Washington State, Arizona and California -- a 10-win season and all the rewards that brings seemed possible. There was talk of coach Dennis Erickson signing a contract extension. A South Division championship seemed a near-certainty, which meant the team could feel free to dream about the Rose Bowl.
On Oct. 30, a day after whipping Colorado 48-14, Arizona State was 6-2 and ranked 19th in the BCS standings. Looking at its four remaining games -- UCLA, Washington State, Arizona and California -- a 10-win season and all the rewards that brings seemed possible. There was talk of coach Dennis Erickson signing a contract extension. A South Division championship seemed a near-certainty, which meant the team could feel free to dream about the Rose Bowl.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Oregon just won't go away - ESPN [Miller]
When Oregon trudged off the Cowboys Stadium field after a 40-27 loss to LSU on Sept. 3, just about everyone counted them out. That was made real when they were poleaxed by pollsters, dropping from No. 3 to No. 13 and No. 14 in the AP and coaches' polls, respectively. That will teach Oregon -- and anyone else -- to agree to a marquee non-conference matchup against an elite team that everyone wants to see! Most turned away from the team with loud uniforms...
When Oregon trudged off the Cowboys Stadium field after a 40-27 loss to LSU on Sept. 3, just about everyone counted them out. That was made real when they were poleaxed by pollsters, dropping from No. 3 to No. 13 and No. 14 in the AP and coaches' polls, respectively. That will teach Oregon -- and anyone else -- to agree to a marquee non-conference matchup against an elite team that everyone wants to see! Most turned away from the team with loud uniforms...
USC turns its focus to preparing for Oregon - LA Times
Trojans Coach Lane Kiffin has called Oregon 'the hottest team in the country right now.' USC faces the Ducks, who moved up to No. 4 in the Associated Press poll, in Eugene this week.
Trojans Coach Lane Kiffin has called Oregon 'the hottest team in the country right now.' USC faces the Ducks, who moved up to No. 4 in the Associated Press poll, in Eugene this week.
Dennis Erickson likely done at Arizona State - Football Rumor Mill
Erickson is 64 years old and has one year left on his contract. With one year left it is almost impossible to recruit so he is either getting a contract extension, getting fired or retiring with a year left on his deal. With a record at Arizona State of 31-28, it is obvious that the Sun Devils under Erickson are very mediocre and with new Pac-12 television money coming in and lots of empty seats at Sun Devils home games, it is time to find a coach that can do more than be average. Arizona State as a university has to decide just how bad they want to win in football. Do they want to make the commitment necessary to be relevant or are they content just being mediocre? Right now it’s hard to believe that they want to be great. It’s hard to believe that they care enough about football. Firing Erickson will be a start in telling its fans that they no longer want to settle for mediocrity.
http://arizonasports.com/category/gambo-blogs/20111113/It’s-time-for-change-at-ASU/
Erickson is 64 years old and has one year left on his contract. With one year left it is almost impossible to recruit so he is either getting a contract extension, getting fired or retiring with a year left on his deal. With a record at Arizona State of 31-28, it is obvious that the Sun Devils under Erickson are very mediocre and with new Pac-12 television money coming in and lots of empty seats at Sun Devils home games, it is time to find a coach that can do more than be average. Arizona State as a university has to decide just how bad they want to win in football. Do they want to make the commitment necessary to be relevant or are they content just being mediocre? Right now it’s hard to believe that they want to be great. It’s hard to believe that they care enough about football. Firing Erickson will be a start in telling its fans that they no longer want to settle for mediocrity.
http://arizonasports.com/category/gambo-blogs/20111113/It’s-time-for-change-at-ASU/
USC football: Marqise Lee selected Pac-12 player of week - LA Times
USC freshman receiver Marqise Lee on Monday was selected as the Pac-12 Conference special teams player of the week.
Lee returned the second-half kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown in the Trojans' 40-17 victory over Washington. He also caught nine passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. It was the second consecutive game that Lee scored two touchdowns. Lee has caught 52 passes and scored eight touchdowns...
Lee returned the second-half kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown in the Trojans' 40-17 victory over Washington. He also caught nine passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. It was the second consecutive game that Lee scored two touchdowns. Lee has caught 52 passes and scored eight touchdowns...
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Post-game links - Seattle Times
Time to pass along some of the more pertinent links covering Saturday's game.
--- Here's the game story with the nuts and bolts of what happened.
--- Times columnist Steve Kelley says the Huskies seem to be regressing.
--- Here's the notebook with items on Keith Price, the special teams, the sequence that turned the game for good, and the offensive line.
--- Also if you want them, the stats and the 2-Minute Drill.
--- The LA Times says USC seems to be hitting its stride at the right time.
--- The punter who ran 35 yards for USC is a walk-on.
--- Here's one handy link to everything that the Orange County Register wrote about the game. Included is this game story in which USC players said they noticed UW's body language change after the fake punt and that they thought they had the Huskies flustered from the start.
--- ESPN.com says this was a game USC would have lost the last two years.
--- ESPN.com also has a story quoting CB Nickell Robey as saying the Trojans finally got their revenge.
And I'm figuring that may be about all most of you want to read about that.
Time to pass along some of the more pertinent links covering Saturday's game.
--- Here's the game story with the nuts and bolts of what happened.
--- Times columnist Steve Kelley says the Huskies seem to be regressing.
--- Here's the notebook with items on Keith Price, the special teams, the sequence that turned the game for good, and the offensive line.
--- Also if you want them, the stats and the 2-Minute Drill.
--- The LA Times says USC seems to be hitting its stride at the right time.
--- The punter who ran 35 yards for USC is a walk-on.
--- Here's one handy link to everything that the Orange County Register wrote about the game. Included is this game story in which USC players said they noticed UW's body language change after the fake punt and that they thought they had the Huskies flustered from the start.
--- ESPN.com says this was a game USC would have lost the last two years.
--- ESPN.com also has a story quoting CB Nickell Robey as saying the Trojans finally got their revenge.
And I'm figuring that may be about all most of you want to read about that.
Neuheisel running out of chances - Football Rumor Mill
The facts are as cold as the night here. Rick Neuheisel has been unable to make the case he has what it takes to rally support for the UCLA football program and buy himself more time as coach. But what a belly flop, a 31-6 spanking coming from a second-rate opponent, and a reminder that nothing really has changed with UCLA football since Neuheisel’s arrival. Like so many other disappointing conference Saturdays the last four years, this one fell flat of soaring expectations. And not many more UCLA Saturdays are going to be available to Neuheisel...
The facts are as cold as the night here. Rick Neuheisel has been unable to make the case he has what it takes to rally support for the UCLA football program and buy himself more time as coach. But what a belly flop, a 31-6 spanking coming from a second-rate opponent, and a reminder that nothing really has changed with UCLA football since Neuheisel’s arrival. Like so many other disappointing conference Saturdays the last four years, this one fell flat of soaring expectations. And not many more UCLA Saturdays are going to be available to Neuheisel...
Saturday, November 12, 2011
USC FOOTBALL: Lee, McNeal lead way past Huskies - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
“This has become a big rivalry,” said Trojans coach Lane Kiffin, who coached alongside Sarkisian at USC for much of the previous decade. “It’s going to be a very competitive rivalry for a long time.”
Just not this time. Kiffin’s Trojans seem to be getting better every week down the stretch, winning five of six heading into next weekend’s trip to Oregon...
“This has become a big rivalry,” said Trojans coach Lane Kiffin, who coached alongside Sarkisian at USC for much of the previous decade. “It’s going to be a very competitive rivalry for a long time.”
Just not this time. Kiffin’s Trojans seem to be getting better every week down the stretch, winning five of six heading into next weekend’s trip to Oregon...
USC punter Kyle Negrete offers inspiration for free - LA Times
The walk-on, who kept alive a scoring drive with a fake punt, has played all season without a scholarship. Yet he says, 'Being a Trojan is worth it.'
The walk-on, who kept alive a scoring drive with a fake punt, has played all season without a scholarship. Yet he says, 'Being a Trojan is worth it.'
USC's Marqise Lee continues to contribute in a big way - LA Times
Freshman catches a touchdown pass and returns a kickoff 88 yards for another score in Trojans' 40-17 victory over Washington, giving him four touchdowns in the last two games.
Freshman catches a touchdown pass and returns a kickoff 88 yards for another score in Trojans' 40-17 victory over Washington, giving him four touchdowns in the last two games.
USC defense takes a bite out of Washington, 40-17 - LA Times
Trojans show how much they have improved with a solid victory at the Coliseum. Oregon will be a big test.
Trojans show how much they have improved with a solid victory at the Coliseum. Oregon will be a big test.
Kiffin Quote - LA Daily News
``I've said it 100 times. It's not about me or our staff, it's about USC. It's the only place that can bring in the quality players we have despite the sanctions.'' -- USC coach Lane Kiffin
``I've said it 100 times. It's not about me or our staff, it's about USC. It's the only place that can bring in the quality players we have despite the sanctions.'' -- USC coach Lane Kiffin
Kiffin On Lee- LA Daily News
Lane Kiffin said wide receiver Marqise Lee was ``arguably the best player on the field today.'' Lee was sick Thursday night and needed IVs. ``(He) could barely get out of bed,'' Kiffin said. ``He's going to be one of the greats to play here for sure.''
Lane Kiffin said wide receiver Marqise Lee was ``arguably the best player on the field today.'' Lee was sick Thursday night and needed IVs. ``(He) could barely get out of bed,'' Kiffin said. ``He's going to be one of the greats to play here for sure.''
Post-game quotes --- UW coach Steve Sarkisian - Seattle Times
Here are some quotes from UW coach Steve Sarkisian following Saturday's 40-17 loss at USC:
...On what happened on the fake punt: "They faked it - and the guys responsible for the fake didn't see it, didn't execute."
On the shotgun snaps and going to a pistol look: "The shotgun snaps have been concerning for me for three weeks now, and we touched on it all week in practice that it needed to change or something like that would happen, and it finally got us. So hopefully that changes things..."
Here are some quotes from UW coach Steve Sarkisian following Saturday's 40-17 loss at USC:
...On what happened on the fake punt: "They faked it - and the guys responsible for the fake didn't see it, didn't execute."
On the shotgun snaps and going to a pistol look: "The shotgun snaps have been concerning for me for three weeks now, and we touched on it all week in practice that it needed to change or something like that would happen, and it finally got us. So hopefully that changes things..."
Friday, November 11, 2011
UW-USC --- Just the Facts - Seattle Times
Here's the expanded version of the Scouting Report that will run in our Saturday paper that includes the nuts and bolts on the game:
Washington (6-3, 4-2) at USC (7-2, 4-2)
The line: Trojans by 12.
The setup: The Huskies have one more chance to get a marquee win in the regular season against a ranked team and do so against a USC squad against which it has pulled off big upsets the last two seasons... The game also marks another homecoming for UW coach Steve Sarkisian, an assistant at USC for seven years before taking over at Washington.
What to Expect: The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s and rain, and that might slow down two offenses that have high-flying passing attacks. If the offenses can overcome the elements, however, this is another UW game that has all the earmarks of being a shootout...
...Notes:... This will be UWs last trip to USC until at least 2015, however, as the Trojans will come to Seattle next season and then the two teams won't play in 2013 and 2014. ... USC leads the overall series 49-28-4 and 29-11 in the LA Coliseum. However, UW is 9-9-1 in the last 19 meetings overall. ... Leading the announcing team is Gus Johnson, best-known among UW fans for his enthusiastic call of Isaiah Thomas' buzzer-beater against Arizona in the Pac-10 basketball tournament last March. ... UW has a chance to win seven regular-season games for the first time since 2002. ...
Key matchup: UW's defensive front seven vs. USC's offensive line...
...Upset brewing?: The Huskies have beaten USC as a double-digit underdog each of the past two seasons, so no reason they can't do it again, right? If nothing else, UW should go into the game with confidence, and if Chris Polk can have a big game and Price reverts to form anything is possible, as the Huskies have proven the last two years.
Here's the expanded version of the Scouting Report that will run in our Saturday paper that includes the nuts and bolts on the game:
Washington (6-3, 4-2) at USC (7-2, 4-2)
The line: Trojans by 12.
The setup: The Huskies have one more chance to get a marquee win in the regular season against a ranked team and do so against a USC squad against which it has pulled off big upsets the last two seasons... The game also marks another homecoming for UW coach Steve Sarkisian, an assistant at USC for seven years before taking over at Washington.
What to Expect: The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the mid-60s and rain, and that might slow down two offenses that have high-flying passing attacks. If the offenses can overcome the elements, however, this is another UW game that has all the earmarks of being a shootout...
...Notes:... This will be UWs last trip to USC until at least 2015, however, as the Trojans will come to Seattle next season and then the two teams won't play in 2013 and 2014. ... USC leads the overall series 49-28-4 and 29-11 in the LA Coliseum. However, UW is 9-9-1 in the last 19 meetings overall. ... Leading the announcing team is Gus Johnson, best-known among UW fans for his enthusiastic call of Isaiah Thomas' buzzer-beater against Arizona in the Pac-10 basketball tournament last March. ... UW has a chance to win seven regular-season games for the first time since 2002. ...
Key matchup: UW's defensive front seven vs. USC's offensive line...
...Upset brewing?: The Huskies have beaten USC as a double-digit underdog each of the past two seasons, so no reason they can't do it again, right? If nothing else, UW should go into the game with confidence, and if Chris Polk can have a big game and Price reverts to form anything is possible, as the Huskies have proven the last two years.
USC vs. Washington: Huskies not Trojans' best friend
Washington's Steve Sarkisian and USC's Lane Kiffin are friendly rivals but the Trojans will seek to beat the Huskies coach for the first time in three meetings...
Washington's Steve Sarkisian and USC's Lane Kiffin are friendly rivals but the Trojans will seek to beat the Huskies coach for the first time in three meetings...
Battle Of The Visors - LA Daily News
Tomorrow's game will be a big matchup to see which visor-wearing former Pete Carroll assistant will assert dominance and assume the mantle of Caesar Jr. Steve Sarkisian currently holds the honor but is an underdog. Lane Kiffin looks ready to assume the title . . . if he can...
Tomorrow's game will be a big matchup to see which visor-wearing former Pete Carroll assistant will assert dominance and assume the mantle of Caesar Jr. Steve Sarkisian currently holds the honor but is an underdog. Lane Kiffin looks ready to assume the title . . . if he can...
Saturday's game has special meaning for USC's Nickell Robey - LA TImes
The Trojans play Washington on the birthday of Robey's mother, who died not long after the sophomore cornerback signed a letter of intent to play at USC...
The Trojans play Washington on the birthday of Robey's mother, who died not long after the sophomore cornerback signed a letter of intent to play at USC...
The pick - Seattle Times
The Huskies will take a shot tomorrow at something they haven't done since 1935 --- win games in consecutive years at USC.
That year, they beat the Trojans a whopping 6-2 a year after having won 14-7. Of course, UW rarely plays at USC (or anywhere else) in consecutive years --- the only other times it's occurred with USC are 1930-31 and 1988-89 (UW, in fact, played at both USC and UCLA in 1989, playing five conference road games and just three at home).
But UW plays here again tomorrow due to a quirk in the schedule created by expansion. As we wrote earlier this week, this could be UW's last trip here until 2015...
The Huskies will take a shot tomorrow at something they haven't done since 1935 --- win games in consecutive years at USC.That year, they beat the Trojans a whopping 6-2 a year after having won 14-7. Of course, UW rarely plays at USC (or anywhere else) in consecutive years --- the only other times it's occurred with USC are 1930-31 and 1988-89 (UW, in fact, played at both USC and UCLA in 1989, playing five conference road games and just three at home).
But UW plays here again tomorrow due to a quirk in the schedule created by expansion. As we wrote earlier this week, this could be UW's last trip here until 2015...
In Chris Polk, Trojans face one who got away: Talented running back committed to USC before changing his mind and signing with Washington, which visits the Coliseum to play the Trojans on Saturday.
Chris Polk could have been a Trojan.
Chris Polk could have been a Trojan.
USC hopes to pick apart Washington's defense: The Trojans want to attack the Huskies with passing and rushing. Senior tailback Marc Tyler has been cleared to play, but junior Curtis McNeal could start for USC.
We Are SC links: Trojans get surprise visit: USC gets a surprise visit from Tempe, Ariz., offensive lineman Andrus Peat; USC and Washington fighting for several recruits going into their game Saturday.
Trojans want to make up for consecutive last-second losses: Memories of two straight last-second losses to Washington are burned in USC's mind. The Trojans hope to flip the script Saturday.
Nickel Package: Looking at the key matchups against Washington Kyle Williams looks at the keys for USC as it tries to avoid a third straight heartbreaking loss to Washington.
Trojans want to make up for consecutive last-second losses: Memories of two straight last-second losses to Washington are burned in USC's mind. The Trojans hope to flip the script Saturday.
Nickel Package: Looking at the key matchups against Washington Kyle Williams looks at the keys for USC as it tries to avoid a third straight heartbreaking loss to Washington.
Arrogant Game Preview: Washington Huskies: ...So, this is the battle of brothers. Sark and Kiff duking it out. We’ve been living in a messed up world where we lose multiple times to Washington and Stanford, we get sanctioned and Miami doesn’t, and Fondlegate runs rampant at Penn State.
Former USC defensive coordinator-turned-traitorous Northwest farmer’s market attendee Nick Holt called out our offense saying he’d rather face us than Oregon, which is fun to say when your pass defense ranks worst in the Pac 12. That said, the biggest bulletin board material comes from Keith Price, young UDub QB, who has publicly responded to Mark Sanchez’s famous Mexican Flag mouthpiece...
Former USC defensive coordinator-turned-traitorous Northwest farmer’s market attendee Nick Holt called out our offense saying he’d rather face us than Oregon, which is fun to say when your pass defense ranks worst in the Pac 12. That said, the biggest bulletin board material comes from Keith Price, young UDub QB, who has publicly responded to Mark Sanchez’s famous Mexican Flag mouthpiece...
Wednesday, November 09, 2011
Arrogant Game Recap: Boulder Buffs - Lost Angeles:
Good Monday, Arrogant Nationals. I write to you from the back of a wild boar as we are out hunting an animal so delicious and endangered I can’t tell you about what it’s called (it’d freak you out) or how it tastes (you’d think everything tastes like sandpaper from here on out). I mean, it’s actually so delicious it borders on being disgusting, almost like, it’s so good I hate it because the bar is set too high. It’s like that scene in Once Upon a Time in Mexico where Johnny Depp kills the chef who made carnitas so good that he needed to murder someone. And that’s me right now only I am on a boar (which are surprisingly amazing to drive, I am even able to blog on my Apple II I brought because I am just so Brooklyn).
So, we might as well talk about that football game we played against that school on that day that wasn’t Saturday (F U Larry Scott). First of all, my enjoyment of this ass-kicking was severely limited by the fact that Folsom Field sucks. It’s factual and I think it cannot be defended.
Good Monday, Arrogant Nationals. I write to you from the back of a wild boar as we are out hunting an animal so delicious and endangered I can’t tell you about what it’s called (it’d freak you out) or how it tastes (you’d think everything tastes like sandpaper from here on out). I mean, it’s actually so delicious it borders on being disgusting, almost like, it’s so good I hate it because the bar is set too high. It’s like that scene in Once Upon a Time in Mexico where Johnny Depp kills the chef who made carnitas so good that he needed to murder someone. And that’s me right now only I am on a boar (which are surprisingly amazing to drive, I am even able to blog on my Apple II I brought because I am just so Brooklyn).
So, we might as well talk about that football game we played against that school on that day that wasn’t Saturday (F U Larry Scott). First of all, my enjoyment of this ass-kicking was severely limited by the fact that Folsom Field sucks. It’s factual and I think it cannot be defended.
The biggest evidence this stadium was developed by children with crayons was the view the ESPN cameras had to use for the game...
Ranking the Pac --- Week 10 - Seattle Times:
Here they are. ...
1, Stanford --- Stanford (now 9-0, 7-0) preps for what is now the biggest game in Pac-12 history. The Cardinal has also won an astonishing 17 games in a row. Its 2006 season, when some were writing the Cardinal was maybe the worst in conference history, really isn't that long ago, which leads one to wonder if there has ever been a program in the history of the conference to go from that bad to that good (and good for a sustained period of time) so quickly.
2, Oregon --- The Ducks (8-1, 6-0) didn't have to work quite as hard as some thought to get past the Huskies and set up the likely all-or-nothing clash with the Cardinal for the Pac-12 North title. And worth noting one more time --- Oregon's not going anywhere anytime soon. Oregon had 10 seniors on the two-deep for Saturday's game with UW, only one more than Washington.
3, USC --- The Trojans (7-2, 4-2) are a similarly young team, though they'll probably be starting over at QB next year. Still, the rumors of USC's demise so far seem unfounded. Trojans could easily finish 9-3, which given everything would seem more than good enough...
Five questions, five answers --- USC- Seattle Times:
Q1: We'll start off first with kind of a big-picture question on how USC has responded to its NCAA sanctions. The conventional wisdom in a lot of places was that it might impact the motivation of the players. But USC seems to be playing at a pretty high level right now and that doesn't seem to be an issue, looking from the outside. Is that an accurate view, and how have the Trojans managed to keep the motivation high?
Q1: We'll start off first with kind of a big-picture question on how USC has responded to its NCAA sanctions. The conventional wisdom in a lot of places was that it might impact the motivation of the players. But USC seems to be playing at a pretty high level right now and that doesn't seem to be an issue, looking from the outside. Is that an accurate view, and how have the Trojans managed to keep the motivation high?
A: The sanctions and absence of an opportunity to play in a bowl game does not seem to be an issue for USC players in terms of motivation. If anything, coaches have used it as a rallying point. It's a classic "Us against them."...
Steve Sarkisian says he’d take Matt Barkley over Andrew Luck - Orlando Sentinel:
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, whose team plays Southern California on Saturday, might’ve been playing mind games.
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian, whose team plays Southern California on Saturday, might’ve been playing mind games. Or maybe he really thinks the whole “Suck for Luck” campaign is overstated.
Sarkisian said if he were an NFL coach, he’d select USC’s Matt Barkley over Heisman contender and consensus No. 1 selection Andrew Luck of Stanford in the NFL Draft...
Wednesday, November 02, 2011
Te'o admits he was "hurt" by Kelly's words:
Manti Te'o spoke with the media Wednesday for the first time since after the USC game. The junior linebacker called the days since Notre Dame's loss to the Trojans a "roller coaster" and admitted he was stung by comments made by coach Brian Kelly last week that prompted angry players to respond via Twitter before Kelly apologized...
Woods Concern: USC wide receiver Robert Woods admitted a dropped pass against Stanford weighed on him during the game. ``I felt it was a critical drop,'' Woods said. ``I tried to let it go but it kind of did stick with me.''
Arrogant Game Recap: Stanford Cardinal:
It was an arrogant day and night. All around. I had bought a bottle of champagne before noon, hung out poolside at the Four Seasons, got a little eucalyptus steam room action in, drank the champagne all before the game kicked off. Like last year with the Oregon game when I got married, I was celebrating my anniversary this weekend. Even my wife, who did not go to a football school (although she got to see a Harbaugh National Title at USD) loved this game, even if the outcome wasn’t perfect.
Let’s rewind...
USC's Drew McAllister to start in place of safety T.J. McDonald: The Pacific 12 Conference suspended McDonald for an illegal hit on Stanford receiver Chris Owusu on Saturday. He will sit out the first half of the Trojans' game Friday against Colorado.
The Pacific 12 Conference suspended McDonald for an illegal hit on Stanford receiver Chris Owusu on Saturday.
The Pacific 12 Conference suspended McDonald for an illegal hit on Stanford receiver Chris Owusu on Saturday.
The Trojans are back . . . to being what, exactly?: The thrilling game against Stanford may have been a preview of the renewed excitement and relevance USC can expect once out of NCAA jail. But some things, like the old arrogance, shouldn't be revived.
The thrilling game against Stanford may have been a preview of the renewed excitement and relevance USC can expect once out of NCAA jail.
The thrilling game against Stanford may have been a preview of the renewed excitement and relevance USC can expect once out of NCAA jail.
Practice Report: Linebacker Dion Bailey said he felt his head ringing in the second quarter against Stanford and then got knocked out on a play in the second OT when a tailback's knee hit his head. He is going to take computerized tests to try and get cleared by Friday. He was
Woods On Last Play, Pass Interference: Robert Woods said he thought he would get out of bounds before time expired on the final play of regulation. ``The defensive tackle was right there and I had to cut around him and the only thing on my mind was to get out of bounds,'' Woods said. ``I thought
Kiffin On Barkley: Here's what Lane Kiffin told the Dan Patrick show about whether being bowl-eligible will influence Matt Barkley coming back next season: ``That's going to be part of the conversation and he knows that already. We joke about it and stuff. He's going to have, obviously, a big decision to make.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
John Robinson still has plenty of spirit (of Troy) in him - LA Times [Simers]
...There were so many of those fine Saturdays...he was USC's head coach, winning the national championship in 1978...
"We had some good moments," he says, amending that later to say, "Just the best 30 seconds. That's how long the feeling lasts after winning a big game or doing something really special.
"I run into Ronnie Lott or Marcus Allen, you get that look, there's a connection, and maybe it's only 30 seconds but it's like, 'Yeah, we did it.'
"There aren't many reunions that last all night; most go about 30 seconds before everyone moves on to talk about something else. But those 30 seconds are special."...
...There were so many of those fine Saturdays...he was USC's head coach, winning the national championship in 1978..."We had some good moments," he says, amending that later to say, "Just the best 30 seconds. That's how long the feeling lasts after winning a big game or doing something really special.
"I run into Ronnie Lott or Marcus Allen, you get that look, there's a connection, and maybe it's only 30 seconds but it's like, 'Yeah, we did it.'
"There aren't many reunions that last all night; most go about 30 seconds before everyone moves on to talk about something else. But those 30 seconds are special."...
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Revenge tour should motivate USC - ESPN [Miller]
...just the beginning. USC's "Revenge 2011?" tour continues Saturday with a visit from Stanford. The Cardinal have won two in a row against USC. Last year, they broke the Trojans hearts...
...Further, Barkley has been fairly honest about how he's competitive with Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. This will be his last shot at him as the Trojans quarterback. So, yes, the Trojans should have some feelings about the Cardinal.
Then, after playing Colorado, USC plays Washington, Oregon and UCLA on consecutive weekends...
...just the beginning. USC's "Revenge 2011?" tour continues Saturday with a visit from Stanford. The Cardinal have won two in a row against USC. Last year, they broke the Trojans hearts... ...Further, Barkley has been fairly honest about how he's competitive with Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck. This will be his last shot at him as the Trojans quarterback. So, yes, the Trojans should have some feelings about the Cardinal.
Then, after playing Colorado, USC plays Washington, Oregon and UCLA on consecutive weekends...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Our Signing Day Melodrama - Pre-Snap Read
He was untouchable. A once-in-a-generation prospect, according to coaches and recruiting experts, the missing piece of the puzzle for programs from coast to coast. He was coveted, a term more generally used in Victorian-era novels and only when discussing members of the opposite sex, not the 18-year old — perhaps only 17 — potential-laden prospect whose dominating high school career had those infatuated with his physical skills genuflecting in his living room, pulling out all the stops to land his signature. Two years later, he was gone: a dream unfulfilled for the player, a waste of talent for a coach who expected more, just another missed prospect laid to rest in the recruiting graveyard...
...I’m merely saying that it’s a guessing game. Who thought that Marcus Dupree would play one-plus seasons at Oklahoma before drifting away, never to be heard from again? What signs were there to indicate that Xavier Crawford’s journey as the nation’s top recruit would lead him as far away from football as one can imagine? Who knows how Jadeveon Clowney’s career will go?...
He was untouchable. A once-in-a-generation prospect, according to coaches and recruiting experts, the missing piece of the puzzle for programs from coast to coast. He was coveted, a term more generally used in Victorian-era novels and only when discussing members of the opposite sex, not the 18-year old — perhaps only 17 — potential-laden prospect whose dominating high school career had those infatuated with his physical skills genuflecting in his living room, pulling out all the stops to land his signature. Two years later, he was gone: a dream unfulfilled for the player, a waste of talent for a coach who expected more, just another missed prospect laid to rest in the recruiting graveyard......I’m merely saying that it’s a guessing game. Who thought that Marcus Dupree would play one-plus seasons at Oklahoma before drifting away, never to be heard from again? What signs were there to indicate that Xavier Crawford’s journey as the nation’s top recruit would lead him as far away from football as one can imagine? Who knows how Jadeveon Clowney’s career will go?...
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Beavers worried about themselves more than Trojans - Corvallis Gazette-Times
...The offensive and defensive linemen haven't been able to do their jobs and it has a trickle down effect everywhere else.
The players say they are going to dig deep to improve, while the coaches try to find ways to help this team win.
"I don't have magic for it," Riley said. "I just point out the obvious. I know what tears you apart is the vagueness and blaming of not doing your work.
"Players need tangible ways to get better. We have to go to them as coaches and show them this is what to work on, and see progress. Then they can climb out of the hole."
While the Beavers are trying to figure themselves out, they need a win over USC to keep their slim postseason hopes alive...
Also, Beavers face tough task to reach bowl eligibility - Salem Statesman-Journal
...The offensive and defensive linemen haven't been able to do their jobs and it has a trickle down effect everywhere else.The players say they are going to dig deep to improve, while the coaches try to find ways to help this team win.
"I don't have magic for it," Riley said. "I just point out the obvious. I know what tears you apart is the vagueness and blaming of not doing your work.
"Players need tangible ways to get better. We have to go to them as coaches and show them this is what to work on, and see progress. Then they can climb out of the hole."
While the Beavers are trying to figure themselves out, they need a win over USC to keep their slim postseason hopes alive...
Also, Beavers face tough task to reach bowl eligibility - Salem Statesman-Journal
Thursday, July 08, 2010
U.S.C. Weathering the Storm - Pre-Snap Read...Tennessee might be the only school publicly aiming its sights at U.S.C., but it won’t be the last — nor is it the only program hungry to kick the Trojans while they’re down, privately or publicly. Fellow Pac-10 schools see an opportunity: it’s not a large window...but for the first time in a decade, there is no dominant team atop the conference...
...U.S.C. likes playing the heavy, enjoys the doubt, revels being the bully. Yet you never want to supply your enemies with ammunition, not when your rivals sense a window to nab the crown off your head.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Pete Carroll's last word on NCAA sanctions - Seattle Times..."We checked everybody that came in. We scrutinized it. I guess it's projected like there were agents everywhere. It was never like that. At no time was it ever like that, and for somebody to perceive it that way, they don't get it. They didn't understand it, and they didn't do their homework because that's not what it was like.
"The perception that you received was not the reality. The reality was much different than that. The fact that we did things in a very unusual way, and made it as much as we could possibly make it for as many people and to share the experience with as many people as could fit, that made people uncomfortable. I thought we did it in glorious fashion. For that stuff, I don't apologize one bit. For the players, they would never apologize for that. We worked for everything we gained at that time, and are very, very proud of that. But it's part of this perception that was different."
Also, Carroll denies knowing of violations - Seattle Times
Sunday, October 18, 2009
[Miller] Foundation of Carroll's program: Embrace the moment - OC Register
...No wonder Carroll's USC Trojans are sometimes as believable as a cat in a hat.
They did it again...
...For the Trojans, Saturday evening was Tuesday afternoon again. This was just another practice, only with a bit more hatred and witnesses.
The theory is quite basic: When every play is treated like the biggest play – whether in practice or a game – the genuinely big plays don't feel that big.
...That's USC football. Been there, won that.
...No wonder Carroll's USC Trojans are sometimes as believable as a cat in a hat.They did it again...
...For the Trojans, Saturday evening was Tuesday afternoon again. This was just another practice, only with a bit more hatred and witnesses.
The theory is quite basic: When every play is treated like the biggest play – whether in practice or a game – the genuinely big plays don't feel that big.
...That's USC football. Been there, won that.
Friday, September 04, 2009
Trojans opener: And a child shall lead them - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
The Plan was that quarterback Mark Sanchez would come back for his senior year, lead USC on another national championship crusade, then turn the offensive reins over to the golden boy waiting in the wings, Matt Barkley...
...Carroll said he and his staff saw it just five days into spring drills...
...In fact, he'd better be different. USC has piled a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. But as you'd expect, Barkley is just as at ease, quick to smile and confident as advertised...
Also, USC's Matt Barkley will feel the heat - LA Times
History isn't on side of USC or its freshman QB - LA Times
Challenge is mostly mental for Barkley in USC debut - OC Register
Pac-10 Q&A: Matt Barkley - ESPN
The Plan was that quarterback Mark Sanchez would come back for his senior year, lead USC on another national championship crusade, then turn the offensive reins over to the golden boy waiting in the wings, Matt Barkley......Carroll said he and his staff saw it just five days into spring drills...
...In fact, he'd better be different. USC has piled a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders. But as you'd expect, Barkley is just as at ease, quick to smile and confident as advertised...
Also, USC's Matt Barkley will feel the heat - LA Times
History isn't on side of USC or its freshman QB - LA Times
Challenge is mostly mental for Barkley in USC debut - OC Register
Pac-10 Q&A: Matt Barkley - ESPN
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
McKnight Proves He's No Ordinary Joe - NewOrleans.com [08/05/09]
Joe McKnight flashed his exceptional athletic skills at an early age, splitting time between football, basketball and track...
...Joe played beyond his years and seemed to be the center of attention whenever and wherever he engaged in an athletic event...
...There will be a new QB under center. Currently, sophomore Aaron Corp is scheduled to be the starter, but many expect 2008 National Prep Player of the Year, Matt Barkley, to take over before long. Joe likes them both.
"Corp has the ability to run and stretch the defense, using his feet," explained McKnight. "Barkley can be special. He's smart, has a good arm, and is a bit of a gunslinger. I like his gambling. He puts the ball in tight places. He's the next Heisman winner down the road."...
Joe McKnight flashed his exceptional athletic skills at an early age, splitting time between football, basketball and track......Joe played beyond his years and seemed to be the center of attention whenever and wherever he engaged in an athletic event...
...There will be a new QB under center. Currently, sophomore Aaron Corp is scheduled to be the starter, but many expect 2008 National Prep Player of the Year, Matt Barkley, to take over before long. Joe likes them both.
"Corp has the ability to run and stretch the defense, using his feet," explained McKnight. "Barkley can be special. He's smart, has a good arm, and is a bit of a gunslinger. I like his gambling. He puts the ball in tight places. He's the next Heisman winner down the road."...
Controversial billboard blasts Weis - WSBT-TVA controversial billboard-sized jab at Notre Dame head football coach Charlie Weis has drivers doing a double-take in the shadow of the Golden Dome.
Coach Weis is trying to make light of the situation; but for the Irish faithful, the message on the billboard is nothing short of blasphemy.
The billboard, which went up earlier this week, is located essentially right above the Linebacker Inn near campus at the intersection of Edison Road and State Road 23...
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Chris Dufresne's preseason top 25: No. 4 USC LA Times
...USC has so much returning talent on offense that the quarterback in most games is not going to matter...the Trojans are still going to win 10, 11 or 12 games. Rankman considers USC one of four teams that can win this year's championship at the Rose Bowl -- the others to be unveiled later this week.
USC has won two national titles and is 88-15 in eight seasons under Coach Pete Carroll. Three or four of those loses, however, may have directly cost USC three or four more national titles...
Also, Sporting News Top 100: No. 4 USC - The Sporting News
Expectations at USC remain the same - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
...USC has so much returning talent on offense that the quarterback in most games is not going to matter...the Trojans are still going to win 10, 11 or 12 games. Rankman considers USC one of four teams that can win this year's championship at the Rose Bowl -- the others to be unveiled later this week.USC has won two national titles and is 88-15 in eight seasons under Coach Pete Carroll. Three or four of those loses, however, may have directly cost USC three or four more national titles...
Also, Sporting News Top 100: No. 4 USC - The Sporting News
Expectations at USC remain the same - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
USC Is Ready to Protect and Defend - Washington Post
It's not that Jeff Byers wasn't keenly interested in who was going to start at quarterback this fall for Southern California. But the senior offensive lineman didn't obsess over the battle between redshirt sophomore Aaron Corp and freshman Matt Barkley, unlike much of the college football world.
"It's why Coach [Pete] Carroll is so successful -- he makes decisions like this," Byers said in a telephone interview. "I trust whoever Coach Carroll picks."
Such confidence is completely understandable. Since Byers enrolled at USC in the fall of 2004, the Trojans have trotted out Matt Leinart, John David Booty and Mark Sanchez as their starting quarterbacks. Either Corp or Barkley was going to take over one of the most high-profile positions in college football...
Also, Decision on USC starting QB still stings Corp - LA Daily News
USC's big gamble - Philly Daily News
Injury to WR Johnson is 'just a crusher' - AP via ESPN
It's not that Jeff Byers wasn't keenly interested in who was going to start at quarterback this fall for Southern California. But the senior offensive lineman didn't obsess over the battle between redshirt sophomore Aaron Corp and freshman Matt Barkley, unlike much of the college football world."It's why Coach [Pete] Carroll is so successful -- he makes decisions like this," Byers said in a telephone interview. "I trust whoever Coach Carroll picks."
Such confidence is completely understandable. Since Byers enrolled at USC in the fall of 2004, the Trojans have trotted out Matt Leinart, John David Booty and Mark Sanchez as their starting quarterbacks. Either Corp or Barkley was going to take over one of the most high-profile positions in college football...
Also, Decision on USC starting QB still stings Corp - LA Daily News
USC's big gamble - Philly Daily News
Injury to WR Johnson is 'just a crusher' - AP via ESPN
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Udeze opts to retire after leukemia battle - Minneapolis Star-Tribune
Kenechi Udeze, the Vikings defensive end who missed last season because of leukemia, has retired...
...Udeze also expected to graduate in mid-May from USC with a degree in sociology...
ALL is a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells...Udeze has made public speaking appearances this year in support of cancer research.
Udeze and his wife, Terrica, have a young daughter, Bailey....He was the winner of the team's Ed Block Courage Award...
Kenechi Udeze, the Vikings defensive end who missed last season because of leukemia, has retired......Udeze also expected to graduate in mid-May from USC with a degree in sociology...
ALL is a fast-growing cancer of the white blood cells...Udeze has made public speaking appearances this year in support of cancer research.
Udeze and his wife, Terrica, have a young daughter, Bailey....He was the winner of the team's Ed Block Courage Award...
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Maiava chasing job with Browns - Akron Beacon-Journal
When the subject of hunting was broached to Browns rookie linebacker Kaluka Maiava, he wasn't sure how to respond.
"What do you mean, on the field or actual hunting?" Maiava said.
That's because the fourth-round draft pick from USC honed his skill for chasing down opponents as a teenager, hunting wild boar in the the mountains of Maui.
And there were no guns involved, just a of couple dogs and presumably a long knife.
"We don't use guns, that's cheating," Maiava said...
Also, New Browns LB has ‘wild’ hobby - Warren Tibune-Chronicle
Mangini makes a point - Warren Tibune-Chronicle
Maiava takes part in first Browns practice - Maui News
When the subject of hunting was broached to Browns rookie linebacker Kaluka Maiava, he wasn't sure how to respond."What do you mean, on the field or actual hunting?" Maiava said.
That's because the fourth-round draft pick from USC honed his skill for chasing down opponents as a teenager, hunting wild boar in the the mountains of Maui.
And there were no guns involved, just a of couple dogs and presumably a long knife.
"We don't use guns, that's cheating," Maiava said...
Also, New Browns LB has ‘wild’ hobby - Warren Tibune-Chronicle
Mangini makes a point - Warren Tibune-Chronicle
Maiava takes part in first Browns practice - Maui News
David Buehler: 'My initial thought was, how many people are dead in this?' - Dallas News
David Buehler, the kicker/special teams player the Cowboys drafted in the fifth round, was standing on the sideline when the team's indoor facility began to collapse. He bolted out a side door and was sprinting across a practice field when a pole crashed down on him.
Buehler, dazed by a blow to his head, wriggled out from under the pole and crawled approximately 15 yards through pools of water before turning around and looking at the wreckage.
"My initial thought was, how many people are dead in this?" Buehler said tonight. "I thought I was the lucky one."
Buehler thinks he actually suffered the worst injuries among the players, although he wasn't severely hurt...
Also, Buehler No Ordinary Kicker - DFW Star-Telegram
1 Cowboy, 11 others injured in collapse - San Antonio News-Express
David Buehler, the kicker/special teams player the Cowboys drafted in the fifth round, was standing on the sideline when the team's indoor facility began to collapse. He bolted out a side door and was sprinting across a practice field when a pole crashed down on him.Buehler, dazed by a blow to his head, wriggled out from under the pole and crawled approximately 15 yards through pools of water before turning around and looking at the wreckage.
"My initial thought was, how many people are dead in this?" Buehler said tonight. "I thought I was the lucky one."
Buehler thinks he actually suffered the worst injuries among the players, although he wasn't severely hurt...
Also, Buehler No Ordinary Kicker - DFW Star-Telegram
1 Cowboy, 11 others injured in collapse - San Antonio News-Express
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Todd Marinovich: The Man Who Never Was - Esquire
...Marv had engineered his son's transfer to Capistrano Valley High, a public school in Mission Viejo. The team's head football coach, Dick Enright, was a USC alum and longtime friend of Marv's. As head coach at the University of Oregon, Enright had groomed quarterback Dan Fouts. Under Enright, Todd would go on to break the all-time Orange County passing record. He was named a Parade magazine All-American and the National High School Coaches Association's offensive player of the year.
Then the January 1988 issue of California magazine hit the stands with Todd's picture on the cover. The headline: ROBO QB: THE MAKING OF A PERFECT ATHLETE. A media onslaught ensued. They called Todd the bionic quarterback, a test-tube athlete, the boy in the bubble. All over the world, people were talking about Todd's amazing story. In truth, he was leading a double life...
...Marv had engineered his son's transfer to Capistrano Valley High, a public school in Mission Viejo. The team's head football coach, Dick Enright, was a USC alum and longtime friend of Marv's. As head coach at the University of Oregon, Enright had groomed quarterback Dan Fouts. Under Enright, Todd would go on to break the all-time Orange County passing record. He was named a Parade magazine All-American and the National High School Coaches Association's offensive player of the year.Then the January 1988 issue of California magazine hit the stands with Todd's picture on the cover. The headline: ROBO QB: THE MAKING OF A PERFECT ATHLETE. A media onslaught ensued. They called Todd the bionic quarterback, a test-tube athlete, the boy in the bubble. All over the world, people were talking about Todd's amazing story. In truth, he was leading a double life...
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Matthews' rise gives USC an impressive linebacker trifecta - USA Today
...Then there was the walk-on, Clay Matthews from Agoura Hills, Calif., the son of the former USC great and NFL linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and the nephew of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews.
He had his own path to trod, from redshirt to special-teams player to valuable substitute to, last season, starter on the outside at a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position for the Trojans.
And now here they all are, ready for their NFL close-up, a trio of linebackers from the same school all expected to be first-round draft picks...
...Then there was the walk-on, Clay Matthews from Agoura Hills, Calif., the son of the former USC great and NFL linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and the nephew of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews.He had his own path to trod, from redshirt to special-teams player to valuable substitute to, last season, starter on the outside at a hybrid defensive end/linebacker position for the Trojans.
And now here they all are, ready for their NFL close-up, a trio of linebackers from the same school all expected to be first-round draft picks...
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
Happiness Is a Warm Football Coach - NY Times [Play Magazine]
...the guy who runs his Web site, said if I came onto the field during warm-ups I could run up the tunnel and into the locker room with the team so I could hear the pregame talk. I’ll admit it was a thrill. I was a U.S.C. fan in my youth. I loved all those great running backs...Now I was going to run through the Coliseum with the Cardinal and Gold. As I did, I didn’t even realize Carroll was behind me until a security guy tried to stop me at the entrance to the team’s dressing room.
“He’s with us,” Carroll said. “I don’t even know why I’m saying that, but he’s with us.” He punched me on the arm, perhaps for the third or fourth time that day. He was like a kid, all excited. It was game day...
...they gathered around him in a huge huddle, I was thinking, I’m glad I’m not an Oregon Duck...
...the guy who runs his Web site, said if I came onto the field during warm-ups I could run up the tunnel and into the locker room with the team so I could hear the pregame talk. I’ll admit it was a thrill. I was a U.S.C. fan in my youth. I loved all those great running backs...Now I was going to run through the Coliseum with the Cardinal and Gold. As I did, I didn’t even realize Carroll was behind me until a security guy tried to stop me at the entrance to the team’s dressing room.“He’s with us,” Carroll said. “I don’t even know why I’m saying that, but he’s with us.” He punched me on the arm, perhaps for the third or fourth time that day. He was like a kid, all excited. It was game day...
...they gathered around him in a huge huddle, I was thinking, I’m glad I’m not an Oregon Duck...
Monday, September 22, 2008
Rey Maualuga keeps hits coming for USC - Portland Oregonian
..."I want people to fear me," says USC middle linebacker Rey Maualuga.
Fear may be too strong a word, but the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Maualuga has the undivided attention of every team the No. 1-ranked Trojans play.
When coaches prepare for USC, they must account for No.58.
Or start warming up their backup quarterback.
"Oh, my," is the immediate reaction of Oregon State coach Mike Riley when asked, "What do you think about Rey Maualuga?"
"Scary," said Riley...
Also, [Ledin] PRO: Will USC go undefeated in football this season? - VC Star
[Lassen] CON: Will USC go undefeated in football this season? - VC Star
..."I want people to fear me," says USC middle linebacker Rey Maualuga.Fear may be too strong a word, but the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Maualuga has the undivided attention of every team the No. 1-ranked Trojans play.
When coaches prepare for USC, they must account for No.58.
Or start warming up their backup quarterback.
"Oh, my," is the immediate reaction of Oregon State coach Mike Riley when asked, "What do you think about Rey Maualuga?"
"Scary," said Riley...
Also, [Ledin] PRO: Will USC go undefeated in football this season? - VC Star
[Lassen] CON: Will USC go undefeated in football this season? - VC Star
Thursday, September 18, 2008
[The Quad] SEC Notebook: Remembering 2003 - NY Times
There is some serious bluster going on around the Southeastern Conference this week...
...remember what happened the last time the Trojans showed up in SEC territory.
It was 2003. 23-0. Over Auburn. On the Plains. In the heat.
That was an Auburn team that had the nucleus of the group that went 13-0 in 2004. It was a young team, but U.S.C. also started a young quarterback, Matt Leinart...
...until an SEC team gets even with the Trojans on a national stage, that 23-0 is hanging out there, a bright red flag of a reminder...
There is some serious bluster going on around the Southeastern Conference this week......remember what happened the last time the Trojans showed up in SEC territory.
It was 2003. 23-0. Over Auburn. On the Plains. In the heat.
That was an Auburn team that had the nucleus of the group that went 13-0 in 2004. It was a young team, but U.S.C. also started a young quarterback, Matt Leinart...
...until an SEC team gets even with the Trojans on a national stage, that 23-0 is hanging out there, a bright red flag of a reminder...
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
[Waldner] Former Redondo standout Ellison quick to make imprint - Daily Breeze
...Name the quickest player on the USC football team.
Quick now.
No doubt Joe McKnight is on the top of your list. You saw the way he quick-stepped around the Ohio State defense for 105 rushing yards.
Actually, Kevin Ellison goes to the head of the line...
..."He's so smart," Seto said. "He's the glue who holds our defense together."
Great attitude. Great leader. Great awareness on the field. Great player.
"He leads by example," Seto said. "He's in the film room...all the time...
...Name the quickest player on the USC football team.Quick now.
No doubt Joe McKnight is on the top of your list. You saw the way he quick-stepped around the Ohio State defense for 105 rushing yards.
Actually, Kevin Ellison goes to the head of the line...
..."He's so smart," Seto said. "He's the glue who holds our defense together."
Great attitude. Great leader. Great awareness on the field. Great player.
"He leads by example," Seto said. "He's in the film room...all the time...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Goal Line Stand: Only USC can match SEC - Athlon Sports
...It remains to be seen whether the Trojans will win the national title. With 10 games remaining, nothing can be guaranteed, especially when upsets are happening more frequently, and keeping collegians motivated and focused for four-plus months is more challenging these days than preventing a brokerage house from failing. Plenty of pitfalls remain on the schedule, although after watching Maryland dump Cal, UNLV knock off Arizona State, and UCLA hold BYU under 60 in a 59-0 disgrace, it’s hard to imagine a Pac-10’s all-star outfit coming within two touchdowns of the Trojans. But you never know.
The relative weakness of the Pac-10, the Big Ten’s seeming sag, the ACC’s hopeless devotion to basketball, and the Big East’s regression to a mid-major conference underscore USC’s overwhelming might. Although the Big 12 might put up a moderate stink, championship football is played these days in only one locale (save Troy): the Southeastern Conference...
...It remains to be seen whether the Trojans will win the national title. With 10 games remaining, nothing can be guaranteed, especially when upsets are happening more frequently, and keeping collegians motivated and focused for four-plus months is more challenging these days than preventing a brokerage house from failing. Plenty of pitfalls remain on the schedule, although after watching Maryland dump Cal, UNLV knock off Arizona State, and UCLA hold BYU under 60 in a 59-0 disgrace, it’s hard to imagine a Pac-10’s all-star outfit coming within two touchdowns of the Trojans. But you never know.The relative weakness of the Pac-10, the Big Ten’s seeming sag, the ACC’s hopeless devotion to basketball, and the Big East’s regression to a mid-major conference underscore USC’s overwhelming might. Although the Big 12 might put up a moderate stink, championship football is played these days in only one locale (save Troy): the Southeastern Conference...
Thursday, August 14, 2008
The Best (And Worst) College Football Coaches For The Buck - Forbes
...At the head of the money class is University of Southern California head coach Pete Carroll, who pulled in a $4.4 million salary last year, including $400,000 in benefits and deferred compensation. Was he worth it?...
...To draw a fair comparison, we included only the 65 coaches from schools in the six major conferences,...as well as...Notre Dame...Coaches who negotiated new deals for more money during the most recent off-season were excluded.
...By our count, Carroll delivered more than his money’s worth. He has led USC to a 34-5 record since 2005 (including the 2007 and 2008 Rose Bowl titles), a record that is 54% better than the median coach in our analysis. As a result, Carroll scores a 114, meaning college football’s highest earning coach was 14% underpaid.
Also, The Most Valuable College Football Teams - Forbes
Champion Factories - Forbes
...At the head of the money class is University of Southern California head coach Pete Carroll, who pulled in a $4.4 million salary last year, including $400,000 in benefits and deferred compensation. Was he worth it?......To draw a fair comparison, we included only the 65 coaches from schools in the six major conferences,...as well as...Notre Dame...Coaches who negotiated new deals for more money during the most recent off-season were excluded.
...By our count, Carroll delivered more than his money’s worth. He has led USC to a 34-5 record since 2005 (including the 2007 and 2008 Rose Bowl titles), a record that is 54% better than the median coach in our analysis. As a result, Carroll scores a 114, meaning college football’s highest earning coach was 14% underpaid.
Also, The Most Valuable College Football Teams - Forbes
Champion Factories - Forbes
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Comparisons to Leinart don't faze Mater Dei QB Barkley - OC Register
If Matt Barkley's been asked it once, he's been asked it a thousand times: “What's it like to be compared to Matt Leinart?”...
...The question comes as no surprise to Barkley or anyone else. The similarities between the two go far beyond the obvious shared first name, becoming somewhat eerie when laid out in order.
Both have played starting quarterback for Mater Dei, with Leinart leading his team to a CIF Division I co-Championship in 1999 and Barkley guiding the Monarchs to a No. 1 state ranking during the 2007 season.
Both will be Trojans, as long as Barkley...keeps his commitment to USC. Leinart helped lead the cardinal and gold to back-to-back national championships and captured a Heisman Trophy in the process...
Also, Barkley wins national award - OC Register
If Matt Barkley's been asked it once, he's been asked it a thousand times: “What's it like to be compared to Matt Leinart?”......The question comes as no surprise to Barkley or anyone else. The similarities between the two go far beyond the obvious shared first name, becoming somewhat eerie when laid out in order.
Both have played starting quarterback for Mater Dei, with Leinart leading his team to a CIF Division I co-Championship in 1999 and Barkley guiding the Monarchs to a No. 1 state ranking during the 2007 season.
Both will be Trojans, as long as Barkley...keeps his commitment to USC. Leinart helped lead the cardinal and gold to back-to-back national championships and captured a Heisman Trophy in the process...
Also, Barkley wins national award - OC Register
USC foes will be 'Maualugaed' - ESPN
...Maualuga is a uniter, not a divider. If a person appreciates football distilled to its most basic essence -- knocking the pooh out of another guy -- then it's simply impossible to not like Maualuga...
...That's why a Maualuga neologism found its way into the online Urban Dictionary: Maualugaed. Defined as: "In football, it is used to describe when a player is absolutely destroyed by a hit. A reference to USC linebacker Rey Maualuga. Pronounced: mao-uh-loo-guhd."
And as used in a sentence: "Dude, did you just see the Michigan QB get completely maualugaed? I'm surprised he can still walk!"...
...Maualuga is a uniter, not a divider. If a person appreciates football distilled to its most basic essence -- knocking the pooh out of another guy -- then it's simply impossible to not like Maualuga......That's why a Maualuga neologism found its way into the online Urban Dictionary: Maualugaed. Defined as: "In football, it is used to describe when a player is absolutely destroyed by a hit. A reference to USC linebacker Rey Maualuga. Pronounced: mao-uh-loo-guhd."
And as used in a sentence: "Dude, did you just see the Michigan QB get completely maualugaed? I'm surprised he can still walk!"...
[Burlison] USC won't play for title, Sporting News says - Long Beach Press-Telegram
...How dominant will Coach Pete Carroll's USC defense be this season?
Five members of the magazine's 11-player first-team All-Pac-10 defense are Trojans, the most notable of those, of course, being the conference's best player, linebacker Ray Maualuga.
How uncertain is the status of the USC offense?
Just one of the 11 players tabbed as first-team all-conference offense selections, sophomore Joe McKnight, is a Trojan...
...How dominant will Coach Pete Carroll's USC defense be this season?Five members of the magazine's 11-player first-team All-Pac-10 defense are Trojans, the most notable of those, of course, being the conference's best player, linebacker Ray Maualuga.
How uncertain is the status of the USC offense?
Just one of the 11 players tabbed as first-team all-conference offense selections, sophomore Joe McKnight, is a Trojan...
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