Cassel will try hard to be No. 2 - Boston Globe
Doug Flutie's retirement has left an opening on the Patriots' depth chart behind Tom Brady. And while the team might sign a veteran free agent in the coming months, Flutie said yesterday that the future No. 2 might already be on the roster.

He believes Matt Cassel is ready to step up.

"I would feel very confident if he became the No. 2 this year," Flutie said of Cassel, a seventh-round draft choice in 2005. "He's bright and can grasp it all. He can do the things Tom does mentally. Not everyone can handle that end of it, and I think he can."

Cassel played in two games in 2005, with his most extensive time coming in the season finale against the Dolphins. He was 11 of 20 for 168 yards, with two touchdowns and no interceptions...

Ride switch led to Francis' death - LA Daily News
USC point guard Ryan Francis was supposed to get a ride home from a high-school teammate before a last-minute change of plans that led to his shooting death early Saturday in Baton Rouge, La.

Francis was going to leave a party with Loyola of New Orleans guard Torry Beaulieu, who also attended Glen Oaks High of Baton Rouge. But another friend offered Francis a ride home because Beaulieu lived on the other side of town.

"Ryan was going to ride home with Torry, but another guy said, ride home with me," USC coach Tim Floyd said...

Also, Funeral Set for USC's Francis - LA Times
[Downey] Player's death devastating for USC's Floyd - Chicago Tribune
Suspect could face unrelated trial today - Baton Rouge Advocate
[Lopresti] Wondering why death of USC guard Ryan Francis goes unnoticed - LA Times

Pac-10 spring recap - ESPN
...USC Trojans...

...Spring answers: In a backfield chock-full of question marks, it at least was refreshing to witness the surprising emergence of Ryan Powdrell this spring...TE Dominique Byrd was a nice player, but USC isn't pining over his departure because replacement Fred Davis had an outstanding spring...

...Fall questions: When your last two quarterbacks have won the Heisman Trophy and the probable replacement has back problems while seeing only mop-up duty, it's a good bet the first question is under center. Don't get us wrong here -- no one doubts the talent of fourth-year junior John David Booty...As for the host of freshmen arriving in August, Bush and White faced similar circumstances when they came on the scene in 2003. That turned out all right. Will Stafon Johnson, Emmanuel Moody, C.J. Gable and Kenny Ashley have the same kind of impact?...

[Sondheimer] Football Showcase Is Place to See and Be Seen - LA Times
It's a gorgeous, cloudless morning, and 230 college football coaches have converged on Stanford's practice field to observe close to 500 high school players dressed in shorts and gray shirts with numbers painted on their legs and plastered on their backs.

Pete Carroll of USC is shaking hands with Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh and future Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice...

...Pat Ruel, USC's offensive line coach, has brought along binoculars so he can get an up-close view of the linemen...

Also, An opportunity to sparkle - SF Chron
Character evaluation - SF Chron

If Reggie Bush is guilty, should USC forfeit any wins? - College Football News
Q: If Reggie Bush is guilty of working with a sports marketing agency and received improper benefits when he was still a Trojan, should USC forfeit any wins?...

...[Fiutak]...Do you really want to go nuclear and open the Pandora’s Box of taking away past achievements for something as silly as working with an agent?...

...[Cirminiello]...I waffle...when it comes to the question of forfeiting wins. And I hate waffling. No one wants to see innocent players, such as David Kirtman or Oscar Lua, go down with the ship...

...[Harris]...if USC didn’t have any clue about the Bush house or the Bush money – can you penalize them? I’m not sure that you can...

...[Zemek]...No...

Sanchez's Court Date Probably to Change - LA Times
A court hearing scheduled this week for USC quarterback Mark Sanchez will probably be delayed until the end of the month, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office said Monday.

Sanchez...was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday. But district attorney spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons said Sanchez would not be required to appear because the investigation into the allegations against him was not complete and no determination had been made on whether charges would be filed...

Also, Sanchez appearance delayed as investigation continues - OC Register

[Dodd] Heisman Week: Breaking down the candidates - CBS Sportsline
...This year's favorite? We won't reveal that until later in the week. Until then, here are the candidates' resumes...

...Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC, Jr.: Let's say everything else breaks down. There are no experienced tailbacks. John David Booty's back continues to bother him. Jarrett could still go for 1,500 yards and lead the Trojans to another Pac-10 title. While watching Leinart and Bush win Heismans, Jarrett: caught 29 career TD catches in his first two seasons. He is within three of the Pac-10 career record...

[Maisel and Forde] Can't wait to see these things this fall - ESPN
...Maisel
1. Who plays quarterback at USC? Can John David Booty recover from back surgery? Will Mark Sanchez recover from being charged for sexual assault? Who plays tailback? Will the Trojans have to forfeit their Bush-el of victories from last year? Will this defense improve from last year? In total, has this dynasty peaked?...

...Forde
1. Not much has gone right at USC since about the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter of the Rose Bowl. Does the slide stop when the season starts, or is the Trojans' sublime run done? It will be impossible to continue at the same level of dominance; the question is how far USC slips from that spot. Given the way Pete Carroll has recruited, this should still be a top-10 program...

Bush to agent: No holdout - USA Today
Rookie Reggie Bush has instructed his agent to avoid a New Orleans Saints training camp holdout at all costs.

"I told my agent I want to be in here in camp on time ... whatever it takes, I want to be in camp on time," he said Saturday at the team's minicamp. "I think it is important to start off on a good foot and a good note, not only with the team but the city."...

...Bush is scheduled Monday to donate $50,000 through his Adidas shoe deal to a New Orleans high school for special needs children that was scheduled to close without the donation.

"I feel good about Reggie and his character," Loomis said. "I've talked to the investigators. I've talked to the league office. They informed us of the circumstances. I think that situation will resolve itself."...

Also, CARRYING ON - New Orleans Times-Picayune
Rookies must earn their stripes - New Orleans Times-Picayune
'Other' guys don't mind Bush attention - Baton Rouge Advocate
[Robinson] Big Easy's sainted savior - Yahoo Sports

NFL pick has roots in Utah - Deseret News
...Once at USC, Lutui blossomed into an NFL prospect, but not before he conquered another problem, and this was one that he would have to solve on his own. While at Snow, players were weighed on a scale that went no higher than 350 pounds. Lutui's weight was somewhere north of 350, but after that it was anyone's guess. Lutui wasn't worried.

"I figured I must weigh 351 or so," he says.

Then he stepped on the scale two years ago at USC and the needle didn't stop until it settled on 396. "I was a Snickers bar away from 400,"...

USC staff to assist Francis' mother - OC Register
Three USC basketball coaches were traveling to Baton Rouge, La., on Sunday to be with the mother of slain Trojans guard Ryan Francis, who was shot and killed Saturday.

And USC's players are expected to depart Wednesday to attend their teammate's funeral, which tentatively is planned for Thursday in Baton Rouge...

...USC officials are hoping to establish a Ryan Francis memorial fund and asked that anyone interested in making a contribution call (800) 986-9943.

Also, USC's Francis Shot, Killed - LA Times
Services for Francis are in works - LA Daily News
More arrests possible, police say - Baton Rouge Advocate

UO puts up fight; USC runs away - Portland Oregonian
USC held off Oregon to win the Pacific-10 Conference men's track and field title Sunday at Hayward Field, but not without a fight.

The Trojans didn't clinch until they won the 4x400 relay, the competition's final event, with USC anchor Lionel Larry coming from behind in the final turn to catch Oregon's Jordan Kent.

Larry crossed the finish line first, giving the Trojans a winning relay time of 3 minutes, 5.74 seconds and 140 team points...

Also, USC wins Pac-10 track title - LA Daily News
[Bellamy] Meet was best of something old and new - Eugene Register-Guard
Trojans ride burst of firsts - Eugene Register-Guard

USC's Francis Shot, Killed - LA Times
...Francis and three other passengers in a 2006 Chevrolet Impala pulled up to a stoplight at an intersection in the northern part of the city around 3 a.m. when the driver of an adjacent vehicle recognized the driver in Francis' car "as someone that he had been disputing with over personal differences,"...

...The driver in the adjacent vehicle, a 2000 Mitsubishi Montero Sport, pulled up and blocked the intersection while wielding a firearm...

....The driver of the vehicle Francis was riding in tried to drive away, but the assailant opened fire and Francis, sitting in the left rear passenger seat, was hit several times...

Also, USC's Francis killed - LA Daily News
USC point guard Francis shot, killed in Louisiana - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
USC point guard shot to death - OC Register
Former Glen Oaks star slain - New Orleans Times-Picayune
USC's Francis killed - Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Photos: Canadian Press, AP1, AP2.

Refs' fumbles cost Trojans - Inland Empire Press-Enterprise
...Two plays, two laterals, two incorrect outcomes that gave Texas a TD and denied USC a chance for one, and also went without replay. In a three-point game decided with 19 seconds left, either could have been decisive.

...the Big Ten Conference rules were in place...

..."I don't know why the Bush lateral play has stayed under the radar the way it has," said Sorgen..."The replay crew just missed stopping the game on that one. And no one on the field saw it."...

Presence of Bush puts spotlight on Saints minicamp - Baton Rouge Advocate
...This camp will draw more national attention than the veterans minicamp in April simply because of the presence of No. 1 draft choice Reggie Bush, the Heisman Trophy-winning running back and kick returner from USC.

The Saints have credentialed at least a dozen national media outlets, including CBS Sports, ESPN, ESPN.com and major daily newspapers and magazines to chronicle Bush’s first three days as an NFL football player.

Bush will undoubtedly be the star today as he holds his own news conference between practice sessions. Things might calm down Sunday and Monday as the initial Reggie-mania subsides...

Also, N.O. already falling in love with talented, charismatic Bush - New Orleans Times-Picayune
Exhale! Bush survives practice - Jackson Clarion-Ledger
C'mon, NFL, get off your high horse - Biloxi Sun-Herald

Women's Group Urges USC to Crack Down - LA Times
...the California chapter of the National Organization for Women is calling on the university to crack down on players' behavior.

Helen Grieco, executive director of the chapter, sent a letter to USC President Steven Sample and Coach Pete Carroll this month expressing outrage over "the repeated gender-based crimes committed by USC football players. …"...

A Free Ride at Yale? Where Do I Sign Up? - NY Times
...Yale, which estimated that it will spend $4.75 million a year to provide free tuition, has provided significant financial aid in the past. Historically, one student from every teaching studio (violins, trombones and so forth) would receive a full scholarship and others would also get financial aid. But by eliminating tuition, Yale can compete with schools like the University of Southern California...

USC starting point guard killed in Louisiana - AP via CNNSI
Southern California freshman point guard Ryan Francis was shot and killed early Saturday while riding in a car in Louisiana, where he was visiting his mother.

The 19-year-old Francis was killed about 3:30 a.m. in Baton Rouge, said Tim Tessalone, USC's director of sports information.

"We understand he was in a car and somebody shot into the car,'' Tessalone said.

No other details were immediately available...

Also, Glen Oaks grad, USC guard killed in BR - Baton Rouge Advocate

Fulfilling a promise - Official Cleveland Browns Website
Entering his eighth season in the NFL, Browns cornerback Daylon McCutcheon has the financial wherewithal that would have allowed him to do just about anything to honor his mother on Sunday.

A cruise, a complete new wardrobe, new home furnishings, or a new car - none of these extravagant gifts were out of the question.

But in the end, McCutcheon chose not to spend a dime - not a single dime! - on his mom, Deborah Sterling, for Mother's Day.

Yet he was able to give his mom a present that's forever priceless...

...Friday morning at USC's Howard Jones Practice Field, ironically in the very place where McCutcheon honed his football skills so well that they got him drafted before he received his degree...

...And his mother was there to watch...

Powell goes the distance at USC - Eugene Register-Guard
That no college female athlete in the United States has navigated 10 rows of hurdles over 100 meters of track quicker than Virginia Powell is just one example of her fast-lane mind-set...

..."I want to be the best hurdler in the world."

Eleven months ago, during the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships...Powell blew down the track and over the hurdles in 12.61 seconds.

Powell's time was a USC record and equaled the collegiate and Pac-10 Conference standards set by Gail Devers...

..."I want to finish my four years at USC," said Powell, nearing completion of her work for a degree in public policy and management. "They have stuck by me all this time, and I will have my degree when I leave."...

Sprint for the future - Portland Tribune
...he has taken some heat for choosing the Trojans instead of the University of Oregon.

“I’ve lived in Oregon most of my life,” Anderson says. “People don’t realize there is a way bigger world out there than just being here in Oregon. (UO) is a great track school, but I’m ready for something new. I’ll get the training I need, and this climate is definitely not suitable for what I’m trying to accomplish.”...

...Anderson served as class president as a freshman and sophomore and last year became the first junior to reign as student-body president in school history. If there is an activity or club at the school, Anderson probably is involved with it.

“I’m trying to make myself a well-rounded person,” says Anderson, who says he carries a 3.0 GPA. “I try to be a good person not just on the track but in the classroom....

Claridge death ruled accidental - Las Vegas Review-Journal
Former NFL offensive lineman Travis Claridge...died from acute pneumonia, the Clark County coroner's office ruled Tuesday.

The coroner's office also said the painkiller oxycodone and an enlarged heart contributed to the Feb. 28 death, which was ruled an accident.

Ryan Claridge, a second-year pro with the New England Patriots, said his brother was taking a prescription painkiller because of an injury to his left quadriceps.

"He had a doctor's prescription," Ryan Claridge said. "It wasn't like he went off and took it on his own. The fact is he died from acute pneumonia."

Ryan Claridge said he was upset the media received the coroner's report before his family did...

[Judge] Bush's first pro battle is with the NFL - CBS Sportsline
OK, New Orleans, here's the deal with Reggie Bush: It's not commissioner Paul Tagliabue or the NFL office that determines what number the rookie running back wears this season. It's the rest of the league.

If Bush is allowed to keep his No. 5 from USC, it will involve changing a rule that's been in effect for over three decades, and patience, people...

...Some people will tell you that this one's a slam dunk...but don't believe it. There is nothing easy about overhauling an established idea because the league will demand a complete study...

...if there's to be a change in a rule that dates back to 1973...the NFL office wants to know when it will happen ... which is where this gets sticky...

Also, Saints, Dolphins trade is nullified - New Orleans Times-Picayune
Union grievances go to the replay - Detroit News
Bush pleads to stay No. 5 - USA Today

Families must know NCAA's rules, too - Orlando Sentinel
...Although seemingly every school in the country attempts to teach those close to the athletes about the rules, few, if any, track whether their lessons are learned.

For instance, none of the nine schools surveyed for this story said they ask parents to sign paperwork affirming they understand what they can accept, or how they can act, without jeopardizing their child's eligibility.

Such a move would not clear the schools in NCAA investigations, but it might lessen any sanctions an institution could face for violations...

...At USC, that includes sending players a "Nothing's Free" letter, written and signed by Coach Pete Carroll, that warns against accepting gifts and benefits...

[Fiutak] ASK CFN - College Football News
...Now that all the players involved have moved on the NFL, who had the better college backfield in 2004: Auburn or USC? – BP

A: USC and I don’t even blink. I don’t care about draft position. Going by college production, I’d take Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White over Jason Campbell, Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. Even if you’re talking pro potential, I’d take Leinart over Campbell, Bush over the Tiger backs, and I still believe White is going to be a tremendous NFLer...

[Harvey] Pooch Gets Permanent Place at USC - LA Times
Just down the street from the bronze of noble Tommy Trojan, a statue of a mangy mutt has been erected at USC. It's a tribute to George Tirebiter (19??-1950), a mascot whose name referred to his fondness for chasing cars.

Tirebiter, who seems to have roamed onto campus one day in the early 1940s and stayed, sat not altogether impassively on the sidelines during football games...

...Tirebiter, by the way, died 56 years ago — run over by a car he was chasing. One too many whitewalls...

Factors help out Sanchez - LA Daily News
..."It's an exception to the rule. Most clients his age usually speak," Ernenwein said.

Sanchez's case already was bolstered by the fact witnesses in the apartment have not said they believe he assaulted the alleged victim.

"I was in the area," said a student who did not wish to be identified. "I've heard both versions...I don't believe Mark did it."...

...Although the Pacific-10 Conference is investigating the living arrangement quarterback Matt Leinart and Dwayne Jarrett enjoyed...the NCAA will probably make the final decision on the matter...

Former Carson players propel USC tennis team - Daily Breeze
...They played together as kids, they played together for four years at Carson High and now they're playing together at USC.

The two juniors have helped the Trojans to the No. 2 national ranking entering the NCAA Tournament, which begins today with a four-team subregional at USC.

"I honestly think it's the best team we've had since I started at USC," DeVera said. "I really think we have a good chance at the title."...

For Trojans, the search to find a setup man is Dunn - Daily Breeze
Entering this season, one of the biggest concerns for the USC baseball team was the critical role in the bullpen in front of junior closer Paul Koss.

It was a void the Trojans struggled with last season, and there didn't seem to be a candidate who stood out.

Then former West Torrance High right-hander John Dunn reminded everyone why USC had recruited him in the first place.

"He's been really valuable," USC coach Mike Gillespie said. "He has really taken up a lot of slack with so many guys down with injuries. He's been able to continually go out again and again. I think he's played 34 games out of 47. He's had no injuries. He hasn't fatigued and worn out."...

Something to Mull Over the Morning Coffee - College Football Resource
This isn't sourced or anything, just dreaming up scenarios...

Destination, 2007:

Lloyd Carr resigns after the 2006 season at Michigan.

He is replaced by Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow.

Paradigm shift occurs and Michigan goes 13-1, captures the Big Ten title and beats Jim Tressel's hated Ohio State Buckeyes that season...

...Impossible? Maybe. But here's why it could happen:...

Attorney: Suspect Healthier - Las Vegas Review Journal

Cole Ford appears to be a changed man.The former kicker for the Oakland Raiders, who stands charged with shooting a gun at the home of Siegfried & Roy in 2004, appeared in court Tuesday, cleanshaven and with his hair closely cropped. In prior court appearances, Ford was wild-eyed, and his hair and beard were long and unkempt.

Ford is in the midst of a recovery from paranoid schizophrenia thanks to a regimen of anti-psychotic medications given to him at a state facility, said Ford's defense attorney...

..."It shows that in most cases, schizophrenia can be treated."

He said he wants to make sure that if Ford is granted probation, he will be monitored closely and will have to continue to take his medication.

Ford had played for the University of Southern California football team and then for the Raiders...

Making Computers Smarter - Red Herring
...Further off...is a device that can act as a “neural prosthesis” for patients who have lost cognitive or functional brain abilities due to disease or injury.

Ted Berger, director of neural engineering at the University of Southern California, said the device would be attached to a patient’s head and act in place of his or her damaged hippocampus.

“The hippocampus acts like a set of parallel processors,” said Dr. Berger. The artificial replacement would do the same...

Bush Inquiry Hits an Obstacle - LA Times
...the inquest has been complicated by an unusual circumstance.

Because founders of the sports marketing company plan to file a civil suit against Bush and his family, both sides have been wary of giving investigators information that could be used in court.

"I've got a lawsuit I have to deal with," Brian Watkins, the attorney for New Era Sports & Entertainment, said recently. "I can't show all my cards."

Anything said to investigators might reach opposing attorneys orally or by way of a subsequent NCAA report...

USC Women Look to Capitalize on Depth and Home Court in NCAAs - LA Times

The USC women's tennis team, looking to win its eighth national title but its first since 1985, plays host to one of 16 four-team women's NCAA regionals this weekend.

The third-seeded Trojans (17-3) will meet Army (15-12) in a first-round match at 2 p.m. Friday, preceded by a match between New Mexico (14-8) and Long Beach State (21-4) at 11 a.m...

...Regional winners advance to Stanford, where the men's and women's team championships will be contested for the first time at the same site. Play begins at Taube Tennis Center with the round of 16 for women on May 18...

..."We're very deep, and we all know it. That's the bottom line," said the Trojans' No. 1 player, Lindsey Nelson, a Villa Park High graduate who recovered from a month-long midseason bout with pneumonia to make the semifinals of the Pacific 10 Conference singles championships.

Crosstown Foes UCLA, USC Soak In This Rivalry - LA Daily News

To find the best of the crosstown rivalries between USC and UCLA, just add water.

It isn't football or basketball, it's not just about pride or bragging rights. In water polo, the Trojans and Bruins regularly battle for national championships.

It's no different this season, as the schools are ranked first and third in the country entering the NCAA Tournament in women's water polo Friday...

...The teams have won the national title nine of the past 10 years, including seven by the Bruins.

UCLA is the defending champion, though it's the Trojans who come into the tournament as the No. 1 seed. UCLA is ranked No. 3, though the Bruins beat USC last week in the conference tournament for the first time in three tries this season.

If the teams meet again, it will be in Sunday's final. To get there, each school likely will have to get past an opponent it lost to earlier in the season. In the semifinals, USC could face Hawaii, the team that snapped its 25-game winning streak.

UCLA could face No. 2 Stanford in the semifinals. USC opens against Claremont-Mudd- Scripps...

USC's Pete Carroll in town - Arkansas Times
No, he wasn't meeting with Little Rock bigwigs about taking over the Razorback head coaching job after cryin' Houston Nutt is finally shown the door. But the Southern Cal head football coach did stop in at Pulaski Academy one, to visit the coaching staff and recruit Broderick Green and (two) to meet any of the PA players who wanted to greet the national championship-winning Trojans coach...

Also, Southern Cal Coach, Pete Carroll Spends Time in S'port - KTBS-TV

Take Five - New Orleans Times Picayune

"Ridiculous," said the voice on the other end of the line. "It would be utterly ridiculous."

The question to Paul Hornung was: "What would you say if the NFL turns down a Saints request that Reggie Bush wear No. 5?"

Oddly enough, the man speaking would have been inside Saints jersey No. 5 in 1967, that is, had he been physically able to perform for the expansion franchise after being plucked from a list of players made available by the Green Bay Packers.

"I understand you have to have rules, but you've got a lot of stupid ones, and that goes for the NFL," Hornung said. "My favorite rule is the rule of reason. So you have a rule that running backs can't wear a single-digit number. Well, you make an exception. Along comes a guy who makes No. 5 famous during an incredible college career, and you're telling me he can't wear that number as a professional. That makes no sense. What about merchandising? The NFL are masters at that. Think of all the No. 5s the Saints will sell. I can't imagine Reggie wearing 15, 25, 35. He belongs in No. 5."

USC Professor Pictured Topless On Personal Web Site - KNBC-TV
...a controversy at the University of Southern California involves a professor who posted naked pictures of herself of a personal Web site...

...Dr. Diana York Blaine is a professor of Womens Studies and a self-described "Philosopher, Writer, Adventurer, and buttkicker."

KNBC-TV reported that the site is replete with a trio of topless photos of the professor...

..."The University will not be held responsible for the content of personal Web pages...

Investigations Progressing - LA Times

A Pacific 10 Conference enforcement official said USC's investigation into the financial arrangement by which receiver Dwayne Jarrett and former quarterback Matt Leinart shared an apartment last season could last another two weeks.

"They need to get some questions resolved … they are doing a little research to make sure they cover everything they need to," Ron Barker, associate commissioner of enforcement, said Monday.

Barker said there has been progress in the investigation into the relationship between a fledgling marketing company and Reggie Bush and his family...

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office has not yet determined whether charges will be filed against quarterback Mark Sanchez...

A quiet commitment to USC for Szakacsy - VC Star
Samson Szakacsy may be one of the most underhyped quarterbacks that three-time national champion finalist USC has recruited...

..."There were a lot of schools coming in late on Samson," said Camarillo coach Dennis Riedmiller. "I don't know what was holding people back about him.

"USC is getting a great athlete and a great person. His leadership skills are as good as anybody I've coached. His first practice was amazing. I had never seen the intensity of the whole team go up because of one person."

Szakacsy's preparation — he spends endless hours reviewing film — makes him a coach's dream. "He knows what everybody on his side of the field is supposed to do," said Riedmiller...

Tiger Cat player's death an accident, Las Vegas coroner rules - Canadian Press
A coroner has ruled that Hamilton Tiger Cats offensive lineman Travis Claridge died accidentally...

...The Clark County coroner's office in Las Vegas says the official cause of death was pneumonia.

But the coroner says Claridge was intoxicated with the painkiller oxycodone and had an enlarged heart...

Also, Death of pro football lineman in Las Vegas ruled accidental - AP via Las Vegas Sun

[Dodd] New committee giving further review to coach's challenge - CBS Sportsline
...The committee based part of their recommendation on a controversial bowl season for instant replay. For what is believed to be the first time, it was essentially acknowledged Monday that officials failed to overturn a touchdown in Texas' 41-38 victory over USC in January's Rose Bowl.

As Texas quarterback Vince Young was being dragged down in the second quarter by USC's Darnell Bing, he pitched to running back Selvin Young at the USC 11.

There were three issues: a) whether Vince Young pitched the ball forward (he didn't, video reviews show); b) whether Selvin Young stepped out of bounds during his 22-yard scoring run (he didn't); and c) whether Vince Young's left knee hit the ground as he pitched.

"Oh, it was down," Dave Parry, national coordinator of NCAA football officiating, told SportsLine.com on Monday.

Would such a coach's challenge have saved USC in its quest for a third consecutive national championship?...

Roughriders sign DT Hargrove, two receivers - Canadian Press
The Saskatchewan Roughriders signed defensive tackle Reggie Hargrove and wide receivers Hutch Gonzales and Kareem Kelly on Monday...

...Kelly, 25, spent last season with the Arena Football League's Los Angeles Avengers. The Los Angeles native played in three games and recorded 14 catches. Kelly caught 204 passes for 3,104 yards and 15 touchdowns over his four years at the University of Southern California.

[King] Keep five alive - CNNSI
...I find it absurd that the NFL Competition Committee, which will debate the issue this week, might not allow Reggie Bush to wear number 5 for the Saints. Here are five reasons why I think they should let him.

1. It would not be the end of Western civilization...And this would not be precedent-setting. The NFL saw to that when it gave Johnson, the top pick in 1996, permission to wear 19.

2. Everyone knows Bush as Number 5...

...3. Paul Hornung wore 5. You might remember him...

...4. Merchandising, people...

...5. Helping Katrina victims...

[Guilbeau] Bush for governor? It could work - Shreveport Times
...Bush will prove to be the Saints' best first-round pick ever (though that's not saying a lot), but I wonder how he would be as governor.

Money is obviously important to Bush and his agent Joel Segal...So I suspect he would take a hard look at this unfair, nearly criminal deal that the Saints managed to pull off with the state of Louisiana six years ago. Bush and Segal, his chief of staff, would be much more financially prudent than were former Governor Mike Foster and Steve Perry...

Trojans Get Good News - LA Daily News
USC tailback Chauncey Washington received a phone call from a professor Sunday that he got an A on his last final, which means he will be academically eligible next season.

It's big news for USC, because Washington is expected to be the starting tailback...

...Washington, academically ineligible the past two seasons, needed a 3.0grade-point average this semester to be eligible. But hHe said he easily surpassed that after receiving no lower than an A-minus on his finals.

"My GPA is going to be like a 3.8," Washington said. "I'm so excited. I did pretty well in the classroom."...

Also, USC's Washington is optimistic - OC Register

[Pompei] Inside Dish: Titans' Fisher could be on his way out - Sporting News
The Titans' decision to draft QB Vince Young has led some to speculate that this could be Jeff Fisher's last season in Tennessee. It was widely believed that Fisher and his coaching staff, which includes former Southern California offensive coordinator Norm Chow, preferred Chow's former pupil, Matt Leinart, over Young. But G.M. Floyd Reese was in Young's corner. Chow traditionally has had success with game manager-type quarterbacks who aren't top athletes. Young doesn't fit that mold. Fisher is believed to be entering the last year of his contract, though the team has an option on the 2007 season...

Camarillo's Szakacsy verbally commits to USC - Ventura Couny Star
...The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Szakacsy chose USC over Stanford, Purdue and Mississippi.

He is the second area quarterback in a month to commit to a major college program...

...A frequent visitor to USC camps over the years, Szakacsy received an unexpected visit from Trojans head coach Pete Carroll last week.

During a daily throwing session last Monday with teammates Sean Creadick and Kevin Bork on the football field, Carroll watched from the top of the stadium.

Not long after that workout, USC made Szakacsy a scholarship offer.

"Samson has always been a Trojan at heart," said Samson's mother, Nancy...

[Dienhart] Inside Dish - Sporting News
...the biggest problem this offseason at Southern California: the sexual assault investigation against backup QB Mark Sanchez. In football terms, a conviction would end Sanchez's career and put USC in a perilous situation at quarterback. Projected starter John David Booty recently had surgery for recurring back spasms, and any team doctor will tell you that back problems almost always linger. Should Booty's back flare up in the fall--and if Sanchez's case keeps him off the field--USC would be down to former walk-on Michael McDonald or incoming freshman Garrett Green. McDonald is the son of former Trojans QB Paul McDonald, and Green was USC's fallback recruit when it lost Elite 11 QB Tim Tebow to Florida...