‘Neilon Nudge’ puts USC offensive line in spotlight
The linemen’s fourth-down effort, led by Brett Neilon, proved pivotal in the Trojans’ win over Oregon State
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — Brett Neilon didn’t fully understand why his phone was blowing up after USC played Oregon State, or why people were congratulating him on a big fourth-down play.
He thought quarterback Caleb Williams had rushed for the first down himself. But when he watched the video, Neilon saw that it was his hit and push of Williams that got USC the first down to keep the game-winning drive alive.
“I channeled my inner sumo, and I just kind of belly-bumped him,” said Neilon, who spent part of his childhood in Japan. “I assumed the refs thought he might be pretty close, jockeying for position. So I just went and I hit him pretty hard. Maybe the hardest hit of my life.”
The play was dubbed by the center himself as the “Neilon Nudge,” but it gave the entire USC offensive line a moment in the spotlight.
In the video, it’s not just Neilon (62) who hits Williams. Right tackle Jonah Monheim (79) does so simultaneously, leaving no room for right guard Justin Dedich (57), who had the same idea. Left guard Andrew Vorhees (72) clears out one of the Oregon State defenders trying to push the opposite direction. Left tackle Bobby Haskins was further up field, but he comes in late in case USC was in need of reinforcement.
“One of my favorite plays I’ve ever had anywhere,” head coach Lincoln Riley said. “That right there is everything that we’ve been preaching. That gives you a chance even when you’re not at your best offensively, but the elite effort and fight gave us a shot.”
When Riley arrived at USC, he made a lot of additions through the transfer portal across the roster. But offensive line did not see many new faces. Haskins is a graduate transfer, and Cooper Lovelace added some depth out of junior college, but overall Riley seemed comfortable rolling with the guys on the roster.
And for the most part, the USC offensive line has rewarded him. Neilon and Vorhees have picked up where they’ve left off as multi-year starters. Monheim has taken a massive step forward as a redshirt sophomore and Dedich has settled into his first full-time starting job and role as team captain.
The one position still left to be settled is left tackle, with Haskins and returner Courtland Ford still battling it out there.
For the second consecutive game, Ford did not play after injuring his ankle in Week 2. Riley said Ford likely could have played, but USC opted to sit him and make sure he was 100% healthy for this week’s game against Arizona State.
The Oregon State contest was not the best performance by anyone on the USC offense, the line included. While the unit put together a strong run-blocking performance, Williams was under constant stress as the Beaver pass rush got to him time and again.
But when it mattered, the USC offensive line found a way to give a little extra, something that wasn’t lost on position coach Josh Henson.
“He was proud that we scrapped it together,” Monheim said. “Obviously, it wasn’t pretty, but we got it done so he was happy.”
Domani Jackson debuts
USC’s highly touted freshman corner Domani Jackson made his debut against Oregon State. He finished with a pair of tackles and a positive review from his head coach.
“They tried to sneak the tight end out on a play and he had really disciplined eyes, which is good for a young guy,” Riley said. “I was excited about how he started but just the beginning.”
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Sorry for the off topic comment- I coach a high school basketball team (off season stuff) and today we beat a team we have lost to 5 or 6 times in a row. Means nothing in grand scheme, but those 8 boys are riding high tonight.
Stewart Mandel (The Athletic) — “Call me crazy, but right now my best bet for the fourth team (to make the college football playoff) is the Pac-12 champion, which I’ll narrow down to USC or Washington (which don’t play each other during the regular season) plus Utah, though the Utes face a tall task running the table. “For the first time in years, the conference had both some high-end nonconference wins (Wazzu at Wisconsin, Oregon vs. BYU, Washington vs. Michigan State) and largely avoided bad losses. USC gets Notre Dame at the end of the year. So whoever emerges as champion will do so with some credibility. “I… Read more »
I’m a lot like both Mandel and Klatt in my thinking. I’m surprised USC is already ranked #6. But since they can win even when their amazing QB is way off the mark, that’s very promising. I already love this USC team, for so many reasons, but after seeing Caleb unexpectedly struggle so severely, I have come to believe USC will need its entire team to win more than ever, and that includes special teams, which have been very disappointing. It’s gonna be a wild season, and I already have USC winning 10 reg season games, at least. In some… Read more »
No question we are still trying to get used to what we see before our very eyes. I believe LR is getting everything possible out of what he has to work with, including his staff. We can’t even say Donte is questionable, his backs are performing. Have you looked at the stats on points after a turnover? There is all of the ncaa, then way ahead is USC. That column I posted earlier explains it.
I like that UTAH plays UCLA at the Rose Bowl the week before USC heads to SLC for the battle against the Utes. They might be drained. Of course, so might USC, coming off dangerous WSU. USC vs UTAH equals a barnburner.
The Fate of the Undefeated Q — “There are 21 undefeated FBS teams remaining. Rank them by when you think they will lose next. “ Stewart Mandel’s (The Athletic) answer And away we go … UCLA: Friday vs. Washington (Spoiler alert) Alabama: Saturday at Arkansas Kentucky: Saturday at Ole Miss NC State: Saturday at Clemson TCU: Saturday vs. Oklahoma Florida State: Oct. 8 at NC State Clemson: Oct. 15 at Florida State James Madison: Oct. 15 at Georgia Southern Kansas: Oct. 15 at Oklahoma Michigan: Oct. 15 vs. Penn State Minnesota: Oct. 15 at Illinois Syracuse: Oct. 15 vs. NC State Tennessee: Oct.… Read more »
October 15 is Pac12 game of the year. October 22 Cal will get killed. I think Michigan goes until Nov 26 at Ohio St. Ole Miss Nov 12 vs Alabama Clemson this weekend vs NC State.
Pac-12 in danger of eventual collapse as Big Ten considers further expansion, Big 12 interest looms Dennis Dodd (CBS Sports) — “The Big Ten’s continued pursuit of four Pac-12 schools is leading to concern that another round of expansion could collapse the Pac-12, industry sources tell CBS Sports. This as Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren continues to seek an offer from Amazon, or potentially another partner, for additional Big Ten football media rights revenue. “An offer deemed substantial enough would likely convince Big Ten presidents that California, Oregon, Stanford and Washington would be valuable additions to the league from the… Read more »
Cal and Stanford bring the Bay Area media market and Oregon and Washington bring the Pacific Northwest markets in Portland and Seattle. Makes sense to me.
There still seems to be so much uncertainty about how this is all gonna shake out. These continued discussions make me think that Gavin Newsom and George Kliavkoff aren’t gonna be able to steer UCLA back to the Pac-12, or whatever it is to be called. I’m beginning to think more and more that the Pac-12 might end up dissolving. Whoever else ends up joining the B1G shouldn’t get the same cut of money that new colossal entrant USC does. USC led the way, and LR and USC are probably the most discussed CFB team/coach in the country, for numerous… Read more »
Washington, Stanford, and Cal would bring some television numbers. Oregon can go to the Mountain West with OSU and WA St. For some reason I just can’t see Cal or Stan in the B1G being competitive. I would rather see OSU go B1G than the ducks.
I respectfully, Steveg, don’t see UDUB, Oregon & Stanford going into the MWC. I do see OSU & WSU possibly doing so where they would be more competitive. I have no clue where CAL would end up but the so called four-corner schools likely could merge into the Big 12 if there are no other options. Of course, UDUB, Oregon, Stanford & CAL could be swallowed up by the Big Ten in a few years? I read where the ACC is talking to both Big 12 & PAC schools about a national 3rd major conference (ACC, Big 12 & PAC… Read more »
ORE’s OC, Kenny Dillingham, has publicly blamed Lebron James (famous for leaving for the Miami Heat) for all this current player movement in college football. Really Kenny? Players, since they are just little kids, have always wanted to leave for better teams and opportunities. Most everyone has always wanted to play on the best teams, with the best players and coaches, especially if their friends are there. I coached Pop Warner for a few years in the mid-80s. Literally, my only negative experience associated with this wonderful opportunity to coach kids was the fact that certain teams “stacked themselves with… Read more »
There is so much that is rediculus about that. First, didn’t Babe Ruth leave the Red Sox for the Yankees, what, a hundred or so years ago. Second college athletes have a 5 year window to play and get the most out of it. Now they can and aren’t stuck. Now your Pop Warner experience. The biggest problem with youth sports is the adults that get in the way of kids having fun playing a game together. I feel sorry for those guys that think they have to cheat to have the best neighborhood kids sports team. How many of… Read more »
Maybe the Babe is a poor example, but my point is, players have been leaving one team and having success on another team since sport began. Sometimes easier than others.
I was on staff when we sent Sedric Ellis to USC. He did pretty good. Did good as a pro but got smart and got out while healthy. That made it all worthwhile. But I do agree that adults screw up kids sports more than anything.
Both coaching and playing Pop Warner was easily one of the most satisfying sports experiences I’ve ever had.
Ran into one of my better youth players (now with his own family and grown children) about five years ago. The fun we had together remembering certain incidents on our team was fantastic. You understand, and congrats on your coaching involvement as well!
Klatt gets off on being different than everyone else. It makes him look like he actually knows what he is talking about. This is the type of guy that should not be voting in the polls.
I think it is great you do Allen, other opinions are always welcome, but we can agree to disagree and still have a good time. Other writers put up different rankings also.
All I said was I like Joel Klatt. I’m not trying to convince you to like him and I couldn’t care less if you do. I always post about Klatt for the purposes of the entire TDB, not just one person. And I frequently post rankings from various other sources whenever I find them educational or otherwise interesting — regardless of my own personal viewpoints. I welcome all your opinions regardless of what they are @Steveg, and I always have during the nearly five years John and I have offered this terrific and fun Trojan forum. That’s what the TDB… Read more »
Of course Allen I agree. We have had some great point of view disagreements and to be honest you have helped to broaden my view. I simply do not agree with his rankings, but I am sure before the season is over it will change again and I will like what he has written. I guess the media tends to rub me the wrong way at times no matter who they are. On here we are all friends first. It seems to work really well. And I appreciate all you and John do.
Klatt is ok … loves him his Suckisian or what Suck used to supply him. Good thing Suck keeps proving he is a born loser or Klatt and Herbie would never shut up about their lazy loser little buddy.
Sark has always been a soft coach who coaches soft teams. TEXAS bought into him hook, line, and sinker for some reason that I don’t understand. Can Saban really be that powerful? Guess so.
It’s interesting to see the “nudge” being compared I the “push.” It turns out both are legal plays. So much was made of the Bush Push after it happened that a writer for SI (as I recall) pointed out that no foul had occurred. The rule that the Irish believed to have been broken was intended to keep a team from carrying a player, or throwing a player over the line of scrimmage. Pushing the pile was recently reinforced in the rules as legal. I cannot remember if pulling the player is prohibited, but pushing is legal. That being said,… Read more »
Great post. I never once in my life saw a player actually penalized for pushing another ball carrier forward in football for extra yardage. I’m sure it happened, but I just missed it (maybe). Has anyone here actually ever seen a Bush Push or Neilon Nudge-type play that was called back because of so-called “illegal pushing?” Please let us TDBers know if you’ve ever actually witnessed this penalty and seen it called. I never have. And now USC has somehow in a desperate game again “pushed” itself into the CFB world with yet another one of these plays that has… Read more »
I thought of you and your less-than-positive position on CLEM football this season when I came across Dez Bryant’s prediction that the Tigers will actually be in the POs, along with USC to boot!
College football, it’s just the absolute best…BTW, Colin Cowherd agrees with you about CLEM.
The only problem I had with Bryants prediction was who knocks out Ohio St. and then does not make the playoffs. Clemson has a good defense but for some reason their Qb isn’t cutting it quite yet.
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — “The full story of the Neilon Nudge has yet to be written, the full weight of that moment to be determined through the remainder of this season. But early that Sunday morning, when Brett Neilon finally returned to his place around 3 a.m., he couldn’t sleep. USC’s center was still running on adrenaline. “Eventually, around 5 a.m., he decided to text his dad, whom he hadn’t seen after the game. They barely talked about the play, until Mike brought it up himself. “The best part of our conversation,” Mike said, “was when he told me,… Read more »
The Clay Helton Loss Watch 4-0 Coastal Carolina (yes, they are called the Chanticleers) is favored at home by 10 points over 3-1 Georgia Southern and Clay Helton this Saturday at 1pm PT (ESPN+). A chanticleer — pronounced SHON-ti-cleer — is a rooster. In the early 1960s, Coastal’s athletic teams were known as the Trojans until a group of Coastal students and their English professor-basketball coach Cal F. Maddox brought up the idea of a new mascot. It helped that the Chanticleer was from the same family of the animal kingdom as the Gamecock, the mascot of Coastal’s parent institution at the time, which… Read more »
Game ball for the O line. One play by them saved the game for USC and they went on to win. It is absolutely amazing the transformation this team has taken in such a short time.
That play will live on just like the Bush push.
“I channeled my inner sumo, and I just kind of belly-bumped him,” said Neilon, who spent part of his childhood in Japan. “I assumed the refs thought he might be pretty close, jockeying for position. So I just went and I hit him pretty hard. Maybe the hardest hit of my life.”
In the video, it’s not just Neilon (62) who hits Williams. Right tackle Jonah Monheim (79) does so simultaneously, leaving no room for right guard Justin Dedich (57), who had the same idea. Left guard Andrew Vorhees (72) clears out one of the Oregon State defenders trying to push the opposite direction. Left tackle Bobby Haskins was further up field, but he comes in late in case USC was in need of reinforcement.
USC’s highly touted freshman corner Domani Jackson made his debut against Oregon State. He finished with a pair of tackles and a positive review from his head coach.
Sorry for the off topic comment- I coach a high school basketball team (off season stuff) and today we beat a team we have lost to 5 or 6 times in a row. Means nothing in grand scheme, but those 8 boys are riding high tonight.
Congratulations to you and your team!
Stewart Mandel (The Athletic) — “Call me crazy, but right now my best bet for the fourth team (to make the college football playoff) is the Pac-12 champion, which I’ll narrow down to USC or Washington (which don’t play each other during the regular season) plus Utah, though the Utes face a tall task running the table. “For the first time in years, the conference had both some high-end nonconference wins (Wazzu at Wisconsin, Oregon vs. BYU, Washington vs. Michigan State) and largely avoided bad losses. USC gets Notre Dame at the end of the year. So whoever emerges as champion will do so with some credibility. “I… Read more »
Tell that to Joel Klatt
It seems like Joel Klatt is way too far into your head.
Mandel also predicts that USC will lose to UTAH on Oct. 15, so, like Klatt, Mandel’s not sold yet on the Trojans either.
Problem is I am. Just like you I think the sky is the limit for these guys.
I’m a lot like both Mandel and Klatt in my thinking. I’m surprised USC is already ranked #6. But since they can win even when their amazing QB is way off the mark, that’s very promising. I already love this USC team, for so many reasons, but after seeing Caleb unexpectedly struggle so severely, I have come to believe USC will need its entire team to win more than ever, and that includes special teams, which have been very disappointing. It’s gonna be a wild season, and I already have USC winning 10 reg season games, at least. In some… Read more »
No question we are still trying to get used to what we see before our very eyes. I believe LR is getting everything possible out of what he has to work with, including his staff. We can’t even say Donte is questionable, his backs are performing. Have you looked at the stats on points after a turnover? There is all of the ncaa, then way ahead is USC. That column I posted earlier explains it.
Winning at Utah will be tough. Not impossible, LR will have them ready but difficult.
I like that UTAH plays UCLA at the Rose Bowl the week before USC heads to SLC for the battle against the Utes. They might be drained. Of course, so might USC, coming off dangerous WSU. USC vs UTAH equals a barnburner.
It’s officially already desperado time at OU football!
Wow they only require a 2.5 GPA. That’s a C grade. Not a lot of smart students play football at OU for sure.
What is the GPA requirement at USC? I know the ncaa req is 2.5
I hear there’s this Chad Powers guy that might be available…
Just the guy we need.
If Chad Powers has eligibility left, Gabriel is QB2
The Fate of the Undefeated Q — “There are 21 undefeated FBS teams remaining. Rank them by when you think they will lose next. “ Stewart Mandel’s (The Athletic) answer And away we go … UCLA: Friday vs. Washington (Spoiler alert) Alabama: Saturday at Arkansas Kentucky: Saturday at Ole Miss NC State: Saturday at Clemson TCU: Saturday vs. Oklahoma Florida State: Oct. 8 at NC State Clemson: Oct. 15 at Florida State James Madison: Oct. 15 at Georgia Southern Kansas: Oct. 15 at Oklahoma Michigan: Oct. 15 vs. Penn State Minnesota: Oct. 15 at Illinois Syracuse: Oct. 15 vs. NC State Tennessee: Oct.… Read more »
October 15 is Pac12 game of the year. October 22 Cal will get killed. I think Michigan goes until Nov 26 at Ohio St. Ole Miss Nov 12 vs Alabama Clemson this weekend vs NC State.
Pac-12 in danger of eventual collapse as Big Ten considers further expansion, Big 12 interest looms Dennis Dodd (CBS Sports) — “The Big Ten’s continued pursuit of four Pac-12 schools is leading to concern that another round of expansion could collapse the Pac-12, industry sources tell CBS Sports. This as Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren continues to seek an offer from Amazon, or potentially another partner, for additional Big Ten football media rights revenue. “An offer deemed substantial enough would likely convince Big Ten presidents that California, Oregon, Stanford and Washington would be valuable additions to the league from the… Read more »
Cal and Stanford bring the Bay Area media market and Oregon and Washington bring the Pacific Northwest markets in Portland and Seattle. Makes sense to me.
There still seems to be so much uncertainty about how this is all gonna shake out. These continued discussions make me think that Gavin Newsom and George Kliavkoff aren’t gonna be able to steer UCLA back to the Pac-12, or whatever it is to be called. I’m beginning to think more and more that the Pac-12 might end up dissolving. Whoever else ends up joining the B1G shouldn’t get the same cut of money that new colossal entrant USC does. USC led the way, and LR and USC are probably the most discussed CFB team/coach in the country, for numerous… Read more »
Washington, Stanford, and Cal would bring some television numbers. Oregon can go to the Mountain West with OSU and WA St. For some reason I just can’t see Cal or Stan in the B1G being competitive. I would rather see OSU go B1G than the ducks.
I could easily see the leftover Pac-12 schools merging with the Mountain West and the Big 12 to form a super conference.
This assumes that only USC and UCLA are it for the B1G.
I respectfully, Steveg, don’t see UDUB, Oregon & Stanford going into the MWC. I do see OSU & WSU possibly doing so where they would be more competitive. I have no clue where CAL would end up but the so called four-corner schools likely could merge into the Big 12 if there are no other options. Of course, UDUB, Oregon, Stanford & CAL could be swallowed up by the Big Ten in a few years? I read where the ACC is talking to both Big 12 & PAC schools about a national 3rd major conference (ACC, Big 12 & PAC… Read more »
Read a really great article on RoT:
https://reignoftroy.com/posts/why-usc-football-points-off-turnover-margin-actually-sustainable
ORE’s OC, Kenny Dillingham, has publicly blamed Lebron James (famous for leaving for the Miami Heat) for all this current player movement in college football. Really Kenny? Players, since they are just little kids, have always wanted to leave for better teams and opportunities. Most everyone has always wanted to play on the best teams, with the best players and coaches, especially if their friends are there. I coached Pop Warner for a few years in the mid-80s. Literally, my only negative experience associated with this wonderful opportunity to coach kids was the fact that certain teams “stacked themselves with… Read more »
Who is worse, Kenny or Lebron.
Different problems. Kenny’s just stupid.. 😀
There is so much that is rediculus about that. First, didn’t Babe Ruth leave the Red Sox for the Yankees, what, a hundred or so years ago. Second college athletes have a 5 year window to play and get the most out of it. Now they can and aren’t stuck. Now your Pop Warner experience. The biggest problem with youth sports is the adults that get in the way of kids having fun playing a game together. I feel sorry for those guys that think they have to cheat to have the best neighborhood kids sports team. How many of… Read more »
Maybe the Babe is a poor example, but my point is, players have been leaving one team and having success on another team since sport began. Sometimes easier than others.
I was on staff when we sent Sedric Ellis to USC. He did pretty good. Did good as a pro but got smart and got out while healthy. That made it all worthwhile. But I do agree that adults screw up kids sports more than anything.
Both coaching and playing Pop Warner was easily one of the most satisfying sports experiences I’ve ever had.
Ran into one of my better youth players (now with his own family and grown children) about five years ago. The fun we had together remembering certain incidents on our team was fantastic. You understand, and congrats on your coaching involvement as well!
Joel Klatt’s latest Top 10 on The Herd
1 GA best all-around, most complete
2 OHIO ST best offense
3 ALA struggles on the road going back to last year
4 MICH
5 CLEM
6 UK great QB — Will Levis
7 OKS
8 USC
9 PSU
10 TENN
Klatt gets off on being different than everyone else. It makes him look like he actually knows what he is talking about. This is the type of guy that should not be voting in the polls.
I think Klatt’s great overall, as well as very well-informed, accurate and insightful, which is why I frequently post his thoughts or rankings here.
I think it is great you do Allen, other opinions are always welcome, but we can agree to disagree and still have a good time. Other writers put up different rankings also.
All I said was I like Joel Klatt. I’m not trying to convince you to like him and I couldn’t care less if you do. I always post about Klatt for the purposes of the entire TDB, not just one person. And I frequently post rankings from various other sources whenever I find them educational or otherwise interesting — regardless of my own personal viewpoints. I welcome all your opinions regardless of what they are @Steveg, and I always have during the nearly five years John and I have offered this terrific and fun Trojan forum. That’s what the TDB… Read more »
Of course Allen I agree. We have had some great point of view disagreements and to be honest you have helped to broaden my view. I simply do not agree with his rankings, but I am sure before the season is over it will change again and I will like what he has written. I guess the media tends to rub me the wrong way at times no matter who they are. On here we are all friends first. It seems to work really well. And I appreciate all you and John do.
We are like a family here. Fight On!
Klatt is ok … loves him his Suckisian or what Suck used to supply him. Good thing Suck keeps proving he is a born loser or Klatt and Herbie would never shut up about their lazy loser little buddy.
Sark has always been a soft coach who coaches soft teams. TEXAS bought into him hook, line, and sinker for some reason that I don’t understand. Can Saban really be that powerful? Guess so.
It’s interesting to see the “nudge” being compared I the “push.” It turns out both are legal plays. So much was made of the Bush Push after it happened that a writer for SI (as I recall) pointed out that no foul had occurred. The rule that the Irish believed to have been broken was intended to keep a team from carrying a player, or throwing a player over the line of scrimmage. Pushing the pile was recently reinforced in the rules as legal. I cannot remember if pulling the player is prohibited, but pushing is legal. That being said,… Read more »
Great post. I never once in my life saw a player actually penalized for pushing another ball carrier forward in football for extra yardage. I’m sure it happened, but I just missed it (maybe). Has anyone here actually ever seen a Bush Push or Neilon Nudge-type play that was called back because of so-called “illegal pushing?” Please let us TDBers know if you’ve ever actually witnessed this penalty and seen it called. I never have. And now USC has somehow in a desperate game again “pushed” itself into the CFB world with yet another one of these plays that has… Read more »
Dez Bryant @DezBryant (Twitter)
My picks for the college playoffs.
Alabama, Georgia, USC, Clemson. Caleb Williams is the real deal… I actually picking them to go to the championship!
Coach Lincoln Riley is exactly what USC needed… he’s for sure bringing back the heartbeat to the USC winning tradition
“clemson is a work in progress”= quote from the coach
Not to be confused with “playoff caliber ready”. I keep saying Clemson should not be in the top 10.
I thought of you and your less-than-positive position on CLEM football this season when I came across Dez Bryant’s prediction that the Tigers will actually be in the POs, along with USC to boot!
College football, it’s just the absolute best…BTW, Colin Cowherd agrees with you about CLEM.
Bryant loves LR too. Can’t fault him there.
The only problem I had with Bryants prediction was who knocks out Ohio St. and then does not make the playoffs. Clemson has a good defense but for some reason their Qb isn’t cutting it quite yet.
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — “The full story of the Neilon Nudge has yet to be written, the full weight of that moment to be determined through the remainder of this season. But early that Sunday morning, when Brett Neilon finally returned to his place around 3 a.m., he couldn’t sleep. USC’s center was still running on adrenaline. “Eventually, around 5 a.m., he decided to text his dad, whom he hadn’t seen after the game. They barely talked about the play, until Mike brought it up himself. “The best part of our conversation,” Mike said, “was when he told me,… Read more »
The Clay Helton Loss Watch 4-0 Coastal Carolina (yes, they are called the Chanticleers) is favored at home by 10 points over 3-1 Georgia Southern and Clay Helton this Saturday at 1pm PT (ESPN+). A chanticleer — pronounced SHON-ti-cleer — is a rooster. In the early 1960s, Coastal’s athletic teams were known as the Trojans until a group of Coastal students and their English professor-basketball coach Cal F. Maddox brought up the idea of a new mascot. It helped that the Chanticleer was from the same family of the animal kingdom as the Gamecock, the mascot of Coastal’s parent institution at the time, which… Read more »
The chanticleer is know as the bad ass of the barnyard.
good stuff…interesting.
Game ball for the O line. One play by them saved the game for USC and they went on to win. It is absolutely amazing the transformation this team has taken in such a short time.
That play will live on just like the Bush push.