Trojans hope to have receiver Jordan Addison and linebackers Eric Gentry and Ralen Goforth back for game at Arizona
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — USC was back at work Tuesday following its bye week in preparation for a game at Arizona. But not every Trojan was back in action.
Wide receiver Jordan Addison (leg) and linebacker Eric Gentry (ankle) remained sidelined after suffering injuries in the Week 7 loss to Utah. And linebacker Ralen Goforth was a new addition to the inactive list.
Head coach Lincoln Riley described all three as day-to-day as the Trojans prepare for the trip to Tucson.
“I think everybody’s going to be fine,” Riley said Tuesday. “We’ll see how they progress throughout the week.”
If the trio finds themselves unavailable Saturday, USC will find its depth chart challenged really for the first time this season, particularly at linebacker.
Gentry (left) has been a starter at outside linebacker and a revelation since his transfer from Arizona State. Goforth has been the third man at the position and has had to play a lot the past two games with the other starter, Shane Lee, dealing with a hand injury that kept him out against Arizona State and had him playing in a cast against Utah.
So if Gentry and Goforth are out Saturday, Tuasivi Nomura and Raesjon Davis could see time against the Wildcats.
The redshirt junior Nomura (44) had nine career tackles entering the season. But he’s gotten some more run this season, particularly with 35 snaps against Utah following Gentry’s injury in the second half.
And he’s impressed Riley with his toughness. The head coach noted Tuesday that in Week 3 against Fresno State, Nomura suffered a compound fracture of his finger in the middle of a play and had his bone protruding from the skin.
But Nomura stayed in the game for an additional three plays before alerting a trainer.
“And played well, like had two tackles,” Riley said. “Tells you about his toughness and about how much he wants to do well for this team.”
The sophomore Davis has been more of a contributor on special teams this year, but has done that job well and could be ready for a larger role.
“Really progressing defensively,” Riley said. “I think one of those guys that’s right on the cusp of playing significant reps and earning time there.”
Receiver, on the other hand, has always been one of the deeper positions for USC. Certainly losing Addison, the most dynamic target for quarterback Caleb Williams on the roster, would be a blow. But the Trojans have an array of veteran receivers who can make an impact with or without Addison.
And some that have been earning more and more playing time on their own, too.
Sophomore Michael Jackson III (9) only played one snap in USC’s first six games as he recovered from injuries. But he broke through after Addison’s injury against Utah with a play that looked like it had been drawn up with Addison in mind.
From the Utah 20, Jackson was lined out wide left. He took a few steps forward as if running a route, then retreated back behind the line of scrimmage to catch a screen pass. He ran behind a Tahj Washington block and made a tackler miss as he made his way to his first career touchdown.
“He had just such a string of nagging injuries, and I know his frustration level was at a boiling point. But again, another great example of, if you hang in there, then good things can happen,” Riley said. “He runs well with the ball. He’s an aggressive, tough, physical, competitive player.”
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I hope Addison, Goforth and Gentry sit, even if healthy until our final 2, HUGE, games against our 2 archg rivals UCLA and ND. Lets be honest, those are the 2 games that will be a barometer of just how good we are. No doubts about the offense. But our defense, seems too cool for school. Uneven play, allowing teams we should blow out, to hang around. The defense cost us the Utah game. Stop the 2 point try, we win. I fear the defense lacks coaching “FIRE.” A leader the team will listen to and run through walls for.… Read more »
Some B/R picks No. 10 USC at Arizona, 4 p.m. PT The Trojans tested their luck against a seasoned Utah team on the road and came out with their first loss of the season in Week 8. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense were electric yet again, and that won’t stop anytime soon. Williams recorded five touchdowns and 381 yards against the best team they’ve played so far. The Wildcats are an average team with a fine duo of quarterback Jayden de Laura and wide receiver Jacob Cowing. Arizona can put points on the board, but a low-grade defense going… Read more »
No. 14 Utah at Washington State, 7 p.m. PT (tonight, FS1) The Utes have had some bumps on the road during the 2022 season, with losses to Florida and UCLA, but they continue to be a true threat to the Pac-12 title. Utah knocked off USC last weekend to give the Trojans their first taste of defeat. Washington State moves through the success of former FCS quarterback Cameron Ward, but connection issues with his offensive line and receivers have caused a two-game losing streak. Ward and the Cougars have the ability to produce against most teams in the conference, but… Read more »
Chris Arledge is now doing weekly YouTube videos. I am a huge Arledge fan, so I am probably biased, but I really enjoyed them. I think the board will really enjoy this week’s video. Arledge called it the “Kevin White Awards.” He named it after the ND AD that gave Charley Weis the 10 year contract for losing the “Bush Push” game. It is an award for the worst football HC contracts. I found it hilarious. You can find it on YouTube by using “Chris Arledge USC” in the search function.
Lincoln Riley, USC are in a great position to raid Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M this offseason Matt Zemek (Yahoo.com) — “If you are looking at ways for USC to build itself up to a national championship standard for 2023 and then for its first Big Ten season in 2024, the transfer portal is going to be a central avenue for Lincoln Riley. “Among various head coaches at elite college football programs, Riley has already established himself as a leader in the transfer portal. This is how he immediately built back the USC roster. This is something he will continue… Read more »
LR & the coaching staff better be very particular about the TAM players they want, who are millionaires and not putting out to win games. Why would we want them here doing the same thing?
Very true. Players that are too focused on money, benefits and NIL “gifts” or “compensation” obviously run the risk of not bringing in the desired competitive nature that certain coaches will tell you is critically important to their idea of a healthy, successful program. A lot remains to be learned as NIL becomes more and more ingrained and complicated. So far it looks like LR has been a good judge of the characters he has pursued and landed through the portal. He’ll need to continue to be picky, investigative, and true to his instincts as well as those of his… Read more »
There may be some hard working, talented, grumpy Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors fed up with the millionaire Freshmen slackers and looking for a better culture.
PAC-12 Commish George Kliavkoff keeps crying publicly about the LA schools leaving for the Big 10 now says the “fans are against the move”. But he doesn’t say which fans. Have Mr. Crybaby come on this website and get our message loud & clear! The PAC-12 is the most mismanaged non-competitive football conference in the Power 5. Football drives the bus George, so you can stop calling this conference the conference of champions. Your schools can’t consistently compete nationally with the penny-any TV contracts it secures and expect the administrations to foot more of the bill (which they won’t and… Read more »
The fans against the move are; The Ucla fans who attend every game, both of them, and Governor Newsence
Oregon State is already prepping for the change- they’ve torn out half their stadium. Oregon loves the idea now they can wear the rainbow uniforms and not be embarrassed. Stanford is going independent so they can play Notre Dame every week.
I think it is safe to say most SC fans can’t wait to leave this half ass conference. A Network no one get get, HORRIBLE REFS, no TV money, always left out of the playoffs.
Kliavkoff needs to go take a dump, because it is now coming out of his mouth.
The guy is a complete tool.
A short discussion off the topics being discussed – I switch to NILs. In particular, I am following Texas A&M with interest, which I discuss below. Texas A&M appears to me to be a prime example of how NOT to use NIL. The Aggies brought in the #1 class in the nation and are awful – they should be 2-5 and are 3-4 and going nowhere fast. Jimbo suspended three true frosh from the team for violation of team rules. The knock on the Aggies is that they are not “hungry” and do not play “angry”. How would you feel… Read more »
RJJ, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. The young cannot handle the concept of being handed thousands just based on what they have done in high school. The work ethic of the young guys is bad enough, but now boosters are rewarding it. I too believe it will all backfire, as TAMU is the perfect example. Miami is another example along with Texas and their O line, but there they have 7 win Sark to deal with also. Giving the players an equal amount to come play and get by is one thing, making a kid a… Read more »
Speaking of potential upsets, I’ll be looking at the ORE at ORE ST game on Nov. 25, only a week after the Ducks host UTAH. I’d sure like to see the Beavers take the Ducks down.
Oregon State at home is a difficult game. Oregon knows that. Puts pressure on the Ducks to beat the Utes in Eugene. If the Utes beat them (and end with one loss), that would mean the Beavs could eliminate the Ducks from the Pac 12 Championship game with a loss in Corvallis. I really do not think a 2 loss team is going to make the Championship game. I expect the winner of the Oregon/Utah game and the winner of the SC/UCLA game will play for the Championship.
Cowherd, Hackett, Wilson, Carroll & Riley Colin Cowherd has been houndogging the Denver Broncos ever since the season began over their decision to hire Nathanial Hackett (Paul’s son), who he thinks is already doomed to failure as the Broncos HC. Cowherd also blames Hackett for the sudden and unexpected demise of Russell Wilson, whom Cowherd has always cherished. But what happens if Wilson plays just as disappointingly under the new Broncos coach, and a new Denver coach seems inevitable, possibly within a week or two. Maybe the real problem is Wilson, and maybe Pete Carroll just knew enough about Wilson… Read more »
Russell Wilson, as much as I like and respected him as a player and person, is just going through a deteriorating skill set. It happens to the best of them. And now he has an injury that makes it worse. When he loses the escapability and run aspect to his game, then he becomes a pocket passer whose arm and accuracy is not the same. Pete recognized it, and moved on. That’s why I would be reluctant to give guys like Murray and Lamar Jackson a long term second contract, because when they age and start losing their quickness and… Read more »
Russell Wilson’s sudden off-the-cliff talent drop makes me even more amazed by the skills of wife-be-gone Tom Brady, and other forever QBs like Johnny U, and Dan Marino. As you say, for some, it’s a quick, visible erosion…while others seem to go on in defiance of nature — the pocket passers, yep.
USC’s kickoff returns haven’t worked so far, but Raleek Brown provides hope Antonio Morales (The Athletic) — “Things have improved over the past few weeks, but USC is tied for 81st nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 19.33 yds. “The Trojans have tried out several returners — Gary Bryant Jr., Mario Williams, Brenden Rice, Tahj Washington — to mostly disappointing results. Raleek Brown, a true freshman running back, has seized the role the past couple of weeks and has improved the return unit. “He’s averaging 21.43 yds per return and has looked like USC’s most dynamic option in that role. Brown is fast… Read more »
Many observers of USC football can’t understand why USC insists, at this stage at least, on ever running the ball out since the Trojans almost always (literally) end up starting way in the hole because we can’t return kickoffs worth a damn.
Obviously, USC would like to catch a break and return a big one to help win a game. But so far, just taking the ball on the 25 on every single kick would be a vastly superior strategy based on the results through seven games.
Based on the results, running it out of the end zone or inside the 3 should be forbidden. I think giving Brown reps makes sense and it forces the opponent to take practice time to prep for it. I like getting Brown work (and he is the only kid who has shown any promise on kick off returns). We may need it against UCLA. I think Brown has a ton of promise.
We’ve all been waiting for the electric Brown to break loose in some form or another (AD comes to mind for me), but he hasn’t quite gotten the hang of it yet, and his injury set him back quite a bit. But I agree. He’s a touchdown waiting to happen, and sooner or later, it will.
regarding kick-off returns: ABSOLUTELY, don’t run it out; Take it on the 25. Only run out short kicks, outside the 10-yard line. Teams must avoid “getting in the hole”= inside your 15 yd line. Penalties and injuries are additional impediments to running it out.
Adore Jackson was our last great returner. How many times did his returns flip field position and change the game. I just don’t know if enough attention and coaching is spent addressing the importance of fundamentals, penalty discipline, and identifying and developing the right guys who excel at it.
The kick returners I have seen all want to juke and stutter step. A good returner never does that, they just haul ass with such speed it only take a minor change of direction to get by would be tacklers who are closing at a rapid pace. That is why AJ was so good, he never juked on a return. Rayleek has it down pretty well and should be the return man.
It sure would have been interesting to see if Caleb could have got the Trojans into field goal range, if Brown’s return to near midfield would have held up. I think he would have. If there is a special teams coach, wouldn’t his last words to that group be; Do not hold or block in the back under any circumstance “. I know it’s easy for me to say, but it cost us the chance to win, along with Riley’s clock mis-management at the end.
Wouldn’t that turn the CCG into a real head scratcher. It is becoming very apparent that the ucla game is going to be the biggest game of the year. Think it will get prime time TV slot? I am doubting it. Would game day show up? Not likely. But who cares anyway.
I was going to make a “joke” about the game saying, “it all depends on the referee crew they draw,” but reading further down I realized I’m not the only one who thinks the officials are that bad. ..how refreshing?
The next weekend, it’s not much better: 6:30 against CU (FS1).
Bad calls. Bad refs. Bad bowls. Bad TV contracts and distribution. Bad start times. Sorry we messed you around in the end Pac-12. Not really. Hopefully, you’ll get disbanded and become no more.
The Trojans have won a whopping 37 Pac-Whatever football championships. Sure would be nice to leave on a winning note and add another, or two, on the way out.
I have confidence that USC is trying extremely hard to rectify the ridiculous game time problems and the B1G has already been vocal about trying hard to accommodate both USC and UCLA as new, highly desirable entrants with travel issues. But if you suspect that nothing will really change, only time will tell.
Big 10
9 am Fox … doubt you will ever see SC in this game
12:30 CBS … SC will be in this game a lot
5 pm NBC … Primetime games will feature SC plenty
Big10 knows what it has with a good USC program, they will be featured by the conference since it’s an automatic sell out. The key is that SC protects it’s interests and does get a ridiculous schedule while OhioSt keeps its cupcakes.
Fred, I think the Big 10 will make sure the bulk of its Midwest, and East coast fan base will be able to view a members games no later than 5 pm eastern. It’s too bad the PAC conference schedulers couldn’t have at least made sure that a homecoming game isn’t later than 5pm west coast time, because a large bulk of the alumni are probably traveling a distance to the game, and want to make arrangements further out than a week or two before.
Very disappointing. I’m planning on driving over to the LA area to see my son and it would have been nice to go to an afternoon Homecoming Game. Back in the day before all these crazy TV contracts, the game times came out with the schedule. It made sense to have an evening game in early September when it tends to be hot like it was this year and then moving to the afternoon games in Oct-Nov. I suppose this year’s game times are still based on the remnants of Larry Scott’s tenure as PAC-12 commissioner and the horrible TV… Read more »
The 7:30 game is up against a couple of other events (potentially) in the area and makes taking public transportation a bit of a hassle. The last train to Rialto is 9:30 ish and that’s in the middle of halftime with the refs we get(I set a recording for Utah and missed the fourth quarter.)
So we take the metro gold line in. They run into the wee hours, but the stations have become homeless encampments. Fortunately I have indoctrinated my whole family, so we travel in a pack.
A compound fracture with a bone sticking out isn’t anything to ignore. I wonder if they set it during the game. Both Addison and Gentry are listed as day to day, but if they aren’t needed probably shouldn’t play. Both players would probably try to go if allowed.
At receiver I think we’re okay. Linebacker might be a test, but I am not too worried. We’re 2 and a half touchdown favorites and I think we can cover.
My concern is being on the PAC 12 channel (and PAC 12 refs)
LR doesn’t seem like he’s ever going to be very forthcoming about injuries, which is actually fine with me. I’d just as soon keep our opponents unsure about who they’ll be lining up against. Aim for UCLA.
I would keep every injured player that is iffy, out until UCLA. Time to see what backups can do, and playing time might keep them out of the portal after the season ends
I just finished watching ESPN’s College Football 150 — The American Game: Rivalries. Such amazingly inspirational footage, narration, and rivalry stories are told from the very beginning of the game. USC was very well featured as both ND and UCLA’s main nemesis. Can’t wait for USC to take the field against UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 19, time to be announced. I know I’m way ahead of myself, and USC still has to beat CAL, CU, and ARIZ before taking on the dangerous Bruins. But we’re gonna win those games. And I think UCLA will beat STAN, ASU,… Read more »
That was a well done series on ESPN, and a great history lesson for traditionalists and young people who love college football but aren’t aware of anything before they were born. Definitely carried down to me from my Dad and Uncles.
Yes, I think SC can handle the mildcats this weekend. But they are not so mild. Rivals ranked them #21 in 2022 [ most years they rank in the 50’s or 60’s, with perhaps 1-2 4-star recruits and maybe a dozen 3 stars]. I attended both schools: I was very happy to leave Tucson [ hot in the day, cold at night], and their fans are lukewarm; needless to say, I cheer for “my” Trojans. So, don’t let up, and DON’T take them for granted because they can be troublesome [occasionally]. PS: UofA’s recruit ranking by RIVALS in 2022 was… Read more »
Two of the schools you mention rosegreen, both lowly CAL and ORE, have already smashed ARIZ this season 49-31 and 49-22 (in Tucson). I have no doubt the last thing that LR will do is take the Wildcats lightly, even though USC still managed to beat them last season with one of the worst Trojan teams I have ever seen.
I don’t think ARIZ stands a chance, especially with Johnny Nansen as their first-year DC, but I’ve been wrong plenty of times before. Thanks for your insight and perspective, and Fight On!
The Ducks are one of the best teams in the country rosegreen. CAL and ARIZ are two of the worst. Hopefully, that finally clarifies the obvious for you.
This is the time of year I commented on at the beginning of the season. USC has every chance to run the table, but the only thing that would hold them back is injuries. I never thought we would lose two of our best in the hardest game of the season, so either they get back to playing status or the next guys have really got to step up. From what I have seen our replacements are way ahead of where the replacements were last season, so I have confidence in them.
Gentry (left) has been a starter at outside linebacker and a revelation since his transfer from Arizona State. Goforth has been the third man at the position and has had to play a lot the past two games with the other starter, Shane Lee, dealing with a hand injury that kept him out against Arizona State and had him playing in a cast against Utah.
The redshirt junior Nomura (44) had nine career tackles entering the season. But he’s gotten some more run this season, particularly with 35 snaps against Utah following Gentry’s injury in the second half.
Sophomore Michael Jackson III (9) only played one snap in USC’s first six games as he recovered from injuries. But he broke through after Addison’s injury against Utah with a play that looked like it had been drawn up with Addison in mind.
I hope Addison, Goforth and Gentry sit, even if healthy until our final 2, HUGE, games against our 2 archg rivals UCLA and ND. Lets be honest, those are the 2 games that will be a barometer of just how good we are. No doubts about the offense. But our defense, seems too cool for school. Uneven play, allowing teams we should blow out, to hang around. The defense cost us the Utah game. Stop the 2 point try, we win. I fear the defense lacks coaching “FIRE.” A leader the team will listen to and run through walls for.… Read more »
Some B/R picks No. 10 USC at Arizona, 4 p.m. PT The Trojans tested their luck against a seasoned Utah team on the road and came out with their first loss of the season in Week 8. Quarterback Caleb Williams and the offense were electric yet again, and that won’t stop anytime soon. Williams recorded five touchdowns and 381 yards against the best team they’ve played so far. The Wildcats are an average team with a fine duo of quarterback Jayden de Laura and wide receiver Jacob Cowing. Arizona can put points on the board, but a low-grade defense going… Read more »
Anyone taking WSU over Utah? WSU has a chance, albeit slim, to turn the Pac12 on its ear. Could be a watchable game, unless of course they “coug it”.
No. 14 Utah at Washington State, 7 p.m. PT (tonight, FS1) The Utes have had some bumps on the road during the 2022 season, with losses to Florida and UCLA, but they continue to be a true threat to the Pac-12 title. Utah knocked off USC last weekend to give the Trojans their first taste of defeat. Washington State moves through the success of former FCS quarterback Cameron Ward, but connection issues with his offensive line and receivers have caused a two-game losing streak. Ward and the Cougars have the ability to produce against most teams in the conference, but… Read more »
Chris Arledge is now doing weekly YouTube videos. I am a huge Arledge fan, so I am probably biased, but I really enjoyed them. I think the board will really enjoy this week’s video. Arledge called it the “Kevin White Awards.” He named it after the ND AD that gave Charley Weis the 10 year contract for losing the “Bush Push” game. It is an award for the worst football HC contracts. I found it hilarious. You can find it on YouTube by using “Chris Arledge USC” in the search function.
Pac-12 releases conference preseason men’s basketball poll with USC as #4
Pac-12 Preseason Poll
1. UCLA (26 first-place votes) – 386
2. Arizona (3) – 352
3. Oregon (3) – 336
4. USC – 300
5. Stanford (1) – 239
6. Colorado – 207
7. Arizona State – 193
8. Washington State – 185
9. Washington – 158
10. Utah – 102
11. California – 69
12. Oregon State – 47
on3.com
Lincoln Riley, USC are in a great position to raid Jimbo Fisher and Texas A&M this offseason Matt Zemek (Yahoo.com) — “If you are looking at ways for USC to build itself up to a national championship standard for 2023 and then for its first Big Ten season in 2024, the transfer portal is going to be a central avenue for Lincoln Riley. “Among various head coaches at elite college football programs, Riley has already established himself as a leader in the transfer portal. This is how he immediately built back the USC roster. This is something he will continue… Read more »
LR & the coaching staff better be very particular about the TAM players they want, who are millionaires and not putting out to win games. Why would we want them here doing the same thing?
Very true. Players that are too focused on money, benefits and NIL “gifts” or “compensation” obviously run the risk of not bringing in the desired competitive nature that certain coaches will tell you is critically important to their idea of a healthy, successful program. A lot remains to be learned as NIL becomes more and more ingrained and complicated. So far it looks like LR has been a good judge of the characters he has pursued and landed through the portal. He’ll need to continue to be picky, investigative, and true to his instincts as well as those of his… Read more »
There may be some hard working, talented, grumpy Sophmores, Juniors and Seniors fed up with the millionaire Freshmen slackers and looking for a better culture.
Bo Nix vs Caleb Williams sure would be something to see for the P12 championship!
PAC-12 Commish George Kliavkoff keeps crying publicly about the LA schools leaving for the Big 10 now says the “fans are against the move”. But he doesn’t say which fans. Have Mr. Crybaby come on this website and get our message loud & clear! The PAC-12 is the most mismanaged non-competitive football conference in the Power 5. Football drives the bus George, so you can stop calling this conference the conference of champions. Your schools can’t consistently compete nationally with the penny-any TV contracts it secures and expect the administrations to foot more of the bill (which they won’t and… Read more »
The fans against the move are; The Ucla fans who attend every game, both of them, and Governor Newsence
Oregon State is already prepping for the change- they’ve torn out half their stadium. Oregon loves the idea now they can wear the rainbow uniforms and not be embarrassed. Stanford is going independent so they can play Notre Dame every week.
Great post Rialto!
Lmao
I think it is safe to say most SC fans can’t wait to leave this half ass conference. A Network no one get get, HORRIBLE REFS, no TV money, always left out of the playoffs.
Kliavkoff needs to go take a dump, because it is now coming out of his mouth.
The guy is a complete tool.
A short discussion off the topics being discussed – I switch to NILs. In particular, I am following Texas A&M with interest, which I discuss below. Texas A&M appears to me to be a prime example of how NOT to use NIL. The Aggies brought in the #1 class in the nation and are awful – they should be 2-5 and are 3-4 and going nowhere fast. Jimbo suspended three true frosh from the team for violation of team rules. The knock on the Aggies is that they are not “hungry” and do not play “angry”. How would you feel… Read more »
RJJ, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. The young cannot handle the concept of being handed thousands just based on what they have done in high school. The work ethic of the young guys is bad enough, but now boosters are rewarding it. I too believe it will all backfire, as TAMU is the perfect example. Miami is another example along with Texas and their O line, but there they have 7 win Sark to deal with also. Giving the players an equal amount to come play and get by is one thing, making a kid a… Read more »
Speaking of potential upsets, I’ll be looking at the ORE at ORE ST game on Nov. 25, only a week after the Ducks host UTAH. I’d sure like to see the Beavers take the Ducks down.
Oregon State at home is a difficult game. Oregon knows that. Puts pressure on the Ducks to beat the Utes in Eugene. If the Utes beat them (and end with one loss), that would mean the Beavs could eliminate the Ducks from the Pac 12 Championship game with a loss in Corvallis. I really do not think a 2 loss team is going to make the Championship game. I expect the winner of the Oregon/Utah game and the winner of the SC/UCLA game will play for the Championship.
Agree. In a conference that doesn’t play great defense, OSU plays the best, IMO
Cowherd, Hackett, Wilson, Carroll & Riley Colin Cowherd has been houndogging the Denver Broncos ever since the season began over their decision to hire Nathanial Hackett (Paul’s son), who he thinks is already doomed to failure as the Broncos HC. Cowherd also blames Hackett for the sudden and unexpected demise of Russell Wilson, whom Cowherd has always cherished. But what happens if Wilson plays just as disappointingly under the new Broncos coach, and a new Denver coach seems inevitable, possibly within a week or two. Maybe the real problem is Wilson, and maybe Pete Carroll just knew enough about Wilson… Read more »
Russell Wilson, as much as I like and respected him as a player and person, is just going through a deteriorating skill set. It happens to the best of them. And now he has an injury that makes it worse. When he loses the escapability and run aspect to his game, then he becomes a pocket passer whose arm and accuracy is not the same. Pete recognized it, and moved on. That’s why I would be reluctant to give guys like Murray and Lamar Jackson a long term second contract, because when they age and start losing their quickness and… Read more »
Russell Wilson’s sudden off-the-cliff talent drop makes me even more amazed by the skills of wife-be-gone Tom Brady, and other forever QBs like Johnny U, and Dan Marino. As you say, for some, it’s a quick, visible erosion…while others seem to go on in defiance of nature — the pocket passers, yep.
USC’s kickoff returns haven’t worked so far, but Raleek Brown provides hope Antonio Morales (The Athletic) — “Things have improved over the past few weeks, but USC is tied for 81st nationally in kickoff returns with an average of 19.33 yds. “The Trojans have tried out several returners — Gary Bryant Jr., Mario Williams, Brenden Rice, Tahj Washington — to mostly disappointing results. Raleek Brown, a true freshman running back, has seized the role the past couple of weeks and has improved the return unit. “He’s averaging 21.43 yds per return and has looked like USC’s most dynamic option in that role. Brown is fast… Read more »
If the ball is kicked into the end zone let it go and take it on the 25, if not, catch it and run like hell.
Many observers of USC football can’t understand why USC insists, at this stage at least, on ever running the ball out since the Trojans almost always (literally) end up starting way in the hole because we can’t return kickoffs worth a damn.
Obviously, USC would like to catch a break and return a big one to help win a game. But so far, just taking the ball on the 25 on every single kick would be a vastly superior strategy based on the results through seven games.
Based on the results, running it out of the end zone or inside the 3 should be forbidden. I think giving Brown reps makes sense and it forces the opponent to take practice time to prep for it. I like getting Brown work (and he is the only kid who has shown any promise on kick off returns). We may need it against UCLA. I think Brown has a ton of promise.
We’ve all been waiting for the electric Brown to break loose in some form or another (AD comes to mind for me), but he hasn’t quite gotten the hang of it yet, and his injury set him back quite a bit. But I agree. He’s a touchdown waiting to happen, and sooner or later, it will.
regarding kick-off returns: ABSOLUTELY, don’t run it out; Take it on the 25. Only run out short kicks, outside the 10-yard line. Teams must avoid “getting in the hole”= inside your 15 yd line. Penalties and injuries are additional impediments to running it out.
Adore Jackson was our last great returner. How many times did his returns flip field position and change the game. I just don’t know if enough attention and coaching is spent addressing the importance of fundamentals, penalty discipline, and identifying and developing the right guys who excel at it.
I’m a huge Adoree fan. What a fantastic representative/performer of USC football IMO. He did some especially bad damage to both ND and UCLA.
Thank you for “THE” most ambiguous statement of all time.
The kick returners I have seen all want to juke and stutter step. A good returner never does that, they just haul ass with such speed it only take a minor change of direction to get by would be tacklers who are closing at a rapid pace. That is why AJ was so good, he never juked on a return. Rayleek has it down pretty well and should be the return man.
It sure would have been interesting to see if Caleb could have got the Trojans into field goal range, if Brown’s return to near midfield would have held up. I think he would have. If there is a special teams coach, wouldn’t his last words to that group be; Do not hold or block in the back under any circumstance “. I know it’s easy for me to say, but it cost us the chance to win, along with Riley’s clock mis-management at the end.
Totally.
Ah F it in this conference … it will get called back anyway
see Brown’s big return that was going to win the game for SC vs Utah
BS call
I would not be shocked if Washington St beats Utah at home tomorrow night. Hope it happens
Wouldn’t that turn the CCG into a real head scratcher. It is becoming very apparent that the ucla game is going to be the biggest game of the year. Think it will get prime time TV slot? I am doubting it. Would game day show up? Not likely. But who cares anyway.
I was going to make a “joke” about the game saying, “it all depends on the referee crew they draw,” but reading further down I realized I’m not the only one who thinks the officials are that bad. ..how refreshing?
It is my upset special of the week. I have not done well predicting outcomes, so take that one with a LOT of salt.
Looks like Homecoming against Cal is a 7:30 game. So disappointing
The next weekend, it’s not much better: 6:30 against CU (FS1).
Bad calls. Bad refs. Bad bowls. Bad TV contracts and distribution. Bad start times. Sorry we messed you around in the end Pac-12. Not really. Hopefully, you’ll get disbanded and become no more.
The Trojans have won a whopping 37 Pac-Whatever football championships. Sure would be nice to leave on a winning note and add another, or two, on the way out.
what makes you think that the big-ten start times on the west coast won;t be at 5:30 or later?
I have confidence that USC is trying extremely hard to rectify the ridiculous game time problems and the B1G has already been vocal about trying hard to accommodate both USC and UCLA as new, highly desirable entrants with travel issues. But if you suspect that nothing will really change, only time will tell.
5:30 aint 7:30, 7:45 or 8 pm, Fred.
Big 10
9 am Fox … doubt you will ever see SC in this game
12:30 CBS … SC will be in this game a lot
5 pm NBC … Primetime games will feature SC plenty
Big10 knows what it has with a good USC program, they will be featured by the conference since it’s an automatic sell out. The key is that SC protects it’s interests and does get a ridiculous schedule while OhioSt keeps its cupcakes.
Fred, I think the Big 10 will make sure the bulk of its Midwest, and East coast fan base will be able to view a members games no later than 5 pm eastern. It’s too bad the PAC conference schedulers couldn’t have at least made sure that a homecoming game isn’t later than 5pm west coast time, because a large bulk of the alumni are probably traveling a distance to the game, and want to make arrangements further out than a week or two before.
Very disappointing. I’m planning on driving over to the LA area to see my son and it would have been nice to go to an afternoon Homecoming Game. Back in the day before all these crazy TV contracts, the game times came out with the schedule. It made sense to have an evening game in early September when it tends to be hot like it was this year and then moving to the afternoon games in Oct-Nov. I suppose this year’s game times are still based on the remnants of Larry Scott’s tenure as PAC-12 commissioner and the horrible TV… Read more »
The 7:30 game is up against a couple of other events (potentially) in the area and makes taking public transportation a bit of a hassle. The last train to Rialto is 9:30 ish and that’s in the middle of halftime with the refs we get(I set a recording for Utah and missed the fourth quarter.)
So we take the metro gold line in. They run into the wee hours, but the stations have become homeless encampments. Fortunately I have indoctrinated my whole family, so we travel in a pack.
Ain’t Democrat leadership just grand?
Times have changed Chip
0-6 vs top-10 as UCLA HC
6-3 vs top-10 as ORE HC
A compound fracture with a bone sticking out isn’t anything to ignore. I wonder if they set it during the game. Both Addison and Gentry are listed as day to day, but if they aren’t needed probably shouldn’t play. Both players would probably try to go if allowed.
At receiver I think we’re okay. Linebacker might be a test, but I am not too worried. We’re 2 and a half touchdown favorites and I think we can cover.
My concern is being on the PAC 12 channel (and PAC 12 refs)
LR doesn’t seem like he’s ever going to be very forthcoming about injuries, which is actually fine with me. I’d just as soon keep our opponents unsure about who they’ll be lining up against. Aim for UCLA.
I would keep every injured player that is iffy, out until UCLA. Time to see what backups can do, and playing time might keep them out of the portal after the season ends
PAC-12 ref hatred for USC is real.
I just finished watching ESPN’s College Football 150 — The American Game: Rivalries. Such amazingly inspirational footage, narration, and rivalry stories are told from the very beginning of the game. USC was very well featured as both ND and UCLA’s main nemesis. Can’t wait for USC to take the field against UCLA at the Rose Bowl on Nov. 19, time to be announced. I know I’m way ahead of myself, and USC still has to beat CAL, CU, and ARIZ before taking on the dangerous Bruins. But we’re gonna win those games. And I think UCLA will beat STAN, ASU,… Read more »
That was a well done series on ESPN, and a great history lesson for traditionalists and young people who love college football but aren’t aware of anything before they were born. Definitely carried down to me from my Dad and Uncles.
Yes, I think SC can handle the mildcats this weekend. But they are not so mild. Rivals ranked them #21 in 2022 [ most years they rank in the 50’s or 60’s, with perhaps 1-2 4-star recruits and maybe a dozen 3 stars]. I attended both schools: I was very happy to leave Tucson [ hot in the day, cold at night], and their fans are lukewarm; needless to say, I cheer for “my” Trojans. So, don’t let up, and DON’T take them for granted because they can be troublesome [occasionally]. PS: UofA’s recruit ranking by RIVALS in 2022 was… Read more »
Two of the schools you mention rosegreen, both lowly CAL and ORE, have already smashed ARIZ this season 49-31 and 49-22 (in Tucson). I have no doubt the last thing that LR will do is take the Wildcats lightly, even though USC still managed to beat them last season with one of the worst Trojan teams I have ever seen.
I don’t think ARIZ stands a chance, especially with Johnny Nansen as their first-year DC, but I’ve been wrong plenty of times before. Thanks for your insight and perspective, and Fight On!
Hmm, per your quote: “both lowly CAL and ORE” ??? Sure Cal is weak but ORE?
The Ducks are one of the best teams in the country rosegreen. CAL and ARIZ are two of the worst. Hopefully, that finally clarifies the obvious for you.
ahh noooo. You said ” both lowly CAL and ORE”. [ Obviously Cal, Ariz and Colo are the weakest ]. I’m a little slow😅, so please clarify😉
This is the time of year I commented on at the beginning of the season. USC has every chance to run the table, but the only thing that would hold them back is injuries. I never thought we would lose two of our best in the hardest game of the season, so either they get back to playing status or the next guys have really got to step up. From what I have seen our replacements are way ahead of where the replacements were last season, so I have confidence in them.
yeap, Utes vs Trojans: apparently a very hard hitting game resulting in multiple, albeit minor, injuries for both teams.