Colin Cowherd puts a few more nails into the Helton and Swann coffins —
“Lincoln Riley makes over a hundred million. Damn straight he does.
“Clay Helton not only crushed the roster, but he and Lynn Swann almost killed the program. That’s a billion-dollar brand. Literally, there’s nobody at the games now with two NFL teams.
“So Lincoln Riley now is in a mad dash in the transfer portal to not only get the roster better, because it’s a mess…but also to get the brand back, to churning revenue, 75,000 USC hoodies all over town and golf shirts and hats…
“USC football’s had about three great coaches ever, and about nine whiffs. Just be very careful. Tread very lightly (when dealing with great coaches).”
_________
TrojanDailyBlog members — Always feel free to add information or topics to the TDB which don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.
I still want Caleb but I gotta be honest …..I don’t seem to love him today as much as I did 2-3 weeks ago ……….But some guy named Lincoln Riley has A TON of my love ……Fight On !
USC’s current OL,
Brett Neilon
Andrew Vorhees
Justin Dedich
Courtland Ford
Jonah Monheim
Bobby Haskins
Plus 7 others I don’t know if played. Does a QB sleep at night with this protection?
This o/l is not nearly as bad as it was 2 years ago. It made strides last year and is not unrealistic to think it will improve again this year. Plus LR offense will be more effective than the GH offense. I am not projecting the o/l to be the best in the league. But I am not as worried about it as I was in previous years.
I gotta think improved culture, coaching and conditioning will step this group up even more.
Yeah…A little tough love and a hunger to win
Caleb is down to LSU and USC.
Such interesting final options, USC and LSU.
Such significant lifestyle differences between the two football heavyweights has me thinking he already knows what he wants to do, but just isn’t ready to announce yet.
If NFL future is the driving consideration, he is over-thinking it. Really no difference in the long run with either, and probably a couple other schools. The film he lays down at any of several schools, plus his combine performance or personal workout results, will be the determining factor. With USC, he gets known coach, known offense, better receivers, and a better chance to put up better stats against weaker defenses. With an SEC pick, he gets unknowns in all those…only upside is “playing in SEC is better” perception. Big risk departing from Riley. Also, the amount of money to… Read more »
HIS leading schools last year WERE BOTH HORRIBLE!!!
So in my opinion, His Helicopter Daddy is trying to milk the NIL for all its worth.
I have a gut feeling from just watching Riley’s body language and facial expressions, I doubt he is willing to play the Williams games, he knows Caleb’s strengths and weak points better than anyone including his Daddy.
If Caleb chooses LSU, I bet Dart snaps back like a rubber band. Then Riley makes Dart his personal project.
Dart is a very good Plan B with Moss another year to grow. At this point Williams or Dart will do just fine.
I have read in more than one place that Calebs final 3 schools coming out of HS were LSU/OU/Maryland. I wouldn’t categorize LSU/OU as horrible. And Maryland is his home state and has a new coach who has had some early success. I would prefer that Williams would have signed somewhere by now. As a biased Trojan fan I think his best option is SC. But he is taking advantage of the college football landscape he finds himself in and more power to him. If he comes to SC the rebuilding job LR is undertaking will be easier. If he… Read more »
Almost nobody goes into the nfl ready to play. This kid will play college, learn a lot, then go to the nfl and realize it is a full time job and a serious business. What he learned in college is only the beginning. His dad is full of crap.
Just 2 recently, Sam Darnold…Josh Allen
Caleb seems like a prima donna.
Let LSU have him and see how they do.
Would rather have Dart back.
Or even JT Daniels.
If I were in charge I would want to make his decision easier by taking the offer off the table. And do it quickly before Jaxon and JT commit to another team. The situation we’re in now can be rightfully blamed on Clay Helton. Use the free pass and let’s move on.
Good thing it’s not my decision to make.
Sec would be good prep for NFL. An USC degree is not high on their list.
For this kid I would not bet on us if its truly down to 2. LR has a plan. Ok it’s been over 4 hrs since last transfer. How about 2-3 big D guys before Sunday?
I just listened to a short LSU spot on YT. The LSU guy was smart, he was surprised about the news. Yet quickly said LSU is now looking for an NFL QB coach to possibly hire. That fits the dad’s comment. The guy did not quickly jump on LSU band wagon like most media have with USC. He did mention lifestyles and that LSU was a place the family liked out of HS. Still like all of us, he thought with what LR has already proven and done for CW it should be a no brainer
Has Brian Kelly actually built nfl quality Qb’s. This is just drama waiting to happen, if the kid doesn’t go to USC it goes to show how dumb he and his dad are. Ball family II
Yeah….
Brady Quinn and Jimmy Clausen both 5* out of High School
Kelly was at ND 2010-2021. Quinn left ND after 2006 season and Claussen left after the 09 season. If I was looking for a guy to get me ready for the NFL I would pick LR over BK .
Both Travis Dye and Austin Jones are perfect RB fits for LR’s offense, plus ORE and STAN are weakened at the same time.
I like the Dye pickup and he makes the running back position stronger . But he wasn’t the #1 guy at Oregon until Verdell got injured. When he stepped into the lead role he delivered, so his absence will be felt by the Ducks. But Verdell is coming back and a kid by name of Cardwell is expected to be a true stud. Oregon’s running game may be weakened a bit, but it isn’t a weak spot. IMHO
I was really hoping USC would bring Dye aboard, especially after I learned of his Norco background. The fact that LR also reeled in Austin Jones from STAN is something I never anticipated. Our new RB coach must be good.
Of course, we all want the OL/DL/LBs to be rebuilt. LR knows he has to finish strong to have any peace by the time next season rolls around. It’ll be interesting to see just how patient USC fans turn out to be.
But as LR said once, “every day is a signing day”, or something like that.
I have to post it. Guess how hired Tim Drevno as his OL coach? You got it, Chocolate Chip Kelly. Maybe he will do SC an even greater favor and hire Clancy as his DC. That is really funny.
We even get Christmas gifts from ucla. I love that Drevno is now the O line coach at ucla.
Oregon Ducks running back Travis Dye (5-9, 190; 1 year eligible as grad transfer) commits to transfer to USC
EUGENE — Travis Dye’s time at Oregon has come to an end, but the Pac-12′s leader in all-purpose yards this season is staying in the conference.
Dye, who had 211 carries for 1,271 yards and 16 touchdowns and 46 catches for 402 yards and two scores this season, is opting out of the NFL Draft and committing to transfer to USC for his senior season.
oregonlive.com
LR is amazing. He and his staff clearly did not like the remaining RBs. Very clear our two RBs are going to be Dye and Jones and the true frosh from Mater Dei. The remaining RBs (I think it is Barlow the TCU transfer and Campbell a true frosh from Texas) will never see the field. We now need to see some LBs, OL and DL. As to QB, I will leave that up to LR. I really do not care of Caleb comes or not. So far, LR has brought in two of the best returning RBs in the… Read more »
Do you know if Travis is looking for his Masters at USC ?
Dye is now on the squad.
No surprise that Lane Kiffin is in Athens (GA) trying to recruit JT Daniels.
JT is a much different player than what Matt Coral was. I hope Kiffen is going to be able to adjust to a stand in the pocket Qb after having Coral racking up run yardage like crazy. I do hope JT finds a home. The Curse of the Cat follows him.
Colin Cowherd — “When I get word that USC has signed their star quarterback (Caleb), I will put two Fight On emojis on my Twitter.
“I’m about to put on one Fight On emoji now because I just got word that they just got a very interesting commit.”
Antonio Morales (The Athletic) — “Right now, my unofficial scholarship count for USC is 79, which would leave the Trojans with only six scholarship spots remaining. That’s a little misleading, though. There are spots that will likely open during or after spring practice when players realize where they stand on the depth chart.”
We got another transfer coming today. My bet is mcCaskill.
I hope he’s the one. Absolutely huge need area and USC was one of the first schools to offer him in the portal.
It’s fun updating my bleacher report app and seeing the whole football staff with the ✌️ It’s letting us know another is headed our way. Riley and co bringing hope!
Speaking of the B/R, USC is not included in their list of the seven big-time programs that will suffer in 2022.
“Storied College Football Programs That Will Struggle in 2022”
1. UF
2. AUB
3. MIA
4. NEB
5. FSU
6. UW
7. GT
bleacherreport.com
I’m not expecting us to struggle next year either. I don’t think we will be world beaters, but Riley is changing our roster quickly. I don’t think he has any intention of slogging through rough season while getting it going.
Chris, I totally agree. LR is moving at light speed to completely redo this roster (which Cowherd correctly stated was a mess). The RBs, WRs, and CBs have been totally replaced. Let’s get in some LBs!
My Count
96 (2021 scholies) – 14 (lost eligib.) – 16 (trans. out) – 7 (early NFL draft) = 59 scholies remain. 85 (schol. limit ’22) – 59 = 26 able to sign in 2022. 26 – 18 (10 trans. in + 8 HScommmits) = 8 remaining. Any more transfers out will add spots.
Great GT keep us updated on the numbers
Wayne Fontes was a John McKay asst from ’71 – 75, when USC grew really good. He never seemed to get as much credit as some of USC’s other assts.
Yet Fontes coached the lowly Detriot Lions franchise to a 66-67 reg season record and two NFC Championships from ’88-96.
Just another reason why McKay was so successful — excellent assts.
Did Coach Fontes die?
No. He’s 81 now, and will be 82 on Feb 2.
Per Wiki — As of 2018, Fontes is the only Lions coach to lead the team to an NFC championship game (versus the Washington Redskins following the 1991 season). He led them to the playoffs in four out of eight seasons while he was head coach, including three consecutive playoff berths (1993, 1994, and 1995). He left the Lions compiling the most wins in franchise history (67), most playoff appearances (5), most losses (71), and is 9th (out of 23 coaches) in total win percentage.
Your original comment sounded like a post-mortem memorial post–similar to many of the posts you and John make when a Trojan goes to the great temple of Troy in the sky. ✌
Fortunately for Wayne, he’s still very much alive and well, and definitely the most successful coach in the history of the Detroit Lions.
He’s retired in Tarpon Springs (Fla), is frequently spotted at Tampa Bay Buc games, and still maintains a strong friendship with Jim Gruden, Jon Gruden’s dad.
To this day, Barry Sanders credits Fontes for making him a superstar RB, maybe the best who ever played in the NFL.
Yes very underrated …. remember him at Detriot. Seemed like a hell of a guy.
QB Rodney Peete on Wayne Fontes (the NFL Coach of the Year in ’91) — “Everyone I know likes to play for a coach like him. You don’t get a guy like him wherever you go.” How John McKay and Wayne Fontes got together: By the time Wayne was a senior at Canton McKinley High (OH), he was among the most popular kids in school. He was a star on the football, baseball and basketball teams and a favorite with the girls. He went on play DB at Michigan State and was drafted by the New York Jets. A broken… Read more »
USC QBs Are Setting the Pace along with Caleb Williams SI.com — “As usual, among the hundreds of prospects still searching for the next school, the quarterbacks drive the eyeballs and create movement for others at the position. Those eyes have been on Oklahoma transfer Caleb Williams since before he officially declared his intention to enter the portal before the New Year. Since, there has been buzz from the SEC (Ole Miss, Georgia), Pac-12 (USC, UCLA) and speculation everywhere in between. When USC quarterback and fellow breakout freshman Jaxson Dart entered the portal on Jan. 10, the assumption of Williams… Read more »
QB is a critical part of the team.
Would think there would be 3 to 4 to start.
Whoever comes will have a wide open situation.
BTW, WeAreSC’s Greg Katz does not think Caleb is coming to USC.
on3.com
I am beginning to think Greg Katz is correct. Caleb’s dad seems to showing too many behaviors to the original helicopter dad, LaVar Ball.
We move on with Miller Moss and wait for our 5-star from Lakewood in 2023.
Then why would Dart leave ? Williams would be making a big mistake not playing for HCLR
By all public accounts, Jaxson Dart, who originally chose USC over UCLA (he obviously likes L.A.), loved his time at USC and had no issues competing for the starting QB job. But since Caleb Williams apparently isn’t coming to USC unless he is the guaranteed starter for a couple of years, why would Dart stay only to sit behind an excellent QB, waiting for an injury? So far, Dart hasn’t picked a landing spot from among OU, OLE MISS and BYU. If Caleb doesn’t come to USC, the door is wide open for him to jump back in and compete… Read more »
The good news is we’re getting better players through the portal every day. The bad news Caleb is holding his decision over USC like the sword of Damocles. The good news I am willing to bet LR has a backup plan. Football season is nine months away and I have already bet on season tickets, because I don’t want to take a chance on missing some positive happenings for the team. I guess it’s time to stop worrying about who might come and focus on those who are already here. Just having a real coaching staff makes me sure things… Read more »
As I just posted, Caleb Williams has apparently never intended to make a quick decision or announcement. I think we just have to wait this one out. If LR can do it, so can I, I guess.
Miller Moss is an extremely capable, coachable QB. LR is very aware of that, as is Donte Williams who I’m sure has shared all he knows about Miller. Many who covered the team gave Moss the slight edge over Dart in practice. If Caleb doesn’t come, another transfer will, and have to compete with MM for the start.
No. 16 USC (14-2, 4-2) will play Colorado (12-4, 4-2) at the Coors Events Center in Boulder, CO, today in about 10 mins at 4:30 PT (Pac-12 Network).
I watched last weeks games, first of the season, think I put the voodoo on them, not watching again till they win a couple.
USC leads 17-11 early.
Turnover prone Trojans falling behind hot shooting Buffs 47-43 with 8:15 left.
Tough road victory at Colorado as Trojans win 61-58. Trojan defense played better than they have in the last 4 games. Offensively, it looks like several guys (Drew and Max) are passing up good shots to make an extra pass; not sure if they have lost their confidence but something is wrong. Ethan Anderson who was outstanding as a freshman has just not been the same player; his defense is still good but his outside shot is sporadic and when he is the lane he seems to be out of control. I think the AE sees the situation and has… Read more »
Fun game to watch, especially since USC didn’t end up losing eight in a row to CU.
I wondered what had happened to them. 
RB Austin Jones on why he’s coming to USC from STAN: “I feel like Lincoln Riley has such a great, dynamic offense that I feel I would fit very well into his scheme, catching the ball out of the backfield,” Austin Jones told WeAreSC’s Scott Schrader. “He does really great with his running backs. He’s had 1,000 yard running backs almost every year that he’s coached. I feel like, why not go there and create the opportunity for myself? “I was trying to go to a school that had high academics,” Jones said. “They have a great communications program, which… Read more »
I love how LR is picking his portal transfers from either excellent schools (I’d say), or Pac-12 opponents: STAN (RB Austin Jones), WSU (DL Tyrone Taleni), CU (CB Mekhi Blackmon, WR Brenden Rice), VA (OL Bobby Haskins), OU (WR Mario Williams, CB Latrell McCutchin), UW (WR Terrell Bynum) and TCU (DL Earl Barquet).
USC’s new RB, Austin Jones, in action:
Jones vs ORE
Have to like the way he finishes runs, right at them.
Good! USC next plays CAL on Nov. 5 at the Coliseum, when LR will exact revenge on the lowly Bears.
Stewart Mandel @slmandel
Cal’s Justin Wilcox, who reportedly turned down alma mater Oregon’s job, gets a 4-year extension.
FYI: To Clarify some misunderstanding of NCAA Transfer Portal
From 247 Sports:
While a player entering their name in the transfer portal means they intend to explore their options, it does not necessarily mean they will leave. A player is free to withdraw his name at any time. “However, schools are under no obligation to keep a player on scholarship once they enter the portal”.
My emphasis** This basically voids the four year scholarships obligation!
Alfa, That is what I thought. LR is cleaning out the roster. The one group that needs a lot of help in the LBs. I thought they were just awful last year. If this works, it is possible that SC will have basically a new 2 deep next year. Really amazing.
The player is saying I am rejecting your scholarship and will look for one elsewhere. Why should the school take them back? It might be nice if the school could offer a nonathletic scholarship if the player is not able to find another team.
Our RB room is now full. That was an area of need once the year ended. Riley getting us right again, who’s next?
I’d take that right now without hesitation.
Another commit coming soon, per official USC football twitter. https://mobile.twitter.com/USC_FB/status/1484247332971446273?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet
im excited to see who Riley brings in. Dye? LB from Louisiana? Finally CW?
I’d love to see Dye come in. Really like what I’ve seen of him. He’s a perfect roster-filler RB.
75,000 USC hoodies isn’t such a stretch. I have never been shy about wearing Trojan gear, I used to hear it in church after a loss, because I wore my Trojan shirt, but I would simply answer, ” have you ever prayed for something you didn’t get?” Anyway whatever happens, LR is generating very much anticipation. At least as much as I have seen in a very long time. I expect they are greasing the wheels on the bandwagon even as I type.
I don’t listen to Colin. What did he mean by that last part, “Tread very lightly (when dealing with great coaches)”?
He meant to be grateful to have a guy like LR and to not nitpick him to death IMO — like they started to do with Nick Saban once after he lost a game to AUB. Boom. Saban soon started talking to TEXAS about their job opening and the next thing you know, ALA is massively increasing Saban’s deal, just to keep him. Colin are I are both big LR supporters, probably more so than quite a few others. At age 38, I think he could become a truly great Trojan coach. So tread lightly if he doesn’t turn out… Read more »
Spot on, Allen.
Totally fair, LR would be performing a miracle if he turns SC around in a year. If he is consistently winning the conference and getting to the playoffs that will be great. A dynasty like Saban is a pretty high bar. It is amazing the heat Alabama fans were giving Saban just cause he doesn’t win a NC EVERY year!
There will never be another football dynasty like Saban at ALA. His whopping seven NC-winning history (one at LSU) is just too far out there IMO. If LR even won two or three NCs for USC before bolting to the NFL (always a threat with a HC like this), I’d be overjoyed. Saban brought ALA from the dregs of Mike Shula to heights that eventually surpassed even Bear Bryant, in a tougher era where players have much more stringent admission requirements (UCLA admitted Texas DL Billy Don Jackson who couldn’t even read and write), and frequently leave early for the… Read more »
That garbage SEC playoff bias and the NCAA leaving that program alone is why Saban created a dynasty. Pete would had done things never imagined if NCAA treated SC like a SEC team. And of course, he would not had booted Chow and brought in the boy blunders. Goat Kiffy and Suckisian F ed over this program since 2005. Leaving us stupid Helton to boot.
So glad this awful decade of SC football is over.
It would have been really something if PC had stayed with USC when Saban started to develop the Bama program. i think we can all visualize the competition between the two had it happened. But you could tell at the end of the 8th season, PC was getting bored, It didn’t help Sanchez bolted for the Jets after his junior year. PC had that next year all set for another run for a nattie and showed publically he was upset. One thing is clear, Saban losses assistant coaches every year and has still been able to keep his program top… Read more »
Right now there is terrific drama between Pete Carroll and Russell Wilson. Pete’s definitely seen better days as an NFL coach, and Russell’s hoping not to get dragged down any farther by the sinking Seahawks. Good stuff.
I’m sure PC realizes this, but with CFB, you can recruit in all the best players you want as he did the first 5 or so years. and Saban readily admits, without recruiting the players he has, he would not be this successful. But in the NFL, you have to either lose big or have a budget 2nd to none to build a better team that wins and even then, luck has to go your way with the player’s attitudes. Yes, the NFL challenge is there for top coaches whose big ego pushes them into it. Other than a HC… Read more »
Good Old Pete has really mismanaged his Seattle roster lately, and hugely overpaid for some players which is why they stink and Russell Wilson is making so many public waves. There’s real discord in Seattle and when a coach and his QB start doing battle, it’s never a good sign since that relationship is so important, and Pete likes to run the ball. Former owner Paul Allen, when alive, was very helpful to Pete in varying aspects concerning the Seahawks. With Allen gone, Pete gets no such support from Allen’s daughter, who took over as owner, and doesn’t know diddly.… Read more »
That’s a good point GT, I would think that USC has set the bar so high, that they only look at coaches who won a national title as being great. I don’t really see it that way (as far as 9 whiffs) All my life I’ve been a Trojan fan. My parents graduated from the University, so I grew up with the Trojans. We have had some disappointing coaches and ALL of our coaches experienced dry spells, but as far as complete whiffs I would only put Tolner, Hacket and The Cat as complete and utter failures. I remember being… Read more »
Cowherd was exaggerating when he used the exact words that he said, trying to make his point that a university’s overall brand suffers so much when its head football coach can’t win at the highest, or even mediocre levels.