Musselman’s Manhattan Beach Portal House!

The ‘Portal House’: How USC’s Eric Musselman pulled in a wave of transfers

For a month, Musselman and much of his staff holed up in Manhattan Beach to tirelessly recruit a new-look roster

Eric Musselman smiles during a press conference to introduce him as USC new men’s basketball coach Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Galen Center. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Eric Musselman smiles during a presser introducing him as USC’s new men’s basketball coach Friday, April 5, 2024, at the Galen Center. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Luca Evans (OC Register)  —  LOS ANGELES — None of them dared to sleep until Eric Musselman’s eyes grew weary, tethered to their phones until he would give the unofficial OK to clock out for the night.

Finally, the unbridled motor churning inside Musselman’s 5-foot-7 frame would stall, and he would trudge upstairs toward a master bedroom and a few hours of rest. Then, and only then, would a handful of his USC assistants-turned-roommates – son Michael Musselman, Anthony Ruta, Will Conroy – scatter to individual corners of their shared spring home in Manhattan Beach, ringing their wives and families for a few fleeting moments before crashing.

They had a barren men’s basketball roster to fill at USC with Musselman’s arrival in April, and precious little time to build it, each day the same relentless grind of another recruit hitting the transfer portal and another flurry of texts and FaceTimes.

Waiting, each night, for Musselman to announce he was going to bed so everyone else could, too.

“You just felt like, if Michael Musselman was over there on the phone with a recruit, and Anthony Ruta was talking to a recruit,” Conroy said, “it’s like, ‘I can’t be on FaceTime with my wife. I gotta be FaceTiming with a kid.’”

This is how the Muss Era of USC basketball was built, with 30 days in a rental home 50 yards from The Strand, a working-man’s Animal House for a group of coaches trying to piece together a team from scratch that could compete in the Big Ten Conference. With families still working on moving to Southern California, they’d obtained the lease not long after Musselman was hired at USC, the former Arkansas head coach collecting most of his staff under one roof to centralize a recruiting frenzy.

Musselman would hand-dry his USC T-shirts on the front porch. Michael Musselman and Ruta slept in a bunk bed. They would all stroll down The Strand for dinner together every night, hitting one pizza joint so often Conroy joked to the owner he should put an Eric Musselman special on his menu.

Within a month, they had filled the roster.

“It wasn’t a frat house,” Musselman grinned Thursday morning. “It was a Portal House.”

In the mornings this spring, as Conroy attested, Musselman would get up around 5 a.m. for a 7-mile walk. He and staff would head to the Galen Center around 7 a.m., leave around 4 p.m. grab dinner, and then settle in back in Manhattan Beach to recruit for roughly five hours straight.

Nobody, Conroy remembered, would put their phone down.

“It’d be like midnight,” Musselman remembered Thursday, “and I’d say, ‘Hey, what about that guy from so-and-so college?’”

Longtime head coach Andy Enfield’s departure sent virtually USC’s entire roster scurrying, and Musselman entered Southern California in early April playing from behind, with just Harrison Hornery and walk-on JD Plough returning and the transfer portal already having been open for weeks. And the hardest part of the process, Musselman reflected Thursday, was securing the initial wave.

USC has brought in 11 transfers this offseason, as active as any program in college basketball, by simple necessity. The coaches reached out to countless more. Some of their first targets who they had brought in on visits, Musselman said, didn’t commit.

“A lot of it was, ‘Well, we didn’t know who we were going to play with,’” Musselman said.

The sanctuary in Manhattan Beach, more than just a home base, became a recruiting tool. Musselman would encourage staffers to take FaceTimes with recruits out on The Strand, strategically placing miles of beach in the background behind them. Quickly, the floodgates opened, a wave of carefully targeted veterans wooed by Musselman’s fire and the promise of USC’s brand.

They snagged 6-foot-7 forward Terrance Williams after four years at Michigan. They plucked graduate transfers Matt Knowling and Clark Slajchert out of the Ivy League. Proven mid-major studs like Boise State’s Chibuzo Agbo Jr., Bowling Green’s Rashaun Agee and Northern Colorado’s Saint Thomas hopped aboard.

On one day this spring, Conroy remembered, the staff was sitting on their porch in Manhattan Beach when Musselman’s phone rang. It was Xavier transfer Desmond Claude, whom USC was pursuing hard in dire need of a point guard.

“Coach, I’m coming,” Claude told Musselman, Conroy remembered.

Musselman roared.

“People, like, was in their houses looking at, where’s this noise coming from?” Conroy said.

Suddenly, the program is littered with 6-6 and 6-7 gamers who can shoot and run the floor, Thursday an early glimpse of the ecosystem similar to those Musselman became known for at Arkansas and Nevada. They moved in constant motion at USC’s fourth summer workout on Thursday morning, reporters getting their first glimpse at this grand experiment, the cavernous upstairs practice court at the Galen Center echoing with grunts and cries and veteran barking.

Musselman didn’t remove his foot from the gas, only pausing to chastise the act of jogging.

“I don’t want to do what I did last year,” Musselman said Thursday, after coming off a 16-17 season at Arkansas, “but I want to do what we did in other years, which is create a team that cosmetically, people are like, ‘I want to go watch that team play.’ And then, a team that opposing teams respect for how hard they play.”

The monthlong lease has expired on their Manhattan Beach bunker, and Musselman has settled into his new home, his family finally getting situated in Southern California. It’s well, time.

None of the coaches cooked, so every meal was eaten out. Sleep was minimal. Ruta went so stir-crazy he moved out after a couple of weeks, replaced by Conroy. And yet, the nostalgia of a basketball hive-mind lingers fondly, the beginning of a fresh start for USC.

“He moved into his new place,” Conroy said, “he kept texting us.”

“Like, ‘I miss the Portal House!’”

ocregister.com

___________

TrojanDailyBlog members —  We always encourage you to add factual information, insight, divergent opinions, or new topics to the TDB that don’t necessarily pertain to any particular moderator post or member comment.

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parcelman007
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June 28, 2024 10:43 am

It’s hard to hang on to these recruits that you get from all over the country. There’s too much pressure on their family and on them to come home and play for the home state team. But that’s not the only problem. Part of the problem is the money. Ohio State, Alabama, Georgia and other teams on the other side of the country do the same thing that SC does and go across the country and recruit in the west and they usually hang on to their players. If you’re going to ask a player to leave his family and… Read more »

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 28, 2024 11:30 am
Reply to  parcelman007

If money gets too involved in a HS athlete’s recruitment, it opens up another can of worms: He will expect to play on the field whether he is good enough yet, he will expect preferential treatment in situations that will piss other team members off, his parents may demand more perks not to mention this athlete may feel too entitled and not go all out for the team while all the money paid to him is not returned. There is absolutely no way to know what’s in this kid’s head. It is warped by all this attention and immediate self-perceived… Read more »

parcelman007
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June 28, 2024 3:12 am

SC needs to pay the money and bring in some of the local talent and there’s plenty of it in California and the western states. These players from the rest of the country are hard to hang onto. You wine them and dine them at one of your bashes and they commit only to de-commit and play closer to home. All that time that you spent on those kids could have been spent on western states kids who will stick with the program.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 28, 2024 9:01 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

What only makes possible sense to this scenario is LR’s confidence the team will win lots of games this season and make the playoffs to where he can go back to these out of State kids to win them over on NSD?

parcelman007
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June 24, 2024 1:46 pm

SC needs to start spending more money and once they do that they then need to start recruiting California players better.Contrary to what a lot of people say, there are plenty of great O and D lineman in this state. You can recruit players from all over the country but once they commit it’s much harder to hold onto them.A great Georgia player has coaches and family members and even neighbors of the family asking “why is he going to California when he has one of the best college football programs in the country right here in Georgia”. They get… Read more »

parcelman007
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June 22, 2024 2:30 pm

So far LR is 19-8 at USC. I think that is pretty good considering that under Alex Grench they had 2 of the worst defenses they ever had at SC. Fix the defense and they are going to be a whole lot better.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 21, 2024 10:12 am

Hey Allen, just a thought. You are the prep expert around here. Wondering this time of year. Are college staffs waiting to see a recruits senior season or do they know already who’s good? And now with NIL, pay for play deals, will collectives want to wait as well for November to offer deals? Players have always committed and decommitted in the past, now maybe more so with NIL. What do you think?

Canyon
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Canyon
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June 21, 2024 7:52 am

Read what Paul Finebaum is saying and thinking about C.LR current situation at USC. Pretty disparaging comments. I’m torn, is it C.LR or House of Victory fault? Maybe it’s both? Hell all this stuff is nuts and fraustrating. Dang, I just want USC FB to be in the Top 6 every year & among UGA, Bama, Ohio St, Michigan, etc. And, most of all kick Oregon’s Okole (ass). Cheers.

https://www.si.com/fannation/college/cfb-hq/news/usc-football-lincoln-riley-paul-finebaum-comments

Chris
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Chris
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June 21, 2024 7:56 am
Reply to  Canyon

Finebaum hates USC. I won’t even read it, I know what he will say.

Canyon
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Canyon
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June 21, 2024 8:05 am
Reply to  Chris

Bruddah, know what you mean and don’t blame you. So what’s da scoop on recruiting? Players still on da board and most likely end up at USC. Thanxs in advance. Cheers.

Chris
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Chris
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June 21, 2024 8:13 am
Reply to  Canyon

I have no idea. I think rare players like Juju have huge NIL opportunities in LA. He will get his money from endorsements. QB’s are different in marketing. I think offensive and defensive lineman, who have high market value, will need collectives to meet that need. We aren’t there yet. If Lynn and Henderson can prove it on the field this year, it will make it easier. Collective may go out and raise funds to bring in the 5 star guys. Right now, we are playing from behind. It’s frustrating. We (on this board and other USC boards) aren’t the… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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June 21, 2024 8:39 am
Reply to  Chris

I posed dis question, since you’re a paid subcriber to a recruiting service. You’ve said your peace all along dat USC recruiting problems are with the House of Victory. So what’s up with dat? In April when the NCAA loss it’s case vs Tennessee, word was USC House of Victory and da money men were going full force and All In. And, dat’s when we got early commitments from da 2 Georgia 5* DL boys. I’m thinking C.LR made promises to them and later in June could not deliver? I’m guessing. The way things are going, paying for players is… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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June 21, 2024 9:08 am
Reply to  Canyon

Aren’t we all waiting for this season and see if Riley can prove he is a legit big time HC? We are all waiting, fans, recruits, the collective donors, and the media. The USC haters in the media will pile on. My expectations for wins and losses is less than what we will see. Can Josh Henson develop his young OL, has Riley learned soft and fast won’t work, is DA Lynn the real deal or one hit wonder, will DA Lynn be our HC a year from now? Lots of plot lines. Unfortunately, being in the top 5 is… Read more »

Chris
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Chris
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June 21, 2024 10:39 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He’s the goat for a reason. His culture, his defense, and he brought in guys to fill in gaps where he needed help. He was fantastic at it, better than anyone.

Riley is no Saban, but can follow his playbook. Hire the best DStaff and let them do their thing. Not sure how our culture is, is it elite? but it’s no longer a mess like it was under previous guy.

Chris
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Chris
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June 21, 2024 11:02 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

No kid coming into a Saban program will demand anything. No boat rocking or you’re on the bench or out the door. Flip side is he will get you to be the best. Buckle down, listen, give max effort and then go into the league. Plus, nobody has a better coaching tree. He’s just the best ever to do it.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 21, 2024 11:41 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Ugly Tulane game was the perfect example of bad culture. Which was the most disturbing thing about that. Not physical, not finishing, not play 60 min of football. The UCLA game was another example. Lax effort when playing your cross town rival. Boy I hope he gets it together fast.

Canyon
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June 21, 2024 10:03 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Yep, I said da same thing in one of my earlier post. The LSU game is gonna tell us a lot about our FB team. But, most of the current discussions lately ova here is about if C.LR is a good HC. Also, what are the recruiting promblems is it House of Victory or C.LR and staff. Like him or not, we’re stuck with C.LR for a long time. Right now losing 2 high profile, 5* players from Ga has created a lot of anxiety and anger among USC fans. We all have our opinions about what’s going on. I’ve… Read more »

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
June 21, 2024 2:59 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I think for many of today’s 5* recruits, their first commitment is to establish an opening bid. If bids go up, they bolt, if not, they’re still in a good spot.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 21, 2024 10:42 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

In retrospect you are correct GT, we are all getting uptight about what is transpiring now. Take a Valium and chill for a minute ( I am). The team is likely set for this coming 2024 season. All that is going on outside of this doesn’t matter at all in June. The success of this 2024 team will determine all the possibilities seasons’ end and then we can get excited about what occurs. Our attention needs to concentrate squarely on today’s team.

Steveg
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Steveg
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June 21, 2024 3:18 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

It sure seems I am seeing more and more people losing enthusiasm for college football since it has become so money driven. I keep asking myself how long these benefactors will continue to feed the kitty for players. Now with them going on a payroll it is like college is now the minor league for nfl. It always has been but now even more so. I have to admit, I am not thrilled with the direction college ball has taken.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 20, 2024 10:31 pm

Oh boy, now there is a rumor from a source that a podcaster claims is extremely reliable inside the USC administration saying it isn’t LR that has failed in his recruiting as much as the House of Victory isn’t coming through with the bags as LR was told it would.

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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June 21, 2024 9:35 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I would lay my bet on your statements……if Columbus Ohio can raise the cash……somehow LA does not have the donors? Illinois….which is in the middle of nowhere just brought in a basketball team to replace the elite 8 team of last year which might make the final 4.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 21, 2024 7:13 am
Reply to  Jamaica

The collective like recruits may be waiting for LR to show he has what it takes to be a total HC. If he does well this season the money will flow. It makes no sense to sign a 17/18 year old to a guaranteed contract now, wait and see where we are in November.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 20, 2024 10:40 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Don’t count on tradition in the sports program from now on.
You have a University President, a Sports AD and a HC with no connection to USC before being hired here. They have no sense of history here and it isn’t important to them.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 21, 2024 8:18 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If this rumor about House of Victory is true and stagnating LR’s ability to recruit, I wonder what Jen is doing about it or if she has any pull over it?

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 21, 2024 7:03 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Kulkin is living in a by gone era. Back when D-1 NC was awarded and not played you had to build a resume of quality wins by playing an impressive schedule. Now it is about wins and losses to make the playoffs. Alabama schedules a cupcake in November before the Auburn game. Saban has his team rested to end the season strong. That worked out pretty well for the Tide. USC will play 9 conference games, 1 more than the SEC. Now we have a 12 team playoff tournament. A 5 seed will have to 4 games to be NC.… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 21, 2024 9:18 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The college football season is now all about getting to the playoffs and the 11 game tournament. Saban is probably the GOAT HC. Part of his genius was pacing his team. An easy game in the middle of November, while lousy TV, gave his teams a breather before the rivalry game, Conference Championship, and playoffs. Yes USC is soft and can’t beat a top 15 team, but “Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere” is in the past. Like it or not we have to live with it.

Chris
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Chris
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June 20, 2024 5:27 pm

Listening to national guys and a few podcasts on the radio today it’s super apparent that we are not competitive in NIL, meaning house of victory. Our collective is just not keeping up with the other major programs. It can’t stay that way or we will be an also ran.

go listen to Trojan blade. Not sure if he is legit, but if true, we are still a huge mess.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 20, 2024 1:01 pm

If LR doesn’t work out, for goodness sake Jen Cohen, stop this insanity and hire a defensive minded HC. What did Meyers, Saban and Carroll coach before becoming HC’s? And needless to say the same about Kirby Smart and Dan Lanning? And remember Coach O at LSU for that matter? DEFENSE! And that didn’t stop them from having great offenses too!

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 20, 2024 1:19 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

John McKay’s first 2 seasons as USC HC 8-11-1 after taking over Don Clark’s rebuilt 8-2 team.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 20, 2024 7:13 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

My point is that you can’t tell the greatness in a coach by his record in the first 2-3 years. McKay looked like a bust after year 2 but he had a plan with Clark’s backing and turned into one of the greatest college coaches of all time. Helton looked like he was getting the program up to speed after year 3 looking at the 11-3 record. We all know how that turned out. LR really screwed the pooch in year 2. He looks like he may be turning it around. Now he has to prove it. Recruiting will open… Read more »

Canyon
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Canyon
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June 20, 2024 9:35 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I believe C.LR is not HC material. Like you said, Bruddah Allen, he has deficiencies. What I do not like about him: his teams are soft, not in top FB condition, bad D, he is stubborn, lazy recruiter, not well like by media, makes annoying lip service (just like C.Helton).
 
He is very good as an OC and with QB’s.
 
Hah, $10 mill per year and learning on da job. Bad deal for USC..
 
Cheers.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 20, 2024 10:09 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Sooo….. The brilliant Mike Bohn was played like a fiddle for $10 million.

volunteerTrojan
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June 21, 2024 4:40 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I’m not sure which is more impressive, the Riley/Kelley maneuver, or getting The Cat a job, any job, after his debacle at USC.

Canyon
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Canyon
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June 21, 2024 7:37 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Whoa, I did not know how the deal/contract went down and agent who orchestrated & mastermind both deals (C.LR & C.Kelly). Very smart agent who got them super contracts. Hah, and both HC’s are on da hot seat, pretty classic.

Mahalo Bruddah for the great info and sharing it at your TDB. We board members learned something interesting today. Cheers.

volunteerTrojan
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June 21, 2024 4:36 am
Reply to  Canyon

Just think if Riley recruited like Musselman.

Golden Trojan
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Golden Trojan
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June 20, 2024 10:07 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yes as I noted a year and a half ago, the Tulane game was the definition of a total team melt down in 6 minutes. The soft play this last season is on the HC. Keeping Grinch another year is on LR. Wow, if LR is a $10 million dollar bust I can’t imagine USC being a football power in the years I have left on this earth.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
June 21, 2024 4:44 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Somehow, I was able to rewatch the Tulane ending some time ago, but I still haven’t been able to bring myself to watch the last few minutes of the TX Rose Bowl game. That was my biggest football disappointment since my Vikes lost to the Raiders in their last SB appearance. (Go Darnold, light it up!)

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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June 20, 2024 11:46 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen–surely you can’t be serious. It sounds like you wish Helton was back at SC. He has already plateaued at Georgia Southern which is about .500 for two or three seasons. He is looking for his dream job already for his final career move–that is, to be the sports director at a Young Life Summer Camp.😂

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
June 20, 2024 5:59 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks, Allen, you know I can’t just unsee that. 😂

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
June 21, 2024 4:48 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We will know all we need to know about Riley by the time this season’s end rolls around. Whether or not we are truly seeing Riley 2.0, there will be plenty of evidence either way.

Chris
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Chris
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June 20, 2024 10:14 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Doesn’t know what he is doing is Garbage. Was he too loyal? Yes. But he pivoted. He hired a A+ staff. Right now his recruiting effort is good, they are getting guys on campus, we are in the mix. We just are not competitive with our collective. Until that is fixed, we will stay where we are now. we need to go the route of Texas and fully embrace the pay for play strategy. They changed their culture in a few years, and it isn’t Sark. It was built their fans and collective. Not sure we have the fan base… Read more »

Trojanfanatic
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June 20, 2024 11:38 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

AW, we all have this nagging anxiety about LR because all we can go on is his Head Coaching record (defensively) at OU and USC and his administrative moves, or lack of moves until he couldn’t beat back the criticism. I think comparing LR to other good head coaches is fair. What would they do or have done to straighten out their program. I think taking over a struggling USC program is much different than taking over a turnkey OU program from legendary Stoops. It’s a different animal completely. We knew it was going to be tough sledding for several… Read more »

Trojanfanatic
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June 20, 2024 11:55 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Permission granted ! I think all we can do now is support the kids and hope this new staff can coach us through some tough games and earn some respect for next years recruiting cycle.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 20, 2024 12:36 pm
Reply to  Chris

We all were trying to be patient knowing what LR was walking into. But until this year he has made little effort to recruit HS athletes preferring to quick fix a broken down program. What was absolutely troubling, he wasn’t making an effort to connect with the HS coaches or players. And now that he realizes his recruiting mistakes he can’t get the top Cali. Kids to commit. He is spending time and energy recruiting athletes from top program territories like Georgia & Alabama who are not coming across Country to play for a suspect program. He is purely missing… Read more »

ATL D.D.S.
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June 20, 2024 11:59 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I am beginning to feel exactly as C. Arledge says. We have a lazy-on-recruiting, glorified QBcoach/Coordinator trying to rebuild our moribund football program. He needs an outstanding comeback this season, because our AD and many of the SC faithful realize that LR Year One was an illusion due to Caleb Williams becoming a Super-Duperstar and a soft schedule. Year Two showed that the PAC12 is not the Big 12 and LR didn’t care about his defense. Year Three needs to show the turnaround, but will it happen with our thin team (meaning few big lineman and no backups for the… Read more »

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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June 20, 2024 12:34 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

D.D.S…..I agree. My limited knowledge from this distance is that he is failing in several required characteristics such as personality, effort and insight and lacks in several more. Maybe the situation at Oklahoma was different…..I did not follow him or them while he was there. As a Trojan…..unfortunately….unless we get some beef up front….and fast…..it’s going to be a long year of watching Joe Nobody from Wisconsin run for his season high of 200 yards…..while our OL right side caves for 4 sacks. Frankly if recruiting does not pickup next year is already looking horrible. I know lots of people… Read more »

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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June 20, 2024 9:11 am

It’s that time of the off season when little happens in CFB so when something like 2- 5 stars decommit within a few days of eachother from the same program and are from the same State? Well that’s too much for hungry sportswriters & podcasters to ignore. LR is getting blasted for ignoring more or less the athletes from California where your program is home based. Even Chris Arledge is questioning LR’s ability and choices to recruit saying if your program isn’t even a top 20 program and you are trying to recruit players out of States across country like… Read more »

illinoisusc
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illinoisusc
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June 20, 2024 12:39 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

You can say that again.

Chris
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Chris
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June 20, 2024 8:14 am

Sounds like our NIL is still playing catch up. We’re not where others are and we see results.

Golden Trojan
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June 20, 2024 9:07 am
Reply to  Chris

Where do you see that? Some story or comments?

Chris
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Chris
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June 20, 2024 9:38 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Gerard Martinez, USCJ, full ride radio show all reporting our collective is big reason we are losing 5 star guys.

Canyon
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Canyon
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June 20, 2024 7:21 pm
Reply to  Chris

Bruddah Chris, the reasons for the 2 de-commitments dat you said here makes sense (bad NIL collective). I’ve been searching Google about USC’s NIL collective and found some interesting info floating around. Basically, the 2 de-commits this week were due to lack of NIL. Dat, C.LR and staff made assurances to recruits dat USC NIL is strong and good to go. Not true.   Apparently it is not good to go. And, C.LR and his AC are pissed. In April, the Tennessee vs NCAA court case forced the NCAA to pull back on player compensation. Going with the NCAA new… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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June 20, 2024 7:07 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Let’s hope LR is making the 20 min drive down the hill from his mansion to the beach. He should be spending all day there coachin’ the kid up.

ATL D.D.S.
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June 20, 2024 12:03 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Well he cannot “coach” him, I suspect, because NCAA off-season rules. But you are absolutely correct in that he should be making his presence or the coaching staff’s presence known every day at the Elite 11.

Canyon
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June 20, 2024 7:58 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks Bruddah for posting his Elite 11 tape. Xlent throwing motion, mechanics, footwork in pocket, A+ accuracy, tight spirals, good velocity & very good touch. Dang, we need him as our QB1 next year… Cheers.

Chris
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June 19, 2024 8:02 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He’s going to break out and be a star. He’s so competitive when the ball is in the air. Best I’ve ever seen at winning 50/50 balls at USC and we’ve had some great ones- BMW, Keyshawn, Pittman all come to mind. London is better at it.

Canyon
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June 20, 2024 12:39 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Drake London is one of my all time USC favorite players. Knew he was gonna do well in da NFL. At USC, he was a complete WR, Great hands, tough as nails and one hell of a competitor. DL was on his way to become an AA and most likely win the 2021 Fred Biletinikoff award, but got a season ending injury in game 8. Jordon Adidison won the FB award instead. He made All PAC 12 all 3 yrs and Offensive Player of the Year, 2021, Jr season.   London was an amazing FB player for USC. We need more players like him. Dam,… Read more »

Canyon
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June 20, 2024 7:43 am
Reply to  Canyon
ATL D.D.S.
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June 20, 2024 5:26 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Yeah, but it is the Falcons. I have seen them snatch defeat from the jaws of victory for 33 seasons. The NY Jets of the South.

parcelman007
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June 19, 2024 5:27 pm

If I was LR, I would make a public statement that would be quoted by all the football writers so everyone would know what he said(or maybe even get Pete Carroll to say it for him). I would say “if you are a defensive recruit that SC is competing for against other schools and one of the schools tell you not to go to USC because they don’t care about defense…….that would be a red flag that they are lying to me and I wouldn’t believe anything else that they said”. SC has done enough, with all the great defensive… Read more »

parcelman007
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June 19, 2024 5:33 pm
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To really start recruiting in the top 5 range they need to spend some more money and also they need one really good year, especially on defense, before the players will start coming. If they had gone out and hired a top of the line DC right from the start when LR came to SC, they’d be in the top 3 in the nation recruiting right now because they do recruit well. The problem is that they are starting with both feet in a hole today…..one foot because they won’t compete money wise and the other foot because of their… Read more »

Jamaica
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June 19, 2024 11:32 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I think it’s more than that. I think they have been offered “big” bags and have realized why commit now, let’s play this game and see what we are really worth. This will get uglier as time goes by until the big NCAA agreed payout starts working then something else will happen like Unions and lawsuits coming from nowhere creates greed.

Jamaica
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June 19, 2024 11:47 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

What is puzzling is why both 5*s decommitted within a few days of eachother. How did they come to the same conclusion so closely if it wasn’t money/perks? Are agents involved here to leverage what the market will offer?

Golden Trojan
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June 19, 2024 12:29 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Totally agree with you on this one Allen. Maybe it was the money 6 months ago but not now. USC has the money and opportunity for NIL to compete with anybody. We are back to the reputation of the coaches and potential of the team. As of last season, USC plays physically soft one dimensional offense and no defense. Till they prove otherwise, USC will lose out recruiting big time linemen.

Jamaica
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June 19, 2024 1:31 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Is this going to turn into a spitting contest where the player holds the commitment & signing off until the last offer arrives? Then why even bother asking for commitments until just before NSD? I know we are dealing with 17 & 18 year old mentalities who want to be fussed over to feed their school boy egos even before they step foot on a CFB field and take a hit from someone bigger & faster. We hire coaches that better know what to look for in a HS recruit rather than trusting a politically motivated rating firm.

Golden Trojan
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June 19, 2024 1:56 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

The top 30-40 FB recruits will want and get the total package, coaches with proven success, program consistently ranked in the top 5-10, and guaranteed top pay. So far USC has coaches that have not proved themselves, a program not in the top 10 for a long time, but able to pay top dollar for those that deserve it.

Trojanfanatic
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June 19, 2024 3:49 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I was a believer that we were getting out-NILed all the time, but I’m not convinced it’s that anymore . You’re right, we are losing in the living rooms of these high star recruits. Last year and LRs overall defensive stats are paraded over and over until potential recruits become hesitant and those already committed reconsider.

Golden Trojan
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June 19, 2024 12:23 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

The big NCAA payout starts in 2025 school year. It will be up to $21 million per school to pay athletes per year. I would think due to Title IX all athletes will have to be paid the same, women’s field hockey bench sitter or starting QB. USC has some 726 athletes so that’s only another $29,000 per person. Not much for a 5* FB or BB player but a nice stipend for a swimmer.

Chris
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June 19, 2024 12:42 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Still will have NIL, no? So it will still be Wild West out there.

Golden Trojan
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June 19, 2024 1:47 pm
Reply to  Chris

For sure, the school money is basically a stipend for all athletes. The real NIL money will still come from outside collectives.

Canyon
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June 19, 2024 5:00 pm
Reply to  Chris

Eh Bruddah Chris, what are you hearing with dis big recruiting weekend? Any good rumors going on? Hopefully, you are able to throw us some good bones. We sure need good news. Cheers.

Canyon
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June 19, 2024 12:38 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Once again not surprised. When both of these high profile Georgia DL (Isaiah Gibson & Justin Terry) committed early, I was skeptical they would stick. Nature of da beast. Sure it stings, hell put some ice and 100% rubbing alcohol and Hele on (move on).  Ain’t recruiting so much fun.
 
OK C.LR and C.DA Lynn what’s plan B? Still lots of time + there’s the TP…
 
Cheers.

Jamaica
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June 19, 2024 1:17 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Absolutely on all points. So you are saying it makes less difference who your position coaches are to coach you than what your team record was last year.

Canyon
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June 19, 2024 3:50 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Bruddah Allen, You being one of the pioneers in the recruiting business must have seen it all. USC HS recruiting has declined for maybe 6 years and counting now. Yep, during C.PC years with Kiffin, Sark and C.EO, USC got the best talent in Calif and da nation. Shoot even C.Helton in his 1st 4 years landed top 6 type recruiting classes. Man what went wrong?   So far, C.LR has had only average ranked classes. I thought 2025 was going to be a breakout, top 8 rank class. Dam with these 2 5* Ga players de-committing, the rankings dropped way to #18?  There went my… Read more »

Canyon
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June 19, 2024 4:09 pm
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This recruiting weekend is a big one with 16 top players visiting. Let’s see what happens. Hopefully, we get back on track again with solid verbals. Do we need to pray now, lol… Cheers.

Chris
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June 19, 2024 8:31 am

Back to back bad days for recruiting. Have to show something this year to get elite guys. We shall see.

Trojanfanatic
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June 18, 2024 5:52 pm

Looks like Isaiah Gibson may be a drop. Trying to verify. He was highly ranked.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 6:10 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

Not surprised. Early commits from Ga are pretty much shaky. When UGA put their feet on da gas pedal, it’s over, you lose. No wonder the June 7th recruiting weekend there were rumors of 5/5 DL & DE full and silent commitments. C.LR must have known he lost Gibson. Recruiting is so much fun. No big deal, Hele on…

Trojanfanatic
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June 18, 2024 7:21 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

AW, I don’t know if I have the stomach for this anymore lol. I imagine this season we really need to make some noise on the D side of the ball to win some of these recruiting battles. Just respectable hard play.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 8:24 pm
Reply to  Trojanfanatic

No Pilikia (no problem, no worries) Bruddah. Every year every team goes thru these ups and downs in recruiting, including UGA & Bama. We can expect 2 to 3 de-commitments annually, but it’s up to da coaches rebound well and find good replacements.  Recruiting is quiet interesting.

Shoot, most importantly C.LR must hold on to JuJu Lewis. Heck, I think USC 2025 class will end up with a Top 8 final recruiting rankings or better… Cheers.

Golden Trojan
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June 19, 2024 8:58 am
Reply to  Canyon

The Rivals Five-Star is next week in Jacksonville and some of the nation’s top quarterbacks in the 2025 and 2026 classes will be working out including Lewis. LR better be there doing his QB guru mojo on Juju!

Golden Trojan
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June 19, 2024 9:13 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Lee Corso should be done but who wants to be the one to tell him? I thought McAfee was going to be the new comedy relief initially but he has reverted to some rah rah WWE schtick. Saban should be interesting to see now that he won’t have his game day face on. He always seemed too dry in the Saturday interviews.

Chris
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June 18, 2024 11:27 am

Looks like no more series with Ole Miss. looks like it was a mutual decision. I’d like to see Stanford or Cal plugged in there, but I’m willing to be it will be cupcakes.

parcelman007
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June 18, 2024 10:58 am

I would say SC’s coaching staff is doing a great job recruiting, considering that they are not paying out the money that other schools are paying.

Chris
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June 18, 2024 11:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It’s hard to figure out. Caleb received the most money from endorsement deals, which is entirely separate from house of victory. Bronny also made huge NIL from his social media, again, apart from house of victory. I don’t know if we are paying what other top collectives are paying. From insider guys I listen and read, sounds like a no.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 5:55 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Agree Bruddah Allen. At least C.LR and staff are doing much better job recruiting for da 2025 class. But, they must do a 360 and better job with Calif. boys…

John Weld
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June 18, 2024 12:14 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Most of Caleb Williams NIL had nothing to do with USC money or House of Victory. He was so popular that he and his dad were able to make deals directly with marketing/investor partners.

parcelman007
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June 21, 2024 3:03 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

“How do we know how much SC is paying?” Not having any sources, I would say that I don’t know. I’m just listening to one podcast host who said that he had a source that he would trust his life with who said that LR was really getting upset because he feels that SC is not supporting him in the NIL. Is it true? I don’t know. He says that it is. But I guess I’ve seen too many times when we’ve had a guy committed to SC early on and for a long time and at the last second… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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June 18, 2024 10:22 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Rutgers game is 8pm on Friday. That could be tough for the Scarlet Knights, long past their bedtime.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 9:32 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Very good team predictions by Carter Bahns. But, I think Oregon wins vs Ohio St and take da Big 10 title. Dat is gonna be an epic game. Two teams with a sheet load of talent at every position.

Chris
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June 18, 2024 9:41 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

We don’t know who Michigan is. Last year, it’s brutal. This year, we don’t know.

Chris
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June 18, 2024 11:22 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I agree. But I do know they have better guys in the trenches than we do. Thats not up for debate.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 2:45 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Dam, I don’t think Mason Graham-AA DT, local boy ever considered playing at USC. Sad…

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 2:42 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Very good point. Whew, no Ohio St and Ducks thank God.

Steveg
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June 18, 2024 3:37 pm
Reply to  Canyon

You can see Oregon has the manpower, but I don’t believe they have the coach who can take them to the promised land. He blows it to often.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 5:44 pm
Reply to  Steveg

One could say dat for Ohio St, C.R.Day. I believe he’s on da hot seat. Ohio St fans are unhappy with his results in big games. Add, LSU C.B.Kelly as well… Cheers.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 6:29 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

No kidding, true dat. A lot of people dislike C.Harbaugh but man da man can coach. He has stuck to his Michigan days under the da Great C.Bo Schembechler = power run game and physical OL and D.
 
C.Harbaugh, C.Smart, C.Saban, C.Dabo Swinney, C.PC all understands and believe in these FB fundamental truth.

Cheers.

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 9:00 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

And. I heard this interesting story from Joel Klatt on the Cowherd show about C.Jim Harbaugh. Here’s da story. 2020 Jim calls his brother John Harbaugh, HC for da NFL Baltimore Ravens for advice. Jim is on da hot seat at Michigan and rumors are flying dat they are looking to replace him. Jim says to John how can I have your awesome D. You have 2 fine D coaches, Mike MacDonald and Jesse Minter.   John gives him Jesse Minter and dat’s what da Dr. ordered. Minter hires a pro D staff which reshapes & produces a killer D.… Read more »

Canyon
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June 18, 2024 11:00 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Thanks Bruddah for dat inside info about C.Jim Harbaugh. You know C.PC was a very competitive guy and coach. He wanted to win at everything he did. Even his AC and players knew dat about him from pickup basketball, cards, table tennis, recruiting, etc..

I remember C.PC complimented C.Jim Harbaugh when Stanford beat USC saying JH was super competitive and smart as heck.

Players and coaches know who da Dogs are. Cheers.

Jamaica
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June 18, 2024 9:34 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If the Oregon-Ohio St. game is in Eugene, which it is, I am not so sure the buckeyes will come out of there with a win.

If the USC defense proves to be a recipient of its coaching staff, I would reexamine a loss or two they predict: specifically a revenge game at the Coli against the Domers. The games at Michigan, which is suspect, & Penn St. could be close going either way. Too bad we don’t play Iowa.

Golden Trojan
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June 18, 2024 10:19 am
Reply to  Jamaica

I like SC’s chance with ND at home.

Steveg
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June 18, 2024 3:42 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

I do to Golden. I think we match up well with ND, and I think our skill players are better.

Golden Trojan
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June 18, 2024 10:17 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Bahns has USC 6-3 in conference but lists 7 wins and only 2 conference losses. Hmmm…
Boy Washington has lost the love from NCG six months ago. No respect for the Fisch.

RialtoTrojan
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June 18, 2024 8:23 am

Just when you thought it was safe to read the newspaper I got this in the morning: LOS ANGELES >> In late April, speaking at an event hosted by USC’s NIL collective House of Victory, Lincoln Riley told a roommate full of donors that he made the decision to come from Oklahoma to USC three years ago in part because few schools in the country were better-positioned to capitalize on the changes across the college sports landscape. If I am reading this correctly Lincoln Riley has a roommate who devours rich people. I’m not worried because I’m only rich in… Read more »

Chris
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June 17, 2024 7:01 pm

Good article on reign of Troy explaining the reasoning behind wanting to get out of LSU game.

Golden Trojan
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June 17, 2024 4:09 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

On 710-AM,USC football play-by-play announcer Pete Arbogast said the Trojans could go 11-1 this season. BetOnline has USC making the 12 team playoffs at 16.67%. So I guess Pete there is a (slim) Chance!

Jamaica
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June 17, 2024 10:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Is this any different than all the other programs who have to replace a legend with a new starter? Tell me something I don’t already know. Leinart, Booty, Sanchez, Barkley & Darnold all got the same press in the beginning and made the writers eat their words. Moss or Maiava could easily be added onto this list. It’s all about the level of success a football program’s QBs has had over the years where the expectations are higher than anywhere else and always gets targeted by sportswriters looking for an easy story.

Golden Trojan
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June 17, 2024 12:07 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Miller Moss showed in the Holiday Bowl that he is no Mitch Mustain or Aaron Corp. He will probably be adequate at the least, maybe pretty good, not a Heisman candidate. Combine that the defense becomes a top 50 overall defense they may have a respectable season. USC is in the “show me something first” before media and most fans, and most here get on the bandwagon.

Golden Trojan
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June 17, 2024 1:29 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The Corp/Mustain comment meant Moss is not a flop. Adequate means he can put up 30+ points. Respectable would be 9 or 10 wins even if losing to LSU, Mich and ND. It is just where USC/LR is right now. Prove you are more than great QBs. You are right, USC doesn’t have the OL, DL, LB and (to go along with OL) a run game. We are a long ways from elite.

Jamaica
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June 17, 2024 4:41 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The one thing I can possibly surmise, if Moss doesn’t cut it in the first game or two, I can see LR yank him in favor of Maiava. Just too much on the line this season for LR to ignore losses in the beginning and the fan reaction it will cause. What I think will happen, is the defense, with some luck of few injuries, will surprise everyone in keeping games close enough to have a chance to win at the end. This more than anything else will save LR’s bacon this season. MHO

Canyon
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June 17, 2024 7:20 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Miller Moss and ? about him being QB1 and how well he’s gonna do. We have only one game to go by, 2023 Holiday Bowl.  MM threw for 6 TD’s,, 23/33 = 70% (3 drops, so his % would have been even better), 372 yds, he was poise, in command, A+ field general, passed to a lot of his WR’s, Heck, dat was some kind performance. It showed he is more than capable of running C.LR O for da 2024 season. I don’t have any doubts about him as QB1.   There are keys however for him to succeed in 2024. It’s all on da… Read more »

Jamaica
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June 17, 2024 9:28 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

My inclination to Morales’ answers on this season’s defensive possibilities: if the front 7 can limit the runs in forcing enough passing downs, I put a lot of faith in the ability of the new coached D backfield to deny a lot of completions. Further, yes the Big is a highly competitive conference but has it ever been as prolific in its passing games to what PAC 12 teams faced year after year? And I think the last thing our Big opponents will want to see occur is get into a high scoring battle where they will be at a… Read more »

Jamaica
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June 17, 2024 10:36 am
Reply to  Jamaica

What we are going to see in a lot of our Big conference games is while the score is close, the opponent will hold onto the ball and run out the clock as best they can. So get used to it.

Steveg
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June 17, 2024 5:36 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

If Morales was really looking at USC he would have said the secondary WILL be much improved. Who are the unknowns exactly. He is right about depth. I guess I am still a sunshine pumper, so be it. I do believe USC is going to upset the B1G in 2024 by beating teams nobody thinks they can beat. JMHO.

Canyon
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June 15, 2024 4:20 pm

Happy Father’s Day.

Shaka, here’s wishing all da Dad’s and GrandDad’s at TDB a great day tomorrow. It’s almost tradition on Father’s Day, we do da BBQ; it’s all good. Have a great meal with your family and don’t drink and drive. Cheers. Peace & Aloha.

Chris
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June 15, 2024 5:16 pm
Reply to  Canyon

Happy Father’s Day to you as well. We will BBQ as well. It’s the only tool in my cooking arsenal.

Golden Trojan
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June 15, 2024 7:30 pm
Reply to  Canyon

The New York Strips are chilling for manana. Cookin em up for my 95 year old father in law. Cheers.

Canyon
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June 15, 2024 8:39 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Bruddah GT you’re a good son in-law. NY steaks ono kau kau Bruddah. I’m grilling Korean Kalbi beef ribs + jumbo shrimps. Looks like we all are gonna broke da mouth one time tomorrow… Cheers.

John Weld
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June 15, 2024 11:49 am

Count down to Trojan Football………

Chris
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June 15, 2024 12:10 pm
Reply to  John Weld

Can’t wait. Already have tickets for LSU, Penn St, and at UW.

Golden Trojan
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June 15, 2024 1:27 pm
Reply to  John Weld

11 weeks, 1 day and 3 hours to kick off!

Steveg
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June 16, 2024 8:14 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

My wife counts down daily, she can’t wait for the contest to start.

Canyon
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June 16, 2024 7:18 pm
Reply to  John Weld

Da LSU game is gonna tell us a lot about dis 2024 FB team. Hopefully, da boys are working hard dis summer. Plus, all the committed top D players must stick. C.LR recruiting job is not done, he needs 2-3 top LB’s, get WR-Phil Bell, and 4 top OL. Most of all hang on to QB JuJu Lewis… Cheers

Steveg
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June 14, 2024 4:33 pm

Seems the coach did a pretty good job of assembling a team for 2024, although most all of it will be gone after the season. I hope he starts a strong recruiting program soon and gets some good young players committed.

illinoisusc
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June 15, 2024 8:20 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

He has a solid chance to win 10 and a good coach would……more than that is unrealistic but obviously possible, they are not playing any of the top 5 this year and the only tougher team away is Michigan……Vegas is simply seeing what the rest of country is seeing…..a coach that has not lived up to the hype and recruits poorly for the lines. If he wins 10 I’ll give him his due…..if he wins 9….smile and call it an OK year….less than 9…..how many years are left on this contract. This is his third year and in the transfer… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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June 15, 2024 10:04 am
Reply to  illinoisusc

I’m looking for 4 things. Are the O/D line bigger, stronger. Are the young linemen developing. Can they be even a top 50 defense. Can they win the time of possession by running the ball. Do this and 10 wins is possible. Don’t and it will be a long season.

Canyon
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June 14, 2024 9:05 am

What C.Mussleman and staff did in 30+ days is just remarkable, amazing stuff. He is like the Energizer Bunny or a top notch CEO putting life back into a down & out company. C.Mussleman is great basketball architect.
 
What he accomplished in a short time shows an array of A+ traits: competency, drive, determination, creative, smart, problem solver, full of energy, tireless, conscientious, deligence, relentless, a true professional and committed to USC and his job. I say USC got one hell of a basketball coach.
 
I bet his team will do well next season. He put together a solid team and staff (AC)… Cheers

PN4SC
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June 14, 2024 7:39 am

While moving the program forward, Enfield had hit a wall, and it wasn’t going to end well. I am convinced that if he was our coach next year, SC would have struggled to win more than 1-2 conference games. It would have been brutal. We really dodged a bullet, thanks to SMU. I am excited about Muss. If we are just competitive in conference, that is a win. Anything beyond that is like playing with house money.

PN4SC
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June 14, 2024 11:17 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Further proof that great minds think alike. I am very excited to see what Muss can do.

volunteerTrojan
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June 14, 2024 6:59 am

The BB program was definitely in a rut and had reached its ceiling with AE. I, too, am excited to watch how the team develops under Muss. New year, new coach, new players, let the journey begin!

Canyon
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June 14, 2024 9:19 am

I liked C.A Enfield coaching style. He was so calm on da sidelines. I never saw him lose his temper during games or cussed out players.  C.Enfield was a very good recruiter, but many of his high profile, 5* HS players were one and done. Also, many players transferred out in like 2 years. A coach can not build a good team with high player attrition.
 
C.Enfield got stale, his time was over; USC needed new blood. AD.Cohen hired a very good coach in C.Mussleman. Cheers.

TrojanRon
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June 14, 2024 4:30 am

I wish Muss all the best and hopefully he can develop a team that will be highly successful and get USC into the NCAA tournament.

Golden Trojan
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June 13, 2024 10:11 pm

Musselman ranks 16th in 2024 overall (recruits+transfers). It’s a start, hope he can keep building.

Jamaica
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June 14, 2024 7:32 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

It’s his energy,Allen, you sense so acutely this coach knows what he is doing, where he’s going and has the gas peddle all the way down to get there. If Muss can get enough wins this season in the Big, and with the aggressive attractive style of play he coaches, you can’t help but feel this is going to get the top California HS recruits attention. Like you say, this appears to be another gem Jen Cohen has found and hired.

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