A 20-point lead almost disappeared before the Trojans beat Cal, 41-35, and maybe this time they’ll learn not to try to coast to victories
Adam Grosbard (OC Register) — LOS ANGELES — As Lincoln Riley took the dais for his press conference following No. 8 USC’s 41-35 win over Cal, his usual soundtrack was missing.
No, the head coach doesn’t have entrance music. But usually after a win, the speakers in the USC locker room blare thumping music that leaks through the walls of the Coliseum into the interview room.
But after Saturday’s game, no music as Riley spoke to the media. As he finished his press conference, some music began to trickle in, but softer songs at lower decibels than usual.
Maybe it was just a coincidence. But the low-key atmosphere matched the lukewarm feelings that USC had after a win that should have looked more convincing.
“We’re just not playing to our full potential. And it’s there,” running back Travis Dye said. “We are a hair away, a third down away, a stop away, a catch away from just blowing teams out. It’s the little things. We got to get back on it.”
After taking a 20-point lead with 1:18 left in the third quarter, USC looked as if it could coast into a win. But the Trojans took that to mean they could actually coast, whereas Cal was ready to play through the final whistle.
The Golden Bears responded to that three-score deficit with a 92-yard touchdown drive, a successful onside kick and a 52-yard touchdown drive to make it a seven-point game. Even when the USC offense responded with a touchdown for breathing room, the defense gave up another 85-yard touchdown drive instead of providing a final stop.
“When we get up, it seems like we kinda take our foot off their neck,” safety Calen Bullock said. “In the beginning, we’re dominating. They can’t run the ball, they can barely do things. That second half … kinda got a little bit too comfortable.”
This has been a theme for USC this season dating back to Week 2, when Stanford scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to put a little fear in the Trojans. It happened again last week against Arizona, and then Saturday against Cal.
All three are teams that USC should have run away from, only to have to reset mentally and close out when things got uncomfortable.
“I sensed some frustrations a little bit at times when we’re not playing our best,” Riley said. “We gotta past whatever it is. But I don’t sense complacency. … We’re closer than we or probably anybody else thinks we are to doing that. But you got to go do it.”
The frustration is valid, but it’s easy to forget, after USC’s 8-1 start to the season, that a year ago this team went 4-8. Part of the adjustment since Riley has arrived, beyond learning new schemes and coaches, has been learning how to win without doubt.
USC has one more chance to do that, on Friday against 1-8 Colorado. Then, it’s a potential top-10 matchup with UCLA at the Rose Bowl and a rivalry game against Notre Dame, contests where there will be no margin for error.
“The mentality has to be different. It’s something that you have to go through to kind of know. Everybody’s gonna come and give you their best. That’s just the nature of the beast,” linebacker Shane Lee said.
“USC has a target, we have a target on our back. We can’t take anybody, look anybody in a light of, ‘Oh, well we can just relax now.’ That’s not going to be our reality if we want to be successful.”
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After watching our defense get shredded the last 3 weeks, I am in no hurry for SC to land a playoff spot. We aren’t elite( our defense is just plain bad) and run the risk of a humiliating defeat. I am not convinced we blow out a truly awful Colorado team. If we somehow beat ucla( unlikely at the moment) I would consider the season a prolific success, no matter the outcome of the ND game. Too many deficiencies to make up on defense in just one year. Our future is bright, just ask Heather Dinich. We will get better… Read more »
I’m convinced USC will finally get back on track and blow out the Buffs in L.A. Otherwise, I have no idea about USC vs either UCLA or ND.
I’m totally willing to be patient before expecting LR to actually field a deserving PO team. USC’s progress has been remarkable, but it’s absurd to think USC could fill all its holes in season one.
It sure would be nice to see USC finally hitting its stride moving into the UCLA game. But without a fully recovered Eric Gentry, that might be a nightmare experience.
Well deserved! Vince had a great Senior year and Rose Bowl in 1977. He was the first SC QB that I had seen who could both run and throw. Nobody had the skill set he had until Rodney Peete came along.
Vince Evans has definitely been overlooked in my eyes, especially since he had a long NFL career. He never seems to come up much in Trojan QB conversations.
This is just great recog for the kid who came all the way from Greensboro (Smith), NC, to play for the Trojans.
Since USC’s last performance against CAL, the Trojans have been marked as ridiculously vulnerable on D. Even more so than before. I mean, the woeful Bears scored 21 points on USC in the 4th Q alone.
I didn’t watch the show. Any input on anything said about USC?
Jon Wilner (Bay Area News Group) — “After watching the Bruins and Trojans week after week, the Hotline has concluded UCLA is the better team and should win the crosstown showdown on Nov. 19. (But it’s close, because both are seriously flawed on defense.) “As a result, we expect the following records at the top of the conference: Oregon: 9-0 UCLA: 8-1 Utah: 7-2 USC: 7-2 “That sets the Ducks and Bruins up for a date in Allegiant Stadium, and there’s no reason to believe the outcome will be any different than what we witnessed in Eugene a few weeks… Read more »
Nobody seems to be factoring in the biggest determinant in a game predicted to be a shootout (with both teams defenseless) – turnovers! UCLA has 14 of them (9 INTs, 5 fumbles lost) this season. We have ONE, and are riding a historic wave in turnover ratio! If we are going to extrapolate from anything, like these cats deciding who is the better team by watching two games against what should have been cupcakes, why wouldn’t that be the most important thing to extrapolate from? In shootouts, particularly, turnovers are EVERYTHING. It is the only real way to get an… Read more »
Looking at the chart above I doubt there will be much change except the two teams who play each other. On the outside we could hope Texas helps, but I doubt it. So even if we win out, me might still be on the outside looking in.
I really like where are and where were going. This season is the foundation for the future. I still believe we can beat UCLA and Notre Dame, but I am optimistic most of the time.
I think TEXAS (-7) is gonna beat TCU in Austin this weekend. But I don’t see this USC team making the POs. Maybe I’m just afraid of what will happen to the Trojans if that happened.
Allen, how did you do evaluations? Now it’s significantly easier. Hudl, which most teams use, will show you every snap of every game. I would think the evaluators now are doing a good job just due to access. There are also more camps, 7’s, etc. now than there ever had been. The thing that I think most of us casual fans don’t realize is star rankings are based upon right now, not how good the player will be after development. At least that is how I understand it. with all of that, I trust LR and staff to bring in… Read more »
Evaluating kids ranges from being very easy to extremely difficult. Crystal balls are in short supply in the recruiting business. I myself could never find one either.
Generally, I’d always take a high-star class over a lower one, no doubt. But as for now, whatever LR decides to do sits just fine with me. We’ll find out if his version of a great player is the same one that wins NCs, or not.
LR has done an amazing job at USC so far. He’s got a couple of big challenges coming up which could affect a lot.
Seeing top 300 DL & edge players committing currently but not to USC. Those who have already committed to USC in these positions are mostly 3-star players. Is this an improvement from what was being recruited before? This program now has a top rated coaching staff, a good winning record this season and lots of opportunity for new recruits to come in and play immediately. I am waiting for Recruiting Director Steve Witfong & staff to make talent upgrades where this program sorely needs it. We are going to find out if LR can’t help himself loading up on offensive… Read more »
The question becomes, who do you believe in? The Recruiting Services and their rankings, or LR and his staff? Despite my recruiting background, I believe the star system has placed way too much emphasis on 4 and 5-star recruits, when half the 3-stars should be 4-stars, and vice versa. Also, the star system completely fails to recognize a “good fit for a program” as a factor in predicting college success. USC’s coaches shouldn’t be concerned with star assignments. If they like a 3-star over a 4-star, I hope they stick to their guns and bring in who they like the… Read more »
I have three thoughts on our recruiting and thank you Allen for your response. NSD is right around the corner and certain players are getting lots of attention due to gamefilm, personal observation and yes, rating outfits. Where we see the top programs recruiting certain players, they all can’t be wrong? I have seen many times where a successful coach has said one way or another, his best players play on defense. And I wouldn’t be surprised if those coaches consistently recruit that way on purpose. I understand it might be easier for LR & staff to recruit offensive talent… Read more »
I’m suspect of all of USC’s incomers because I don’t follow recruiting like I used to. Since I have confidence in LR, I presume he knows what he’s doing about talent as an evaluator and utilizer.
So for now, in LR’s first year on the job, I’m more than willing to cut him a lot of slack in building his foundation at USC. The 2024 class might be a better indicator star-wise of how good LR can be on the ever-more complicated recruiting trail. It’s hard to tell.
Jamaica, In the days of “pay for play” NIL, getting 5 star kids can be difficult unless you are funded like Texas A&M was last year (and see how that worked out!). I like the idea of bringing in elite true frosh if they are a proper fit and willing to earn their NIL money (the LB from LA we have recruited is an instant starter as is the kid from Denton (near where I live)). The kid from Denton (#1 LB recruit in the nation) just de-committed from A&M (my guess is A&M is totally rethinking its NIL strategy… Read more »
RJJ, these are different times alright and you just don’t know what is in a talented HS player’s mind who is being recruited by the top programs. LR seems to have little difficulty recruiting HS or Portal top rated offensive players and that no doubt is due to his reputation of developing skill players being drafted in the NFL. But in order for this program to reach the top 5-echelon programs, year in and year out, you need to play top defense. As you say, our DL, talent & depth-wise, is where our greatest need is right now. And if… Read more »
USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu Earns Third Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week Award “USC JR DL Tuli Tuipulotu was named the Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance in USC’s 41-35 victory over CAL. This is the third time he’s earned this honor in the 2022 season. “He had 4 tackles, with 2.5 for loss of 11 yds and 2 sacks for 10 yds against CAL. “Tuipulotu now leads the nation in sacks with 9.0 on the season (1 per game). He is also currently No. 4 in the nation in TFL with 1.7 per game, and leads the… Read more »
Mixed reports surface of San Diego State moving to the Pac-12 “For months, we have seen plenty of discussions regarding the next move for the Pac-12 after it was reported that both USC and UCLA (pending regent approval) will be heading for the Big Ten as soon as 2024. Questions immediately began to swirl about the next move the Pac-12 would make. “Gonzaga surfaced as a possibility over the weekend, although that wouldn’t make a difference for football. However, on Monday morning, Dan Patrick dropped a major announcement on his show: San Diego State is reportedly heading to the Pac-12 and the announcement could… Read more »
The Fourth quarter collapse was simply due to a lack of depth at linebacker. Lower level talent fatigue in the fourth quarter. The 3 fourth quarter drives for Cal consisted of 22 passes and 6 runs. SC’s DBs made 29 of the 46 tackles for the game, 63%, 22 of those tackles in the 4th. We had 8 TFL with 3 sacks Saturday night but NONE in the 4th with Cal throwing 80% of the time. Plummer picked the backfield apart because there was no pass rush. NFL HOF DBs will get picked apart if there is no pass rush.… Read more »
It’s amazing that regardless of how much insanely positive progress USC has already made under LR, back-to-back losses to UCLA and ND could put a distinctive downer on this 2022 patchwork team that somehow still has PO possibilities with only one loss so far, and a 7 and 8 ranking in the polls. USC has to find a way to at least split the UCLA and ND games. Losing to our two biggest rivals would be a pill I had hoped not to swallow this year. But since I predicted a 9-3 record before the season, I seem to be… Read more »
Could not agree more … with this D vs Chip and that O just cannot see winning that game. It will be a battle but see a Utah type ending.
So that leaves the Irish and their Gomer like coach. LR’s play calling will give them fits and their qb is no Joe Montan …..No Jake Plummer. But this is a head case game, how will SC respond from the UCLA game.
Have to find a way to split and get a Cotton Bowl bid, so LR can bring home some big Texans for next year.
Allen, SC football is once again fun, and has hope. LR has done a remarkable job. He simply could not recruit enough talent for his front 7 on D. On O, he recruited the our first 3 RBs, our QB, and 4 of the 6 two deep at WR. He also brought in quality depth for the OL. On D, he did bring in Gentry, who is by far our best LB and defensive MVP. You see what this D looks like without Gentry. I think we go 10-2 this year which is a huge turnaround. Our O is ready… Read more »
He also took an official visit here. We have to be in the mix. Tackett Curtis and Anthony Hill would be awesome. Exactly what we do not have right now, two big guys who can really run. It would be fun, here’s hoping we land him.
Chris, My guess is TX will offer significant NIL “pay for play” dollars, which SC will not match. SC runs on the “you earn it” NIL system. I doubt we get him. But, I could be surprised. It will probably depend on his family’s financial condition. If they need the money now, he is going to TX.
The defense has given a blueprint for beating USC if anyone is paying attention. They are running the same desperate defense that Monte Kiffin used to run. I used to write that was a coach before the forward pass was a legal play. He had no defense for it.
So as an opponent I’m going with a quick hit up the middle followed by a long bomb. Always go for two because the Trojans will give it up most of the time. An onside kick works. Keep the Trojans offense off the field.
Thank you for your assessment. My guess is you haven’t been watching or you are a Disney sports movie expecting a happy ending.
Facts say this is what has happened to the defense the last three games. Anybody who wants to beat SC only has to keep their defense on the field. Enjoy your denial.
Blueprint for a loss??? Have to respectfully disagree as USC is 8-1 and two points away from being 9-0. The defense is what it is – it’s a team game and I just hope the D comes up with one timely stop during the game to allow the offense to pull out the game…I think that’s the blueprint – Fight On and let’s out score the Bruins and the Irish!
Monte Kiffin is one of the greatest defensive minds ever. His defense was much too complicated for USC with limited practice hours to learn and execute. The guy literally changed the way defenses play today.
To 1988 & Chris, Lake Kitten did not start with an empty cupboard, he took over with ample players his first year, but went into survival mode because of scholarship reduction. Monte’s addled brain thought he was still in the pros, and thus unable to teach. Lame went into bubble screen offense and Monte blitzed every down.Nobody tackled because nobody practiced tackling. Unfortunately when you do the same things every down (as we seem to be doing lately) opposing coaches can plan around it. That in a nutshell is what I was pointing out. No doubt both Kiffins were better… Read more »
I don’t want to be contentious, I’m not a fan of trolls. I think Lane walked into a dumpster fire with sanctions and had some growing up to do. Lane is a good coach now. Monte is widely considered one of the best DC’s in NFL history. But, yes, he over-schemed here and confused the kids too much.
Im grateful for Lincoln Riley, it’s been a long, long season of underachieving football.
“We’re just not playing to our full potential. And it’s there,” running back Travis Dye said. “We are a hair away, a third down away, a stop away, a catch away from just blowing teams out. It’s the little things. We got to get back on it.”
“When we get up, it seems like we kinda take our foot off their neck,” safety Calen Bullock said. “In the beginning, we’re dominating. They can’t run the ball, they can barely do things. That second half … kinda got a little bit too comfortable.”
“The mentality has to be different. It’s something that you have to go through to kind of know. Everybody’s gonna come and give you their best. That’s just the nature of the beast,” linebacker Shane Lee said.
After watching our defense get shredded the last 3 weeks, I am in no hurry for SC to land a playoff spot. We aren’t elite( our defense is just plain bad) and run the risk of a humiliating defeat. I am not convinced we blow out a truly awful Colorado team. If we somehow beat ucla( unlikely at the moment) I would consider the season a prolific success, no matter the outcome of the ND game. Too many deficiencies to make up on defense in just one year. Our future is bright, just ask Heather Dinich. We will get better… Read more »
I’m convinced USC will finally get back on track and blow out the Buffs in L.A. Otherwise, I have no idea about USC vs either UCLA or ND.
I’m totally willing to be patient before expecting LR to actually field a deserving PO team. USC’s progress has been remarkable, but it’s absurd to think USC could fill all its holes in season one.
It sure would be nice to see USC finally hitting its stride moving into the UCLA game. But without a fully recovered Eric Gentry, that might be a nightmare experience.
Former USC Quarterback and Rose Bowl MVP Vince Evans Named To Rose Bowl Hall Of Fame
LOS ANGELES — “Vince Evans, a pioneer for Black quarterbacks who was named the 1977 Rose Bowl MVP, has been inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.
“He is the 27th Trojan player, coach or administrator elected to the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame…”
usctrojans.com
Well deserved! Vince had a great Senior year and Rose Bowl in 1977. He was the first SC QB that I had seen who could both run and throw. Nobody had the skill set he had until Rodney Peete came along.
Vince was terrific in that very physical Rose Bowl vs Michigan … he fooled the entire nation on his fake and keep bootleg on 4th down for SC 1st TD.
Vince Evans has definitely been overlooked in my eyes, especially since he had a long NFL career. He never seems to come up much in Trojan QB conversations.
This is just great recog for the kid who came all the way from Greensboro (Smith), NC, to play for the Trojans.
Hmmmm a lot of conversation in the ranking show about Oregon making it to National Championship Playoff .
Since USC’s last performance against CAL, the Trojans have been marked as ridiculously vulnerable on D. Even more so than before. I mean, the woeful Bears scored 21 points on USC in the 4th Q alone.
I didn’t watch the show. Any input on anything said about USC?
We where barely mentioned .
Complete list
Jon Wilner (Bay Area News Group) — “After watching the Bruins and Trojans week after week, the Hotline has concluded UCLA is the better team and should win the crosstown showdown on Nov. 19. (But it’s close, because both are seriously flawed on defense.) “As a result, we expect the following records at the top of the conference: Oregon: 9-0 UCLA: 8-1 Utah: 7-2 USC: 7-2 “That sets the Ducks and Bruins up for a date in Allegiant Stadium, and there’s no reason to believe the outcome will be any different than what we witnessed in Eugene a few weeks… Read more »
Unfortunately, Wilner has made a reasonable assessment. Long shot for us to beat the bruins.😠
USC will need to improve to beat UCLA IMO. It could happen, easily. Also, it could not happen, easily. Shootout City!
This is shaping up to be a monumental Trojan/Bruin battle that really matters and has big-time stars and coaches on both teams.
I’m still picking the Trojans though, straight-up. The fact it’s gonna start so late (either 5, or 7:30) is a shame.
Nobody seems to be factoring in the biggest determinant in a game predicted to be a shootout (with both teams defenseless) – turnovers! UCLA has 14 of them (9 INTs, 5 fumbles lost) this season. We have ONE, and are riding a historic wave in turnover ratio! If we are going to extrapolate from anything, like these cats deciding who is the better team by watching two games against what should have been cupcakes, why wouldn’t that be the most important thing to extrapolate from? In shootouts, particularly, turnovers are EVERYTHING. It is the only real way to get an… Read more »
Looking at the chart above I doubt there will be much change except the two teams who play each other. On the outside we could hope Texas helps, but I doubt it. So even if we win out, me might still be on the outside looking in.
I really like where are and where were going. This season is the foundation for the future. I still believe we can beat UCLA and Notre Dame, but I am optimistic most of the time.
I think TEXAS (-7) is gonna beat TCU in Austin this weekend. But I don’t see this USC team making the POs. Maybe I’m just afraid of what will happen to the Trojans if that happened.
Allen, how did you do evaluations? Now it’s significantly easier. Hudl, which most teams use, will show you every snap of every game. I would think the evaluators now are doing a good job just due to access. There are also more camps, 7’s, etc. now than there ever had been. The thing that I think most of us casual fans don’t realize is star rankings are based upon right now, not how good the player will be after development. At least that is how I understand it. with all of that, I trust LR and staff to bring in… Read more »
Evaluating kids ranges from being very easy to extremely difficult. Crystal balls are in short supply in the recruiting business. I myself could never find one either.
Generally, I’d always take a high-star class over a lower one, no doubt. But as for now, whatever LR decides to do sits just fine with me. We’ll find out if his version of a great player is the same one that wins NCs, or not.
LR has done an amazing job at USC so far. He’s got a couple of big challenges coming up which could affect a lot.
Seeing top 300 DL & edge players committing currently but not to USC. Those who have already committed to USC in these positions are mostly 3-star players. Is this an improvement from what was being recruited before? This program now has a top rated coaching staff, a good winning record this season and lots of opportunity for new recruits to come in and play immediately. I am waiting for Recruiting Director Steve Witfong & staff to make talent upgrades where this program sorely needs it. We are going to find out if LR can’t help himself loading up on offensive… Read more »
The question becomes, who do you believe in? The Recruiting Services and their rankings, or LR and his staff? Despite my recruiting background, I believe the star system has placed way too much emphasis on 4 and 5-star recruits, when half the 3-stars should be 4-stars, and vice versa. Also, the star system completely fails to recognize a “good fit for a program” as a factor in predicting college success. USC’s coaches shouldn’t be concerned with star assignments. If they like a 3-star over a 4-star, I hope they stick to their guns and bring in who they like the… Read more »
I have three thoughts on our recruiting and thank you Allen for your response. NSD is right around the corner and certain players are getting lots of attention due to gamefilm, personal observation and yes, rating outfits. Where we see the top programs recruiting certain players, they all can’t be wrong? I have seen many times where a successful coach has said one way or another, his best players play on defense. And I wouldn’t be surprised if those coaches consistently recruit that way on purpose. I understand it might be easier for LR & staff to recruit offensive talent… Read more »
I’m suspect of all of USC’s incomers because I don’t follow recruiting like I used to. Since I have confidence in LR, I presume he knows what he’s doing about talent as an evaluator and utilizer.
So for now, in LR’s first year on the job, I’m more than willing to cut him a lot of slack in building his foundation at USC. The 2024 class might be a better indicator star-wise of how good LR can be on the ever-more complicated recruiting trail. It’s hard to tell.
Jamaica, In the days of “pay for play” NIL, getting 5 star kids can be difficult unless you are funded like Texas A&M was last year (and see how that worked out!). I like the idea of bringing in elite true frosh if they are a proper fit and willing to earn their NIL money (the LB from LA we have recruited is an instant starter as is the kid from Denton (near where I live)). The kid from Denton (#1 LB recruit in the nation) just de-committed from A&M (my guess is A&M is totally rethinking its NIL strategy… Read more »
RJJ, these are different times alright and you just don’t know what is in a talented HS player’s mind who is being recruited by the top programs. LR seems to have little difficulty recruiting HS or Portal top rated offensive players and that no doubt is due to his reputation of developing skill players being drafted in the NFL. But in order for this program to reach the top 5-echelon programs, year in and year out, you need to play top defense. As you say, our DL, talent & depth-wise, is where our greatest need is right now. And if… Read more »
USC’s Tuli Tuipulotu Earns Third Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week Award “USC JR DL Tuli Tuipulotu was named the Pac-12 Defensive Lineman of the Week for his performance in USC’s 41-35 victory over CAL. This is the third time he’s earned this honor in the 2022 season. “He had 4 tackles, with 2.5 for loss of 11 yds and 2 sacks for 10 yds against CAL. “Tuipulotu now leads the nation in sacks with 9.0 on the season (1 per game). He is also currently No. 4 in the nation in TFL with 1.7 per game, and leads the… Read more »
Mixed reports surface of San Diego State moving to the Pac-12 “For months, we have seen plenty of discussions regarding the next move for the Pac-12 after it was reported that both USC and UCLA (pending regent approval) will be heading for the Big Ten as soon as 2024. Questions immediately began to swirl about the next move the Pac-12 would make. “Gonzaga surfaced as a possibility over the weekend, although that wouldn’t make a difference for football. However, on Monday morning, Dan Patrick dropped a major announcement on his show: San Diego State is reportedly heading to the Pac-12 and the announcement could… Read more »
USC hoops just tipped off against FGCU (Pac12 Network).
And got beat by I think 15 points. Looks like it is going to a long year for Andy. No dominant big man.
The Fourth quarter collapse was simply due to a lack of depth at linebacker. Lower level talent fatigue in the fourth quarter. The 3 fourth quarter drives for Cal consisted of 22 passes and 6 runs. SC’s DBs made 29 of the 46 tackles for the game, 63%, 22 of those tackles in the 4th. We had 8 TFL with 3 sacks Saturday night but NONE in the 4th with Cal throwing 80% of the time. Plummer picked the backfield apart because there was no pass rush. NFL HOF DBs will get picked apart if there is no pass rush.… Read more »
It’s amazing that regardless of how much insanely positive progress USC has already made under LR, back-to-back losses to UCLA and ND could put a distinctive downer on this 2022 patchwork team that somehow still has PO possibilities with only one loss so far, and a 7 and 8 ranking in the polls. USC has to find a way to at least split the UCLA and ND games. Losing to our two biggest rivals would be a pill I had hoped not to swallow this year. But since I predicted a 9-3 record before the season, I seem to be… Read more »
Could not agree more … with this D vs Chip and that O just cannot see winning that game. It will be a battle but see a Utah type ending.
So that leaves the Irish and their Gomer like coach. LR’s play calling will give them fits and their qb is no Joe Montan …..No Jake Plummer. But this is a head case game, how will SC respond from the UCLA game.
Have to find a way to split and get a Cotton Bowl bid, so LR can bring home some big Texans for next year.
Allen, SC football is once again fun, and has hope. LR has done a remarkable job. He simply could not recruit enough talent for his front 7 on D. On O, he recruited the our first 3 RBs, our QB, and 4 of the 6 two deep at WR. He also brought in quality depth for the OL. On D, he did bring in Gentry, who is by far our best LB and defensive MVP. You see what this D looks like without Gentry. I think we go 10-2 this year which is a huge turnaround. Our O is ready… Read more »
“…depth at linebacker.” Coincidentally, the #2 rated LB in the nation, who was committed to TAM, just announced today his de-commitment.
Let the transfer portal defensive rebuild begin, I say!!!
He also took an official visit here. We have to be in the mix. Tackett Curtis and Anthony Hill would be awesome. Exactly what we do not have right now, two big guys who can really run. It would be fun, here’s hoping we land him.
Chris, My guess is TX will offer significant NIL “pay for play” dollars, which SC will not match. SC runs on the “you earn it” NIL system. I doubt we get him. But, I could be surprised. It will probably depend on his family’s financial condition. If they need the money now, he is going to TX.
The defense has given a blueprint for beating USC if anyone is paying attention. They are running the same desperate defense that Monte Kiffin used to run. I used to write that was a coach before the forward pass was a legal play. He had no defense for it.
So as an opponent I’m going with a quick hit up the middle followed by a long bomb. Always go for two because the Trojans will give it up most of the time. An onside kick works. Keep the Trojans offense off the field.
just plain “stuipd” comment😁
Thank you for your assessment. My guess is you haven’t been watching or you are a Disney sports movie expecting a happy ending.
Facts say this is what has happened to the defense the last three games. Anybody who wants to beat SC only has to keep their defense on the field. Enjoy your denial.
Blueprint for a loss??? Have to respectfully disagree as USC is 8-1 and two points away from being 9-0. The defense is what it is – it’s a team game and I just hope the D comes up with one timely stop during the game to allow the offense to pull out the game…I think that’s the blueprint – Fight On and let’s out score the Bruins and the Irish!
Monte Kiffin is one of the greatest defensive minds ever. His defense was much too complicated for USC with limited practice hours to learn and execute. The guy literally changed the way defenses play today.
Signed
Chip Kelly’s 62 pts
That washed up overrated bum never won anything on his own. He was a bigger bust than …. well, his stupid kid.
Monte Kiffin hahahahaha
You do realize that Monte Kiffin was NOT the D Co last year, right? He also happened to win that tiny thing called a super bowl.
My bad, Oregon hung 62. But Kiffin is still a great D Co. He did win Super Bowl.
He was an assistant on a Super Bowl winning team … he was canned year 3 of his only HC gig at NCSt. He was awful at SC just like his stupid kid.
To 1988 & Chris, Lake Kitten did not start with an empty cupboard, he took over with ample players his first year, but went into survival mode because of scholarship reduction. Monte’s addled brain thought he was still in the pros, and thus unable to teach. Lame went into bubble screen offense and Monte blitzed every down.Nobody tackled because nobody practiced tackling. Unfortunately when you do the same things every down (as we seem to be doing lately) opposing coaches can plan around it. That in a nutshell is what I was pointing out. No doubt both Kiffins were better… Read more »
I don’t want to be contentious, I’m not a fan of trolls. I think Lane walked into a dumpster fire with sanctions and had some growing up to do. Lane is a good coach now. Monte is widely considered one of the best DC’s in NFL history. But, yes, he over-schemed here and confused the kids too much.
Im grateful for Lincoln Riley, it’s been a long, long season of underachieving football.