USC Football Feels Like USC Football Again

Plaschke: Like a breath of fresh air on a hot day, USC football feels like USC football again

Bill Plaschke (LA Times —  They flew again, across the middle, down the sidelines, from Figueroa to Vermont, swirling through the heat with heat.

They hit again, pushing, pummeling, pancaking, claiming dominance of a field they once ruled, a moment they once owned.

They connected again, grabbing bullet balls, clutching tipped balls, pick after pick after pick, wrapping their arms around a culture that had long been considered lost.

On a scorching Saturday afternoon at a Coliseum rollicking with a rebirth, with players bouncing on the sideline and fans pumping fists through the sweat, an old friend returned with a roar.

USC football feels like USC football again.

Even in 94-degree temperatures, it was like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of what life used to be like around here, a literal blast from the past.

The drudgery of Clay Helton, the darkness of Steve Sarkisian, the craziness of Lane Kiffin, all of it disappeared in a three-hour throwback to Pete Carroll.

“We understand in this city, we’ve got to go prove who we are as a team,” a boyish, grinning Riley said afterward. “We’re going to do everything we can as a team to keep working so people can’t even stand the thought of not coming to a USC football game.”

Lincoln Riley celebrates with his daughter after winning in his Trojans debut against Rice.

(Luis Sinco / LAT)

These Trojans are very disciplined, very focused, very opportunistic — seriously, they had three pick-sixes — and entertainingly bold.

Did you see what happened after they won the coin toss? Defying conventional football wisdom, they elected to receive.

Give us the ball. Now.

They scored barely three minutes later on a five-yard pass from new quarterback Caleb Williams to new receiver Jordan Addison and never let up, much to the delight of a larger-than-expected crowd, some of whom lingered in the early evening shadows to serenade the Trojans as they slowly departed a crowded and celebratory postgame midfield scene.

Just like the old days.

“It’s a fun moment,” Riley said. “It’s meaningful to us all.”

The 66 points are the most they have scored in a game since — you guessed it — Carroll roamed the sideline in 2008.

“Last night at the team meeting you could tell, they were just like, get the game here,” Riley said.

Nobody seemed more thrilled with the opportunity than Williams, the Oklahoma transfer who lived up to every bit of the hype. He threaded the needle on sideline passes, deftly found receivers over the middle, and twisting downfield on foot.

He missed on just three of 22 passes for 249 yards and two touchdowns while finding eight different receivers on all kinds of different angles. He also rushed for 68 yards on several daring and spinning scrambles.

“I thought he played very much in control, very much at ease, which I think quarterbacks that are playing at a high level, oftentimes it looks like that,” said Riley, who knows something about high-level quarterbacks.

Is it too soon to drop this guy in the middle of the Heisman race? Maybe not.

“We have a lot of confidence, it’s kind of coming together … one heartbeat,” Williams said. “It takes a lot of reps, a lot of maximum effort, second effort, to make it look like that.”

The new running backs also thumped through that heartbeat, Stanford transfer Austin Jones scoring twice including breaking two tackles on a 28-yard run, while freshman Raleek Brown bounced outside for a 14-yard touchdown that he finished with a bit of a Heisman-type pose.

All this great offense, yet the Trojans’ new look and attitude was best displayed by two plays on defense.

In the second quarter, Rice’s Cameron Montgomery broke free up the middle and was racing for a touchdown when he was caught from behind after 55 yards in an inspired effort by safety Calen Bullock.

Four plays later, Bullock (7) grabbed a tipped pass from Rice quarterback Wiley Green and raced 93 yards for a TD.

It was the first of those three interception returns for touchdowns, Shane Lee picking a tipped ball and running it back 40 yards and Nick Figueroa smothering quarterback TJ McMahon into a bad pass that Ralen Goforth returned 31 yards for a score.

“It’s a fun moment,” said Riley. “I thought we maintained our energy and physicality the entire game.”

Caleb Williams celebrates with teammates after the Trojans’ 66-14 win over Rice at the Coliseum on Saturday. (Ashley Landis / AP)

It was also heartening that, on a day so hot the USC marching band was wearing shorts, the Trojans didn’t lose their cool.

Think about it. When was the last time the USC starters didn’t commit a bunch of penalties? Through three quarters, before the backups took over, they committed just three. Add this to their zero turnovers and it’s a different scene indeed.

Justin Dedich, Trojan guard, noticed this new reality in empty seats late in the game.

“Usually fans would leave the game because we got blown out so bad,” he said. “[This time] they left because we won so well.”

It’s just one game, of course. Stanford awaits next week on The Farm. An entire autumn of potholes is spread out before them. Only by avoiding those traps can USC truly prove things have changed.

“We understand this is just the beginning,” said Riley. “There’s so, so much left,”

But, goodness, what a beginning.

Before the game, instead of being brought out of the tunnel by a former USC football star, the Trojans were led onto the field by former USC basketball stars Isaiah and Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

The football team didn’t lumber, it raced, following the hopping and sprinting basketball players into a mad sideline scrum.

Call it a fast break into a new era.

USC football feels like USC football again.

latimes.com

________

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Petero
Petero
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September 7, 2022 12:09 am

From Parker Lewis’s ‘The Rock’ vibe. Travis Dye’s ” No blocky No rocky” to Caleb’s ‘Sieze the Awakward ‘ PSA. This team has characters and exhibit’s striking character… loving it!

Petero
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September 7, 2022 8:21 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Leadership leadership Leadership…culture building we are witnessin today is the growing culture of new Trojans of today…I like it. IF YOU DON’T BLOCKY, YOU DONT GET THE ROCKY” so much maturity in this first team. They are setting the standards for recruits to come …..Fight on,! Did anyone lead the band after game?

Petero
Petero
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September 7, 2022 12:26 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

From the little I picked up…The coaches say No block, no rock. Travis took it to another level with No Blocky. No Rocky which is brilliant. He calls the RB room a very happy place to be.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 7:05 pm

Any word on Brown’s ankle???

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 7:01 pm

You guys have to read Arledge “Musings” First Game Optimism. Great article.

Chris
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Chris
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September 5, 2022 5:35 pm

So far the Clemson offense looks just like last year, not good. Their defense is lights out though.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 6:34 pm
Reply to  Chris

I was sitting here thinking, put Clemson defense with USC offense and NC right there.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 6:39 pm
Reply to  Chris

NOT a #4 team in the nation.

Chris
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Chris
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September 5, 2022 7:48 pm
Reply to  Steveg

DJ is looking better as game goes on. He’s a big dude.

Chris
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Chris
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September 5, 2022 2:03 pm

Guess who Scott Frost and Nebraska football have next week? Clay Helton abd Georgia Southern. Clay was fired in week 2 last year, from there USC football was returned from the dregs. Can Clay Helton do the same for Nebraska in week 2?

that would be quite the story.

Golden Trojan
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September 5, 2022 2:12 pm
Reply to  Chris

Nebraska, -21, Helton will not David Shaw, Scott Frost, bet the house on that.

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 5, 2022 2:30 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Golden, Remember, prior to playing Stanford, Helton’s Trojans were huge favorites over Stanford which had the week before been routed by unranked Houston. Stanford then proceeded to go 3-9 with another victory over Oregon. Go figure. And, NE has OK next week. I would not be surprised if NE gets caught looking past GA Southern. I am not expecting it or predicting it, but IF we had a contest this week I would take GA Southern and the points for a very modest bet.

Golden Trojan
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September 5, 2022 2:37 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

You are the reigning champ, but it is Helton. Maybe the Huskers don’t cover. He is still looking at film of Morgan St, and giving hugs to his warriors!

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 5, 2022 11:58 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I will take SC and the points. Bet you never thought I would do that!

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 5, 2022 10:50 am

A true sign SC is back. As y’all know, I live in Frisco TX. Well, going the the market yesterday, I drove by a local restaurant and a guy walked out wearing an SC home jersey (#9). First time ever for me in TX. And, I got a real kick out the end to the FSU/LSU. For those who did not watch it, I thought the game lousy until the last five minutes. I like most of the posters below on the game I was not at all impressed by either team. In fact, I watched the “Game of Thrones”… Read more »

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 5, 2022 10:16 am

Hey John, are we doing the tourny? Hope so, I imagine it is a lot of work. If you do, I hope to see Georgia Southern Eagles in there at least a few times.

John Weld
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John Weld
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September 5, 2022 4:53 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

, I should have a post up later today.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 8:42 am

The AP poll is stuck in the top 10. They put Clemson and TAM in there to start the season when in reality they were never ranked at the end of last season. Now they are stuck with them. ND will drop as will Utah, but for USC to make the top 10 they have to overcome this biased logjam with Clemson and TAM plugging up the standings. It is only week 1 but it is another reason why I do not like the polls. Unless of course USC is ranked highly. LOL

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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September 5, 2022 8:35 am

Someone mentioned Helton and I had to look it up. Georgia Southern best Morgan St. 59-7. Maybe it was the coordinators after all….nah Nebraska will set things right, right?

Golden Trojan
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September 5, 2022 8:54 am
Reply to  RialtoTrojan

Morgan St, an FCS team, 2-9 last year. Helton got his cupcake. One of the few wins he will get.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 9:51 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The trophy for “Footballs Biggest Poser” will be awarded after the game.

Golden Trojan
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September 5, 2022 10:14 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Frost gets his last cupcake as a Husker. The pain begins for Eagles fans.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 5, 2022 8:47 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Clemson and TAM have no business being where they are. Florida comes from nowhere to #7? Because they beat an overrated Utah team by 3? Oregon disappearing totally gives me great joy.
I think where USC is ranked is a little charitable, more respect should come after they wipe the field with Stanford.

HOF19
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HOF19
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September 4, 2022 8:18 pm

LSU Blows the extra point ! (If they make it game goes into overtime).

Chris
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Chris
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September 4, 2022 8:42 pm
Reply to  HOF19

They took turns choking, LSU gagged last. Entertaining but terrible football.

Golden Trojan
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September 4, 2022 8:47 pm
Reply to  Chris

You are so right. Neither team deserved the win. LSU was worse and lost. But a heckuva exciting last 3 minutes. Love college football!

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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September 5, 2022 5:48 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Norvell looked like he got a pardon from the governor while sitting in the electric chair after winning that game because of the missed PAT. Calling that bonehead pitch play while you are on the LSU one-yard line—that was Heltonesque.

Golden Trojan
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September 5, 2022 8:08 am
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

There’s a little Helton in all of us, we must try to keep it suppressed!

USC1988
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USC1988
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September 4, 2022 8:11 pm

Amen. The talent and LR’s play calling makes SC one of the most exciting programs again. The breadth of the D needs to improve obviously but it will.
Beneath that laid back demeanor, LR is a competitive play calling genius.

USC1988
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USC1988
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September 4, 2022 8:00 pm

So damn excited about the LR era ! A decade of those creepy idiots Kiffin, Suck and Gomer almost killed the amazing legacy of our beloved Trojans.

HOF19
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HOF19
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September 4, 2022 7:57 pm

A 30 yard punt by LSU’s punter AND 2 muffed punts by LSU …..Better coach up your specials LSU .

TrojanRJJ
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September 5, 2022 10:51 am
Reply to  HOF19

HOF, Remember SC punted yesterday only once and that was for 26 yards. Hopefully, we will not do much punting this year.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 4, 2022 7:26 pm

Brian Kelly looks on the sideline like he has a bad case of indigestion. He looks miserable.

USC1988
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USC1988
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September 4, 2022 8:06 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Doesn’t he always. They don’t miss this clown in South Bend.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 4, 2022 7:24 pm

Florida has a better Qb making more athletic plays

HOF19
Noble Genius
HOF19
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September 4, 2022 6:47 pm

Boy LSU needs to improve their special teams ……Think they just did a 25 yard (or less) punt .

HOF19
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HOF19
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September 4, 2022 6:25 pm

ESPN just did their first (of many more coming during the course of this week I’m sure ) marketing/advertising their National Televising at 7:30 EDT of USC at Stanford this coming Saturday……..Fight On !!!!!

HOF19
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HOF19
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September 4, 2022 6:43 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Allen …..Maybe this makes me to much of a USC “Homer” …..But the fact that college football fans (and more important college football NATIONAL press) will be getting their first look at SC nationwide…..Rooting for SC to play at a high level this Saturday (by me anyway) just got a bit more important ! ….. Fight On !!!!!

ATL D.D.S.
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ATL D.D.S.
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September 4, 2022 6:44 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Agree, Allen. The Trojans and LR need to beat the living s…smugness out of Coach Arrogance!

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 4, 2022 7:19 pm
Reply to  ATL D.D.S.

I think LR is going to pull out all the stops on Stanford just to make a statement that USC can play with anybody. Light it up Riley.

Golden Trojan
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September 4, 2022 8:44 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

The disgusting Stanford Band is enough for me to want nothing but the worst for them. LR bury them!

fast fred
fast fred
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September 5, 2022 8:45 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Other than the last 10 years older trojans would laugh at the thought of the indians being a tough game.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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September 5, 2022 9:49 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Shaw looking at Rice’s rushing yard average (4.3 per carry) against the USC defense, If he can get that average or better, he will have no problem taking the air out of the ball, especially if he gets a lead. USC defense needs to work on its rushing defense this week.

Golden Trojan
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September 4, 2022 8:43 pm
Reply to  HOF19

I noticed the ESPN clowns at halftime said SC got 2, yes 2, defensive touchdowns. Really, 3 pick 6’s is not a story?

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 4, 2022 5:51 pm

I would take the 16.5 they are giving App St vs TAM.

HOF19
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HOF19
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September 4, 2022 5:47 pm

LSU not exactly having a good 1st half tonight .

Golden Trojan
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September 4, 2022 8:39 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Really, Dan Lanning, don’t you know what Georgia is going to do? You just don’t have it to stop it! You can’t get more that 6 points? Hawaii, Ball St, LA Tech, Cinci, Troy, Miami(Oh), Elon, Mercer, Georgia St all did better than you. Ducks Suck!

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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September 5, 2022 2:24 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

That would just break my heart.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 4, 2022 4:20 pm

I didn’t think Rice was that bad of a team. They had a good O line performance, the starting Qb was effective and their Rb did a good job. Their D was not as good as their O that was for certain, but then facing what USC put on the field for an offense, I doubt they were totally prepared or able to man up against the Trojan talent. As the season progresses perhaps we shall see what Rice is and how well or badly our defense performed. Benton excelled on the D line, Tuli got doubled all day, and… Read more »

Golden Trojan
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September 4, 2022 4:49 pm
Reply to  Steveg

Our D was getting pushed around for awhile with that power run that you knew what the play was but hard to stop. Grinch seemed to make adjustments that worked. Then Rice got behind had to throw.
Hey what about the trifecta pick six? The NCAA record is 4 in one game. SC is in good company with 3.

Steveg
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Steveg
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September 4, 2022 7:18 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Watching those picks, each one was a catchable pass except maybe the last one where Foreman was crushing the Qb. I thought USC got lucky they couldn’t catch anything in the second half, but had them covered no doubt. I thought Grinch made some good changes, and when he brought in Height and Foreman on each end I was really expecting something exciting to happen but it didn’t. But what a concept, 2 edge rushers at once. It would take away the double team on Tuli.

RialtoTrojan
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RialtoTrojan
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September 4, 2022 10:42 am

Clay Helton was fond of saying, “wait until you see these guys in November.” I’d like to say, “wait until you see these guys in January.”

Chris
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Chris
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September 4, 2022 10:07 am

I realized that I ride too many waves of emotion when it comes to USC. I have zero objectivity whatsoever. With that, I am just glad that we played a game where we supposed to win big and that’s exactly what happened.

good day to be a Trojan

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 4, 2022 8:30 am

So many things to comment on. I’ll start with QB. Daniels, Slovis, and Dart are all pretty good QBs. Yesterday they would have been sacked 4-5 times and we might be bemoaning the lack of pass protection. Instead, Caleb rolling away from 4 defenders, directing his receivers and throwing darts down the middle. 19 of 22 attempts for 249 yds and 6 rushes for 68 yds (thats 11 yds per carry!). CW throws lasers that are catchable. This guy will be at the Downtown Athletic Club in December.

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 4, 2022 12:34 pm
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Golden, Totally agree on Caleb. He is light years ahead of any QB SC has put on the field since Mark Sanchez. He is so much better than JT or Slovis that words do not do it justice. I will give Dart a break as he was really young and playing for an awful OC and an even worse HC.

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 4, 2022 7:56 am

Colin Cowherd told the SC Administration that they would have to “go big” to re-establish SC Football in LA. He told them the Trojans are competing with not only UCLA, but the Rams and the Chargers. So, the Administration did with LR. And, while I am far from a Plaschke fan, this time he got it right. SC is very much back. This O is lead by a star coach and OC who has an O loaded with stars, among whom is the best QB SC has had since Matt Lienart and the most athletic QB SC has had since… Read more »

HOF19
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HOF19
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September 4, 2022 10:14 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Most blogs/message board I have partaked in over the last 20 years have named me “Mr. Pessimist” ….(And they are correct !)…..I hope I achieve your level of belief/confidence Allen (and soon )………. FIGHT ON !!!!!

HOF19
Noble Genius
HOF19
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September 4, 2022 11:04 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Well I am kind off sitting in a bus known as “The bus for fans of the USC Football program ” We have just …. just started the first tiny part of the journey …..Bus is being driven by some guy named Riley …My gut says it is looking like its gonna be a Fun Ride ………Fight On !!!!!

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 4, 2022 10:58 am
Reply to  Allen Wallace

Comparisons from yesterday:
Pass attempts
USC 30
Stanford 30
Passing yards
USC 330
Stanford 328
Runs
USC 28
Stanford 28
Rushing Yards Net
USC 208
Stanford 169
Offensive TDs
USC 6
Stanford 6

What Stanford team will show up next Saturday. A version of Air Raid or the Stanford of old, Rice with better players. SC Defense better be able to stop that power run, 2 TEs on the right, FB and RB. You know where the play is going but can you stop it.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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September 4, 2022 11:46 am
Reply to  Golden Trojan

Equal stats, but Rice would have beaten Colgate badly too.

TrojanRJJ
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TrojanRJJ
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September 4, 2022 12:36 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

Utah, We will know in a week. I can hardly wait! And, Allen has it right; it expect USC will prevail. But, we are moving up a level in opponent quality. Let’s see what these kids can do on the road against a decent opponent who will be fired up to face us.

Jamaica
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Jamaica
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September 4, 2022 1:35 pm
Reply to  TrojanRJJ

Kyle Whittingham, while a good fundamental HC, is limited in his ability to raise a program to perennial status. Of course Utah isn’t a program area that radiates lots of recruit attraction. Urban Meyer in his few years showed he could build a top notch winner. A Meyer led Utah would have beaten a mediocre Florida team. Last year, a year where Utah won the conference championship, lost to San Diego St. I’m not sold Utah will be that great this year.

UtahTrojan
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UtahTrojan
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September 4, 2022 5:26 pm
Reply to  Jamaica

To add a little more pain to Utah’s loss. They were supposed to fly out at midnight. Plane broke down, they sat on the plane for hours before being allowed off and they slept in the airport until Florida set up some rooms for them.

Golden Trojan
Major Genius
September 4, 2022 1:03 pm
Reply to  UtahTrojan

You are probably right. Rice is at least FBS while Colgate is FCS. Hope that bodes well at the Farm.

volunteerTrojan
Major Genius
September 4, 2022 3:34 pm
Reply to  Allen Wallace

I know Shaw’s security at Stanford has been much discussed, and that you are sold that he has the job as long as he wants it. Who knows, you may be spot on. But just for fun, what if Riley returns the favor of last year and lays a licking on him so bad that he gets fired? Wouldn’t that be a bowl full of irony.

Regardless of the job ramifications, I hope that licking occurs.

rleeholder1
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September 4, 2022 7:45 am

It certainly did seem like USC football again. What I liked most was the balance on Offense. I wished the game had been scheduled at 7pm. I was going to attend the game in person with my son but decided Friday night in Thousand Oaks to let him take a buddy as the heat would have been too much for me. I had open-heart surgery in late 2017 and just can’t tolerate sitting in the sun on a hot day. I’ll plan to drive over in November to attend a game, maybe the Homecoming game vs Cal on the 5th… Read more »