USC football loses to Oregon, exposes clear flaws in program-building up front
The Ducks manhandled the Trojans at the line of scrimmage, a clear result of attracting better offensive and defensive-line talent than USC’s
Even as USC’s defense stabilized somewhat in the second half, Oregon’s easy two deep early touchdowns would underscore what has now become an unimpeachable truth about this USC season. The Trojans’ issues run far deeper than just their now-unemployed defensive coordinator. And now, it’s too late to solve them.
Oregon DE Jordan Burch is blocked/held by USC’s Jonah Monheim during Saturday’s game in Eugene. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Luca Evans (OC Register) — EUGENE, Ore. – In January, Lincoln Riley was on the sidelines at SoFi for the College Football Playoff championship game, getting a firsthand look at the vision he wanted to build for this USC program – one with size and strength and that could beat up teams up front similar to SEC powerhouses.
“Our guys don’t look like that,” Riley said, afterwards. “They will soon.”
Two years in, though, they still don’t. A chasm still exists in size and talent for these Trojans up front on both sides of the ball. USC is unable to generate consistent pressure and has been sending Caleb Williams pinwheeling for two years. They don’t look like Georgia. They don’t even look like Oregon, their Pac-12 foe following them to the Big Ten, who won Saturday’s game in Eugene by simply by being more physical than USC.
“I thought tonight, they played better on the line of scrimmage than we did,” Riley said postgame after a 36-27 loss that ended conference championship hopes. “We threw some good shots in there, but there were still, certainly some depth issues that showed up.”
That statement, though, didn’t convey the half of it. The eye test was dismal, Ducks quarterback Bo Nix gallivanting about within a clean bubble and Williams running for his life for 60 minutes straight. The advanced stats were even worse.
Oregon generated 23 pressures on USC Saturday, according to Pro Football Focus. USC generated three.
Three.
It was a result that only exacerbated clear realities and deficiencies in USC’s program-building since Riley and his regime started from relative scratch in 2021. They’ve stockpiled skill players, feeding a dynamic offense, but have recruited just four total four-star-or-better offensive and defensive linemen across the 2023 and ‘24 recruiting classes. By contrast, Oregon has had 15.
Reasons for that are complex, and varied – Oregon has been more aggressive in utilizing NIL resources than USC, and the Trojans have often leaned more to the transfer portal for immediate help. But the Ducks, too, have put a specific premium on drawing and keeping talented size on the West Coast, where USC has taken a much more conservative approach.
“Obviously Coach Lanning coming from Georgia, the SEC,” said Pat Biondo, Oregon’s director of recruiting strategy. “You see the biggest difference sometimes is up front, on both sides of the ball, offensive and defensive line. … I feel like we really try to make an emphasis on both sides of the ball up front.”
Riley is somewhat handcuffed by both past and future, only able to mold so much in his image with holdovers from the Clay Helton era and a base of university collectives that aren’t working with endless funds in the NIL era. And comparatively, based on PFF stats dating back to 2021, USC has improved in both consistency of offensive-line play and pass-rush under Riley.
“You don’t turn all that over from where this thing was, to all of a sudden being a big team, the offensive and defensive line – that’s not gonna happen that fast,” Riley said Saturday.
But success in utilizing the transfer portal hit an undeniable ceiling this year, with an at-times shaky offensive line with three new faces that was overwhelmed Saturday and a defensive front that started fast but gave Nix and Oregon no trouble. And Riley was clear, postgame, that more depth is needed to be built upfront for USC to continue growing from a disappointing season.
“That’s, a lot of times, in championship football, that’s the separating factor,” Rileysaid, when asked if he felt there needed to be a heavier emphasis on building talent on the lines moving forward. “We know that. And so there’s been a heavy emphasis on it. That’s why we’ve won the amount of games we’ve won the two years we’ve been here (USC has lost four of its last five games to the better teams as well as two straight to end 2022).”
“But of course, does it need to get better? Hell yeah. Is it gonna get better? Hell yeah.”
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DeBoer is a surprise but they guy is a great HC. Why does Franklin always come up for every opening? Poor guy just can’t win the big one. I would love to see Lanning get the job.
Column: To give UCLA football any shot at relevancy in the Big Ten, Chip Kelly must go Bill Plaschke (LAT) — In the wake of a second consecutive dispiriting loss to a Pac-12 underdog Saturday — the Bruins were 16 ½ point favorites against Arizona State and lost by 10 — the evidence is undeniable and overwhelming. Smart guy. Bad program. Great mind. Boring program. Decorated leader. Backward program. His record as Bruins coach is 33-33. When is the last time a prominent sports boss in this town has been allowed to be so average for so long? Two of Kelly’s… Read more »
“When is the last time a prominent sports boss in this town has been allowed to be so average for so long?” The LA Chargers since Justin Herbert joined the team have scored 1503 points and given up 1503 points and their record is 29-29. Can’t get more average than that. Glad you left SD.
No. 10 USC cruises to 51-point win behind JuJu Watkins’ 35-point career night Ahmad Akkaoui (USCfootball.com) — The No. 10 Women of Troy improved to 3-0 on the season, beating Le Moyne 93-42 behind true freshman guard JuJu Watkins’ career-high 35 points. Is USC turning into a basketball school? It’s starting to become more of a reality as the No. 10 Women of Troy easily beat Le Moyne, 93-42, in the Galen Center Monday night to improve to 3-0 for the third consecutive season. Freshman JuJu Watkins continues to turn heads en route to another career high in points. She… Read more »
That is a pretty definitive statement. It also tells me that he likes having the Nike expense account available.
Even though he has annoying personality, I kinda wish he was our coach.
That would be scary. Smith has proven himself to be a great coach, and with the precarious situation at OSU, I am sure he would be available. I would hate to see a coach like that fall into fucla’a lap.
We should be looking at his DC, Bray.
LR’s recruiting these past two years shows what most of us are talking about. He is stockpiling up his beloved skill offensive athletes and ignoring linemen. I hope he gets a good dose of reality watching CW run around play after play trying to escape being tackled by the opponent’s defense and seeing the opposing QB hardly get rushed on game film unless he has thrown those reels away ingnorantly. LR can no longer be ignorant on who he “must” recruit from now on. And that is linemen (both sides), backers & DBs. This attitude his offense will outscore the… Read more »
I am seeing a lot about SC’s lack of NIL money. Also a lot of schools are paying kids NIL money to sign at their schools before they play a down.
Since Name, Image and Likeness is supposed to allow students to earn money beyond their scholarship if they are used to sell or endorse a product. So how average students justifying money? Are they paying to have their picture in the program?
Ya Allen, its not like it something new, it is just now out in the open. I have always been amazed how the SEC got away with so much, even the ACC. Hopefully USC can get into the game with some “front” money to get the big talented guys they need.
No idea, but it’s not sustainable at this rate. There has to be some guard rails. We just don’t want the NCAA to be any part of those Let the conferences sort it out themselves.
I got hit up in an SC Facebook group about contributing to SCs NIL program. I have always thought that sponsors such as Nike, Under Amour, Reebok, etc. were funding these programs as the kids are wearing/displaying their products. I haven’t followed the structure of NIL and any of the details. I’ve just gone along with the concept that the kids should get some money if their Name, Image, Likeness is used to market/advertise/sell a company’s products. Now there is a push for private funding which I never knew was going on. I’ve read articles where Caleb Williams could make… Read more »
USC better figure it out quick, in the past we were able to out speed and be as tough as Big 10 teams, as it currently stands USC would be a middle of the pack team in the Big 10, USC must bring a strict disciplinarian hard nosed D coordinator, on a side note, Donte Williams has to go, the secondary is horrible. On the 2nd Oregon TD #4 was chasing the Oregon receiver and for some reason looked back.
USC’s Kliff Kingsbury mentioned as Texas A&M candidate after Jimbo Fisher firing Matt Wadleigh (Yahoo Sports) This is going to be very interesting. USC consultant Kliff Kingsbury, brought aboard by Lincoln Riley this season to give Caleb Williams and the other quarterbacks on the roster added guidance, has been mentioned as one of several potential candidates for the open Texas A&M coaching job. Texas A&M, as noted by our partners at Aggies Wire, fired coach Jimbo Fisher on Sunday. One thing to remember about Kliff Kingsbury is that he was on previous A&M coach Kevin Sumlin’s staff when Johnny Manziel won the 2012 Heisman Trophy and became the first freshman to win the prestigious award. How much… Read more »
How Lane Kiffin could affect USC again. Glad we have Jen Cohen on the job. Matt Zemek (Trojans Wire) — If Lane Kiffin goes to Texas A&M, the Ole Miss job comes open. Plenty of people would want the Ole Miss job. What if another head coach moves to Ole Miss? That could leave open a job in the Big Ten or ACC, somewhere Jim Leonhard might want to go. That would affect USC’s decision. The carousel is a study in moving parts. USC has to have a plan in place to pounce on its top choice but also be… Read more »
The problem I see going after a guy like Leonhard is how long till he leaves for the offer he has always been waiting for. The nice thing about Aranda is he has shown he has hit his ceiling as a DC, not so good as a HC. But that could simply be because of where he is at also. The guy from Oregon State could be a very good hire and he could be tempted to take a USC offer to go to the B1G.
To be successful at SC on the O Line and D Line, we need to recruit talented High School players and have them play together for many seasons. Then build talented depth behind them to be ready for injuries or transfers.
This will take time but I think Coach Hansen and whoever becomes the new D Line coach should be able to do.
Indeed. USC’s attempted OL fix it through the Portal didn’t work. Plus our OC, 6th year man Justin Dedich is a terrific Trojan and trooper IMO — who can’t really handle that job well. An early 4-star enrollee out of Temecula Chapparal in 2018, he’s better at OG, but never close to dominant there either.
I’m rooting for Hansen to make USC’s OL competitive/above average. Until that happens, we all know what USC’s offense looks like: Caleb Hero Ball
Look at what they walked into. They had no choice but to go transfers. Last year they needed tackles desperately, this year it was interior lineman. I like last years class and believe there will be some guys that will make an impact next year. This year we have a few guys but will need some more.
LR’s got plenty of runway to get to the point where he runs out of excuses. I’m rooting for LR’s success like most of us. I was a big-time Trojan fan 20 years before he was even born. I expect next year is gonna be tougher for the Trojans, but in 2025 USC might have what it takes to be a real “contenda” again. If I remember your takes correctly Chris, you believe USC will actually be better in 2024 without Caleb Williams. If you’re right, kudos to you! That’s one of the great things about CFB. Lots can change… Read more »
Yes better, but not because Caleb is gone. He’s willed us to 11-3 last year and what we see now. Scary to think what we’d be without him.
I just think we will be a deeper team next year. I’m not against transfer portal guys, but we need the Florida St approach. They took a bunch who were all the best players on their previous teams. We need that, not just bodies who can contribute some.
Riley’s parabola just became a lot more interesting. He’s at a turning point in his career. I think the pressure on him now is suddenly much greater. He’s gonna have to use all his powers to swing this program around. I hope he has some good ideas and plans. I would imagine he’ll do some good things at USC in the not-too-distant future. I wonder what this board will look like if he loses to UCLA? Then goes through a mediocre Portal and recruiting season? But I’m counting on LR winning both of those battles. He may be down, but… Read more »
Allen, I remember reading about you in a Sports Illustrated article raving about the 1979 USC recruiting class. Mosebar, Matthews, Michael Harper, George Achica and the infamous Scott Tinsley.
Recruiting was rarely covered back in those days so it really stood out.
our o line was not great this year but Hanson is a good coach and recruiter. The class he brought in last year was good and could have been great if we were competitive in NIL. He has good guys again this year, and once again we lose a tackle because of NIL (Itete). Caleb is awesome, wouldn’t trade him for anyone else but he is not an on schedule guy. He holds the ball longer than anyone in the country. Part of that is him and part is play calling. It does put crazy stress on the line. I… Read more »
So, the data is in. Pac12 teams that completely remade their teams through the transfer portal – USC, UCLA, and Colorado, … well, suck. The approach doesn’t work. The teams that instead opened up their NIL checkbooks to big HS lineman are good (think Michigan, Oregon, even Arizona). I think LR now has all the ammo he needs to change the policy over at Heritage Hall and start paying big HS lineman from around the country to come out west. Will we do it? By the way, the “NIL funnel to 5-stars” path is perceived as so surefire that Texas A&M just fired Jimbo… Read more »
I don’t know what went on at TAM. Just throwing money at HS guys is only getting guys who are there for the money only. The staff has to know how to recruit, identify the right guy, and then coach him up. TAM collectives spent a lot of money but the coaches offered the wrong guys and/or couldn’t coach them. USC collectives are not spending a lot of money and the coaches, at least on defense and O Line, can’t coach what they get. Losing either way.
Footnote to my own post — the coach on the other side of that Texas A&M/Mississippi State game was just fired too. MIDSEASON IN HIS FIRST YEAR! And there are no little boys or girls involved in that one … just unacceptable results. This is a different world now.
Rock, I think you got the core problem. Two years ago, SC chose not to go with “pay for play” NIL and Oregon (as well as the B1G and SEC) did. The outcome is now obvious, particularly on the lines and at LB. Granted SC has coaching issues, but it also has talent issues. I do not think it makes any sense to fix one without fixing the other. I do not know what the “going rates” are for the HS linemen, but if SC wants a return on investment in LR, it needs to change not only the coaching… Read more »
These articles are interesting, they usually show up here first before the morning paper. This one is in the San Bernardino Sun this morning. Lately the sun online edition has also includes a late edition. This article appears there also. In the late edition there is a picture of 6’1”-190lb. Domani Jackson chasing an Oregon receiver. The angle of the photo makes the receiver look much bigger than his chaser. The thing that brings the picture up is a wrist band type play book at Jackson’s waist. If I could zoom in I’d be Harbaugh, but the sheer amount of… Read more »
It was mentioned at the time Riley left Oklahoma, he was really concerned with having to play in the SEC…rumor or truth…?
At the time of his hiring at SC there was no mention of joining the B1G.
Now perhaps those same concerns have risen again ?
Mumme, Leach, Coryell type offense’ are passé in todays game, most successful defensive Coordinators have figured how to defeat it.
That is what awaits a Scheme and Quarterback focused Guru, Head coach in the B1G. Lanning’ 7 on 7 sand lot comment seems appropiate.
I agree……this guy is looking to collect (like Helton) for as many years as he can as an overpaid OC and then head off to Hawaii to complain about the surf today.
We will not recruit at an elite level u til we get our NIL figured out. Go look at Alex Holmes tweets. We are losing out on guys we should be getting because we are not stepping into the NIL space of the elite teams. This will only get worse for us if not fixed. USC does not recruit itself any longer.
Chris, so true. If USC is not going to get seriously into the recruiting game then they are not going to be a serious contender no matter who is coaching the team. Times and $$ have surely changed the playing field in college football.
Very true. I remember back in 21/22, when SC went all in on Stay Doubted/BLVD. This includes LR who touted the affiliation. That group proved to be all noise and was terminated. The replacement was a consortium of collectives, with heavy management by SC. Hence there is no promise if you sign up. So players go elsewhere as they negotiate their compensation upfront. That is supposedly contrary to NCAA regulations. So, USC is attempting to comply with the NCAA Regs, while others approach the issue differently, and more successfully. It should be noted that Caleb has a monster NIL program,… Read more »
USC needs to separate from the Collectives and let them do their own thing. That keeps USC clear of the NCAA. The Collective is then free to go to recruits with deals. NIL is here to stay till the Feds legislate. If you opt out you will be out of the top 25 in football and irrelevant. If USC wants out of the money game they should opt out of the BIG10 now.
The question would be: does it really build a wall? How can there be a wall without knowing who SC is recruiting? Therein lies the problem with that fig leaf of a cover.
We should remember that SC is quite protective when it comes to the NCAA as they remember the sanctions. And SC doesn’t want another scandal! IMHO.
I would be curious how other programs do it compared to USC. As I understand the coach or staff can’t make the NIL offer and technically an offer can’t be “if you come here you get”, it is supposed to be “now that you are here you get”. Otherwise an offer can be “we will give this no matter where you go”. It doesn’t appear the rules are being followed elsewhere. Is USC the same and the offers are not competitive? What’s really going on? Any inside info out there TDBers?
It’s 100% a come here and here’s your offer world. We are still trying the approach of here’s what may be available to you once you arrive. Go listen to the peristyle podcast – 2 star guys. Gerard Martinez is as connected as anyone to USC recruiting, he lays it out very well. We need to change our approach or get left behind.
It’s in the 2.5 to 3 hour portion. Interesting stuff. Thanks Chris. My take aways; USC is playing it cautiously, fearing the NCAA The collectives are doing their own thing and not working together. There are loop holes and gray areas on what the rules are, other programs are taking advantage and USC is losing out on recruits There needs to be 3 parts to the collective either 3 separate or 3 parts of one, which is taking care of current players, getting players from the portal and getting high school players and that doesn’t seem to be happening at… Read more »
1 Georgia
2 Michigan
3 Ohio State
4 Florida State
5 Washington
6 Oregon
7 Texas
8 Alabama
9 Louisville
10 Oregon State
11 Missouri
12 Penn State
13 Ole Miss
14 Oklahoma
15 LSU
16 Utah
17 Tulane
18 James Madison
19 Arizona
20 Notre Dame
21 Tennessee
22 North Carolina
23 Kansas State
24 Oklahoma State
25 Liberty
Others Receiving Votes Iowa 111; Kansas 83; Toledo 51; Fresno State 13; USC 5; SMU 4; UNLV 4; North Carolina State 2; Miami (OH) 1; Texas A&M 1;
I think this article is statement!! SC needs to step up and pay more for the name on this next DC hire!!! Especially for the recruiting train. Diaz PSU, Minter MI, Munchap GA, Aranana BA, Leonard IL. Hopefully one of those guys can attract guys from his team as well as get guys re interested in signing at SC or de-committing from another team. Maybe we can real back in Breland Mater Dei or Vilamu-Asa Bosco. All I know is the name and how good the defense was and has been is what is going to attract recruits and or… Read more »
Lincoln Riley’s lost so much lately. I'll just be glad when he stops backpedaling and spinning his way through his meandering pressers like we all can't see for our own "untrained eyes" what some of the problems are that he overlooked, or figured he could get away with. Your points are well-taken ’74. Time to play hardball. Hopefully, LR brings in some people who can quickly get USC back on the high side of the recruiting trail because he’s not getting the job done now. Jen Cohen could be an invaluable asset there. She helped build UW behind the scenes,… Read more »
What gets me is the idea if you pay somebody 10 million per year you should not hold them accountable for excellence. As if learning on the job is ok for 10 mill per year or making many mistakes with staffing and other items should be expected.
For this type of performance we could have gone with a 4 mill coach and been happy.
Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Who will be the next full-time Texas A&M football coach?
DeBoer is a surprise but they guy is a great HC. Why does Franklin always come up for every opening? Poor guy just can’t win the big one. I would love to see Lanning get the job.
Column: To give UCLA football any shot at relevancy in the Big Ten, Chip Kelly must go Bill Plaschke (LAT) — In the wake of a second consecutive dispiriting loss to a Pac-12 underdog Saturday — the Bruins were 16 ½ point favorites against Arizona State and lost by 10 — the evidence is undeniable and overwhelming. Smart guy. Bad program. Great mind. Boring program. Decorated leader. Backward program. His record as Bruins coach is 33-33. When is the last time a prominent sports boss in this town has been allowed to be so average for so long? Two of Kelly’s… Read more »
“When is the last time a prominent sports boss in this town has been allowed to be so average for so long?” The LA Chargers since Justin Herbert joined the team have scored 1503 points and given up 1503 points and their record is 29-29. Can’t get more average than that. Glad you left SD.
I sure wish the Chargers would/could finally be good. Probably never happen. Sad. They could be such a big deal if they were.
No. 10 USC cruises to 51-point win behind JuJu Watkins’ 35-point career night Ahmad Akkaoui (USCfootball.com) — The No. 10 Women of Troy improved to 3-0 on the season, beating Le Moyne 93-42 behind true freshman guard JuJu Watkins’ career-high 35 points. Is USC turning into a basketball school? It’s starting to become more of a reality as the No. 10 Women of Troy easily beat Le Moyne, 93-42, in the Galen Center Monday night to improve to 3-0 for the third consecutive season. Freshman JuJu Watkins continues to turn heads en route to another career high in points. She… Read more »
Dan Lanning on the prospects of him coaching the Aggies.
Kind of squelches the rumors I have heard.
That is a pretty definitive statement. It also tells me that he likes having the Nike expense account available.
Even though he has annoying personality, I kinda wish he was our coach.
He’s a killer, no doubt about that.
He wouldn’t be so annoying if he were our coach.
Good one! It’s amazing how that annoyance would suddenly change to admiration.
Some believe UCLA is after Jonathan Smith to replace Chip Kelly. Just a rumor, but I think this one might just have some legs.
Would be good for USC if they pursued Bruin DC D’Anton Lynn.
That would be scary. Smith has proven himself to be a great coach, and with the precarious situation at OSU, I am sure he would be available. I would hate to see a coach like that fall into fucla’a lap.
We should be looking at his DC, Bray.
Please don’t let UCLA get this hire right. We need them to sh*t the bed again.
Smith can get bigger $$$$ elsewhere … the DC will get UCLA job, it’s a discount
I agree with Colin Cowherd.
Go Michigan! Go Blue!
LR’s recruiting these past two years shows what most of us are talking about. He is stockpiling up his beloved skill offensive athletes and ignoring linemen. I hope he gets a good dose of reality watching CW run around play after play trying to escape being tackled by the opponent’s defense and seeing the opposing QB hardly get rushed on game film unless he has thrown those reels away ingnorantly. LR can no longer be ignorant on who he “must” recruit from now on. And that is linemen (both sides), backers & DBs. This attitude his offense will outscore the… Read more »
I am seeing a lot about SC’s lack of NIL money. Also a lot of schools are paying kids NIL money to sign at their schools before they play a down.
Since Name, Image and Likeness is supposed to allow students to earn money beyond their scholarship if they are used to sell or endorse a product. So how average students justifying money? Are they paying to have their picture in the program?
It’s a big money grab for some. It was so long coming that I believe it exploded to an even greater degree. So many perfect storm factors.
Will be intriguing to see how the short vs the long-range plans work out for these kids.
Ya Allen, its not like it something new, it is just now out in the open. I have always been amazed how the SEC got away with so much, even the ACC. Hopefully USC can get into the game with some “front” money to get the big talented guys they need.
There are lots of recruits that are asking for money just to go on visits. It’s getting out of hand.
Who’s gonna win? The programs or the players, or both, or neither?
No idea, but it’s not sustainable at this rate. There has to be some guard rails. We just don’t want the NCAA to be any part of those Let the conferences sort it out themselves.
5k minimum 3 star and up … up to 100k for a 5 star
I got hit up in an SC Facebook group about contributing to SCs NIL program. I have always thought that sponsors such as Nike, Under Amour, Reebok, etc. were funding these programs as the kids are wearing/displaying their products. I haven’t followed the structure of NIL and any of the details. I’ve just gone along with the concept that the kids should get some money if their Name, Image, Likeness is used to market/advertise/sell a company’s products. Now there is a push for private funding which I never knew was going on. I’ve read articles where Caleb Williams could make… Read more »
USC better figure it out quick, in the past we were able to out speed and be as tough as Big 10 teams, as it currently stands USC would be a middle of the pack team in the Big 10, USC must bring a strict disciplinarian hard nosed D coordinator, on a side note, Donte Williams has to go, the secondary is horrible. On the 2nd Oregon TD #4 was chasing the Oregon receiver and for some reason looked back.
USC’s Kliff Kingsbury mentioned as Texas A&M candidate after Jimbo Fisher firing Matt Wadleigh (Yahoo Sports) This is going to be very interesting. USC consultant Kliff Kingsbury, brought aboard by Lincoln Riley this season to give Caleb Williams and the other quarterbacks on the roster added guidance, has been mentioned as one of several potential candidates for the open Texas A&M coaching job. Texas A&M, as noted by our partners at Aggies Wire, fired coach Jimbo Fisher on Sunday. One thing to remember about Kliff Kingsbury is that he was on previous A&M coach Kevin Sumlin’s staff when Johnny Manziel won the 2012 Heisman Trophy and became the first freshman to win the prestigious award. How much… Read more »
How Lane Kiffin could affect USC again. Glad we have Jen Cohen on the job. Matt Zemek (Trojans Wire) — If Lane Kiffin goes to Texas A&M, the Ole Miss job comes open. Plenty of people would want the Ole Miss job. What if another head coach moves to Ole Miss? That could leave open a job in the Big Ten or ACC, somewhere Jim Leonhard might want to go. That would affect USC’s decision. The carousel is a study in moving parts. USC has to have a plan in place to pounce on its top choice but also be… Read more »
Has A@M watched Ole Miss play … if they hire Kiffin 😂😂😂😂😂
The problem I see going after a guy like Leonhard is how long till he leaves for the offer he has always been waiting for. The nice thing about Aranda is he has shown he has hit his ceiling as a DC, not so good as a HC. But that could simply be because of where he is at also. The guy from Oregon State could be a very good hire and he could be tempted to take a USC offer to go to the B1G.
To be successful at SC on the O Line and D Line, we need to recruit talented High School players and have them play together for many seasons. Then build talented depth behind them to be ready for injuries or transfers.
This will take time but I think Coach Hansen and whoever becomes the new D Line coach should be able to do.
Indeed. USC’s attempted OL fix it through the Portal didn’t work. Plus our OC, 6th year man Justin Dedich is a terrific Trojan and trooper IMO — who can’t really handle that job well. An early 4-star enrollee out of Temecula Chapparal in 2018, he’s better at OG, but never close to dominant there either.
I’m rooting for Hansen to make USC’s OL competitive/above average. Until that happens, we all know what USC’s offense looks like: Caleb Hero Ball
Look at what they walked into. They had no choice but to go transfers. Last year they needed tackles desperately, this year it was interior lineman. I like last years class and believe there will be some guys that will make an impact next year. This year we have a few guys but will need some more.
LR’s got plenty of runway to get to the point where he runs out of excuses. I’m rooting for LR’s success like most of us. I was a big-time Trojan fan 20 years before he was even born. I expect next year is gonna be tougher for the Trojans, but in 2025 USC might have what it takes to be a real “contenda” again. If I remember your takes correctly Chris, you believe USC will actually be better in 2024 without Caleb Williams. If you’re right, kudos to you! That’s one of the great things about CFB. Lots can change… Read more »
Yes better, but not because Caleb is gone. He’s willed us to 11-3 last year and what we see now. Scary to think what we’d be without him.
I just think we will be a deeper team next year. I’m not against transfer portal guys, but we need the Florida St approach. They took a bunch who were all the best players on their previous teams. We need that, not just bodies who can contribute some.
Also, just shows how pathetic Helton was in recruiting and development. The cupboard was bare.
Riley’s parabola just became a lot more interesting. He’s at a turning point in his career. I think the pressure on him now is suddenly much greater. He’s gonna have to use all his powers to swing this program around. I hope he has some good ideas and plans. I would imagine he’ll do some good things at USC in the not-too-distant future. I wonder what this board will look like if he loses to UCLA? Then goes through a mediocre Portal and recruiting season? But I’m counting on LR winning both of those battles. He may be down, but… Read more »
If nothing else, we are interesting
Allen, I remember reading about you in a Sports Illustrated article raving about the 1979 USC recruiting class. Mosebar, Matthews, Michael Harper, George Achica and the infamous Scott Tinsley.
Recruiting was rarely covered back in those days so it really stood out.
our o line was not great this year but Hanson is a good coach and recruiter. The class he brought in last year was good and could have been great if we were competitive in NIL. He has good guys again this year, and once again we lose a tackle because of NIL (Itete). Caleb is awesome, wouldn’t trade him for anyone else but he is not an on schedule guy. He holds the ball longer than anyone in the country. Part of that is him and part is play calling. It does put crazy stress on the line. I… Read more »
So, the data is in. Pac12 teams that completely remade their teams through the transfer portal – USC, UCLA, and Colorado, … well, suck. The approach doesn’t work. The teams that instead opened up their NIL checkbooks to big HS lineman are good (think Michigan, Oregon, even Arizona). I think LR now has all the ammo he needs to change the policy over at Heritage Hall and start paying big HS lineman from around the country to come out west. Will we do it? By the way, the “NIL funnel to 5-stars” path is perceived as so surefire that Texas A&M just fired Jimbo… Read more »
I don’t know what went on at TAM. Just throwing money at HS guys is only getting guys who are there for the money only. The staff has to know how to recruit, identify the right guy, and then coach him up. TAM collectives spent a lot of money but the coaches offered the wrong guys and/or couldn’t coach them. USC collectives are not spending a lot of money and the coaches, at least on defense and O Line, can’t coach what they get. Losing either way.
Yeah, well that is my point. We gotta find the right guys. And then we gotta pay them, or someone else like Phil Knight will.
Footnote to my own post — the coach on the other side of that Texas A&M/Mississippi State game was just fired too. MIDSEASON IN HIS FIRST YEAR! And there are no little boys or girls involved in that one … just unacceptable results. This is a different world now.
It is obvious collegiate sports a big time business. The employees are now asking to be paid. And, they are getting it.
Zack Arnett got bumped up from DC to HC after Leach passed away. They realized he is not HC material for the SEC. Maybe Arnett wants to be DC at USC.
That’s just crazy. Opponents both getting fired at the same time.
Coaches getting fired must be horribly traumatic.
Rock, I think you got the core problem. Two years ago, SC chose not to go with “pay for play” NIL and Oregon (as well as the B1G and SEC) did. The outcome is now obvious, particularly on the lines and at LB. Granted SC has coaching issues, but it also has talent issues. I do not think it makes any sense to fix one without fixing the other. I do not know what the “going rates” are for the HS linemen, but if SC wants a return on investment in LR, it needs to change not only the coaching… Read more »
These articles are interesting, they usually show up here first before the morning paper. This one is in the San Bernardino Sun this morning. Lately the sun online edition has also includes a late edition. This article appears there also. In the late edition there is a picture of 6’1”-190lb. Domani Jackson chasing an Oregon receiver. The angle of the photo makes the receiver look much bigger than his chaser. The thing that brings the picture up is a wrist band type play book at Jackson’s waist. If I could zoom in I’d be Harbaugh, but the sheer amount of… Read more »
It was mentioned at the time Riley left Oklahoma, he was really concerned with having to play in the SEC…rumor or truth…?
At the time of his hiring at SC there was no mention of joining the B1G.
Now perhaps those same concerns have risen again ?
Mumme, Leach, Coryell type offense’ are passé in todays game, most successful defensive Coordinators have figured how to defeat it.
That is what awaits a Scheme and Quarterback focused Guru, Head coach in the B1G. Lanning’ 7 on 7 sand lot comment seems appropiate.
All BS … he left for 10 mil a year and LA over that pasture.
I agree……this guy is looking to collect (like Helton) for as many years as he can as an overpaid OC and then head off to Hawaii to complain about the surf today.
We will not recruit at an elite level u til we get our NIL figured out. Go look at Alex Holmes tweets. We are losing out on guys we should be getting because we are not stepping into the NIL space of the elite teams. This will only get worse for us if not fixed. USC does not recruit itself any longer.
Chris, so true. If USC is not going to get seriously into the recruiting game then they are not going to be a serious contender no matter who is coaching the team. Times and $$ have surely changed the playing field in college football.
Very true. I remember back in 21/22, when SC went all in on Stay Doubted/BLVD. This includes LR who touted the affiliation. That group proved to be all noise and was terminated. The replacement was a consortium of collectives, with heavy management by SC. Hence there is no promise if you sign up. So players go elsewhere as they negotiate their compensation upfront. That is supposedly contrary to NCAA regulations. So, USC is attempting to comply with the NCAA Regs, while others approach the issue differently, and more successfully. It should be noted that Caleb has a monster NIL program,… Read more »
USC needs to separate from the Collectives and let them do their own thing. That keeps USC clear of the NCAA. The Collective is then free to go to recruits with deals. NIL is here to stay till the Feds legislate. If you opt out you will be out of the top 25 in football and irrelevant. If USC wants out of the money game they should opt out of the BIG10 now.
The question would be: does it really build a wall? How can there be a wall without knowing who SC is recruiting? Therein lies the problem with that fig leaf of a cover.
We should remember that SC is quite protective when it comes to the NCAA as they remember the sanctions. And SC doesn’t want another scandal! IMHO.
I would be curious how other programs do it compared to USC. As I understand the coach or staff can’t make the NIL offer and technically an offer can’t be “if you come here you get”, it is supposed to be “now that you are here you get”. Otherwise an offer can be “we will give this no matter where you go”. It doesn’t appear the rules are being followed elsewhere. Is USC the same and the offers are not competitive? What’s really going on? Any inside info out there TDBers?
It’s 100% a come here and here’s your offer world. We are still trying the approach of here’s what may be available to you once you arrive. Go listen to the peristyle podcast – 2 star guys. Gerard Martinez is as connected as anyone to USC recruiting, he lays it out very well. We need to change our approach or get left behind.
That’s a 3 hour podcast. Where do they talk of NIL?
It’s in the 2.5 to 3 hour portion. Interesting stuff. Thanks Chris. My take aways; USC is playing it cautiously, fearing the NCAA The collectives are doing their own thing and not working together. There are loop holes and gray areas on what the rules are, other programs are taking advantage and USC is losing out on recruits There needs to be 3 parts to the collective either 3 separate or 3 parts of one, which is taking care of current players, getting players from the portal and getting high school players and that doesn’t seem to be happening at… Read more »
AP Top 25
1 Georgia
2 Michigan
3 Ohio State
4 Florida State
5 Washington
6 Oregon
7 Texas
8 Alabama
9 Louisville
10 Oregon State
11 Missouri
12 Penn State
13 Ole Miss
14 Oklahoma
15 LSU
16 Utah
17 Tulane
18 James Madison
19 Arizona
20 Notre Dame
21 Tennessee
22 North Carolina
23 Kansas State
24 Oklahoma State
25 Liberty
Others Receiving Votes Iowa 111; Kansas 83; Toledo 51; Fresno State 13; USC 5; SMU 4; UNLV 4; North Carolina State 2; Miami (OH) 1; Texas A&M 1;
Right now Alabama is playing like the #3 or #4. Their QB has found his game. Florida St struggles with every opponent.
I think this article is statement!! SC needs to step up and pay more for the name on this next DC hire!!! Especially for the recruiting train. Diaz PSU, Minter MI, Munchap GA, Aranana BA, Leonard IL. Hopefully one of those guys can attract guys from his team as well as get guys re interested in signing at SC or de-committing from another team. Maybe we can real back in Breland Mater Dei or Vilamu-Asa Bosco. All I know is the name and how good the defense was and has been is what is going to attract recruits and or… Read more »
Lincoln Riley’s lost so much lately. I'll just be glad when he stops backpedaling and spinning his way through his meandering pressers like we all can't see for our own "untrained eyes" what some of the problems are that he overlooked, or figured he could get away with. Your points are well-taken ’74. Time to play hardball. Hopefully, LR brings in some people who can quickly get USC back on the high side of the recruiting trail because he’s not getting the job done now. Jen Cohen could be an invaluable asset there. She helped build UW behind the scenes,… Read more »
Riley, may wind up being another Tom Herman. I’m leaning in that direction.
At one point during the past year, comments were made by Riley, there were other things he was interested doing that didn’t involve football.
One thing for sure, if he is relieved from his position at SC, he’ll never have to work again.
What gets me is the idea if you pay somebody 10 million per year you should not hold them accountable for excellence. As if learning on the job is ok for 10 mill per year or making many mistakes with staffing and other items should be expected.
For this type of performance we could have gone with a 4 mill coach and been happy.
I believe you are referring to what is commonly known in contracts as a ‘Performance Clause’