MarShawn Lloyd’s transfer to USC adds to a crowded backfield
Ryan Kartje (LA Times) — USC’s backfield was bound to be more crowded next season before the top available rusher in the transfer portal announced Friday that he would be a Trojan.
The arrival of South Carolina running back Marshawn Lloyd, who led the Gamecocks in rushing last season with 573 yards, seemed to suggest USC had found its new lead back for 2023. Less than three hours later, Austin Jones (6) announced he would return for a second go-round at USC, ensuring serious competition for carries next season.
Jones, also a former transfer, played a secondary role to Travis Dye in 2022, tallying 705 yards and five touchdowns to go with 267 yards receiving and another touchdown. He took over the reins when Dye suffered a season-ending injury in November and averaged 92.5 yards per game over the season’s final month.
In the run-up to the Cotton Bowl loss to Tulane, Jones said he wasn’t sure whether he’d return to USC for a fifth season.
That decision had crystallized by Friday, leaving USC with a litany of backs to choose from in what could be a wide-open competition come spring.
Perhaps the most intriguing among that group is electric former five-star recruit Raleek Brown, who showed flashes of stardom throughout his first season at USC. Brown saved his best performance for last in the bowl game, as he totaled 61 yards in six carries and added a touchdown.
It seemed only a matter of time before Brown took on a more prominent offensive role at USC. The addition of Lloyd and the return of Jones could complicate that picture.
USC also added two four-star running backs out of Texas in its recruiting class, Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson, both of whom are enrolling early. USC also has Darwin Barlow, who averaged six yards per carry in limited action last season.
USC adds a proven commodity between the tackles in Lloyd to pair with Brown, who’s more of an all-purpose perimeter threat. Lloyd averaged better than four yards per carry after contact last season at South Carolina, a mark that ranked him among the best bruising backs in the nation, just behind Texas’ Bijan Robinson and UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet.
Lloyd was slowed last season by top defenses. He mustered just 2.4 yards per carry against Georgia and 1.5 yards per carry against Clemson.
He’ll get every chance to take the reins at USC in the spring in a suddenly crowded backfield.
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I may not be on the up and up on how the transfer portal works, but why or why did we not pursue MJ Sherman OLB from UGA who went to Nebraska. I don’t know about you but any defensive recruit from UGA that is not getting playing time because of there depth and or maybe injury would be pretty high on my list from the transfer portal. Just saying.
“Right now sitting here today, I don’t anticipate any major staff changes,” Riley said.
“I’ve been through it enough with that guy to know, don’t be against him,” Riley explained. “I know what he’s made of. I just do. I know what’s getting ready to happen defensively. I just have a confidence and a belief there…”
Cryptic response. The talent at LB has been upgraded significantly. Need a couple more, particularly at OLB. The talent at DL (outside of Tuli) was marginal to begin with. We have added only two. Could use at least 3 more. Perhaps LR is forcing Grinch to change his scheme?
I never felt there was any chance that Alex Grinch would be a goner. So I can’t say I’m disappointed. Never had my hopes up. I also don’t believe LR is forcing a scheme change. He’s not a strong defensive coach, according to the entire CFB universe. But since USC’s talent on D has been so questionable, Grinch has ended up getting a pass for 2022. I’m pulling for him in 2023. Grinch needs a lot of work on his coverage schemes and who knows if Donte Williams is a problem, or not? I’m okay with all of that in… Read more »
I’m okay with this decision since we’ve added talent through the transfer portal and are bringing in recruits like Tackett Curtis. If the defense can move up to a Top 50 defense next season that could make a difference and maybe get us to the CFP.
Tackett comes in with a lot of pressure I would say, especially from USC fans’ huge expectations.
Yet Rivals actually rates Tackett as only a 4-star, not a 5, and Braylan Shelby (#51 in the country) actually ranks better than Tackett’s #68. rivals.com
That means our DB coach and ace recruiter will remain. I was kind of hoping he would get an offer as HC somewhere. LOL If LR were to let Donte go I would think he would end up at ucla anyway.
As expected, USC has signed WSU LT transfer Jarrett Kingston (6-5, 305; 3-stars 2018) Kingston played 546 snaps at LT and did not allow a sack in 2022 for the Cougars SI.com — As a RS JR this past season, Kingston started nine games for WSU. Kingston, WSU’s highest-graded OL per PFF, suffered a leg injury in week 10 game against STAN, which ended his season. He was a three-year starter for the Cougs and earned a spot on the All-Pac 12 HM team in 2022. He turned down OHIO ST after visiting Columbus last week. The transfer portal remains… Read more »
The O is in great shape. We added two quality OL and five true frosh. Maybe room for one more. The WR room is stacked as is the RB room as is the QB room. We need a dominant TE. The TE room is the weakest on the O. The D is another matter.
It didn’t seem that LR was that willing to use the TE’s we did have very much. It could be one reason why Duce Robinson is probably going to GA, along with the fact that they are NC again. Perhaps Kyle Ford could line up there.
Stewart Mandel picks GA #1 again in 2023, and guesses USC fits at #7 (same as ESPN):
7. USC (11-3)
Heisman winner Caleb Williamsis poised for another huge year. He gets back WRs Tahj Washington, Mario Williams and Brenden Rice and adds Arizona transfer Dorian Singer (1,105 yards).
But the Trojans’ atrocious defense will be no easy fix. Lincoln Riley has already landed two Power 5 starters, Oklahoma State LB Mason Cobb and Arizona CB Christian Roland-Wallace, but he’s losing All-American DL Tuli Tuipulotu.
Trojans Have a Long Way To Go J. Brady McCollough (LAT) — USC coach Lincoln Riley was at SoFi Stadium on Monday night to support his brother, Garrett, the TCU offensive coordinator. He had a front-row seat to see just how astronomically far away the Trojans are from playing at a national championship level (after losing to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, he probably didn’t need such a blunt reminder). Riley, of course, knows what it takes to get to the playoff. He led Oklahoma to the CFP semifinals three years in a row but was dismissed each time by a more… Read more »
You read other sports publications and most if not all say the same thing. Riley always has a great offense but it’s his defenses that prevent his teams from winning the big games. It’s been his history at Oklahoma all along. And even though this first year LR did a remarkable job turning the program around as he has, he loaded up on offense and not so much on defense in his bringing players in. So his reputation anyway hasn’t changed. Until he does turn the Trojan defense around. The book on Riley will remain the same.
USC finishes #12 in final 2022 AP CFB Poll GA is the 12th team to repeat as the final No. 1 in the AP poll. The only other teams to do so in the past 40 years are ALA (2011-12), USC (2003-04) and NEB (1994-95). 1. GA (63 1st-place votes) 2. TCU 3. MICH 4. OHIO ST 5. ALA 6. TENN 7. PSU 8. UW 9. TUL 10. UTAH 11. FSU 12. USC 13. CLEM 14. KSU 15. ORE 16. LSU 17. ORE ST 18. ND 19. TROY 20. MISS ST 21. UCLA 22. PITT 23. SO CAR 24. FRESNO… Read more »
College football’s way too early 2023 top 25 rankings (J. Brady McCollough/LAT): Who will threaten Georgia’s dynasty? 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. Alabama 4. Ohio State 5. Louisiana State 6. USC If this seems high for the Trojans, who lost their last two games because of second-half implosions against Utah and Tulane, just try to remember that USC was positioned for the playoff entering December in coach Lincoln Riley’s first season. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams returns to lead what will be a dynamic offense, and let’s be honest, the defense can’t possibly be any worse than it was down the stretch. That said, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has his… Read more »
USC insider Scott Schrader (WeAreSC) predicts Trojans will land WSU redshirt JR/grad transfer LT (Jarrett Kingston, 6-5, 302, All-Pac-12 HM) via the transfer portal. Schools such as OHIO ST, AUB, OLE MISS and UCLA had already offered as of late Dec.
Georgia is huge. They are just a whole different level. The only way to beat them is to have an exceptional QB who can spread them out and throw it all over the place. Trying to beat them in a physical game is not going to work.
Agreed. Caleb at 100% and the weapons we have on offense, we would score points on Georgia or any team for that matter because we can attack from anywhere on the field and run enough to keep them guessing. We will have a top rated offense again in 2023, no question about that. If we can become an average defensive unit we can get to the playoffs.
USC’s Reggie Bush, Florida’s Tim Tebow elected to CFB Hall of Fame: Matt Fortuna (The Athletic) — Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow and Mark Richt headline the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023, as 18 players and four coaches were selected Monday for induction. Here’s what you need to know: Eric Berry, Dwight Freeney, LaMichael James, Derrick Johnson, Luke Kuechly, Jeremy Maclin, Bryant McKinnie, Brian Westbrook and DeAngelo Williams are also part of this class as players who starred in college during this millennium. Michael Bishop, Bill Kollar, Terance Mathis, Corey Moore, Michael Stonebreaker and Troy Vincent round… Read more »
I did not know Tackett Curtis was that big. With a 6’3″ frame, I can easily see him putting on 15-20# of maturity and muscle and yet not losing a step. He should be a force from game one.
USC LB Tackett Curtis selected as the 2022 Louisiana Mr. Football Jimmy Watson (Shreveport Times) — Already headed USC, Many LB Tackett Curtis made history in his home state this week by receiving the highest honor awarded by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association – Louisiana Mr. Football. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound enforcer becomes the first Many athlete to receive the designation since the LSWA began awarding the Mr. Football recognition in 1995. He joins a stellar list of previous honorees that includes Leonard Fournette, Ryan Perrilloux, Brock Berlin and Derek Stingley. He’s the second Mr. Football to choose USC, joining John… Read more »
Allen, I think Curtis is the best D recruit since Hufanga. I expect he will start as a true frosh. I am expecting him to play OLB. We need a ton of help at OLB and DL. Curtis helps. We now need another couple of OLB and DL.
As this offseason moves along things look dimmer for Shane Lee. Everyone coming in has some speed. If Curtis has enough speed and can catch on to the schemes of the defense he could very well play a lot. But perhaps with the new bodies lining up, the younger guys developing could create a solid defense without so much “trust” in the system being needed and they can just play football.
When Kingsburry was brought in at USC,I thought it was a move to replace the incompetent boob they had as head coach. Kingsburry quickly found out that the only thing Helton knew about the trophies at Heritage Hall was how to assemble them and when to dust them. A boatload of money came floating his way and Kingsburry to the first train out of L. A. Then a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinators were hired. I viewed this as a prop to give Helton help. The props crumbled and Helton was shown the door. Now I see a bunch… Read more »
I too still can’t help but take shots at Clay, probably too often. But you’re right. It’s just fun.
However, it’s finally starting to have diminishing returns for me as LR encounters his own set of speed bumps to where we all hope USC is headed, the top.
Such interesting times at USC football. Everyone wondering how the loss to TUL will affect LR and his plans.
The portal is looking like a pretty strong haul so far. Every day is a roster adventure.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves into broadcasting for a year or two and then takes a college HC job. I think we all know he belongs in college more than the NFL anyway. The kind of stuff that he and LR do doesn’t work as well in the NFL simply because the defensive players are more capable at blowing it up early. You can’t bank on missed tackles either.
We have picked up 5 guys from transfer portal on the defensive side of the football. Most likely all 5 will start or get lots of snaps with Cobb being a no brainer starter at LB. I would think Sullivan and Barrs would be plug and play on the D Line. We can certainly use the help.
Looks like some players are coming to visit: from the portal Jarrett Kingston, OL, Anthony Lucas DT, coming for sure. Ethan White OL possible visit, as is Jordan Burch, edge.
Roderick Pleasant, 4 * Athlete taking his last official to USC. He is looking at USC and the Ducks. Will announce Feb 1. Michigan edge Julius Welschof and Miami OL John Campbell have been offered. Could be a good month I hope.
Seven Letters to the LA Times. The verdict is in… Defending the Defenseless? 1) Rumor has it that USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and returning defensive players have chosen to enter the flag football portal for 2023. 2) I have concluded that Lincoln Riley is a “Manchurian” coach. He does not lose all, or even most, of the team’s games, just the critical ones. It always starts with USC doing well and taking a lead but then the “trigger” kicks in and Riley starts playing to lose. Rather than continuing the successful scoring efforts he has the Trojans play conservatively; in this… Read more »
Lincoln Riley On Rebuilding USC Football “You know, you come in here day one, and you’re trying to, in a lot of ways, just starting to teach these guys how to compete and what championship habits look like. I mean, you’re starting from the complete ground floor on everything. We’ve learned a lot of things, we’ve grown in a lot of ways and that’s why we’re at this game and why we’re an 11-win team and we’re two plays different from being who knows where? “But there’s still so much more to go to be in that position where you… Read more »
So far from what little I have heard everyone in this galaxy thinks Grinch should be replaced, preferably by Jim Leonhard. But it is getting to the point of looking like it is not happening and Riley’s comments above help to reinforce that.
The question remains, will the best quarterback, fastest backfield and great receivers be enough to outrun the lack of defense? Or will Riley finally see the writing on the walls of every blog I’ve seen saying, “defense matters.”
I wonder when Riley will do an end of the season press conference or discuss anything staff related. Feels like something will happen but the question is when.
Rialto, Great question. SC will have one of the best, if not the best, O in the nation next year. The issue is D and special teams. LR is now in a very tough spot. The lack of a special teams coach hurt the team all year; it was fatal in the Cotton Bowl. I am not certain Grinch can survive the Cotton Bowl. SC had the worst D performance of the bowl season, perhaps one of the worst D performances of all time on a national stage. I have read statements about this D being the worst in Power… Read more »
My favorite Keanu Reeves as QB sketch was his role as “Johnny Utah” in the original Point Break (1991), also starring crazy Gary Busey as Reeves’ boss. A 26-year-old Reeves plays an undercover cop/newbie surfer who played at OHIO ST and beat USC in the Rose Bowl (if my memory serves). A wrecked knee ends up costing Reeves any football career, but he still superbly manages to take down head surfer/robber guru Patrick Swayze who always wears a Ronald Reagan mask when stealing dough from banks. They all play a little ball on the beach in the dark that turns… Read more »
The arrival of South Carolina running back Marshawn Lloyd, who led the Gamecocks in rushing last season with 573 yards, seemed to suggest USC had found its new lead back for 2023. Less than three hours later, Austin Jones (6) announced he would return for a second go-round at USC, ensuring serious competition for carries next season.
Jones, also a former transfer, played a secondary role to Travis Dye in 2022, tallying 705 yards and five touchdowns to go with 267 yards receiving and another touchdown. He took over the reins when Dye suffered a season-ending injury in November and averaged 92.5 yards per game over the season’s final month.
Perhaps the most intriguing among that group is electric former five-star recruit Raleek Brown, who showed flashes of stardom throughout his first season at USC. Brown saved his best performance for last in the bowl game, as he totaled 61 yards in six carries and added a touchdown.
I may not be on the up and up on how the transfer portal works, but why or why did we not pursue MJ Sherman OLB from UGA who went to Nebraska. I don’t know about you but any defensive recruit from UGA that is not getting playing time because of there depth and or maybe injury would be pretty high on my list from the transfer portal. Just saying.
Lincoln Riley Standing Pat
“Right now sitting here today, I don’t anticipate any major staff changes,” Riley said.
“I’ve been through it enough with that guy to know, don’t be against him,” Riley explained. “I know what he’s made of. I just do. I know what’s getting ready to happen defensively. I just have a confidence and a belief there…”
on3.com
Cryptic response. The talent at LB has been upgraded significantly. Need a couple more, particularly at OLB. The talent at DL (outside of Tuli) was marginal to begin with. We have added only two. Could use at least 3 more. Perhaps LR is forcing Grinch to change his scheme?
I never felt there was any chance that Alex Grinch would be a goner. So I can’t say I’m disappointed. Never had my hopes up. I also don’t believe LR is forcing a scheme change. He’s not a strong defensive coach, according to the entire CFB universe. But since USC’s talent on D has been so questionable, Grinch has ended up getting a pass for 2022. I’m pulling for him in 2023. Grinch needs a lot of work on his coverage schemes and who knows if Donte Williams is a problem, or not? I’m okay with all of that in… Read more »
I’m okay with this decision since we’ve added talent through the transfer portal and are bringing in recruits like Tackett Curtis. If the defense can move up to a Top 50 defense next season that could make a difference and maybe get us to the CFP.
Tackett comes in with a lot of pressure I would say, especially from USC fans’ huge expectations.
Yet Rivals actually rates Tackett as only a 4-star, not a 5, and Braylan Shelby (#51 in the country) actually ranks better than Tackett’s #68.
rivals.com
That means our DB coach and ace recruiter will remain. I was kind of hoping he would get an offer as HC somewhere. LOL If LR were to let Donte go I would think he would end up at ucla anyway.
As expected, USC has signed WSU LT transfer Jarrett Kingston (6-5, 305; 3-stars 2018) Kingston played 546 snaps at LT and did not allow a sack in 2022 for the Cougars SI.com — As a RS JR this past season, Kingston started nine games for WSU. Kingston, WSU’s highest-graded OL per PFF, suffered a leg injury in week 10 game against STAN, which ended his season. He was a three-year starter for the Cougs and earned a spot on the All-Pac 12 HM team in 2022. He turned down OHIO ST after visiting Columbus last week. The transfer portal remains… Read more »
The O is in great shape. We added two quality OL and five true frosh. Maybe room for one more. The WR room is stacked as is the RB room as is the QB room. We need a dominant TE. The TE room is the weakest on the O. The D is another matter.
Ethan White would be a “huge” pickup
It didn’t seem that LR was that willing to use the TE’s we did have very much. It could be one reason why Duce Robinson is probably going to GA, along with the fact that they are NC again. Perhaps Kyle Ford could line up there.
GA used their TE perfectly and Brock Bowers wrecked TCU whenever he wanted. Duce to GA will be tough to hold off.
Tight Ends, ugh. I read that Kincaid is declaring for the draft. I sleep better at night already just knowing that.
Stewart Mandel picks GA #1 again in 2023, and guesses USC fits at #7 (same as ESPN):
7. USC (11-3)
Heisman winner Caleb Williams is poised for another huge year. He gets back WRs Tahj Washington, Mario Williams and Brenden Rice and adds Arizona transfer Dorian Singer (1,105 yards).
But the Trojans’ atrocious defense will be no easy fix. Lincoln Riley has already landed two Power 5 starters, Oklahoma State LB Mason Cobb and Arizona CB Christian Roland-Wallace, but he’s losing All-American DL Tuli Tuipulotu.
theathletic.com
Trojans Have a Long Way To Go J. Brady McCollough (LAT) — USC coach Lincoln Riley was at SoFi Stadium on Monday night to support his brother, Garrett, the TCU offensive coordinator. He had a front-row seat to see just how astronomically far away the Trojans are from playing at a national championship level (after losing to Tulane in the Cotton Bowl, he probably didn’t need such a blunt reminder). Riley, of course, knows what it takes to get to the playoff. He led Oklahoma to the CFP semifinals three years in a row but was dismissed each time by a more… Read more »
You read other sports publications and most if not all say the same thing. Riley always has a great offense but it’s his defenses that prevent his teams from winning the big games. It’s been his history at Oklahoma all along. And even though this first year LR did a remarkable job turning the program around as he has, he loaded up on offense and not so much on defense in his bringing players in. So his reputation anyway hasn’t changed. Until he does turn the Trojan defense around. The book on Riley will remain the same.
USC finishes #12 in final 2022 AP CFB Poll GA is the 12th team to repeat as the final No. 1 in the AP poll. The only other teams to do so in the past 40 years are ALA (2011-12), USC (2003-04) and NEB (1994-95). 1. GA (63 1st-place votes) 2. TCU 3. MICH 4. OHIO ST 5. ALA 6. TENN 7. PSU 8. UW 9. TUL 10. UTAH 11. FSU 12. USC 13. CLEM 14. KSU 15. ORE 16. LSU 17. ORE ST 18. ND 19. TROY 20. MISS ST 21. UCLA 22. PITT 23. SO CAR 24. FRESNO… Read more »
College football’s way too early 2023 top 25 rankings (J. Brady McCollough/LAT): Who will threaten Georgia’s dynasty? 1. Georgia 2. Michigan 3. Alabama 4. Ohio State 5. Louisiana State 6. USC If this seems high for the Trojans, who lost their last two games because of second-half implosions against Utah and Tulane, just try to remember that USC was positioned for the playoff entering December in coach Lincoln Riley’s first season. Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams returns to lead what will be a dynamic offense, and let’s be honest, the defense can’t possibly be any worse than it was down the stretch. That said, defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has his… Read more »
Notice 8 win Sark is not listed. I wonder what Texas will do if Sark repeats his pattern. Kiffin and Jaxson Dart are still listed.
USC insider Scott Schrader (WeAreSC) predicts Trojans will land WSU redshirt JR/grad transfer LT (Jarrett Kingston, 6-5, 302, All-Pac-12 HM) via the transfer portal. Schools such as OHIO ST, AUB, OLE MISS and UCLA had already offered as of late Dec.
He committed today!!!
Georgia is huge. They are just a whole different level. The only way to beat them is to have an exceptional QB who can spread them out and throw it all over the place. Trying to beat them in a physical game is not going to work.
It’s over, TCU threw it away.
I think if we’d play them, they might still have 38 at half time, but I’d bet money we’d have more than 7.
USC would have had 42
Agreed. Caleb at 100% and the weapons we have on offense, we would score points on Georgia or any team for that matter because we can attack from anywhere on the field and run enough to keep them guessing. We will have a top rated offense again in 2023, no question about that. If we can become an average defensive unit we can get to the playoffs.
I’m all in for TCU to pull the upset. For the next few hours I am a horn frog fan.
Me to Chris, all TCU.
Me too, but they are looking quite overwhelmed in the 1st quarter. They need to settle down a bit.
USC’s Reggie Bush, Florida’s Tim Tebow elected to CFB Hall of Fame: Matt Fortuna (The Athletic) — Reggie Bush, Tim Tebow and Mark Richt headline the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023, as 18 players and four coaches were selected Monday for induction. Here’s what you need to know: Eric Berry, Dwight Freeney, LaMichael James, Derrick Johnson, Luke Kuechly, Jeremy Maclin, Bryant McKinnie, Brian Westbrook and DeAngelo Williams are also part of this class as players who starred in college during this millennium. Michael Bishop, Bill Kollar, Terance Mathis, Corey Moore, Michael Stonebreaker and Troy Vincent round… Read more »
I did not know Tackett Curtis was that big. With a 6’3″ frame, I can easily see him putting on 15-20# of maturity and muscle and yet not losing a step. He should be a force from game one.
USC LB Tackett Curtis selected as the 2022 Louisiana Mr. Football Jimmy Watson (Shreveport Times) — Already headed USC, Many LB Tackett Curtis made history in his home state this week by receiving the highest honor awarded by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association – Louisiana Mr. Football. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound enforcer becomes the first Many athlete to receive the designation since the LSWA began awarding the Mr. Football recognition in 1995. He joins a stellar list of previous honorees that includes Leonard Fournette, Ryan Perrilloux, Brock Berlin and Derek Stingley. He’s the second Mr. Football to choose USC, joining John… Read more »
Allen, I think Curtis is the best D recruit since Hufanga. I expect he will start as a true frosh. I am expecting him to play OLB. We need a ton of help at OLB and DL. Curtis helps. We now need another couple of OLB and DL.
Ya, who wouldn’t be jacked about this guy? Possibly also a great type to have on your team as a strong locker-room presence.
As much or more hype as in the old days of Chris Claiborne (’96-98, Riverside North).
Of course with social media now, all the new hype standards need to be readjusted.
But anyone who plays D and elicits comparisons to “Rambo” seems like the best gift a Trojan fan could ask for.
As this offseason moves along things look dimmer for Shane Lee. Everyone coming in has some speed. If Curtis has enough speed and can catch on to the schemes of the defense he could very well play a lot. But perhaps with the new bodies lining up, the younger guys developing could create a solid defense without so much “trust” in the system being needed and they can just play football.
John Lucas is looking real good according some crystal balls.
Kliff Kingsbury (former USC OC under Clay Helton for about a month from Dec 2018 to Jan 2019) fired as coach of Arizona Cardinals after 4-13 season.
When Kingsburry was brought in at USC,I thought it was a move to replace the incompetent boob they had as head coach. Kingsburry quickly found out that the only thing Helton knew about the trophies at Heritage Hall was how to assemble them and when to dust them. A boatload of money came floating his way and Kingsburry to the first train out of L. A. Then a new offensive coordinator and defensive coordinators were hired. I viewed this as a prop to give Helton help. The props crumbled and Helton was shown the door. Now I see a bunch… Read more »
I blame Clay Helton for this–because it is fun to do so, and I can.
😂
I too still can’t help but take shots at Clay, probably too often. But you’re right. It’s just fun.
However, it’s finally starting to have diminishing returns for me as LR encounters his own set of speed bumps to where we all hope USC is headed, the top.
Such interesting times at USC football. Everyone wondering how the loss to TUL will affect LR and his plans.
The portal is looking like a pretty strong haul so far. Every day is a roster adventure.
Kliff did really well for himself. He can retire in comfort if he wishes. I think his contract runs thru 2027.
I’m just wondering where and when he’ll land in the NFL again? College? He’s only 43. May have a lot of mileage left.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he moves into broadcasting for a year or two and then takes a college HC job. I think we all know he belongs in college more than the NFL anyway. The kind of stuff that he and LR do doesn’t work as well in the NFL simply because the defensive players are more capable at blowing it up early. You can’t bank on missed tackles either.
The defensive line can chase down receivers and running backs in the nfl. It is all about speed.
We have picked up 5 guys from transfer portal on the defensive side of the football. Most likely all 5 will start or get lots of snaps with Cobb being a no brainer starter at LB. I would think Sullivan and Barrs would be plug and play on the D Line. We can certainly use the help.
The transfer portal is performing miracles for USC.
Last year it was the offense.
This year it could be the defense.
Beam me up Scotty.
USC gets commit from Purdue edge Jack Sullivan, possibly for depth but he is a starter for Purdue.
USC’s partially completed seven home game 2023 schedule
Aug 26 VS SJS
Sept 2 VS NEV
Oct 14 AT ND
AT ASU
AT CAL
AT CU
AT ORE
VS ARIZ
VS STAN
VS UCLA
VS UTAH
VS UW
Caleb cut his hair. Looks good.
Looks like some players are coming to visit: from the portal Jarrett Kingston, OL, Anthony Lucas DT, coming for sure. Ethan White OL possible visit, as is Jordan Burch, edge.
Roderick Pleasant, 4 * Athlete taking his last official to USC. He is looking at USC and the Ducks. Will announce Feb 1. Michigan edge Julius Welschof and Miami OL John Campbell have been offered. Could be a good month I hope.
GA lands commitment from the country’s #2 2024 safety
2024 S Peyton Woodyard (6-2, 188; Bellflower St. John Bosco) has committed to GA while at the All-American Bowl over OHIO ST, ORE and TEXAS.
Woodyard ranks as the nation’s #29 overall 2024 player, the #2 ranked S, and the #2 overall player in Calif per 247Sports.
yahoo.com
Another swing and a miss. I guess what hurts most is he is local.
Seven Letters to the LA Times. The verdict is in… Defending the Defenseless? 1) Rumor has it that USC defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and returning defensive players have chosen to enter the flag football portal for 2023. 2) I have concluded that Lincoln Riley is a “Manchurian” coach. He does not lose all, or even most, of the team’s games, just the critical ones. It always starts with USC doing well and taking a lead but then the “trigger” kicks in and Riley starts playing to lose. Rather than continuing the successful scoring efforts he has the Trojans play conservatively; in this… Read more »
Lincoln Riley On Rebuilding USC Football “You know, you come in here day one, and you’re trying to, in a lot of ways, just starting to teach these guys how to compete and what championship habits look like. I mean, you’re starting from the complete ground floor on everything. We’ve learned a lot of things, we’ve grown in a lot of ways and that’s why we’re at this game and why we’re an 11-win team and we’re two plays different from being who knows where? “But there’s still so much more to go to be in that position where you… Read more »
So far from what little I have heard everyone in this galaxy thinks Grinch should be replaced, preferably by Jim Leonhard. But it is getting to the point of looking like it is not happening and Riley’s comments above help to reinforce that.
The question remains, will the best quarterback, fastest backfield and great receivers be enough to outrun the lack of defense? Or will Riley finally see the writing on the walls of every blog I’ve seen saying, “defense matters.”
It would sure be nice to hear something, either way, coming out of HH.
I wonder when Riley will do an end of the season press conference or discuss anything staff related. Feels like something will happen but the question is when.
Rialto, Great question. SC will have one of the best, if not the best, O in the nation next year. The issue is D and special teams. LR is now in a very tough spot. The lack of a special teams coach hurt the team all year; it was fatal in the Cotton Bowl. I am not certain Grinch can survive the Cotton Bowl. SC had the worst D performance of the bowl season, perhaps one of the worst D performances of all time on a national stage. I have read statements about this D being the worst in Power… Read more »
My favorite Keanu Reeves as QB sketch was his role as “Johnny Utah” in the original Point Break (1991), also starring crazy Gary Busey as Reeves’ boss. A 26-year-old Reeves plays an undercover cop/newbie surfer who played at OHIO ST and beat USC in the Rose Bowl (if my memory serves). A wrecked knee ends up costing Reeves any football career, but he still superbly manages to take down head surfer/robber guru Patrick Swayze who always wears a Ronald Reagan mask when stealing dough from banks. They all play a little ball on the beach in the dark that turns… Read more »
Connections Matter, or Do They Here?
Lincoln Riley has close ties with Gamecocks coach Shane Beamer. Beamer was the Sooners’ asst HC and TEs coach from 2018-20 under Riley.