Check out the latest batch of weekly answers…
1) hi jon, are you surprised there hasn’t been more criticism in the national media regarding SC’s response to NCAA? i think they’ve got every right to, and should, appeal but their attitude is amazingly tone deaf, i mean, if they’re trying to piss off the NCAA they couldn’t be ding o a better job! also, what do you see will be the cumulative impact of sanctions on SC? glaze into your crystal ball and give your best assessment of SC in say four years, thanks – Trojanhorse
I’ve answered the first part a few times, so this will be the last: Yes, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more criticism about USC’s handling of the sanctions. If it were me, I would walk back with my tail between my legs and show absolute contrition. That’s just me, though. To the second part: I see USC falling back to earth, having a great season every few years but not being the juggernaut they once were. But I saw that happening even before the sanctions. The rest of the Pac-10 has recruited very well against them, and there are some really good coaches. Should be a fun league for the next few years.
2) For the Pac-12 championship game, wouldn’t Las Vegas be an attractive option? No distinct home-field advantage, geographically centered, resources to make for an entertaining fan weekend… – Anonymous
Have you seen Sam Boyd Stadium? Not good enough for a major game. And Las Vegas, while a great entertainment destination, is not enough of a reliable option for the Pac-10. I would expect LA to be the host.
3) I hear so much from washington being a great team this upcoming season posted as the second best team in the pac 10, but UCLA beat them and it was those same players what’s so different from this upcoming season? – Anonymous
Jake Locker. Jake Locker. Jake Locker. Jake Locker. Jake Locker. When Mel Kiper names your QB the likely No. 1 pick, you get some hype.
4) So what’s the plan for Malcolm Lee next year? Continue to run the 1 or switch to 2? How is his offseason progression? – Anonymous
Howland has essentially said that Lee is No. 2 or bust. He might handle the ball every so often, but Anderson and Jones are the point guards. Lee NEEDS to be off the ball to work most of his damage, at least on the perimeter, and running the point and guarding the opposition point guard is just too taxing. From what I hear, he’s looked very good this summer when healthy.
5) All things being equal and baring another rash of injuries, how do you see the starting five coming out of fall workouts? What would surprise you. – MichaelRyerson
Anderson/Lee/Honeycutt/Nelson/Smith