The freezing night temperatures only remind to thank USC and UCLA for allowing Saturday’s game to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.
Monthly Archives: November 2010
Quote Of the Night
“You can’t end an eight-game winning streak to Notre Dame and call the season a success.”
— USC coach Lane Kiffin
The Players’ Game?
I’m not quite sure why Lane Kiffin keeps saying the Notre Dame game is the “fans’ game,” while UCLA is the “players’ game.” I don’t know any USC fans that will feel any less upset if the Trojans do not beat the Bruins this week.
No. 112 v. No. 116
USC’s pass defense is ranked 112th in the nation. UCLA’s pass offense is ranked 116th.
Which will give in first at the Rose Bowl on Saturday?
Issue No. 1
I said during the offseason whenever asked about Lane Kiffin’s hiring that the true test of his coaching would be when adversity struck and how USC responded? Whether he could get the Trojans to bounce back and play with belief?
After getting routed by Oregon State, there was not an inspired effort against Notre Dame. And even the victory over Arizona State following the loss to Oregon, was an emotionally wanting performance. USC did respond to its loss to Washington with verve against Stanford.
So right now, the reviews are mixed at best.
Encore, Encore
Because of the long Thanksgiving weekend, some of you might have missed last week’s memorable episode of USC Report with special correspondent Amanda Pflugrad.
Myth No. 1
During training camp, Lane Kiffin said it was the first time a backup quarterback (Mitch Mustain) could utilize all the plays exactly like the starting quarterback (Matt Barkley). So why did he go conservative with the playcalling even after Mustain got a half of experience against Oregon State last week?
The Top 25
Here’s my ballot for the Associated Press college basketball poll.
Continue reading “The Top 25” »
USC-Notre Dame Report Card
Here are the grades for the Notre Dame game.
Continue reading “USC-Notre Dame Report Card” »
Morning Buzz
Lane Kifftin talks about the standards for the USC program and going 7-5 (or worse) this season.
“That’s well below our standards,” Kiffin said.