Well, it took four weeks for both teams to get a loss. How would they matchup if they played today? And will they be fighting for the South Division title when they play in November?

Hard to believe the season is already four games old. And right now, it is equally difficult to believe USC was ranked No. 1 in the preseason Associated Press poll.
USC’s not played a complete game yet, which is not necessarily surprising. But the offensive inconsistency is unexpected. With so many marquee players including a four-year starter at quarterback, USC’s offense is an enigma.
It is not picking up where it left off last season and seems out of sync at times. No deep throws against Syracuse, nothing to counter Stanford’s pass rush, an inability to find Robert Woods against Cal.
These issues might not be significant if they were isolated but it led to a shocking loss to a Stanford team that barely beat San Jose State and featured an inexperienced quarterback.
It is early but right now what is USC’s philosophy? It did not want to run against Hawaii or throw deep against Syracuse or short against Stanford. Perhaps USC should worry less about its opponent and just do what it does well offensively.

A reader who has the Pac-12 Network said during the telecast linebacker Hayes Pullard said he hurt his collarbone. I could not watch a replay of the game because I do not have the Pac-12 Network.

Lane Kiffin says it’s all about victories and not stats or Heismans.
Everything we’ve done is about winning and not about getting numbers for certain guys or Heisman (Trophy) races,” Kiffin said. Link here.

Not the 75 that USC is allowed under NCAA sanctions but the ones granted to opposing schools. When questioned about USC’s offensive production, Lane Kiffin said, “the defensive players are on scholarship too.”

A couple interesting revelations by Lane Kiffin tonight. He said wide receiver George Farmer did not suit up for the game because he was not medically cleared. Kiffin also said linebacker Scott Starr (neck) and offensive lineman David Garness (back) are out for the season.
Kiffin would not discuss the status of center Khaled Holmes, who limped off the field. And he did not update the situation with cornerback Brian Baucham, who left the Coliseum in an ambulance.

USC is ranked 13th in the Associated Press and the Coaches’ polls today. Here is my ballot for the AP poll.
Continue reading “The Top 25” »

Tailback Silas Redd rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown in USC’s 27-9 victory over Cal on Saturday.

USC was a “mad team” according to safety T.J. McDonald as the Trojans defeated Cal, Link here.
Meanwhile, Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott said he sympathized with fans upset they did not see the game because it was on the Pac-12 Network. Link here.

Cal didn’t play like Teddy Bears, they were Tedford Bears.
Jeff Tedford was hardly in top form at the Coliseum with three quarterbacks signaling in plays from the sideline so late, Cal had two delay-of-game penalties and used two timeouts to avoid two more penalties.
And Tedford lost his ninth straight game to USC.