More reader football questions on how to stop the spread offense and why USC hasn’t signed more defensive linemen.
Q: dtksr1 @dslextreme.com
In your opinion Scott, for the last 2/3 years in not signing more top D-linemen the fault of Lane Kiffin being viewed as a head coach they don’t want to play for? Or is it Coach Orgeron not the coach the players want coaching them? It has got to be one or the other.
A: Ed Orgeron used to be a master at signing plenty of defensive linemen and I think USC’s been caught flatfooted under the scholarship restrictions, especially last year, when it came to signing defensive linemen. This year, Orgeron said he would make sure he got plenty of defensive linemen and USC secured a lot of early commitments.
As you all know, then came a wave of decommitments. That was the result of the 7-6 season (Lane Kiffin). Can’t blame Orgeron for that. But he also needed to find some other players once it became apparent Eddie Vanderdoes, Kylie Fitts, Jason Hatcher and Torrodney Prevot were going elsewhere.
Some coaches might feel like they are recruiting with one hand tied behind their back with Kiffin struggling, but that’s something that is just part of the fabric of the football program. And it might not change for awhile.
Q: Vladimir Smackula
Vulfman, now zat zee Tvin Towers haff derstroyt Cantu’s chances at beink namt zee permanent coach, do you sink zee Trojinx haff a schance at hirink Mark Few??
AH! AH! AH! AH! just kiddink, Vulfman! AH! AH! AH! Vhat about Phil Jackson?? AH! AH! AH! (sorry Vulfman!) AH! AH! AH!
A: It is pretty much accepted that Mark Few will not leave Gonzaga. Or if he does, it will be a better job than USC. He’s got it pretty good at Gonzaga right now and I can’t really imagine he would leave for USC.
Q: Ben Doverz
How does Kiffin think he can stop the spread offense with just THREE defensive coaches ?
A: I think Lane Kiffin thinks one thing: Clancy Pendergast will stop the spread. I’m intrigued by the fact Pendergast had a secondary coach at Cal last year but does not want one at USC. Sometimes, when you get fired, you decide to coach yourself instead of relying on others. It’s a reason Pete Carroll served as coach and defensive coordinator at USC.
I still USC would be better served with four defensive assistants instead of two offensive line coaches. But that’s the choice Kiffin made. So we’ll see how it goes.
