USC Quote Of The Day

“I don’t think we have to apologize to anyone for our schedule,”

— USC senior associate athletic director and chief operations officer Steve Lopes

Here’s a story in today’s Daily News on the Trojans’ schedule

124 thoughts on “USC Quote Of The Day

  1. He’s right, because every major college football program schedules a few cupcakes in the beginning of the season, so why should USC be any different ?

    • Until the other top programs start improving their full schedules, Why should USC knock themselves out if being the conference champions is what the playoff committee cares mostly about??? that includes games against conference teams (PAC-12 plays 9 while everyone else plays no more than 8).

      • The difference is Alabama can fill up it’s stadium playing teams like this. We can’t. We can fill our stadium playing lower big fives like Maryland though.

    • Simple because USC will ruin it’s national brand by playing teams like this. It’s a major change in direction. We are better than this.

  2. At least USC, and the rest of the Pac 12, isn’t playing the likes of Sacramento State or Cal Poly San Luis in November like some in the big, bad, SEC.

    • Exactly, if you want to talk about cupcakes on your schedule, look at the entire SEC in November. They should be embarrassed and their season ticket holders should be screaming, like paying full price for NFL preseason.

  3. “Still, the Bruins have Fresno State, Hawaii, Cincinnati, San Diego State, South Alabama and Rutgers dotted in there as well.”

    • At least USC has scheduled teams who have won championships in the last 10 years with Texas and Alabama. And the Bruin fans don’t realize that after themselves Bama fans think of USC as the premier program in college football.

      • They’ve also played others that have won a NC – Auburn and Ohio State in the last 10 years.

          • We beat them 20-17–the third time in a row. SC hasn’t played Texas since that famous Vince Young outing.

          • I know. That’s why I said “they did”. And there’s no comparison. You beat Ricky Williams and a bad Texas team. And a bad rebuilding Charlie Strong team. Just sayin.

          • I agree. Just was responding to the claim that we haven’t played Texas recently. They are not very good right now; we got a little lucky last year thanks to Little Neu. Also, we actually beat Alabama twice in a row in 2000 and 2001.

          • I remember you guys beating Bama and Michigan, I thought the Bruins were gonna do big things after that.

          • Toledo left and then we entered the Dark Ages with Dorrell and Neu. Really depressing decade except for that crazy miracle 13-9 win in ’06.

          • I like Nueheisel. But UCLA should’ve hired him away earlier from Colorado or Washington when he was in his prime. Pete was far ahead of the conference and Rick couldn’t find a QB until Hundley and never got to stay to coach him up.

          • Yeah, I went to school with Neu. A great guy–same with Dorrell. But both of them combined can’t hold a candle to Mora. It would have been really interesting to see if Hundley would have done as well as he did at UCLA under Neu…

          • Apart of me actually sees some Pete Carroll in Mora. Beating up on USC or beating up on ASU. Admittedly he has some rah rah and tough Carroll qualities, but then there’s the Oregon and Stanford thing that doesn’t sell me on him just yet. Like Sark. I think Mora has a lot to prove. Beating SC is very respectable. But the 0-7 vs. those teams is something Mora has to change.

          • Yes he should have succeeded Donahue. Instead they brought in Toledo, what a disaster that guy was. Who else could win 20 in a row and not win a NC?

          • Toledo began your Dark Age once he ran out of Terry Donahue recruits and ran off future NFL quarterbacks JP Losman and the kid that transferred to Oregon State. Brilliant!

          • I was there. Although a lot of Bruins attended, Texas definitely had home field advantage at Jerry World.

            And by “Jerry World,” I’m referring to Jerry Neuheisel, of course.

            PumpFake! NeverForget.
            Shiaooo!

      • UCLA has beaten Texas more in the last 15 years (three times) than USC (zero). After Bama, football fans think of Ohio State as the premier program. SC has fallen far in the category, at least for now.

          • SC’s football brand is strong, but it was tarnished by sanctions and mediocrity under Kiffin. I like Sark, despite his off-field issues, but the verdict’s out as to how he’ll handle the keys to the Ferrari. Historically, SC is certainly in the top 5, kinda like UCLA in basketball. But today? Trending upward, but a ways to go to climb back into that preeminent position.

          • IMO. Sark wasn’t the right hire. But I also believe he wasn’t a bad hire. I think he can get over his personal coaching woes. Bruin fans might think USC is yesterday U. But if they seriously believe that they have another thing coming. I know the Sanctions were our own doing. But 30 less scholarships is one less Vanderdoes, Jordan Payton, Jalen Ramsey, etc. all players who would’ve ultimately been Trojans. When your only allowed to sign 15 players it will definitely effect the Win column. We lost to every team in the conference except Colorado. Sanctions set us back not a downfall of the program. UCLA has 3 game momentum on us. But as a Trojan fan I’m not at all worried about the future. I’m seriously confident about this season, but the reality is next year is when we will explode and be at our best.

          • To be fair, who was a top candidate. James Franklin wasn’t qualified to be the coach of USC. Kevin Sumlin wanted the job supposedly but has teams who don’t play defense. Del Rio is in NFL mode. Who else is there?

          • For the record. I respect UCLAs step forward the last few years. And I enjoy talking to fans like you who can talk football. I just don’t like when they act and talk as if they’ve accomplished MORE then a 3 game win streak over us.

          • I like beating USC, but I’m looking for bigger things. Less than a BCS bid and P12 conf championship will be unsatisfactory for me. Undoubtedly, as you say below, sanctions certainly played into those three UCLA wins. However, with Neuheisel as the coach (or Dorrell), we may not have won those three. SC is back nearly full strength, and is on equal footing with the Bruins this year, I believe. Your toughest test will be in Eugene on November 21.

          • I hope so. This conference is loaded. Both teams SC and UCLA could be undefeated when we meet or have anywhere from 1-3 losses. We’ll know early after our games against Stanford and ASU in week 3 and 4 if we’re legit.

          • It would really be cool if the Trojans and Bruins were undefeated on Nov 28. Realistically, however, I don’t think that’s going to happen. The SEC can brag all they want, but the P12 is ripe with brutal cannibalism. Look what Utah did to Michigan yesterday.

          • UW should never lose to Boise St. It makes the conference look bad, but I’m sure they’ll beat an ASU, or Stanford this year.

          • UW is the modern equivalent of what Stanford was in the 80s and 90s–losing to Portland State one weekend and upsetting SC or UCLA the next.

          • They started a freshman quarterback and opened against a Top 25 team on the road so what do you expect?

          • Did you see the struggles of the UW freshman quasrterback last night against Boise State? Rosen is going to have the same issues. You better be ready for a rebuilding year.

          • Homer answer: He is The Rosen One.
            Reality answer: You may be correct, sir. The X Factor is the Bruins have 17 returning starters, including a deeper, veteran OL and the P12’s defending rushing champion. Will Rosen be “good enough” to not lose games for UCLA?

          • All they’ve done is rebuild the program after 17 years of mediocrity or worse. They are now back to the competitiveness of the Donahue Era. Whether Mora stays to take them to the next step of reaching the Final Four playoff is the question.

          • I think if Mora gets them to the playoffs or higher he bolts to the NFL. He left feeling he should have never been fired.

          • 95. Good point. But still, in terms of brand recognition, UCLA basketball still is top of mind, just as SC is in FB, even though it’s been a decade since SC had an NC.

        • Too bad for the Bucks USC owns ’em . They dread USC on the field. We usually knock ’em around, both when they’re good, great, or not so good. We’ve beat ’em seven straight times. Piece of cake.

          USC owns OHIO ST in every brand category except attendance. Fact. Everyone except bruin fans understands the NCAA’s severely over-the-top penalties (compared to those levied against far guiltier programs, including OHIO ST) is the real reason USC has been out of the nation’s elite lately.

          Now, the nation views USC as elite yet again after just one full signing class following the worst NCAA penalties levied since SMU. USC has recovered so quickly because the brand is so incredible. Now comes the toughest part, the final climb with a less-than-steady HC.

          The ucla game at the Coliseum will tell the tale. If we beat you, we just might get another shot at our whipping boys, OHIO ST.

        • Beating Texas doesn’t mean much right now, or when UCLA plays them. I mean they just lost 38-3 vs. Notre Dame today, and I think they’ve missed the bowl season repeatedly during the time UCLA has dominated them. So like… big deal. How many good teams has UCLA beaten under Jim Mora? Stanford and Oregon don’t count because he loses to them every year, even when they suck.

    • Fresno St is no cupcake. Who could forget the 1982 Freedom Bowl matchup: Fresno St. vs Klown U. Most of the Klown U team didn’t know where Fresno was located.

      Unfortunately for Klown U, the Bulldogs ran through, around, and over the Klownster’s for the easy victory – Mighty Klown U, what a joke.

      • It was 1992…get your facts straight before you come in here shooting your mouth off. God, I get tired of saying that. One more thing, Fresno worked over UCLA in the Silicon Valley Classic as well.

        • 1982 or 1992 Klown U was trampled by Fresno State. In the 4th Qtr. the Klownster’s couldn’t stop a lamb.

          As to shooting my mouth off, 1982 or 1992, it makes no difference, because it doesn’t alter the FACT that Klown U submitted early and often to Fresno St. at that Freedom Bowl.

          • Just like UCLA did last year when Stanford smoked you again at home with everything on the line? Once again, when it comes to taking the step to the big stage UCLA spits the bit.

          • Well 12, I agree with you, beating Klown U isn’t no big thing.

            As to losing to Stanford, It’s true. I far as I know UCLA didn’t make any excuses for the loss.

            I do know one thing 12, when UCLA does defeat Stanford this year, Bruin fans won’t lemming stampede to the field, because they know UCLA should always defeat Stanford.

          • I was at the Stanford game when thug U lost as a tradition. You should have heard the wailing and gnashing of teeth. They blamed the sun, they blamed the coaches and players, they blamed that there was no rain, and blmaed and whined like there was no tomorrow. As usual, they did the 3rd quarter march out of the staduim to beat the traffic and deliver pizzas

          • What’s your point? I don’t know I ask because PT you never have a rational point.

          • Amen – what is glaring to any 3rd party observer is the sole game that matters to UCLA is USC. Even more telling is listening to the players last year after they lost to Stanford bemoaning all the attention that was focused upon them (UCLA) – USC, after being solidly beaten by UCLA went out the day after the Stanford-UCLA game and trounced Notre Dame.

          • That’s not really true anymore. Not under Mora; not after back-to-back 10-win seasons that did not produce a BCS bid. As an alum and 30-year season ticket holder, beating SC three years in a row is nice, but beating Stanford is more important this year as we don’t have to play Oregon (you do), and that Stanford game could mean the difference between a Pac-12 conference championship or not. They’ve beaten us 6 game in a row. UCLA fans hunger for a Stanford victory in ’15 much more than another SC win.

          • in the rain in Eugene on 11/21… that will be SC’s biggest test going into the UCLA game a week later.

          • The schedule doesn’t favor the Trojans this year, just as it didn’t favor UCLA last season. You’d have to beat the Ducks in late Nov, then beat the Bruins one week later to get another shot at Oregon. Tall order, but possible.

          • You think a true freshman quarterback is going to have success against top teams? You better lower your expectations and look toward 2016 and 2017.

          • Sorry SDBruin ‘but’ UCLA getting crushed by Stanford last year proves it is true – there it is a Pac-12 So. Championship and a chance to play for the Conference title and boom – left it all on the field against the game the only game that matters – beating USC.

          • Hey ugly rents the rose bowl, but USC has won three heismans and two national championships since 1992. What has Thug U aka ugly done since 1992? I will tell you, it has done NOTHING, except waste tax payers money. Dump the program and save the taxpayers a few hundred million.

  4. if anyone has a cupcake schedule it is Notre Dame save for three games (@ Clemson, USC and Stanford home) – and Notre Dame plays only two ranked teams (Clemson & USC)

    Sat 9/5
    Texas 7:30 pm ETSat 9/12
    @ Virginia 3:30 pm ETSat 9/19
    (16) Georgia Tech 3:30 pm ETSat 9/26
    UMass 3:30 pm ETSat 10/3
    @ (12) Clemson TBASat 10/10
    Navy 3:30 pm ETSat 10/17
    (8) USC 7:30 pm ETSat 10/31
    @ Temple TBASat 11/7
    @ Pittsburgh TBASat 11/14
    Wake Forest 3:30 pm ETSat 11/21
    @ Boston Coll. 7:30 pm ETSat 11/28
    @ (21) Stanford

      • Notre Dame is on thin ice that is melting i.e. how they’ll ever warrant consideration in the future with no CG is bizarre and were the Big 12 to actually have 12 schools now what?

        Those CG are the preliminary rounds of the playoffs and w.o. a play in such I don’t see where Notre Dame will ever be considered in the final four.

      • True true – no argument – kind of like lightening in a bottle – that victory is going down in BC’s top 10 biggest wins.

        Hey while you’re trolling one of the other better teams took yours for the third year in a row.

    • Wrong. Georgia Tech destroyed SC in the Sun Bowl…remember? You don’t have to make things up to promote USC. When you do, you lose credibility.

      • Ohhhhh man you’re right – that’s the game Scott loves to relay to all of us about poor Lane Kiffin’s hoodie and the sunglasses. Also the same game that Barkley never spoke to Wittek ….

      • That was such a delicious favored Klown U loss. Kiffy in shades and sombrero and of course, there was no locker room rumble.

    • Wait a minute: Boston College. BC reminds me of something, it’s right on the tip of my tongue.

      Didn’t Klown U beat BC last year?

      • Ugly rents the rose bowl, how is your record against the ducks and the indians? Also, when was the last time you won a rose bowl game? Let us know.

        • Just glad we don’t have to play Oregon this year. Stanford could be the biggest game on the schedule for UCLA this year–they’ve owned us 6 games in a row. If the Bruins beat Stanford on Oct 15, and you guys take care of Oregon in Eugene on November 21, it should set up the best crosstown showdown in some time on Nov 28.

          • The division was on the line during last year’s game. And that was with another Trojan team totally depleted from the sanctions. This year should really be the last competitive game between USC and UCLA, because I think USC will be at full strength in a year or two. Then we’ll be back to 12 USC wins in a row over UCLA again, per the usual.

  5. OMG!! i thought the WOLFMAN was the only journalist who liked to kick the trOXans in the crotch!!! Hoffarth seems to be AAAAAAALL outta bubble gum!!

    Money quote: “Hence, these two Sun Belt Conference teams will take the nice check and return home, presumably in one piece. If it wasn’t them, it could have been Long Beach State or Cal State Northridge or Cal State Fullerton — if they still had programs”

    #BuhhhhhhBAM!!!

    • Bucket, as I recall, UCLA used to play Long Beach State on a regular basis.
      #BuhhhhhhBAM!!!

        • We’re talking about football genius. We all know USC can’t hold a candle to UCLAs one national title in basketball in 40 years. That would be like UCLA fans comparing their football team to USCs. Sounds ridiculous doesn’t it?

          • Once again, the pinnacle of your existence. Wasn’t last year supposed to be your year to win everything?
            Returning QB who was a Heisman favorite.
            Returning middle linebacker and defense.
            All the tough conference games at home.
            You end up getting smoked by Oregon and Stanford, don’t win the south, yet alone the conference, go to a lower tier bowl and eek out a win, but you’re happy because you beat USC. Typical UCLA mindset.

          • Yes 12, UCLA has sheared the Klown U sheep the last 3 years by double digits. I don’t deny it – neither should you – It wasn’t that hard.

            Just a reminder 12, UCLA has never ever lost to Sanford FB , a 41 point dog, at home.

            Cheers 12.

          • I’ll admit that was embarrassing. Kind of like the 50-0 beat down USC laid down on UCLA. As I recall USC regrouped and went on to win another Rose Bowl. Wasn’t it 1986 the last time UCLA managed to do that?

          • UCLA HAS NEVER gone from NUMBER ONE to UN…..That’s your claim to fame… Top 5 recruiting classes for the last FIVE YEARS…..What have you got to show for it.
            Pipe down and show us something…

          • Mr Wooden didn’t schedule LBS, but UCLA did face LBS in NCAA tournament and won on a last second shot by Sidney Wicks.

            UCLA went on to win the NC – as usual.

  6. Well, it took me three tries to get to the sports story after I kept being redirected to a rapist of a 10-year-old girl. Lovely. Why do you have to report this kind of trash? Gad.

    And I thought SC had scheduled Texas A&M for this year, and they bowed out. I note that A&M is favored to beat a good ASU team this weekend.

    • And A&M has a home-and-home with the Bruins in ’16 and ’17. Could be interesting.

  7. Getting back to the original question, yes I believe Mr. Lopes does owe us an apology.

    Some forget why USC is a Nationally known power school not just a regional school like in Blacksburg or Stillwater. Over the past 50 years we have scheduled on a national basis with schools in the power five located all over the country..

    One local non power five school is tolerable but we didn’t get where we are scheduling Idaho and Arkansas State.the same year.

    Yes I know Texas A&M backed out, but does anybody believe that our school benefits playing Idaho and New Mexico at home before 40,000 fans versus playing a team like Illinois OR Texas Tech before 85,000 fans each year in a home and home.

    And to the point that Mr. Lopes brings up about having the best chance to win a National championship, he has it all wrong. The best chance for USC to win a National Championship is to play 3 power fives, one regional non power five and EIGHT conference games. Yes the Pac 12 is the only remaining conference that plays nine conference games when it doesn’t have to.

    So i will watch the game from home tomorrow seeing a sea of empty seats fearing we will play to the level of our competition knowing that this game has such a low appeal that the Pac 12 Nettwork chose Oregon-Eastern Washington over our game and we will kick off at 11:00pm a time best suited for a regional team not a national power like USC should be.

    • I totally agree. The only reason I’m attending the game is because it’s the only one I’ll be able to go to this year. As a Committee Member with 8 Season Tickets, I feel like USC owes me an apology. This home schedule is a joke!

  8. I am a long time Committee Member with 8 season tickets who has never been impressed with Steve Lopes. The rumors of him becoming AD after Haden make me cringe. This year’s schedule and future non-conference games are mostly embarassing! I flew out to LA this weekend to attend this game because it’s the only one my schedule will allow me to see this season (I now live on the East Coast). Due to the mediocrity of the opponent and the ridiculously late start time, I will be leaving at halftime. With such weak non-conference opponents being scheduled for future seasons; I doubt that I’ll continue to renew my tickets and pay the “overcharge” of being a Committee Member. Especially when I can purchase tickets on Stubhub for the occasionally great matchup (sadly of which there are fewer and fewer) without being stuck with the likes of Western Michigan, New Mexico and Rice…

    • I feel your pain. Just be glad T92, you weren’t stuck with the Potato U, Div lll game.

  9. Ark State and Idaho in the same season is ridiculous scheduling…. Bad for the players and the fans…

    Of course, Washington State thought Portland State would be easy….

    How many games will the Sark last? I can only pencil in four games that are better than 75% chance of victory

  10. This game isn’t even being televised, so like… who even knows about it? And Idaho? At least when USC opens the season against 0-3 Stanford they will finally have a high profile match-up.

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