USC’s Win Over ASU Fails To Impress Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt

Here’s what Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt said today about USC on the Colin Cowherd show:

“It’s a very talented team that’s not going to reach expectations. They aren’t going to win the South Division, they aren’t going to win the Pac-12, and that was the expectation. They’re just not tough enough.”

101 thoughts on “USC’s Win Over ASU Fails To Impress Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt

  1. Not today anyway,that is my worry today,last year,too…it is the only logical reason why the coaches don’t unleash them to dominate,they know they can’t….UCLA beat’em up last year,Stanford beat’em up this year…maybe they get after each other in practice before ND; and the rest of the real physical teams coming up…for their sake that is my hope.

  2. Sadly, I have to agree. I say this as a Trojan fan since 1972 and a huge fan of alcoholics with Armenian surnames.

  3. Jealous, Scottie, that Joel can have such a definitive take? You just like to poke the bear rather than going out on a limb. Good for you in linking to someone who has a strong take.

  4. Klatt’s right. That’s just the way it is with Sark and his asst’s coaching. The kids are plenty tough, obviously. They came in that way. The coaches aren’t, neither mentally nor physically, in their approach.

  5. Exactly what the team should hear – doubters, people suggesting you’re “soft”, that the coaching sucks, etc. All great fuel.

  6. What I hold on to is the fact that Sark and Wilcox won’t be the coaches they are today, tomorrow and in the future. There were years when we could litteraly see the team getting better week after week until they were the best team in the country. Hopefully we are able to see that week to week growth in the team and the coaching staff this year. I think that the single best thing that happened for the team this year is that Sark gave up the play sheet. Now he can actually learn how to be a head coach and I know the pace at which he is learning has increased since giving up playcalling.

    As far as toughness goes, I can’t really describe the team as being stout on either side of the ball. I’m not sure that when you’re trying to instill toughness you go out and buy everyone ice cream. I wonder if McKay ever thought of that.

    I know some people are down on Sark and the staff, but some people seem to be down on being ‘SC fans. This is the staff we have for the foreseeable future and crying about it every chance you get wont change it. They and the team will learn and grow from the place they are today and we’ll see if it’s enough. It’s what we got.

    • I didn’t see any “crying” in these responses, though I’ve certainly seen it elsewhere. We’re just acknowledging the state of the program, as affirmed by the recent Stanford beatdown. Were we an objectively tougher team, that loss would have never occurred because we certainly have the physical talent to win – without question. It was a coaching loss, pure and simple, like some of last years.

      Sitting here and waiting for the coaches to change, get smarter, tougher and grow up is rather frustrating. But as you say, it’s what we’ve got, weak coaching. That’s a fact, not a complaint, just as Klatt. We’ve all accepted it by now, especially at the water cooler.

      • I wasn’t referring to you Jack, and I wouldn’t name names, but there’s one in particular. Also, I wasn’t limiting my comments to this blog entry either.

        I’ve had questions about this staff since the first half of the Stanford game last year. Im still waiting for breakthroughs and I think surrendering the play sheet is one.

        • Oh, I’m totally happy Helton’s calling plays. I just don’t know what Sark’s next move is. How do you suddenly make your team play tougher, both mentally and physically, when all the kid’s on it are already tough? Hopefully Sark figures that out, and quick, because people like Mora already have.

          • I think it’s partly about schemes and how much your philosophy relies on physicality as opposed to finesse. We have both extremes in our conference between Stan and Ore and we’re somewhere in the middle.
            Ucla is more on the Stanford end of the scale and we’re closer to the Oregon side, but closest to the middle. We’re kind of built to be able to compete at both ends of the scale, but you gotta be ready and able to adjust to it as a staff and team. That goes for game week and game day.

            This whole year in the Pac 12 is going to be about match ups. As much as Ucla fans loved Stanford beating us, they didn’t like what they saw in Stanford. They know that is the same team that has had their number for years and nothing has changed. When we see Stan beat Ucla we won’t say it’s because Ucla wasn’t tough enough. Stanford, because of their scheme and philosophy is a tough matchup for the entire conference. The point is that we’re not built to be the bully against Stanford, but we can be against Ore and some other teams.

          • I think ucla is a lot more physical and consistent than us. At least that’s the way it’s looked to me so far. I think Utah will give ucla real trouble, but suspect the little gutties will be ready at the Farm to finally win. I think Oregon’s reign is over. They’re just another team without a QB and weak in the trenches now.

          • Utah is closer to Stanford too and they’ll be tough for Ucla. Let’s not bury Ore yet like everyone tried to bury Stanford after NW. I think that QB can help them when his finger heals.

          • Stanford didn’t look very good against lowly Oregon State. I think CAL will beat Stanford this year. Stanford played out of their minds against us, because we let them, putting no pressure on Hogan and letting their RB run roughshod against us, like all Stanford RBs do.

            I think NW would beat Stanford again if they played, just like Stanford would beat USC again too. USC’s gotta change and get tougher (see Klapp), or the same results will occur.

          • I see things happening differently in the conference. I still think either Stan or Ore comes out of the north. I think it’s quite possible we see Stanford again this year.

          • So, you think we’ll beat the little gutties at the Coliseum? Just curious. Why? Nobody’s publicly accusing them of not being tough enough, plus Mora’s got our number and there’s not a bruin alive who’s afraid of Sark.

          • Ucla is a tough matchup for us just like Stanford is. That will be our toughest division game. I’ll say what everyone else says and tell you it’s because they have a freshman QB, but I don’t really think that’s the difference. The difference will be key missing pieces on Ucla’s defense and the absolute pressure on the team and staff to win that game this year. We have a better chance of being Pac 12 champs because they can’t beat Stanford. If they did somehow get past Stanford in their last game, they still can’t beat Ore. We can beat them both and ucla if this staff can push the right buttons at the right time. We have the horses.

          • I hope you’re right. But I’m an older guy and I’ve been to a lot of rodeos before. I’ve seen really good USC teams before and they don’t look like the Trojans I see now.

            I’ll say this. ucla will beat Stanford in a close game. Oregon’s lucky they don’t play ucla this year or they’d get annihilated (see Utah game).

            I wish I were confident about USC’s staff suddenly pushing all the “right buttons” in the nick of time. Fact is, I’ve never seen Sark’s staff do that yet. Never. You say we’ve got the horses. Ya, undoubtedly at the skill spots. But not in the trenches and that’s not just my opinion – it’s universal. Big-time games are won in the trenches – which gives skill players their lift-off. So, in the trenches, USC is strictly average. It looks that way on tape and that’s what all the media says too. They’ve got eyes.

            But that still leaves us where we started. USC is not tough enough to do what you say. I agree with Klatt. I hate to say it, but it’s true, which is one reason why Stanford just killed us. So my question remains unanswered – how does Sark go from a soft coach (yes, that’s his rep at both UW and USC) to a tough coach like Mora (universally agreed upon)? Is Sark just gonna flip some kind of switch? Suddenly change his style? His coaches are all hired. They’ll be coaching the same way tomorrow as they did yesterday. Then my question is, why hasn’t Sark already flipped this so-called switch? What’s he waiting for – another humiliating loss? It seems like he needs to learn the hard way.

            As I said, I’ve been to too many rodeos to think we’ll win just because we have the horses. You need a lot more than that.

          • There’s no switch to flip there’s just growth over the course of the season. I believe in the journey the team takes over the course of a year and the growth that happens. I wouldn’t trade rosters with any Pac 12 team, would you? There’s a reason why we’re the favorite to win the Pac 12 and it’s not because we’re the toughest team. The toughest team in America is probably someone like k-state or Northwestern, but they aren’t the best teams. they won’t be the winningest either, but they are tough as nails. I wouldn’t trade with them, would you? We don’t need to push everyone around we just need to outplay them.

          • I wouldn’t trade rosters, but I would definitely trade coaches. That’s the point about this entire thread. USC’s fine with the Jimmys and the Joes. But Sark, Wilcox, et al aren’t inspiring, except maybe to you.

            If you suggest they are, then you’re very easily pleased or blind. So, all this talk about outplaying teams and not needing to be tough is ridiculous in view of what Stanford did to USC at their Coliseum mauling. One of the most helpless USC defensive performances ever. And don’t get me laughing about ASU, another under-coached team that managed to give away 21 points in about 30 seconds.

            And it’s not just USC that will grow over the season. That applies to every team. Hopefully USC will figure out how to consistently run and stop the run against good teams. Some Pac-12 outfits are already far ahead of USC in that regard. Playing catch-up isn’t always as easy as it sounds.

          • The point that I don’t agree with is that USC is not tough enough to win the south or the Pac 12. I disagree with that and I’m sorry so many fans are buying into that. I’m not saying they are super tough, magical or have the best coaching staff. They have enough to win the south and the Pac 12. Oregon would not have dominated the Pac 12 if it just came down to toughness. I like our chances as much as anyone in the conference. Obviously you think Ucla is the pick, but I think it’s still the Trojans. We’ll see…

          • You make it sound like I said it’s ALL about toughness. Nobody ever said that. It’s a factor, however, and was one of the reasons USC lost to both Utah and ucla last year. Both the Utes and the little gutties were tougher. This season, both those teams are undefeated and USC’s already been mauled by Stanford – obviously a tougher team. I watched USC get pushed around by the Cardinal in L.A. Klatt was obviously watching the same game I was.

            I’m not sure why you think USC has a higher ceiling that everyone. ucla obviously has as much talent and as their QB develops, he stands to improve much more than Cody Kessler.

            It sure would be nice to see USC stop being pushed around anymore. Hopefully, they change some things and learn how to stop somebody good when it counts. The Notre Dame game in South Bend will tell us just how tough USC really is. Thank God for USC lots of ND players are out and USC seems almost injury free. Imagine USC without CK. Not pretty.

          • The author said that USC is not “tough” enough to win the division or the conference. I disagree with that and you seem to have been agreeing with it. You said he was right so I’m not sure what else I should infer from your comments other than you agree with him. Which again, you’ve said. You’re saying that Ucla is your choice for division and conference champ and I disagree with that.

            I also remember our discussion about George Farmer and my position was that he would be on an NFL roster this year. You disagreed with that as well. Maybe you don’t know, but George Farmer is on an NFL roster right now.

            We can agree to disagree about Ucla and Usc.You think Ucla will win the conference and I don’t. I also think ‘SC will beat ND and Utah fairly handily. We had Utah beat last year and a simple foot out of bounds did us in. We’ll pay Utah back just like we did ASU. I see positive things happening at ‘SC and I’m sorry you don’t.

          • George Farmer just signed with the Seahawks practice squad a week ago. Let me know when he actually plays in an NFL game or makes an active roster. He’s not an active player and is not on an active roster, which is what I said would happen.

            I never said ucla would win the conference. The vast majority of CFB observers think ucla looks better than USC, hence their superior ranking, as well as Utah’s. “We had Utah beat”, you say. Now I’ve heard it all. I saw the game. Guess what. If you step out of bounds, you’re out of bounds. Utah took us to the cleaners at game’s end and we couldn’t stop them, period. They broke us. Ya, we coulda and shoulda beat Texas too but guess what – we couldn’t stop Vince Young.

            i deal in reality. you deal in whatever you make up. You say I don’t see positive things happening at USC. What a crock. Just because I see the failings in USC’s coaches which you like to ignore, doesn’t mean I don’t see the increased depth and talent on the team. Sark’s a great recruiter. USC’s defense stinks against good opponents. I’m sorry you can’t see that.

          • George Farmer made the right choice in leaving last year. He’s employed by the Seattle Seahawks as a player. You thought he should’ve stayed, but do you think he would be taking touches from Juju and Adoree this year? George signed the richest contract of any non drafted player in the league and he blew it. That’s where he went wrong not in leaving. He’d be hurt or riding the bench if he was back here.

            I’ve said nothing, but derogatory things about the coaches other than they have the ability to learn and grow. I was clear in saying that USC doesn’t have to be the toughest team in the conference to win the conference. You said it yourself that you’re an old school guy and not being tougher than everyone is the worst crime possible.

            You said Ucla will beat Stanford, annihilate Oregon and beat Usc. If they do all that who is supposed to be winning the conference in your mind, Utah or Cal?

            Look, these are not open ended questions and I’m on the record about what is going to happen in the conference. I don’t care what the vast majority of anything is saying, what are you saying? You don’t think Usc is tough enough to beat Ucla, they couldn’t beat Stanford if they played them again, it sounds like you think they will lose to Utah again and ND, (correct me if I’m wrong) you think Ucla would spank Ore. You’ve said these things, is that what you believe or not?

          • I actually said George Farmer was right to leave last year. I never said or thought he should have stayed, so you’re wrong. He had to go, even though I knew he’d probably just be a free agent, like it turned out. He was never good enough to be USC’s main guy and he was always getting hurt. There was always somebody better at USC than Farmer. He couldn’t play third team fiddle, maybe second team at USC again and help himself.

            The fact that Jerry Jones crazily overpaid an over-rated practice squad player means nothing. He realized his mistake quickly and cut him almost immed. Then Seattle made him change positions and cut again very quickly before signing him, but just to practice.

            Everybody can learn from their mistakes, even USC’s coaches. When Stanford beat them up, we learned USC’s coaches still have a lot to learn – on the job at USC. Truth is Sark is viewed as a mediocre coach who has limited ability to attract excellent college assts. That’s what I’m told by one current Pac-12 asst and another former asst. He’s not viewed as bad, but strictly middle of the road. Nothing special. Why USC gave him the job has puzzled many close to the game. I’m just an outsider with some very good connections.

            He was hired by Haden because of his L.A./SC roots, his recruiting ability and the fact he would kill for the job. I know Haden. He likes Sark. That’s why Sark was given the job, not for anything special he ever did at UW, because 7-Win Sark never did anything special in Seattle. Haden’s not very happy with either Sark or Wilcox, if you want to know the truth.

            I never said not being tougher is the “worst crime possible.” LMAO. You’re making things up again. I said USC’s team doesn’t play as tough as some of the teams that will beat it this year, like Stanford did, in embarrassing fashion. I think USC has a chance to beat ucla but only if they improve vastly on the O and D lines. I can’t explain why their d-line looks so crappy and slow, except maybe that’s just what they are. You probably think they look good, knowing you.

            ucla doesn’t play Oregon this year, unless in the championship game, but will win if they do. Oregon’s done and if you watched Utah cremate them, I don’t see how anyone can conclude otherwise. How would they ever stop ucla’s offense? They won’t. ucla would both run and pass them to death.

            ucla’s coaches are better than USC’s. There’s not a person connected with the Pac-12 who objectively disagrees with that statement. Mora has obviously accomplished significantly more in football than Sark – who has frankly accomplished very little. We all saw what happened the last time the two faced off. USC, looking tough as ever, collapsed, like they just did against Stanford.

            Right now, USC’s a longshot to win the conference. Maybe if their coaches make some drastic changes in their approach, they can prevent another mauling from a good team. That’s what I’m hoping for.

          • You’re arguing a lot of stuff I’m not. My point about the staff is that they are lacking, but they aren’t going anywhere so hopefully they will learn and grow.

            I’m not saying you said not being tough is the worst crime. I’m saying you said you were an old school guy and an old school guy would have that attitude about toughness.

            In all that typing you won’t go on the record about who you like in the conference. Here’s what you HAVE said: You don’t think Usc is tough enough to beat Ucla, they couldn’t beat Stanford if they played them again, it sounds like you think they will lose to Utah again and ND. That’s what you said and I shouldn’t have to ask you if that’s what you mean, but you seem to be a revisionist. So, do you want to revise any of that or are you standing by your statements?

          • I told you George Farmer wouldn’t even make the NFL let alone star in it. So much for ceilings, which are never as solid as platforms.

            USC’s ceiling in the trenches, both OL and DL, looks more and more like GF all the time. As a longtime Trojan fan, I hope they find a way to fix that deficiency. I’m just a little perplexed about that they’re waiting for, one-third into the season. I’ve been told there’s some discord among players on the OL. Frankly, the DL just doesn’t look that talented. Maybe they’re just playing possum.

          • Interesting topic about ceilings….some people will blame the coaches for not developing players to reach their maximum potential, but the reality is, some players will only be great high school players…. some players will only be great college players… and other players may not flourish until they reach the NFL…there isn’t always a linear progression to a player’s success or development….

          • Also, Ucla is scared of Stanford and both teams know it. Vanderdoes and Jack are generational players for Ucla and they are now soft in the middle like a Twinkie. We’ll work the middle just like Stanford will. They just had 350 yards run up on them. That’s the team and coach you’re praising for toughness? What tough team gets pounded on the ground like that? Don’t believe the blue hype, it’s a sequel. Like a Twinkie they are.

          • Before the injuries UCLA had MUCH better players than us in defense. With the injuries their defense has a slight advantage that is mostly in experienced players..

      • Jack, You are Correct !

        I don’t blame the Players, the Coaching is were the problem is !!

        And “no”, Trojan Fans aren’t waiting forever, not with the current Talent !

        That said, who is this “flat”, oops I meant Klatt to comment on the USC Trojans ?

        Bet he’s a little man…

        Now FightOn

  7. Honestly the team has to play against better opposition than ASU to win more people over. If the team and especially the coaching staff, can survive in beating ND, UCLA, Utah and even Oregon, that would be quite a lineup to rethink the respect angle. Winning at Washington (who will target this game as a must win to salvage their season) will carry on in building more respect.

  8. No problem with this guy’s assessment. It’s up to our guys and coaching staff to prove this wrong. I am glad he said it.

  9. He’s probably right. But USC can probably beat any team in the conference. That doesn’t mean we’ll win it. But if you believe that we’re not worthy of ruining you’re season, then you have another thing coming. Yes even Stanford.

    • So far, we’ve been hammered by the only good team we’ve played. We may be dangerous, but if we don’t get our act together, all our talent isn’t going to beat ND, Utah or ucla. They’ll all be plenty ready for us. Right now, I’d be a lot more worried about us than them. And if it weren’t for all the season-ending injuries at ND and ucla, we wouldn’t have nearly the chance that we do have.

      • Utah looks tough. Norte Dame hasn’t been tested. Georgia Tech was overrated. UCLA looks pretty good, but they’re defense is giving up an average of 198.3 rushing yards a game. That’s not gonna beat UTAH or Stanford. Rosen picked apart Virginia because the forced Rosen to throw by committing to stop the run and playing 8 men in the box. It was easy. Tha Arizona schools are both overrated. We didn’t learn much about our team. And I don’t think UCLA did either.

          • Listen or read. Because I wasn’t talking to YOU that’s for sure. Why don’t you go to INSIDE UCLA and LISTEN to some real Bruins. You might learn a thing or two about UCLA Football.

          • sas, don’t get so huffy. Am I to assume you can’t laugh off a trivial enquish mistake at your own expense? You’ll live.

          • I can laugh at a lot of things. I can even take whatever Thai, Trogan, Ted, or you throw at me. But when youz guyz start becoming Ray Barone or sports editor English teachers, that’s over the top annoying. I don’t need my homework critiqued or corrected. You catch my drift.

          • They’re nothing but a bunch of ankle biting chihuahuas who derive pleasure from annoying USC fans….don’t give them the satisfaction…. they’re not worth it……

        • My biggest concern about UCLA’s offense is their OC, Noel Mazzone….he’s a great play caller and he knows how expose the weaknesses in an opposing teams defense, and he also knows how to squeeze every drop of potential out of his offense….Hundley didn’t beat USC three straight years by all by himself……

          • An X factor was they used that quick pass to the sideline and had great blocking from their wide receivers. The UCLA receivers took our guys out of play consistently.

      • And Notre Dame’s strength plays right into USC’s weakness,and that’s their offensive line, and running game. The fighting Irish may have played overrated teams thus far, but they were not the likes of Arkansas State, or Idaho either. I agree UCLA, and Utah would probably hand the Trojans their lunch.

        • I will reserve judgement on ND until I see this weekends game against Clemson….they have experienced injuries at several key positions, like UCLA has…

  10. So “Joel” is the expert ?

    Toughness, ayy Joel ??

    “Joel”, You would get “flattened” by the least of the Trojan cheerleaders, and then “your” Mommy would be there to pick up what’s left !!!

    Hey “joel”, you’re a Man now, it’s time to take off the “Bib” and at the same time, stop sucking on your thumb, it’s so disgusting ???

    Now…

    LoseOn

  11. He is saying what we are all feeling. They need to be dominating the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, and I just didn’t see it vs. and undermanned ASU team. ASU still moved the ball at times by running right at us. Also, the team shouldn’t need to be motivated by newspaper articles, the coaching staff should be drilling this into their heads night and day- That it’s imperative they figure out how to dominate physically on every play. They should be the punishers, not the ones getting pushed off the ball. The season is doomed until we get that mean streak!

  12. Sadly I agree. I don’t think Sark / Wilcox have the chops to build tough teams. I still hope they prove me wrong.

  13. Perfectly said, and if you understand the game of football, then you know exactly what he’s talking about. Your average Rah Rah USC fan just looks at the win, and is satisfied with it, but if you look at the teams play from a football perspective then you know the Trojans aren’t going anywhere under Steve Sarkisian. The Florida Gators are a perfect example of what a difference a coaching change will make, because for the past 3 years they were being coached by an overrated coach named Will Muschamp, who had a big reputation as a defensive coordinator, and why ? I have no idea. Well everybody made excuses for him, but everybody knew he was not coaching toughness, but he recruited very well. So once he was replaced by Jim McElwain, the same team took on a whole different look, and are one of the toughest teams in college football, and they have two true freshmen starting on their offensive line.

    • The team does need to have a tougher mentality, but let’s not confuse toughness with winning. Nobody would accuse the Ducks of being a “tough” team and yet they’ve dominated the conference for almost a decade now. You can bang like Stanford, scheme like Oregon or do a bit of both. We were never going to out-Stanford Stanford. With the flexibility ‘SC’s athletes give you, you should have scheme enough to beat Stanford and toughness enough to beat Oregon. It’s not simply about being tougher than everyone else. It’s about being what you need to be to beat the team in front of you that week. That means having the right philosophy and gameplan for that opponent and employing your superior athletes accordingly. That’s what we are not getting from our coaches. They coach the team as if they are coaching Princeton in the NCAA basketball tournament instead of coaching USC football players. To reduce the issue to just toughness is shortsighted.

      BTW I’m sorry you’ve thrown the towel in on the program for as long as Sark is coach. Will you still be watching the games or are you done with the program completely until Sark leaves?

      • I’ve been a fan for over 30 years, and will continue to root for the Trojans,because if I can get through the Paul Hackett era, then I can get through the Steve Sarkisian era too. People always misconstrue my criticism with my loyalty to the team. When I was calling for Lane Kiffins head, because I didn’t think he had any leadership skills, your average fans thought I was crazy. And until I see the team doing championship type of things, people will hear my criticism, all day long.

        • The staff isn’t changing and you’re going to go hoarse.

          “…aren’t going nowhere.” is more than criticism. Hopefully the kids don’t share your feelings because that’s not championship thinking.

        • I never thought you were anything but a long-term fan, who enjoyed the McKay years, the Robinson 1 years, and of course the early 2000’s. The bar was set very high, of course you don’t like to be able to see over it now.

    • Ed O’s DLine were very questionable against the better and physical teams. Besides Leonar Williams Ed O couldn’t develop the DLineman like he used to. Pete coached up Nick Perry and Ed O got the credit. George Uko, Morgan Breslin was the worst run stopper we’ve had in a long time, but could only run at the QB. And he wanted Kylie Fitts over Kenny Clarke now a Bruin and future 1st Rounder when Clarke wanted to be a Trojan. I liked ED O. Would take him over Wilson, but Orgeron was slipping. And Drevno was offered the OC at Michigan so he bolted. I don’t blame him.

      • I know the story behind Tim Drevnos departure, and it wasn’t black n white as it appears. And Ed Orgeron may have been slipping, but he’s sure the heck a lot better then whst we have, and several college, and nfl teams were after his services. He picked LSU because that’s where his family always lived , even when he coached at USC .

        • Fred and sas, I think Fred’s right on this one.

          Drevno moved AWAY from Harbaugh, and back to L.A., because Drevno and his wife have family and roots here. They have kids, as I recall. I doubt that Drevno loved what Sark was doing, but discovered L.A. wasn’t for him anymore, and suddenly longed for winters by the Great Lakes, near that talented whack Jim Harbaugh.

          And seriously, your evaluation of Ed sounds like sour grapes. He was very popular with the players, worked well with Pendergast, etc. About 25% of 5-stars become college stars, and it drops from there. Everyone is going to “miss.” That was the fallacy of Kiffin saying that, with 15 scholarships, USC couldn’t afford to miss. Total fantasy.

          Sark has never shown greatness. Period. He may change that, but it will definitely require that he change something in himself, and IMHO, very likely in some of the people who assist him.

          • Drevno was tired of Sarkisian meddling into things he knew nothing about, and administrators were complaining about his abrasiveness . So I guess thats why Sarkisian hired a submissive coach that was in high school 3 years ago, and one that would never challenge him .Sounds like the Karl Dorrell syndrome, to me…lol Soft coach =Soft team .

          • People have egos and insecurities, to various degrees, so it’s not surprising that some coaches surround themselves with submissive types….hopefully, Sark will eventually learn to surround himself with people who know more than he does, and not feel so threatened….delegating the play calling to Clay Helton was a step in the right direction, IMO……

          • Exactly, and I also think Pat Haden will allow Sarkisian to clean house before he would fire him, the problem is, will the top assistant coaches come aboard. But nevertheless, let’s see how things develop by seasons end .

  14. I’m afraid to tell you Mr. Klatt is right. Take Josh Rosens. Rosens has ALREADY exceeded expections for the Bruins. Yet the entire trojan TEAM is now being doubted to meet theirs. I am glad I’m not a trojan fan because I’d be disappointed all the time. With Rosens at QB for the Bruins for the next 4 years we are golden!

    • Ricky. You all are depending on Rosen. No disrespect, but Rosen is gonna run into some big trouble. He beat a bad Virginia team who is struggling in the ACC, a UNLV team that he struggled against. He didn’t impress me. A BYU team that he struggled against and probably would’ve beaten the Bruins if they would’ve never lost their original starting QB. And let’s face it the Arizona schools are not what people thought they were. They both have taken a big step back. Matt Barkley was also riding high as a true freshman until he faced some of the better teams with good defenses. All I’m saying is the Bruins have been getting a lot of praise and real haven’t beat anyone and this exposure might end up going to Rosen’s or Mora’s head because they were wins yes, but were they against good teams. The Bruins look good at times, but Rosen panicked and started throwing across his body when BYU brought the pressure. That won’t fly against the more athletic defenses in the conference. For the record I think Rosen’s gonna have a bright career and possibly a real good freshman season. But Rosen is gonna be tested against Stanford and the Bruin DLine has been giving up 200 yards a game. Factor in losing Vanderdoes, Fabian Morau, and Myles Jack. That’s gonna wear thin against the more physical teams.

      • I expect Rosen to be a big problem for USC by the end of the year, and for two years following that.

        Jack B said it was clear to Sark that Rosen wasn’t coming, and that’s why he was never offered. If Jack’s wrong, then it was Sark who had the biggest “miss” of all. As I mentioned before, Yogi Roth, a USC guy, commented: “That’s what Troy Aikman must have looked like in high school.”

        • USC really never had a chance and never really attempted to recruit Rosen. It was clear.

  15. Information is only as good as its source, and as a source; Joel Klatt’s opinion about anything related to football or shoes is meaningless. Speaking of shoes I wear a size 5 and Joel Klatt couldn’t fill them. Just another insignificant little man vainly attempting to draw attention to himself. Move on, there’s nothing to see here.

    • Maybe so, but everything he said is true…lol that’s the thing about some USC football fans, they just look at wins, and losses, and everything else is honky dory , regardless of their teams glaring flaws .

      • Klatt may be correct in his assessment, but he offers no reasons for this lack of toughness, or solutions (unless Scott conveniently omitted this part of Klatt’s analysis)…….I know that you’ll come back with coaching as being the reason, but why doesn’t Klatt?…. what is he afraid of?

    • What’s your bra size, cupcake?…….size 5 shoes?….are you a spinner?

  16. Pat Haden didn’t want Jack Del Rio as coach, but the Oakland Raiders did, and Haden didn’t want to interview Greg Roman, but he’s running Rex Ryan’s offense for the Buffalo Bills, and Steve Sarkisian really didn’t want Ed Orgeron on his staff, but LSU’s Les Miles did, and Tim Drevno decided to jump to Jim Harbaugh’s staff . So as you can see, winners recognize winners, while the SC Athletic administration are a bunch of losers . And not to mention, look who wanted Kennedy Polamalu , and guess who Adrian Klemm turned down, even for a $300,000 dollar raise ? Like I said, Winners recognize WINNERS !!

    • There’s nothing to suggest Del Rio or Roman would be great at USC. The Raiders are the most dysfunctional team in pro sports and have been for decades. Who cares what they wanted? They are a model for inefficiency and ineptitude. Offensive coords like Roman often don’t make good HCs. Nobody knows if he could handle the SC job or not. Most can’t, especially the OC-types. Ed O was not going to stay at USC once he wasn’t named HC, period. He’s a DL coach at LSU and a perfect fit. If he wanted the USC job permanently, he should have beaten ucla, instead of getting destroyed, and also should have refrained from making so many enemies at USC. There were some unpublished problems with Ed O that would have caused many schools to back away. Even LSU will only let him be their DL coach. Anyway, he ain’t what he used to be. Fact. Kennedy got drunk and slugged Kiffin. He had to be let go and he sealed his own fate. He ‘s a great coach but would be the first to admit he’s not at USC because of his unacceptable actions, not because of anything USC did. Klemm’s a proven cheater and we dodged a bullet.

      • I can’t argue the little specifics about some assistants, because I don’t know, but what I do know , is that Del Rio, and Roman would have emphasized tough physical football, and that itself would have made them much better candidates then Steve Sarkisian, are you kidding me? What the heck did Haden see in Sarkisian that made him offer the job ? That’s the million dollar question, because he was a mediocre coach at Washington, and some alum actually wanted him out .

        • I’ll grant you that. All else aside, we’d be a tougher team under Del Rio, no question, both mentally and physically. Haden hired Sark because he was the easy way out and would hit the ground running in recruiting and wanted the job so badly. He thought that with SC’s talent access, Sark could get over the hump. Problem is Sark hasn’t shown he can win the big games and he knows nothing about D. He’s really got some gaps in his coaching and the Tribute to Troy deal didn’t help. I think Haden regrets his choice. But that still leaves the question. Who’s out there who can get the job done to USC’s expectations? Could USC reel him in?

          • And regardless of the outcome at the end of the season, I don’t think Haden will fire Sarkisian. But I do think he will force him to clean house with his staff, but the challenge will be, can Sarkisian attract talented assistant coaches ? History says no, but USC has always over paid their coaches , and the media gad a field day when they discovered Monte Kiffens $1.5 million dollar annual salary.

  17. One does not see the heavyweight hitting by our defensive front. I basically have no confidence in us stopping any one on 3rd and 1 or on goal line stands.

    We need a defensive line coach like a Marv Goux who got the most out a group like the Wild Bunch.

  18. When Pete Carroll went to the NFL and couldnt just out-recruit everyone (there was more to his coaching than just this, i think) he started looking for players that: A) played with an edge. And B) had maybe bounced around a little bit and were highly motivated, still “hungry”. SC players will never lack in talent but their toughness and motivation will always be questioned when they lose.

    • Arturo why is a Gabacho masquerading around as a Carnal… no vato would talk like you… A. B. Just say it like it is! Sark sucks and southern cal is soft!

      • Yo hablo mejor español que jamás hablaras. De todas maneras no lo to tomare en contra tuya porque la hermanad, y no la división, es mas importante. Saludos.

  19. It is tough to develop the toughness necessary to win when you are low on scholarships, available players, and are trying to keep the 1st stringers healthy, I don’t care what anyone says.
    Look at Alabama or Miami and how long it took those two to recover when the sanctions were less harsh. It set both programs back 5 years. SC isnt even at full strength and their depth is still young.
    I look for next year to be the year when they should be the bully that Sark wants- when practices can be more physical.

  20. 5 star players 1 star coaching staff buy way great a.d.golden boy Haden usc is done everybody laughing at them crap on

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