USC Morning Buzz: The Fifth Game Is A Must Win?

stanford-washWhy does a game against Arizona State at home, usually a sure victory, become a must win? Because if USC loses, what will be left of the season? At least with two conference losses, the Trojans can claim they are still in the Pac-12 South race. But at 0-3 the season is over in terms of anything important.

One more word about Chris Petersen. He interviewed with USC. That meant he was interested. Was he a better fit at Washington? Yes. But USC had a chance to hire him first. The interview did not go well because Pat Haden wanted a yes man, someone Haden would feel comfortable showing off at a country club. Steve Sarkisian agreed with everything Haden said. Petersen was old enough to want to do things his way. So neither he nor Haden felt comfortable. And USC paid the price.

82 thoughts on “USC Morning Buzz: The Fifth Game Is A Must Win?

  1. Now they will have to put up with him for a while, to bad he didn’t “Know USC”.

    This is week 5, this is when the FIRST polls should be coming out.

  2. That’s what I’ve read from some of the readers here. There is no need to echo what some of your readers have already stated. As much as I would love to see SC turn their season around, I do not believe they have the mental toughness to believe it is possible.

  3. I would agree this is a must-win. A win today takes at least some of the heat off of Helton for another week. A loss today, and the calls to remove Helton will be deafening.

    And a loss today could spiral easily into a well below .500 record by the end of the season.

    • Isn’t every game USC plays a must win? Obviously for different reasons in different seasons.

      • Helton will likely be in place until the end of the season. Are there any immediately available and reasonable replacement for mid-season change?

  4. The eye test sees another “L” and Helton taking a long look at his former office! Bye Helton! Enjoy your time off!

  5. Petersen has control at UW without a meddling AD. Haden would not give up control of football program . Remember, Sark had to bring him down to the sidelines to handle the referees. Cant imagine that happening with Petersen

  6. Interesting that you used Country Club. That’s exactly what I’ve been saying that the USC athletic department is. No outsiders allowed

  7. Obviously every game from here on, the rest of the season is a must win. If the team caves, you have to change the coach.

    • If the team loses today or next week perhaps Swann will take over till seasons end or they will bring in a consultant to carry the load so Swann can look around.

      • If Helton voluntarily resigns, he’ll leave money on the table. Not a smart business move since unemployment does not pay well.

          • Then don’t use the word “integrity.” Resignations are either voluntarily or involuntarily. If Helton resigns involuntarily, then that is at-will. He walks away with $ per his contract. If his “integrity” is that great and voluntarily resigns, then he gets 0. He’d be stupid to do that.

          • I do not agree, he can have integrity and be asked to resign. Really happens all the time.

          • His wife is ill, his kid is ill, he’s got health issues, the list is endless

        • I agree. Technically, Helton would likely be forfeiting a lot of $$ and perks if he were to quit.
          In order replace him, Usc and Swann would have to fire their 3rd coach in a row and that is unlikely in the middle of this season.

  8. Felt “comfortable” with Sarkisian at a country club? Im mad as he ll at Haden – ok lets move on

  9. Press release of near future: “The University no longer feels the football program is moving in a positive direction. Therefore we have decided to move in a different direction starting with the release of our head coach and staff. The coaches have been advised of this move and currently cleaning out their offices. We wish in the future with high school football.
    Lynn Swann –
    (Here you go Lynn just copy and paste)

  10. “Chris Petersen” ?

    Broken records are just that, broken records !

    But I guess that some people keep trying to glue or tape them back together again as if they will someday sound good again ?

    But those are only yesterday’s dreams, and those dreams for most fade away like their previous pay check !

    Question ?

    Has anyone ever heard the “If If and buts were like candy and nuts…” ?

    ChristmasOn

  11. Justin Wilcox’s Wisconsin defense held Michigan to 14 points at The Big House. Does this mean Wilcox finally has players that more cerebral then other teams he’s coached?

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