Clay Helton, on the unsuccessful 4th-and-2, said he did not go for it because of criticism the previous two games: “No, to be honest I was scared to death of their offense. I knew scoring points would be critical. I was confident in our run game.”
Of course the blocking collapsed on that.
Helton said Ronald Jones’ lack of playing time is not due to any deficiencies pass blocking or receiving: ”He’s ready for a breakout game. It’s coming. We all know it.”
Helton said DT Rasheem Greene had his best game at USC.
On Sam Darnold: “There’s a maturity that’s rare. He’s really making mature decisions ahead of his time.”
Helton said his lowest moment was after Utah game. “I felt for them because they were really starting to do things that win games.”
Helton was asked to compare Darnold to Matt Barkley and Cody Kessler: `He can be as good or better than those 2 guys.”
I’d say he already is better
Helton’s a religious man, does he not know lying is a sin?
I am sure he does, so what does that do to your assumption he is lying. Why does he need to lie, he has a 5 year contract. Perhaps you have been watching to much Hillary. lol we all have
Apparently you didn’t pay attention to what he said about punting, his excuse for punting against Stanford was a lie and stupidity.
I avoid politics, lot’s of talk and nothing changes and a total waste of one’s time
maybe for rich people,
At least he didn’t say “punting is winning”-Rick Neuheisel
too much, not to much
Ok, being concerned about giving it to their offense is plausible, but I still don’t think that happens without the recent heat. It was just too odd of a call to think it happened in a vacuum. I’ll take his answer because I’d rather be wrong anyway.
Helton said after the Utah game “I felt for them (the players) because they were starting to do things to win games.”
Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the coaching staff in the second half of the Utah game.
But what about yesterdays game, anything good about the coaching staff for that game?
No
No!
“I was scared to death of their offense.” No respectable coach says this.
They don’t say it before the game, after winning decisively it really is a complement to someone you just beat. Politics man.
I agree
Actually, great coaches can get away with it before a game, which is what Lou Holtz was famous for. But you have to have a certain amount of gravitas and track record to get away with it and nobody would ever ascribe those attributes to Gomer.
If Gomer knew anything about politics, he wouldn’t need to be taking instructions from Swann, who is the real person responsible for USC playing better since the STAN roll over.
While I’m not disagreeing with you I’d say Sammy boy is responsible for the teams current state, Swann definitely pushed a power button.
I know for a fact that Swann told Gomer to start Darnold. If that isn’t the key to USC’s current state…well, it is. Without Swann, Gomer would be lost. Other “suggestions” were also made by Swann that are having an effect as well.
We discussed the same.. Just today, I was told Helton is not coming back in 2017… Wheels are already in motion to secure the next head coach.
Name your sources?
Lol.. I don’t you.. You will find out soon enough.
The mouse in his pocket?
Am Elvis impersonator told you Helton isn’t coming back while you were mowing his lawn?
Who are your sources?
His Magic Eight Ball!
I’m nitpicking but I just don’t think he’s the guy long term. A new coaching staff and Sam Darnold next season has so much upside.
Saturdays game looked like we could have good things in store for the future in SC football. But, realistically, it was just one game. They have to do that consistantly before I’ll be convinced. He says that SC is getting better every week. Agreed. We have a ‘learn on the job’ coach. But maybe he is learning from week to week. Maybe he is going to be a great coach in the future. Maybe he needs more time. But if he doesn’t work out, then we need a new coach. If Herman wants to come to SC, then you go for him. Passing him up or not pursuing him with all our energy would be as insane as passing up on Petersen. But I wouldn’t put anything past this administration. They are just incompetent. But if we can’t get Herman, another guy that I think is going to be a great HC in the future is Scott Frost from Central Florida. For those people who want Chip Kelly, Scott Frost is the next Chip Kelly. I would, at least, keep an eye on his career. This guy is going to be special and very few people are interested in him right now.
Things are a mess. But Saturday was a solid W against a team that was putting up a lot of points. Learning on the job is not USC, although that’s what it looks like is happening right now. Can they put it all together and win out? Who knows? We can all hope. Darnold is special. Can he be better than CK or MB? Sure. But he’s a totally different QB. Focus on Colorado.
CK & MB were average, Darnold is better than both of them combined
Both collecting NFL paychecks. I think Barkley was pretty decent. Darnold is just on another level, for sure.
Yeah!
Let’s hope Colorado plays like Colorado of the past and not how they’re currently playing.
USC will drill CU. Bank on it. The Buffs aren’t that good yet and haven’t beat anyone. The Oregon schools are horrible.
Good. I’m all for it. Holding out hope.
One thing they have is newfound momentum and wins. They may be the conference sleeper thus year. Sefo Liufao is playing really good football and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. And as we all know the Coliseum is not what you call a scary environment for a road game.
I’m in the Bay Area. Rep it next weekend, SB!
I’m with you bro. This win doesn’t say much, we shouldn’t get our hopes up at least until we beat Colorado. IMHO.
Are you a Giants fan?
I am. Born and raised here. 4 years at USC. Right after 4 years of my older brother at USC. He was at SC through bad times. I was there through Carroll, etc. Will Clark was my hero growing up.
Damn. I was hoping you were a Dodger man, but that’s great. You seem true to know your roots. My favorite Dodger of all time was a Giant…Center Fielder Brett Butler. I played shortstop my my whole baseball life, and like him i was a leafoff man, but Butler was the standard for bringing it every day on defense and at the plate. And the king of the drag bunt.
The great Brett Butler! Robby Thompson! Good times. Nah, no Dodgers here being a Bay Area man. Sorry. Tough weekend for the Blues. It’s an even year…
We just gave SF some momentum for the playoffs. I think the Cubs are the toughest team in MLB.
We shall see.
But they are still the Cubs
My favorite Dodgers were Wally Moon and Duke Snider. Very cool old Dodger stars for any kid with a mitt!
My dad’s favorite Dodger is also Duke Snider. He’s a die hard Dodgers fan, but his favorite player of all time is Ernie Banks.
As a Giant fan my favorite Dodger was Drysdale. Loved to see him pitch. We are showing our age.
Don Drysdale!
Pedro Guerrero and Fernando.
Come on Sam… Your favorite baseball player is Will Clark and your favorite Dodger is Tom Niedenfuer!
Every time that you were at Chavez Ravine this season, we seem to lose. Stay away from Blue Heaven on Earth during the playoffs!
My favorite Dodger! Steve Howe!
Ted since are best buds i want everyone to know that you arw just playing. You would never hurt my feelings in public, but I’m 1-1 @ Dodgers Stadium this year Teddy. I’ll be honest, I don’t know who Tom Niedenfuer is.
Jack B, I’m with you.The game will be played in the Coliseum at sea level, with warm dry weather, perfect for ripping the horns off the CU Buffaloes. I believe the Helton / Pendergast Trojan Football Team is a Thundering Herd on a PAC-12 Roll !!!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Right now CH is the coach. He may turn out to be the next Nick Saban. But in case he doesn’t and in case we can’t get Herman, I’m just saying to keep your eye on Scott Frost. He’s going to be a great coach.
Scott Wolf is a POS!
Sam, you need to quit holding things back.
He’s trying his hardest to make this 4th down a topic and he ends the post with a F-U to Barkley and Kessler. Reporting is reporting, but he’s a nugget in the toilet bowl.
The 4th down call was strange and worthy of scrutiny. Not only is Sam better than MB and CK, he’s a man of the times. His game fits the way college football is being played now.
As you already know Clay, I’m not a big fan of Helton, but that fourth down meant absolutely nothing because the score was 3-0 and we intercepted the ball on the following drive, also the halftime score was USC 27 ASU 6. This is just Michail Gorbachef’s lookalike (Scott Wolf) way of finding a topic for us to church about. We left at the end of the 3rd quarter because this game was dominated by USC.
I just disagree. The call was odd and out of character for Helton. I mentioned it in a post immediately after the game before Wolf said anything. Unfortunately, I’m stuck defending Wolf’s perspective because it was mine too.
That call was just a message..that he is hearing the chatter.
Exactly
That was my concern at first, but after watching him talk about it I’m ok with it. It was one of the first questions he was asked in the presser, it was the first thing I mentioned in my first comment about the game and I don’t think Woof is wrong for talking about it. That’s all.
CLAY HELTON is not a Head Football Coach. I know that, damn near everyone here knows that, but at least he showed some guts. Was it the wrong time to go for it? HE** YES. But again the game was over at 41-6. OVER. At my seat I was actually glad to see Helton had some balls. If we went into Halftime trailing or if we barely won, or if we lost then this 4th down should be a hot topic. But the fact is USC went bonkers on ASU after that 4th down and never looked back.
Clay Helton is a head football coach and he’s the son of a head football coach. For the people telling me I’m believing in non-existent USC hype, they are the ones believing in the “never with Helton hype” just like you are. You’re a passionate fan and I like you, but Helton will probably make you eat those words. The team is on the right track now and some credit is due for the turnaround. Stop rooting for Helton and the team to lose.
I should have said he’s not Power 5 Conference worthy of being a Head Coach. Just my opinion.
You’ll come around.
If he turns it around I will be the first in line to say I was wrong.
Ok, but I’m already the first in line to tell you you are wrong.
Clay Russell,
Clay Helton is not a National power nor a National recruiting guru!
What we have is a grade “C” level hire who never should’ve been hired to be head coach at USC! The National media even agrees! I understand and appreciate your allegiance. I respect that. By the same, the masses continue to speak not in favor. I hope you respect that.
I’m sure he’ll beat a couple more teams this year, but it still doesn’t hide the truth. He’s got so much talent on the squad and its squandered! Swann is pressing certain buttons to make him react to life. What you see in motion is “progressive discipline ” on behalf of Swann. He’s just laying it down in order to do the inevitable. An at-will involuntary!
You don’t have to agree, but you will in time. Enjoy the rare “W”s this year. I’m not satisfied w/mediocre. If Helton all of sudden is the next Herman—then all I’ll say is THANK YOU! I seriously doubt it!
He’s good enough to win at USC.
We’ll revisit your comment once the season is over. Thank you.
Fair enough, but you shouldn’t have to wait until the end of the season to know what’s happening now.
You’re almost right… Damn near everyone here THINKS Helton is not a head football coach.
Wolf flipped out right after the play on the game chat.
It was a strange decision and I obviously can’t blame Wolf for talking about it.
That call was a blunder. Just admit it sas.
Ummm I already did that.
and yet you still come and post on the blog all the time…see you tomorrow!
I definitely don’t look up at the topic first at this site. You may follow SW here and twitter and Facebook, but I come here for a totally different reason, to talk to other Trojan followers. Not Mikhail Gorbachef. Since we’re on the subject you seem to have the same stench as Wolf.
Sam Bam…how has your program done the past five years? The same stench as a dead skunk…enjoy 🙂
Yes he is a Golden Fly.
You know what, folks? The undeniable truth is it’s none other than Darnold that’s making a total fool out of Gomer right now! Here’s a guy who was benched by him at the start of the season in the name of starting a more “experienced” guy when in fact Browne has never started a real game prior to it. If I were Darnold, I would laugh aloud at Gomer every time I’d come across him these days. LOL!!!
I don’t blame Helton for going with Max to start the season. I blame Helton for not figuring out Sam was the guy before the Stanford game. I’m still wondering what might’ve been against Stanford and Utah had Sam started at Stanford.
Well, Gomer probably started Browne to lock him in, but that didn’t help the team or Browne in any way. Again, it all comes down to decision making – in both personnel selection and in-game – as the head coach ,which Gomer leaves us wanting more.
Coach was giving Max every opportunity to win the job and I understand why.
Yeah, I know. You seem to be understanding about everything Gomer does. Always! LOL!!!
That’s far from the truth as I’ve been disappointed with some things ever since he was named head coach. The difference with me is that I’m looking at the team beyond the surface level of wins and losses. Also, there’s enough criticism on this blog without me adding my voice to it. You guys are covering the criticism very well without me, but you damage the program when call for the firing of the coach so soon. What’s missing is the acknowledgement of improvement and that’s why I’m filling that void.
If you look at my posts before Darnold was named the starter, I was saying he gave us a better chance to win. If you look at my posts after he was named starter and before he play a down, I was happy because I knew it was the right choice and we had a chance to really get better with Sam behind center. Maybe Helton’s hand was forced, but it got done. If you look at my posts after the Utah game you’ll see that I was ok with the loss because I saw the team was being coached (I wasn’t sure about that after Bama and Stanford) So, people think I have just lost my mind because of a win over ASU, but that game is just further evidence of what I was already seeing. Don’t think I’m ready to let Helton off the hook already because this team has a lot of work to do. I’m just happy to see some results from the work that is obviously going on and it’s given me faith that this program is headed in the right direction. We don’t need Urban Meyer and Nick Saban to win here. OSU and Bama need them to win there.
I’d like to say is that I really hope Helton deserves all the trust you have for him to turn around and take the team where we all want it to be. With quite a few number of games still remaining in this season, I think we’ll have to watch how the team performs in tougher rivalry games to draw more concrete conclusions on Helton’s coaching ability even if your insistence that the team is improving in every game. I still don’t see Helton as the kind of coach that SC needs to be back in contention for national titles, so I don’t see how replacing him with a more highly qualified coach could be damaging to the program in case of his poor performance in the remainder of the season. After all, SC football should be all about winning, instead of building on empty promises.
Instability is damaging to the program and another firing so soon would be shameful. That would mean that we’ve hired 3 head coaches in 5 years with each of them lasting less time than the previous one. The outfit that does that has more serious issues than Clay Helton being its current head coach. We need to settle in and ride this out for awhile.
Yes, I agree there may be deeper issues in the program than just a few wrong employees. In fact, it was under Haden, who is universally regarded as the worst AD in the entire USC Athletics history until recently. With that said, I believe that there are no other ways to remedy the situation other than to keep replacing the personnel until they get the right people to do the job when the current coaching staff can’t win. Maintaining stability at the expense of suffering from losing seasons just won’t be and shouldn’t be tolerated at SC, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing. In fact, it’s the extra pressure to win that often creates the tradition of winning.
The mere fact that Gomer didn’t know in his gut that Darnold should have started from Day 1 after watching him beat out Browne throughout an entire spring and fall is enough to earn him a late addition to any routine Comedy Club act.
Then for him to say he was “scared to death” of ASU and went for it “because we had nothing to lose” shows that Gomer has an infantile way with words that few can match.
We only killed ASU because we have Darnold, an amazing escape artist and executioner at QB. If it were up to Gomer, and not Swann, we’d probably still be playing Browne. Thank God Swann took him aside and set him straight before we lost even more games we should have won.
One clue why ASU was not a worthy opponent….
They came into the game yesterday as the #1 run defense in the Pac 12.
To the Trojans Nation, let’s wait until we beat a better team until we start jumping for joy.
I just heard Clay Helton speak about the 4th and 2 call for myself. He said the call was part of an overall plan to be aggressive. Since I saw the coaches being aggressive on both sides of the ball, I accept his explanation for the 4th and 2 call. I’m glad I heard it for myself.
Chuma showed some promise.
Darnold should have started last year but USC is a club and we had to wait until Kessler won his Heisman Trophy, or so we were told. And what about Boermeister? Wasn’t he around last year too? He should have been starting. Should Lockett have been at least splitting time last year? Everyone knows about Rojo. Where is he? How many more players are parked down on the depth list that should start? They couldn’t find a center who could snap the ball but they have Cole Smith a natural center and a smart guy. Where is DeQuan Hampton? Superman Betiku? The Quintessential Quinton Powell? Ykili Ross? Speedy Velus Jones? The Pittman?
I’ve actually started to wonder what else is sitting on the bench after seeing Pittman and Darnold play. I think you’re on the right track asking some of these questions.
CowPolyFan3.0 loves his emoticons!
I don’t wish to rain on the current parade but am I alone in thinking that Darnold throws too many passes to tightly covered receivers? I do love the fact that he has escaped a few sacks and he spots the open receivers. He is only going to get better…
I’d rather see Sam letting the ball go and throwing before receivers make their breaks than watching Cody and Max hesitating and getting sacked. He’s going to throw some picks, but we have a ton more upside with him than we did with Cody or Max.