I have been saying Rivers is the best LB for 2 years. Look at how he did vs. Notre Lame last year. Sartz has sleepwalked through every game (I think he doesn't want to get hurt since the draft is coming up)and Rey M is lost..you can have a good drinking game with him, take a drink every time he chooses the wrong gap or overruns a play...:o))

I always try to watch and see who is more lost....Mozique McCurtis, Rey M or Taylor Mays...hahah

It's called media hype. Maualuga has received more recognition for his actions both on and off the field compared to Rivers. Does anyone really think the voters for these awards actually know all of the players involved, let alone the players that should be?

We love "The Mauler" Maualuga; the Freak, a Beast that the USC Science Dept. seemed to have created in a lab. He has played subpar in the last two games and yet he still impresses coaches nationwide because of his still untapped potential. It's his mental game he needs to polish right now...

He needs to balance his anger with control & discipline off the field, because it's affecting his play.

You don't see black belts in Ju-Jitsu walking around picking fights, they act mellow until they need to unleash. Save the fury for the field, and Rey Rey will be a superstar NFL first rounder.

Thank God he's got Carroll around to develop him, he needs a father-figure to remind him to stay focused and walk like a champ, not a chump...

Next year he should win the Butkus award. And I hope Rey Rey steps up agaimst Cal and ND, because we'll need him. He'll be getting amazing national exposure...

Reign It

Scott,
Never look for reality in the media or things that relate to the media.

They need to get Sartz out of there too...is he even playing? doesn't seem like it...and that bonehead cushing...

Rey gets more pub and Keith quietly goes about his business. Rey's story is more dramatic for the media (like you, little Scotty) and he has a rage on the field that makes him have that X factor intrigue. Keith on the other hand is consistent and very athletic but not as vocal. Rivers is the better player right now, but many awards measure upside and potential. Oh, and don't forget the media's obsession with a player (see Brady Quinn who looked like Henne's broke cousin in the UM game yet is top 3 Heisman). Quinn was outplayed by Reggie Ball (running and passing) and Henne. His other opposing QBs are junk (Painter jury is out).

If JD can get past the last four games with heady, solid games, look for him to be the frontrunner in 2007. Not because he is the best, but b/c the media wants dynasties - just so they crap on them when the time is right (see Larry Coker).

What an honor for both USC and Mr. Maualuga to have Rey Rey one of the 10 semifinalists for the Butkus Award,..but would Oscar be one of the finalist had he been healthy and playing,..yep, I think so. Keith is having a GREAT year,.. he is now flying to the ball, no longer hesitating...
Since we are on defense,..Not sure the 3: 4 is working for our defense, going back to a 4 3 again, I believe would help more than having the 4th linebacker in the game,..and, I'm not sure about the agressiveness of Rey Rey, he needs to mature,..seems to be out of position or getting blocked completely out of some BIG plays, yes, making some BIG plays also. Not sure what the answer is, but I'm not getting paid to figure it out!!! yep tough decisions,.. where to put Rey, Keith, Dallas, Oscar, Thomas, Clay and Brian.
Better yet,.. where are all the defensive linemen??

I'm the biggest Ray Dawg fan, may have to do with me being of the same Samoan blood. At any rate, I hold superstars to a high standard and expectations. On one hand, I'll praise them when they are performing, and on the other hand I will rip them when they are stinking up the field. Right now, Ray is performing "average" at best. At times he stinks up the field and at other times he shows glimpses of superstardom. Mind you, any coach in the land will take an "average" Ray Maualuga any day. However, I am not satisfied with Ray's performance to date. Sure, he is leading the team in tackles, but shouldn't every MLB should be doing that? What he is lacking so far this season is what separates the great LBs from all others - the sheer nastiness and pension for the "the big play". Example - the fumble-causing devastating hit that changes the course of a game, followed by either trash-talking or the imtimidating stare standing over the opponent. Those kind of plays will get fans on their feet just as much as a 80 yd Reggie Bush TD. When I see those type of game-changing plays from Ray Maualuga, then I will be convinced that he is ready to be mentioned among the great Butkus Award winners of the past. Heck, isn't that what Dick Butkus was all about - intimidation and nastiness which changed games? I'm not convinced right now, Ray, but I'm waiting for that breakout game where you punish ball carriers and receivers so much that it changes the opponent's whole offensive scheme - basically don't dare run in my direction or even pass. Otherwise, suffer the consequences such as an opponent lying underneath Ray dizzy following a punishing hit with their facemask crooked and their own snot splattered all over their face. Yeah! That's real smash-mouth ball baby at it's best!