Posted by Scott Wolf on October 7, 2006 03:22 PM|Permalink
Comments
Alright, Wolfman, here's some outrage: HATE the 3rd-down (pass) and 4th-down (field goal) decisions from the 4 with with 1:48 left. HATE them for a number of reasons.
I'm no fan of Kiffin, but those are on Carroll. Terrible, awful calls. Regardless of whether we hang on or not.
Although USC could move to #2, I would rank them behind Ohio State, Florida, West Virginia,and Michigan. I don't think USC will be able to stay undefeated much longer. Hopefully they'll do a good job in recruiting defensive linemen during the off-season.
Yeah, very fortunate for the second week in a row that college football changed the rules to speed up the game. And which PAC-10 coach from LA was against these new rules?
Growing pains and injuries...These aren't the Trojans from the past few years, and it's something that we have to accept... They had enough opportunities in this game to blow UW out, instead they settled for field goals....They just don't have the experience and the ability of those teams, and the play calling? add that to the ridiculous number of key injuries, and this is what you get...BTW, why was DJ in the game?.--
It seems JD Booty has peaked...I know he's only started 5 games, but, some of his decisions today were downright horrible...I'm not sold on the coaching staff either, and not just LK...I'm not sold on the defensive coaches, or ST coach...All that said, SC's 5-0...sure they are waaaay overrated, but, there's some SEC schools that would take that right about now...Unfortunately for the Trojans, they haven't played Oregon or Cal...The Coliseum winning streak will not make it through the season...they are just not improving or getting healthy....
Offensive playcalling jumped the shark this week, IMO. Can anyone explain to me on what planet it made sense to kick the field goal instead of going for it on 4th?
We all knew they weren't going to go for a field goal anyway (not with the trick plays and onside kick, etc., they were going for the win) and all the field goal did was give them 16 less yards to cover...
I'm not going to say we didn't deserve to win, because that is a stupid thing to say, but it just doesn't look like this team is coming together at all. Three consecutive drives the offense had a chance to put it away, and three times they couldn't come up with it.
Either open it up and let Booty throw the long ball, or put in someone you trust to do that. Everyone in the Coliseum knew by the 3rd quarter that we were running on 1st and 2nd down, and throwing a screen or the bootleg on 3rd.
I'm glad we won, but I am not harboring any illusions that we (at least at this point) are going to be able to compete for a national championship.
the offense has injured playmakers and frosh RBs, the defense can't get off the field on 3rd down, and Scott Wolf is the worst reporter in Los Angeles.
Lost the rushing battle and the turnover battle. Not a good harbinger of the future now that SC's been reduced to a one-dimensional team. Someone has to step up with Mr. Turner. No one was ready today.
On 4th you have to kick the fg to make them have to go 80 to score a TD to win. Had we gone for it and not got it we would still be at the Coliseum playing OT. This team does not have a go to guy yet and Booty isn't steady enough to trust in that spot. it was the right call...
Its disappointing we had to kick the field goals in the second half. On the bright side, we had three drives that took us to the red zone. Washington is getting healthy and was a factor. They are winning ugly, but still winning. Until they lose, I don't think the other wannabes should be ranked above them...Auburn (now a loser to SC victim Arkansas), Michigan, etc. The PAC Ten is a stout conference this year as the computers have determined.
In the past we played down to the opponents, but I don't think that this is it this year. It seems that this team is getting worse on both sides of the ball. We are worse on the ground, worse via the air, the Defense is on a free fall. Special teams seem to be doing alright but thats about it
I was at the game, and I though Booty played well. People who think he has peaked really don't know what they are talking about, which, read this board, dosen't surprise me.
I think a few posters forget that Smith didn't play for most of the second half, and the Turner really was the only option. Vidal and Travon looked kinda lost out there. Hell, Even Fred Davis had to line up at line receiver a few times. Who was Booty supposed to pass to anyway? Yeah, Booty forced it a few times to Turner, but he was trying to make a play. Can't blame him.
What no one on ths board ever seems to comment on, and I don't understand why Carroll never brings this up, (btw: pass rush wasn't all that horrible today) but we can't defend the middle of the field. Teams have figured out that the way the beat SC is the throw in the soft spot of the zone where Taylor Mays lines up.
He may be a great safety someday, but right now all he seems to be asked to do is not get beat deep. So teams run plays to soft spot in the zone right in front of him. However, he isn't really that aggressive, he doesn't make a lot of plays on the ball. And he certainly doesn't help the corners, there are all alone out there.
Of the many injuries, we really miss Pinkard the most.
should have put them away many times @ could not . not getting any turnovers lately @ its hurting us great punt blocked by brian though to many injuries @ it is really hurting us untill next week fight on
The major difference between the team that Leinart took over and the team that Booty is taking over is the offensive and defensive line. Look at how many NFL players came out of the 2003 Offensive and D-line and how many NFL players do you think are on this years offensive and d-line?
Of course people who think JD Booty has peaked don't know what they're talking about..because Smith didn't play, and Jarrett was injured, somehow exonerates the qb's forced, errant, or ill-advised passes...can't blame him? Yeah, that's it...close your eyes, pull the trigger and say a prayer...can't blame him...If you were at the game, you need to catch a replay...If UW's dback's could catch, the outcome today would have been much different...I admit to being unrealistic in my expectations...past success spoils... and far as the offense goes, it's pretty tough to go forward when Kalil and Baker are the only holdover's from last years team as they were in the second half today--...the defense, on the other hand??? Taylor Mays isn't the reason they are soft in the middle...SC's had trouble with the intermediate passing game for quite a while now...of course, some of the poster's on this board are obviously posters on the internet homer boards as well, where everything is always rosy, and nothing should be questioned...realistically, it seems that USC lacks leadership on the field...they need somebody to step up on both sides of the ball...there's no intimidating factors on this years offense, and the defense? It needs a leader...still 5-0 beats any of the alternatives...
On a much more important note, is PC dumb or something? HELLO???!!
College football is not like the No Fun League (NFL). Style points do matter, we cannot play down to our competition.
In the NFL, one loss doesn't hurt. In the NCAA, one loss means the difference between Glendale and the Outback Bowl or Holiday Bowl!
Somebody has got to tell Kiffin to stop playcalling like he is a HS coach, oh wait, there are many HS coaches better than Lame Kiffin! So I guess we cannot really say that Kiffin should quit calling rudimentary plays, because well, he just sucked today! But no surprise, right?
Auburn lost, so #2 is knocked out. We are #3, and it would make sense that #3 would move to #2.
Yet, many like Craig James and Steve Hartman, say Michigan is #2. Hell, the announcers on CBS for the UF-LSU game said Florida should be #2.
This is really disconcerting.....
Even that Bruin homer Steve Hartman on Channel 2's Sports Central said: "USC #2? What Jim? Cmon' Eric (Dickerson). SC is not even #3 right now. Sure Auburn lost, but USC is going to have trouble just staying at #3. Of course, Ohio State will remain #1. I would put Michigan at #2, Florida at #3, and USC at #4."
Note to coaching staff: We better start winning big, or else we are screwed! Cal looked better tonight vs. Oregon than we have all season, save the opening game vs. Arkansas!
Offense:
1) Booty will be great if he can learn/get some touch on the ball. No touch at all. He has a gun, which is great in many instances, but you need touch at times and he has NONE right now. All his long balls drop like rocks b/c of the velocity. There is no 'float' on the ball for the receivers to make plays. Smith has had his man beat so many times this season.
2) Play calling is suspect. Not terrible, but not good. So many times we lose momentum with silly or dink n' dunk calls right when we're starting to really move the ball with basic plays.
3) Got to be realistic with all the new players... talent is great, but experience matters. It will take time.
Defense:
Main Problem: D-Line / No Disruption or pressure.
Again not terrible, but definitely not good. Pete's style of safe secondary play is designed to go w/ stud's up front (cody, patterson, bku) that disrupt. With no studs doing that, the 'bend but don't break' secondary (with all the young folks, mind you) gets eaten up. Expect the same old story until they can get some pressure. (rushing an LB as the other DE is killing them. They might as well just drop back b/c they do nothing... unless the play breaks down). They may eventually have to start playing tighter if they can't get a rush (which is scary with all the young folks)
I'm going to pull one out of my --- the play early in the game involving a swing pass to Vidal Hazelton is exactly the kind of play that must regularly be in the arsenal. The play didn't generate all that much yardage, but it was a good solid play. It's really no different than the plays that SC ran whenever they were in trouble in games played the last couple of years.
The fact the Trojans didn't rack up at least 40 points today was really alarming. These kind of performances aren't going to cut it during the dog days of November. SC is making it through the cupcake portion of their schedule. Let's see how they do in November...what a schedule! Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame, UCLA. If SC is still undefeated after that stretch, I don't care what Ohio State does...SC will deserve to be # 1.
If Ohio State runs the table (knocking off Michigan) and Florida wins out (beating Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and winning the SEC title game), they'll play for the BCS no matter what SC does. Call it East Cost bias. Only chance is to remain undefeated (doubtful) and really spank 10-1 Notre Dame and Heisman-hopeful Brady when they come in.
1:29 left in the game and 80 yards to go...plenty of time against the USC defense and Cal scores easily. Of course, in reality the score probably wouldn't be close enough for Cal to worry about scoring in the last minute to win the game.
It says something about a program when a team can still be victorious and rebuild, develop and retool on the run. Most other major programs would be 7-5 at best in a rebuilding season like this. This team will jell and the schedule gods have truly been good to us. We will see if we can take advantage of this. The week off is arriving at the most opportune time. FIGHT ON !!!!!!!!!!
anyone want to give the huskies a little credit, and maybe realize that usc didn't play down but uw played up to usc? it was for the most part a pretty clean well fought game on both sides of the ball. I think usc is too used to having other teams make mental mistakes and using those to run up big scores. usc is 5-0 in what even east coasters are beginning to admit is the toughest conference in the country! u.s.c. - 'university of spoiled children' ...still true I guess.
I remember the 2003 squad having these early to mid season problems. We all should not get too alarmed. I think our problems stem from a combination of coaching and players. I don't think our coaches have properly prepared our team to play. Both our offense and defense are too predictable. Kudos to our special teams play. However, in all fairness, it is very difficult for a team to develop chemistry (the most important antidote for championship football), when so many injuries have made it impossible for the offensive/defensive units to gel. I think our QB & LB positions are the only ones that have not been ravaged by injuries. At any rate, I think we are suffering from a mild form of USA Basketball syndrome. In other words, we have all these great athletes that are playing together for such a short period of time, but have not developed cohesion and chemistry to blend their skills into a thing of beauty. When that happens - watch the hell out! Hopefully, we can still manage to get the Ws, until one day we open a can of "whoop ass" on somebody and then folks will realize "USC is BACK!"
I agree - while the 2006 team is not yet as polished as the past couple of years, can someone give some credit to the other teams? Remember, playing USC is the equivalent of a bowl game for the rest of the conference, and every other USC opponent. They are "up" for the game - REALLY UP.
Thought JD was erratic - made some reckless throws when under pressure. Some of them were blind. Looks like his throws are not so catchable, maybe not enough touch on them, too fast paced, bullet-like.
Thought yesterday's running game looked much improved, and at a few points reminded me of last year. Moody and Washington and Gable - all of them looked much improved. Give some credit to the O-line too. Gave JD pretty good protection.
Play calling is still too predictable. Everyone is on to us.
As for the D: In my humble opinion, this is a big source of our current troubles. I don't think Holt is showing the creativity or the ability to make adjustments like PC did when he served as the D Coordinator.
1) Mediocrity isn't as much fun, but you can't say it hasn't been exciting!
2) I'd rather wake up this morning being Pete Carroll that Tubberville (Auburn) or Reicht (Georgia), or even Willingham for that matter. All have another one in the "L" column.
3) I'm glad to see these young "pups" coming to understand nothing is a given. Dues must be paid. The 2005 team paid its dues. You can just show up at USC and expect to be automatic Pac 10 champs, but the young Trojans are finding out that teams like the Cougars and Huskies are going to have something to say about it.
4) This is a great time in the season to "suck". Better these guys are shown their short comings now, rather than in the middle of the Cal or ND game. There's still hope to ID the problems and at least work some of this stuff out. Losing can be a great motivator, and coming this close twice may be inspriational.
5) Watching Chauncey and Emmanuel brought back memories of tailback U when the Trojans running game was a staple. Hope these guys continue to improve. Go Chauncey!
6) Mario Danelo: four for four. Rock solid.
7) Sweet fake field goal! and matched by Washington's onside kick recovery first play of second half!
8) Let's face it: this was a great coaching duel. The often-criticized Willingham has shown he won't die. He had his team so well prepared for USC. Would we want anything less?
9) This game was another example that everyone pumps up for the Trojans, sometimes almost to superhuman levels (except Arkansas!). To paraphase Willingham: "That was the best we played all year". And yet the Trojans pull out a "W"! even with a subpar performance for them.
So Why do teams tend to have some of their best games against USC? A lot of payback out there, for one. Also a lot of haters, grudgeholders, and poor sports. But it's a shot...a shot at the heavyweight title and a chance to make a statement. During last year's win streak Carroll said: On the day we lose, "I hope we make them play great". Although Vince Young gave him his wish, the Trojans continue to inspire great play by [most of] their competitors every season.
9) Hey let's give it up for Cal playing an awesome game last night. After what I saw last night, I really can't see the Trojans beating them, even at the Coliseum. An all star offense comparable to any in the nation today; DeSean should be a Heisman candidate.
Hey if the Bears end up representing the Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl, What can I do but root for them? Wouldn't it be awesome if the Trojan D shows up at the Coliseum on November 18 with full momentum, back in the sack and turnover mode?
10) Time will tell. Let's not get our hopes up about BCS games. Let's just hope the guys get healthy and provide just a few more Saturday afternoon thrills! You can't win 'em all, but that being said, I'd like to see Desmond Reed do an "Anthony Davis" and return one for 102 against Weis and the Irish just to say thank you for the long grass at South Bend last October.
USC has not blown out anybody this year...but so hasn't Ohio State.Like they said on ABC this is separation Saturday.these next couple of weeks will define a team from a pretenter or a CONTEDER.Here are a couple notable games:
NotreDame vs USC
Florida vs Auburn
Ohio State vs Michigan
I honestly dont beleive Florida can escape the SEC undeafted and that Ohio State's defense (who had lost 9 of 11 starters on defense)can prevent the Chad Henne and Mario Manningham hook ups
Most complaining about an undefeated, young, rebuilding team EVER. It's borderline ridiculous.
Did all of you complainers really convince yourselves this offseason that USC wouldn't struggle at all after losing 95% of their offense from last year. Seriously?
I'm not saying the team is playing well (cause they aren't) - but how could you realistically expect them to? Especially considering that the little experience that there is, is constantly on the injured list. The team has played one complete game together since the season started and that was against ranked Arkansas on the road(and we saw how that worked out). There just hasn't been the continuity required to build a real team identity.
The bright spots on the offense coming into the season were DJ, Steve Smith and Chauncey. Chauncey is now healthy for the first time, DJ is hurt and Steve Smith barely played at all in the second half against UW.
This is the most ridiculous griping I have ever seen. I don't care how much talent we have - the fact is it is young inexperienced talent. Cut the coaches some damn slack - they are patchworking this thing with freshmen getting major time all over the field.
It is very difficult for me to read the Pete bashing that is taking place with some of the Trojan Nation. Last time I checked Pete is 59-10 with two National Championships.
Also, John Booty is off to a great start. Yes, he did have a sub par preformance against Washington but he is entitled to an off game.
The Trojans are riddled with injuries inculding our greatest playmaker and arguably one of the greatest USC receivers of all time, Jarrett.
Clearly we are not the same as the previous two years but this team plays ball control, and I do not believe we have played from behind in a single game this year!
Look for the Trojans to beat up on ASU, hit the buy week, scrimmage Stanfurd, get healthy and win out!
Scott Wolf has covered USC for the Daily News since 1996. A USC graduate, he covered his first Trojan game in 1984 for the Daily Trojan. Scott is known as the "scourge of the Internet message boards," according to radio host Petros Papadakis. Despite this moniker, there's no truth to the rumor he takes pleasure in antagonizing the "Internet geeks."
Comments
Alright, Wolfman, here's some outrage: HATE the 3rd-down (pass) and 4th-down (field goal) decisions from the 4 with with 1:48 left. HATE them for a number of reasons.
I'm no fan of Kiffin, but those are on Carroll. Terrible, awful calls. Regardless of whether we hang on or not.
Posted by: MD | October 7, 2006 03:50 PM
Yet another WR (Steve Smith) got injured. Go figure!
Posted by: TroySC | October 7, 2006 04:10 PM
Although USC could move to #2, I would rank them behind Ohio State, Florida, West Virginia,and Michigan. I don't think USC will be able to stay undefeated much longer. Hopefully they'll do a good job in recruiting defensive linemen during the off-season.
Posted by: Rob of Troy | October 7, 2006 04:25 PM
Yeah, very fortunate for the second week in a row that college football changed the rules to speed up the game. And which PAC-10 coach from LA was against these new rules?
Posted by: roger | October 7, 2006 04:40 PM
Growing pains and injuries...These aren't the Trojans from the past few years, and it's something that we have to accept... They had enough opportunities in this game to blow UW out, instead they settled for field goals....They just don't have the experience and the ability of those teams, and the play calling? add that to the ridiculous number of key injuries, and this is what you get...BTW, why was DJ in the game?.--
It seems JD Booty has peaked...I know he's only started 5 games, but, some of his decisions today were downright horrible...I'm not sold on the coaching staff either, and not just LK...I'm not sold on the defensive coaches, or ST coach...All that said, SC's 5-0...sure they are waaaay overrated, but, there's some SEC schools that would take that right about now...Unfortunately for the Trojans, they haven't played Oregon or Cal...The Coliseum winning streak will not make it through the season...they are just not improving or getting healthy....
Posted by: ben | October 7, 2006 04:47 PM
Offensive playcalling jumped the shark this week, IMO. Can anyone explain to me on what planet it made sense to kick the field goal instead of going for it on 4th?
We all knew they weren't going to go for a field goal anyway (not with the trick plays and onside kick, etc., they were going for the win) and all the field goal did was give them 16 less yards to cover...
I'm not going to say we didn't deserve to win, because that is a stupid thing to say, but it just doesn't look like this team is coming together at all. Three consecutive drives the offense had a chance to put it away, and three times they couldn't come up with it.
Either open it up and let Booty throw the long ball, or put in someone you trust to do that. Everyone in the Coliseum knew by the 3rd quarter that we were running on 1st and 2nd down, and throwing a screen or the bootleg on 3rd.
I'm glad we won, but I am not harboring any illusions that we (at least at this point) are going to be able to compete for a national championship.
Posted by: Expo Park | October 7, 2006 05:01 PM
the offense has injured playmakers and frosh RBs, the defense can't get off the field on 3rd down, and Scott Wolf is the worst reporter in Los Angeles.
Posted by: Bill Dwyre | October 7, 2006 05:09 PM
Lost the rushing battle and the turnover battle. Not a good harbinger of the future now that SC's been reduced to a one-dimensional team. Someone has to step up with Mr. Turner. No one was ready today.
Posted by: roger | October 7, 2006 05:26 PM
On 4th you have to kick the fg to make them have to go 80 to score a TD to win. Had we gone for it and not got it we would still be at the Coliseum playing OT. This team does not have a go to guy yet and Booty isn't steady enough to trust in that spot. it was the right call...
Posted by: tyler | October 7, 2006 05:33 PM
NEWS FLASH: The 2006 USC Trojans suck!
Posted by: eftzoons | October 7, 2006 05:43 PM
Its disappointing we had to kick the field goals in the second half. On the bright side, we had three drives that took us to the red zone. Washington is getting healthy and was a factor. They are winning ugly, but still winning. Until they lose, I don't think the other wannabes should be ranked above them...Auburn (now a loser to SC victim Arkansas), Michigan, etc. The PAC Ten is a stout conference this year as the computers have determined.
Posted by: uscdad2008 | October 7, 2006 06:00 PM
In the past we played down to the opponents, but I don't think that this is it this year. It seems that this team is getting worse on both sides of the ball. We are worse on the ground, worse via the air, the Defense is on a free fall. Special teams seem to be doing alright but thats about it
Posted by: TrojanHorse | October 7, 2006 06:00 PM
I was at the game, and I though Booty played well. People who think he has peaked really don't know what they are talking about, which, read this board, dosen't surprise me.
I think a few posters forget that Smith didn't play for most of the second half, and the Turner really was the only option. Vidal and Travon looked kinda lost out there. Hell, Even Fred Davis had to line up at line receiver a few times. Who was Booty supposed to pass to anyway? Yeah, Booty forced it a few times to Turner, but he was trying to make a play. Can't blame him.
What no one on ths board ever seems to comment on, and I don't understand why Carroll never brings this up, (btw: pass rush wasn't all that horrible today) but we can't defend the middle of the field. Teams have figured out that the way the beat SC is the throw in the soft spot of the zone where Taylor Mays lines up.
He may be a great safety someday, but right now all he seems to be asked to do is not get beat deep. So teams run plays to soft spot in the zone right in front of him. However, he isn't really that aggressive, he doesn't make a lot of plays on the ball. And he certainly doesn't help the corners, there are all alone out there.
Of the many injuries, we really miss Pinkard the most.
Posted by: Shine | October 7, 2006 06:35 PM
should have put them away many times @ could not . not getting any turnovers lately @ its hurting us great punt blocked by brian though to many injuries @ it is really hurting us untill next week fight on
Posted by: trojans1 | October 7, 2006 07:04 PM
Needs work!
Posted by: JA | October 7, 2006 08:18 PM
The major difference between the team that Leinart took over and the team that Booty is taking over is the offensive and defensive line. Look at how many NFL players came out of the 2003 Offensive and D-line and how many NFL players do you think are on this years offensive and d-line?
Posted by: OCSurf | October 7, 2006 08:21 PM
WE SUCK!
Just like Lame Kiffin does!
Posted by: John Redcorn | October 7, 2006 08:35 PM
INJURIES AND INEXPERIENCE are the reasons for the struggle. GREAT EXPECTATIONS are the reason for the disappointment. Especially with the defense.
Posted by: JA | October 7, 2006 08:53 PM
turner should be more aggresive,i don't understand jarret didn't take rest on this game.
we have to use tightend more often.
Posted by: ftjoy4 | October 7, 2006 09:22 PM
Of course people who think JD Booty has peaked don't know what they're talking about..because Smith didn't play, and Jarrett was injured, somehow exonerates the qb's forced, errant, or ill-advised passes...can't blame him? Yeah, that's it...close your eyes, pull the trigger and say a prayer...can't blame him...If you were at the game, you need to catch a replay...If UW's dback's could catch, the outcome today would have been much different...I admit to being unrealistic in my expectations...past success spoils... and far as the offense goes, it's pretty tough to go forward when Kalil and Baker are the only holdover's from last years team as they were in the second half today--...the defense, on the other hand??? Taylor Mays isn't the reason they are soft in the middle...SC's had trouble with the intermediate passing game for quite a while now...of course, some of the poster's on this board are obviously posters on the internet homer boards as well, where everything is always rosy, and nothing should be questioned...realistically, it seems that USC lacks leadership on the field...they need somebody to step up on both sides of the ball...there's no intimidating factors on this years offense, and the defense? It needs a leader...still 5-0 beats any of the alternatives...
Posted by: ben | October 7, 2006 10:06 PM
Yes, Redcorn, Lame Kiffin does suck!
Thanx for pointing out the obvious.
On a much more important note, is PC dumb or something? HELLO???!!
College football is not like the No Fun League (NFL). Style points do matter, we cannot play down to our competition.
In the NFL, one loss doesn't hurt. In the NCAA, one loss means the difference between Glendale and the Outback Bowl or Holiday Bowl!
Somebody has got to tell Kiffin to stop playcalling like he is a HS coach, oh wait, there are many HS coaches better than Lame Kiffin! So I guess we cannot really say that Kiffin should quit calling rudimentary plays, because well, he just sucked today! But no surprise, right?
Auburn lost, so #2 is knocked out. We are #3, and it would make sense that #3 would move to #2.
Yet, many like Craig James and Steve Hartman, say Michigan is #2. Hell, the announcers on CBS for the UF-LSU game said Florida should be #2.
This is really disconcerting.....
Even that Bruin homer Steve Hartman on Channel 2's Sports Central said: "USC #2? What Jim? Cmon' Eric (Dickerson). SC is not even #3 right now. Sure Auburn lost, but USC is going to have trouble just staying at #3. Of course, Ohio State will remain #1. I would put Michigan at #2, Florida at #3, and USC at #4."
Note to coaching staff: We better start winning big, or else we are screwed! Cal looked better tonight vs. Oregon than we have all season, save the opening game vs. Arkansas!
That dude eftzoons is right on....we truly suck!
Posted by: The Professor | October 7, 2006 11:20 PM
Offense:
1) Booty will be great if he can learn/get some touch on the ball. No touch at all. He has a gun, which is great in many instances, but you need touch at times and he has NONE right now. All his long balls drop like rocks b/c of the velocity. There is no 'float' on the ball for the receivers to make plays. Smith has had his man beat so many times this season.
2) Play calling is suspect. Not terrible, but not good. So many times we lose momentum with silly or dink n' dunk calls right when we're starting to really move the ball with basic plays.
3) Got to be realistic with all the new players... talent is great, but experience matters. It will take time.
Defense:
Main Problem: D-Line / No Disruption or pressure.
Again not terrible, but definitely not good. Pete's style of safe secondary play is designed to go w/ stud's up front (cody, patterson, bku) that disrupt. With no studs doing that, the 'bend but don't break' secondary (with all the young folks, mind you) gets eaten up. Expect the same old story until they can get some pressure. (rushing an LB as the other DE is killing them. They might as well just drop back b/c they do nothing... unless the play breaks down). They may eventually have to start playing tighter if they can't get a rush (which is scary with all the young folks)
Posted by: jj | October 7, 2006 11:29 PM
I'm going to pull one out of my --- the play early in the game involving a swing pass to Vidal Hazelton is exactly the kind of play that must regularly be in the arsenal. The play didn't generate all that much yardage, but it was a good solid play. It's really no different than the plays that SC ran whenever they were in trouble in games played the last couple of years.
The fact the Trojans didn't rack up at least 40 points today was really alarming. These kind of performances aren't going to cut it during the dog days of November. SC is making it through the cupcake portion of their schedule. Let's see how they do in November...what a schedule! Oregon, Cal, Notre Dame, UCLA. If SC is still undefeated after that stretch, I don't care what Ohio State does...SC will deserve to be # 1.
Posted by: drnoe | October 8, 2006 12:19 AM
If Ohio State runs the table (knocking off Michigan) and Florida wins out (beating Auburn, Georgia, Florida State and winning the SEC title game), they'll play for the BCS no matter what SC does. Call it East Cost bias. Only chance is to remain undefeated (doubtful) and really spank 10-1 Notre Dame and Heisman-hopeful Brady when they come in.
Posted by: roger | October 8, 2006 01:09 AM
NEWS FLASH: The 2006 USC Trojans are 5-0.
Posted by: Ron C. | October 8, 2006 04:48 AM
1:29 left in the game and 80 yards to go...plenty of time against the USC defense and Cal scores easily. Of course, in reality the score probably wouldn't be close enough for Cal to worry about scoring in the last minute to win the game.
Posted by: Alan | October 8, 2006 07:46 AM
It says something about a program when a team can still be victorious and rebuild, develop and retool on the run. Most other major programs would be 7-5 at best in a rebuilding season like this. This team will jell and the schedule gods have truly been good to us. We will see if we can take advantage of this. The week off is arriving at the most opportune time. FIGHT ON !!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: td4troy | October 8, 2006 08:20 AM
anyone want to give the huskies a little credit, and maybe realize that usc didn't play down but uw played up to usc? it was for the most part a pretty clean well fought game on both sides of the ball. I think usc is too used to having other teams make mental mistakes and using those to run up big scores. usc is 5-0 in what even east coasters are beginning to admit is the toughest conference in the country! u.s.c. - 'university of spoiled children' ...still true I guess.
Posted by: nick | October 8, 2006 09:51 AM
I remember the 2003 squad having these early to mid season problems. We all should not get too alarmed. I think our problems stem from a combination of coaching and players. I don't think our coaches have properly prepared our team to play. Both our offense and defense are too predictable. Kudos to our special teams play. However, in all fairness, it is very difficult for a team to develop chemistry (the most important antidote for championship football), when so many injuries have made it impossible for the offensive/defensive units to gel. I think our QB & LB positions are the only ones that have not been ravaged by injuries. At any rate, I think we are suffering from a mild form of USA Basketball syndrome. In other words, we have all these great athletes that are playing together for such a short period of time, but have not developed cohesion and chemistry to blend their skills into a thing of beauty. When that happens - watch the hell out! Hopefully, we can still manage to get the Ws, until one day we open a can of "whoop ass" on somebody and then folks will realize "USC is BACK!"
Posted by: LL Cool Lee | October 8, 2006 10:50 AM
Professor, your last sentence explains everything. You, and eftzoons are out of the closet.
Posted by: Bruce | October 8, 2006 11:13 AM
I agree - while the 2006 team is not yet as polished as the past couple of years, can someone give some credit to the other teams? Remember, playing USC is the equivalent of a bowl game for the rest of the conference, and every other USC opponent. They are "up" for the game - REALLY UP.
Thought JD was erratic - made some reckless throws when under pressure. Some of them were blind. Looks like his throws are not so catchable, maybe not enough touch on them, too fast paced, bullet-like.
Thought yesterday's running game looked much improved, and at a few points reminded me of last year. Moody and Washington and Gable - all of them looked much improved. Give some credit to the O-line too. Gave JD pretty good protection.
Play calling is still too predictable. Everyone is on to us.
As for the D: In my humble opinion, this is a big source of our current troubles. I don't think Holt is showing the creativity or the ability to make adjustments like PC did when he served as the D Coordinator.
Posted by: SoCalMAb | October 8, 2006 02:30 PM
Well, on the bright side...
1) Mediocrity isn't as much fun, but you can't say it hasn't been exciting!
2) I'd rather wake up this morning being Pete Carroll that Tubberville (Auburn) or Reicht (Georgia), or even Willingham for that matter. All have another one in the "L" column.
3) I'm glad to see these young "pups" coming to understand nothing is a given. Dues must be paid. The 2005 team paid its dues. You can just show up at USC and expect to be automatic Pac 10 champs, but the young Trojans are finding out that teams like the Cougars and Huskies are going to have something to say about it.
4) This is a great time in the season to "suck". Better these guys are shown their short comings now, rather than in the middle of the Cal or ND game. There's still hope to ID the problems and at least work some of this stuff out. Losing can be a great motivator, and coming this close twice may be inspriational.
5) Watching Chauncey and Emmanuel brought back memories of tailback U when the Trojans running game was a staple. Hope these guys continue to improve. Go Chauncey!
6) Mario Danelo: four for four. Rock solid.
7) Sweet fake field goal! and matched by Washington's onside kick recovery first play of second half!
8) Let's face it: this was a great coaching duel. The often-criticized Willingham has shown he won't die. He had his team so well prepared for USC. Would we want anything less?
9) This game was another example that everyone pumps up for the Trojans, sometimes almost to superhuman levels (except Arkansas!). To paraphase Willingham: "That was the best we played all year". And yet the Trojans pull out a "W"! even with a subpar performance for them.
So Why do teams tend to have some of their best games against USC? A lot of payback out there, for one. Also a lot of haters, grudgeholders, and poor sports. But it's a shot...a shot at the heavyweight title and a chance to make a statement. During last year's win streak Carroll said: On the day we lose, "I hope we make them play great". Although Vince Young gave him his wish, the Trojans continue to inspire great play by [most of] their competitors every season.
9) Hey let's give it up for Cal playing an awesome game last night. After what I saw last night, I really can't see the Trojans beating them, even at the Coliseum. An all star offense comparable to any in the nation today; DeSean should be a Heisman candidate.
Hey if the Bears end up representing the Pac 10 in the Rose Bowl, What can I do but root for them? Wouldn't it be awesome if the Trojan D shows up at the Coliseum on November 18 with full momentum, back in the sack and turnover mode?
10) Time will tell. Let's not get our hopes up about BCS games. Let's just hope the guys get healthy and provide just a few more Saturday afternoon thrills! You can't win 'em all, but that being said, I'd like to see Desmond Reed do an "Anthony Davis" and return one for 102 against Weis and the Irish just to say thank you for the long grass at South Bend last October.
Posted by: Chris | October 8, 2006 03:32 PM
USC has not blown out anybody this year...but so hasn't Ohio State.Like they said on ABC this is separation Saturday.these next couple of weeks will define a team from a pretenter or a CONTEDER.Here are a couple notable games:
NotreDame vs USC
Florida vs Auburn
Ohio State vs Michigan
I honestly dont beleive Florida can escape the SEC undeafted and that Ohio State's defense (who had lost 9 of 11 starters on defense)can prevent the Chad Henne and Mario Manningham hook ups
Posted by: The men of Troy | October 8, 2006 11:20 PM
Most complaining about an undefeated, young, rebuilding team EVER. It's borderline ridiculous.
Did all of you complainers really convince yourselves this offseason that USC wouldn't struggle at all after losing 95% of their offense from last year. Seriously?
I'm not saying the team is playing well (cause they aren't) - but how could you realistically expect them to? Especially considering that the little experience that there is, is constantly on the injured list. The team has played one complete game together since the season started and that was against ranked Arkansas on the road(and we saw how that worked out). There just hasn't been the continuity required to build a real team identity.
The bright spots on the offense coming into the season were DJ, Steve Smith and Chauncey. Chauncey is now healthy for the first time, DJ is hurt and Steve Smith barely played at all in the second half against UW.
This is the most ridiculous griping I have ever seen. I don't care how much talent we have - the fact is it is young inexperienced talent. Cut the coaches some damn slack - they are patchworking this thing with freshmen getting major time all over the field.
Posted by: Tyler | October 9, 2006 10:55 AM
It is very difficult for me to read the Pete bashing that is taking place with some of the Trojan Nation. Last time I checked Pete is 59-10 with two National Championships.
Also, John Booty is off to a great start. Yes, he did have a sub par preformance against Washington but he is entitled to an off game.
The Trojans are riddled with injuries inculding our greatest playmaker and arguably one of the greatest USC receivers of all time, Jarrett.
Clearly we are not the same as the previous two years but this team plays ball control, and I do not believe we have played from behind in a single game this year!
Look for the Trojans to beat up on ASU, hit the buy week, scrimmage Stanfurd, get healthy and win out!
Fight On!!!!
Posted by: Drew | October 9, 2006 01:43 PM