Stanford Report Card
Here's the grades from the blowout:
RESULT: NO. 7 USC 42, STANFORD 0.
RECORD: 7-1, 5-1.
WEEK 8 GPA: 2.56.
QUARTERBACK
John David Booty gave a standard effort against a sub-standard opponent. Mark Sanchez played the fourth quarter and looked off the intended target as well as anyone on a 22-yard pass to Travon Patterson.
B-
RUNNING BACKS
There’s definitely been a dropoff with Emmanuel Moody, who averaged just 2.9 yards per carry against the Cardinal. At least Stafon Johnson got his first carries of the season.
C+
WIDE RECEIVERS
Just five catches for Dwayne Jarrett but it translated into 118 yards. The fourth quarter showed Travon Patterson can make plays, even if it was against Stanford.
B-
OFFENSIVE LINE
After eight games, things are not improving as much as hoped, although the lack of progress would be more noticeable if USC played anyone but Stanford.
C+
DEFENSIVE LINE
No sacks but Stanford’s running game was virtually non-existent. Defensive end Kyle Moore seems to be playing more each week.
B-
LINEBACKERS
Oscar Lua’s demonstrated why he deserved more playing time earlier in the season while Rey Maualuga tries Pete Carroll’s patience with his overaggressive play.
C+
DEFENSIVE BACKS
They helped revive the turnover ration with interceptions from Terrell Thomas and Kevin Ellison. But the next four games will really show if the secondary actually improved.
B
SPECIAL TEAMS
Burned again by an onside kick and kickoff specialist Troy Van Blarcom got yanked on one kickoff because of short kicks. On the other hand, USC returned a blocked field goal for a touchdown for the first time since 2001.
B-
COACHING
It’s hard gauging progress against a dreadful opponent but at least this game should keep Pete Carroll from complaining about all those turnovers against Oregon State.
C+
WE SUCK!
Booty sucks, thank you for pointing it out Scott!
Sanchez is the answer!
Remember, next week.
11/11 2 HR Before Kickoff at peristyle...FREE SHIRTS
LET THE MARK SANCHEZ ERA BEGIN!
Also, I look forward to a pounding from the Ducks, that's gonna really ruin homecoming! Damn it!
Scott,
Your grades are totally off point. At least TJ Simers never tried to be serious or objective.
42-0 is a good win all the way around. Shut outs are hard to come by no matter the opponent. How would you grade out West Virginia?
Tough but fair grader, Scott.
I agree that Emmanuel Moody has dropped off since the beginning of the year. However, in the Stanford game Sarkiffin started using him more like Reggie Bush. Not really as a wide out, but they had him run patterns from the back field which seemed to work very well.
It looks like they ran a pass play like that to Bradford as well. Moody is probably the most like Reggie we have on the team in terms of being elusive. Toss the ball to him in an open field and give him the advantage over the defenders.
It's only Stanford, but I liked the performance overall anyway. Beat the Ducks.
IN PETE WE TRUST!!!
Van blarcom got yanked? Who did they put in? David Buehler? This just keeps getting better and better. 9 weeks into the season and we haven't even settled on a kicker.
Moody has dropped off but I don't think it is totally his fault. Like Scott wrote the O-Line hasn't been great.
I thought JDB did better than a "standard effort" though. Stanford's running game is non-existent against everyone. As per the Secondary, they got 2 INT's but they also gave up almost 200 yards passing to T.C. Ostrander...So how many yards are they going to give up vs. B.C. Quinn? 500?
as much as I think your rankings are just out in space somewhere, I usually agree generally on your grades
One thing, I am starting to think the OL has had one good drive this year and has done absolutely nothing since
So over on the New England Patriots board are people posting that Tom Brady just shouldn't be the QB in big games since he threw picks and had a couple passes batted down? Are they clamoring for the So Cal native backup to come in?
Probably not.
Hope you all back off the Sanchez talk.
Scott, no doubt there will be a 20 message thread about your grades. You know how the game is played and you play them like a violin.
I know that Moody did extremely well the first few games, but when I watch it seems that he is forever cutting back into the tacklers instead of staying in the running lanes, a case that I recall this last week was down near the goal line, Petros even commented on it that you don't cut back when you are near the goal line. I like how CJ hits the hole at full speed, but it seems that he takes some really big hits and I would like to see Stafon and Allen Bradford get a few meaningful carries just to see how they perform.
You know Scott, sometimes reading your report card about the team makes me cringe because it seems you are too critical. But, at this point in the season I think we all expect much more improvement from both sides of the football. I like Oscar Lua back because he doesn't give up big plays and will make sure to cover the running back on screen plays. And Booty's completion percentae was way too low against such a crappy opponent.
Wolfie - what's the deal with the Arizona Cardinals reportedly offering Pete $30 million to come over?
Moody has forgotten to hit the hole before all of that juke n jive. He's really showing his inexperience. CW....boring runs.... the rest seem to just be a wash....Man do we need a fullback!
That's an astute comment about Sanchez. Seeing him look off defenders and his pocket awareness (moving around while keeping his eyes downfield) was really impressive. I'd like to see JDB utilize those skills more.
It was good to see the playcalling have JDB rolling out more and getting more vertical.
how many second half on sides kicks do we have to lose? talk about potential game changing plays
Scott, usually i like your blog, but it seems like each week it is increasingly hostile towards the program. It's almost has a "sure, they did well, but just you wait for the sky to fall" tone in each entry.
Like the coaching grade...come'on, they blew them out. Did you want an 80-0 victory? And sure, maybe it would be different against a better opponent, but your not supposed to be grading them against anyone else but Stanford, so shouldn't a 80-0 victory earn at least a B?
And again, with the defensive backs - why talk about the next four games, how about them stepping up in THIS game?
It's almost as if you feel you know what is better for this team than a Coach who has ruled college football for the past three years. It's an off year, so what. Trying covering Arizona football on their good years.
Anyway, i really think if you want to retain some fans try and give us more info. into the program we can't find on the front pages, like you often do, and less program bashing, however subverse if you try to make it.
Van Blarcom has an injury issue. But he was better than the second string guy so they put him back in.
How do you think Sean Payton and the Saints are grading Reggie on yesterday's performance:
11 carries (minus 5 yards)
4 receptions 22 yards
The answer: not an NFL running back.
Hate to say it, but SC players are overrated. They come in as 4 & 5 star recruits but don't progress. Blame the player or blame the coaching?
Name the player that's improved the most this year from game 1 to game 8? Kinda hard to find anyone that's improved at all.
USC players are over rated Roger? Are you numb in the head. The Saints are 6-2 and Bush is a huge factor. They use him as a decoy and the team benefits. Bush is also a stand up guy, he does not say a word about being used as a decoy because it works, the team is winning.
Lets see some other "over rated" Trojans in the NFL;
Carson Palmer - MVP Candidate in 2005
Troy Palamalu - Pro Bowler
Udeze - Starts for the Vikings
Cody - Stud in Seattle
Patterson - Just received a huge contract from the Eagles, but I'm sure they feel he is over rated too.
Colbert - Making plays in Carolina
These are just a few names I rattled off the top of my head and I'm sure I am missing a few.
Roger you should really think things through.
Trojan Lover
Dear PH,
My intent is not to offend you, but isn't that what a message board is for? To give individuals an opportunity to express their opinions? Do they have to coincide with yours?
Sincerely,
AT4USC
Steve Smith
Yeah Roger,
Same reason Carson Palmer put up MVP numbers last year and the Eagles just signed Mike Patterson to a big extension. Yup. They're overrated.
Yes Roger SC players are overrated...that's why players like Troy Polumalu and Lofa Tatupu become centerpieces for their NFL teams in their first seasons.
There was no way Reggie was going
to live up to all the hype that was piled on him before the draft. BTW if Reggie matches his stats from the first half of the season he will have the second most all purpose yards for a rookie ever!! Yes that's right ever - behind only Barry Sanders. Not bad for a guy that came into the NFL with a "saviour of the world" label.
I do agree with one thing though - in general 4 and 5 star players really don't improve that much. I think it's because typically a lot of them are already as good as they are ever going to be by the time they leave high school. In addition some of them just don't try as hard - they already think they've made it.
There are very few exceptions on any teams. Name some other teams where 4-5 5 star players jump off the page in their first seasons.
I'd say Reggie, Lendale, Dwayne Jarrett and Matt Leinart are good examples of top flight players that improved though. This year's team had too many hiccups and inconsistencies along the way to show the kind of improvement you are looking for. Hard to improve when someone else is gettng hurt every week.
Uh oh Roger wants to cut Reggie Bush because of one game.
Following that principle, we should also cut Tom Brady, Ben Roethlesberger, and many others when they have a bad game. Let's also cut Roger Staubach who sucked his first year and Terry Bradshaw. Probably wouldn't have much of a team left.
I think Roger is a UCLA fan...seems to have that intelligence level. :)
Frankly, Scott, I think your grades are a little high, except for the defense. We scored 42 points, but only gained 355 yards? Third quarter sucked. One good drive the whole game, and an average outing for the JDB? I'm not sure if he is any better. PT couldn't catch the ball if his life depended on it. Was happy to see FD catch one, and in the end-zone to boot. The running game was sub par, and against the Cardinal? I'm nervous!
Well at least they looked good. I think he is being too hard Moody and Chauncey.
lofa tatupu
I agree with Roger...OJ Simpson, Marcus Allen, Ron Yary, Anthony Munoz and Ronnie Lott are all definetly over rated. There are actually nimrods out there that think these individuals are the best ever to play their positions. Yeah right!
What do they know in Canton anyway?
Gary Beban, Cade McNown, J.J. Stokes, Karl Dorell...now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout !
UUUuuu Stheee Al Ay !!!!
The players you mention are all exceptional. However, SC had only one make the 2005 NFL All Pro Team. Georgia had 3, Tennessee, Florida State and Virginia had 2. Looks like the top players are coming out of the SEC (8), then the ACC (5), Big 10 (3) and PAC 10 (3). I guess players from Ohio State, Texas, and Notre Dame are even more overrated, as they are not represented at all.
2005 NFL All Pro First Team
Offense
QB Peyton Manning, Indianapolis, Tennessee
RB Shaun Alexander, Seattle, Alabama
RB Tiki Barber, NY Giants, Virginia
FB Mack Strong, Seattle, Georgia
TE Antonio Gates, San Diego, Kent State
WR Steve Smith, Carolina, Utah
WR Chad Johnson, Cincinnati, Oregon State
OT Walter Jones, Seattle, Florida State
OT Willie Anderson, Cincinnati, Auburn
OG Steve Hutchinson, Seattle, Michigan
OG Alan Faneca, Pittsburgh, LSU
OG Brian Waters, Kansas City, North Texas
C Jeff Saturday, Indianapolis, North Carolina
PK Neil Rackers, Arizona, Illinois
KR Jerome Mathis, Houston, Hampton
Defense
DE Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis, Syracuse
DE Osi Umenyiora, NY Giants, Troy
DT Jamal Williams, San Diego, Oklahoma State
DT Richard Seymour, New England, Georgia
OLB Lance Briggs, Chicago, Arizona
OLB Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay, Florida State
ILB Brian Urlacher, Chicago, New Mexico
ILB Al Wilson, Denver, Tennessee
CB Ronde Barber, Tampa Bay, Virginia
CB Champ Bailey, Denver, Georgia
S Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh, USC
S Bob Sanders, Indianapolis, Iowa
P Brian Moorman, Buffalo, Pittsburg State
Wolf Report Card
GRAMMAR
In Friday's paper you wrote, "After falling behind the other backs in training camp because the coaches feel he did not work hard, Johnson has not been able to close the gap." It should have been "because the coaches felt he did not work hard,"
D+
ACCURACY
The defense pitched a shutout yet you did not give a single A to the defensive line, linebackers or defensive backs
F
INSIGHT
You wrote in evaluating the coaching "It’s hard gauging progress against a dreadful opponent," Sorry but that type of insight is dreadful. I'll gauge your progress next week.
D
Geez Roger...with all of those players NOT FROM USC...how the hell do we end up doing so well? DUH.
SC has no players on the 2005 NFL All-Pro Second Team.
SC does so well because it gets the lion’s share of West Coast talent (but I expect the fat man from south bend to pluck a few more plums). Probably more 4 & 5 star players on their roster than the rest of the PAC 10 combined. I think Oregon State has 0 – 5 star and 2 – 4 star players. SC in contrast has 15 – 5 star and 42 – 4 star players. How do you think Pete would fare if the talent roles were reversed? Best talent and mediocre coaching gets a lot of wins, but the players don’t develop to their potential. Let’s hear somebody start sticking up for the rest of Pete’s staff. But I guess that’s Mike Garrett’s fault, not the Prince of LA’s.
I’d like nothing more than SC to run the table and face the winner of Ohio State/Michigan. Just don’t see it happening. Cal or Notre Dame get em and Louisville stays unbeaten. That’s my two cents.
Roger:
USC has produced the most Pro Bowl Selections of any school in History = 162
USC also sent more players to the Pro Bowl in the 1990's than any other school = 14
USC currently has 42 players actively playing in the NFL
But I am sure all of these players were over rated and under coached, right Roger.
By the way you did not answer my earlier question. Do you know where the Campus is?
Trojan Lover
Patrick-
Do your homework!! Van Barcom has been battling hip and leg issues, and has not been able to practice up to his potential, hence the short kick-offs.
Roger-
Do your homework!! When PC arrived he had mediocre talent by today's standards, players recruited by Hack-job Hackett. The team improved from dismal standards, and his players definitely developed to reach their potential.
Thanks Cindy.
"USC has only 1 pro bowl player in 2005"
Well hell I agree, 2005 is the only year that matters. Everything before 2005 is un important.
Hey cindy,
Talk about doing your homework, why didn't you do yours? Mr. Wolf's 11/8 article on Van Blarcom completely repudiates your "insight". By the way, the spelling is VAN BLARCOM. And PC didn't recruit the two most exceptional athletes of his tenure. He inherited them. If anyone gets credit for Palmer, it's the guy that also developed Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson, Gifford Nielsen, Ty Detmer and Robbie Bosco.