December 2006 Archives

USC coach Pete Carroll said he would not fire any assistant coaches after the season, regardless of what happens in today’s Rose Bowl.
The No. 8-ranked Trojans are 10-2, which is successful by most standards, but there’s been a lot of fan criticism, especially directed toward offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.
``I’m not making any changes,’’ Carroll said. ``I’m not doing anything.’’

Around 11 p.m., we'll have an announcement that will be of interest to most USC fans.

A USC spokesperson said the issue of whether Reggie Bush requested a sideline pass for the Rose Bowl is moot because BCS rules allow only five VIP sideline passes and they were given out before Bush requested a pass. The passes were given to former USC players Ronnie Lott, Matt Leinart, Marcus Allen, Charles White and John Papadakis.
``It's not like it's a home game where there's unlimited passes,’’ spokesperson Tim Tessalone said. ``That's what I can tell you about it.’’

About a month later, opinions on the UCLA lost are changing slightly.
``That was a fluke,'' said a USC player that did not wish to be identified. ``Especially after seeing Florida State beat them.''

A USC student told us today she placed her tickets on StubHub.com but got no offers.

A Pac-10 coach said today that the loser of the Rose Bowl will have a lot of explaining to do in the offseason.
``Both teams have a lot at stake. Someone will have a tough offseason losing to their crosstown rival and a bowl game. it's like playing a bowl game against Fresno State and losing.
``Michigan feels like they can't afford to lose. Both teams are like `we can't lose.' ''

Here's the Fox Sports press release on its Reggie Bush-Rose Bowl sideline pass controversy.

The first person to correctly pick the Rose Bowl score wins their choice of a USC or Michigan media guide (valid email required).

USC defensive tackle Walker Lee Ashley has left the football program and is trying to decide whether to return.
``He left,’’ USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``I’m not sure if he’s coming back. It’s not finalized. I did talk to his dad and we’re trying to figure out the best thing for him.’’
Ashley denied earlier this month he would transfer to Minnesota, which is where he was raised.
``I have no idea where it came from,’’ Ashley said. ``I’m cool right here. It was all just rumors.’’

Could this actually be the time linebacker Clay Matthews get his first start with Dallas Sartz not 100 percent? In the past, it's been hinted that Matthews would start, only for Sartz or whoever else he replaced getting healthy in time to play.
``I think they are unsure (about Sartz),’’ Matthews said. ``I guess I would be the next linebacker but we’ll see when game time comes around. I can’t really expect anything.’’

Linebacker Dallas Sartz took limited snaps and will play but his role is still to be determined.
Chauncey Washington returned to practice and said he suffered food poisoning. Brian Cushing practiced and said he will wear a sleeve on his sore knee to protect it.

Check out PerezHilton.com to see who Matt Leinart is hanging around with now.
Hint: They have something in common: babies.

Is Pete Carroll still a coaching whiz when given a month to prepare for a team?

X-rays on defensive end Brian Cushing revealed some fluid on the knee but it is not expected to be a problem for the game.
Linebacker Dallas Sartz has been unable to go full speed yet and Coach Pete Carroll threw open the possibility that Clay Matthews could start.

Tailback Chauncey Washington did not practice because of stomach flu. Pete Carroll said freshman C.J. Gable is currently the No. 1 tailback. Defensive end Brian Cushing (sore knee) practiced with a knee brace and said he would probably wear it for the next two days. He wants to play the game without the brace.
Fullback Thomas Williams will prepare to play both ways in the Rose Bowl. Linebacker Dallas Sartz (hip flexor) said he felt OK but was slightly limited.

One source said USC wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett wants to turn pro after the season but his mother prefers he comes back for his senior year.

Did anyone get caught in long lines at the Galen Center last night? It seemed like the building is having problems adjusting to any type of a crowd. About 15 minutes before tipoff, several lines were 50-people deep outside the arena.

Since USC visited the Improv this week, humor is in the air. So we asked USC coach Pete Carroll if he would hire outgoing Florida State offensive coordinator Jeff Bowden, after the Seminoles scored 44 points against UCLA in the Emerald Bowl.

USC coach Pete Carroll said the offense's shoddy performance Wednesday was the result of practicing in rain and windy conditions.
``We were affected by the rain and wind,'' Carroll said. ``They came back today and chucked it around today.''

USC coach Pete Carroll is closing practices to the public the rest of the week before the Rose Bowl.

Thomas Williams practiced at linebacker today because Brian Cushing (knee) and Dallas Sartz (hip) are ailing.
UPDATED: Cushing and Sartz say they will play in the Rose Bowl and both could return as soon as today.

Michigan defensive end Lamarr Woodley's eye lit up today when asked if he noticed what UCLA's pass rush did to USC.
``Being a pass rusher, I was definitely look at UCLA,'' he said.

Yahoo might come out with another Reggie Bush story before the Rose Bowl for maximum exposure.

USC almost suffered a key injury during Wednesday’s practice in one of the season’s more embarrassing moments.
Freshman tailback Emmanuel Moody broke free on a run, and in a practice tradition, was supposed to run all the way to the end zone without any defensive players following him. But assistant coach Dave Watson, who urged Moody to keep running, slipped on the wet turf and fell, with his feet upending Moody and knocking the back down hard to the turf.
Moody, already recovering from torn ankle ligaments that forced him to miss several games, slowly got up and appeared to be hurt before eventually jogging back to the huddle.
``I bruised my knee,’’ Moody said. ``He got me pretty good. I don’t know what happened.’’
Watson, who yelled at Moody to ``get up,’’ said he knew Moody was not hurt.
``As an effort coach it’s my job to chase the back,’’ he said. ``He’s a tough guy. It was a minor collision. I tackled him with my feet like a soccer player.’’

Pundits like Jeff Sagarin consistently ranked the Pac-10 as the top conference in America this season, but right now the Pac-10 looks more like the best conference in Western America.
After UCLA's loss, the Pac-10 is off to an 0-3 start.

Linebacker Brian Cushing skipped practice with a sore knee that he hurt right before Christmas break.
``It’s puffed up,’’ USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``We think he could play today if he had to.’’

One of our spies attended a couple Michigan practices and reports that while the tempo is slower than USC practices, the Wolverines' timing appeared crisp.

Tonight's bowl activity is a trip to the Improv for some stand-up comedy. No word if Michael Richards will be performing.
It will give the Trojans a chance to dry off following a crazy practice included a rain outburst followed by warm sunshine.

Sorry to intrude on Scott's space, but I just wanted everyone to know of a change to the blog: beginning immediately, registration is required through Typekey to post comments. We apologize for the inconvenience, but registration is free and takes two minutes to do - this just reduces spam and makes it easier to moderate the discussions. And your comments will get published much quicker...

If anyone has any questions, concerns or problems about this, please direct them to me, not Scott. I can be reached at josh.kleinbaum@dailynews.com.

USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin marveled at a 36-yard touchdown run by Titans quarterback Vince Young on Sunday after a play broke down in a 30-29 victory over Buffalo.
``A lot of people said he wouldn't be able to do the things he did in the Rose Bowl in the NFL,'' Kiffin said.
Did that make Kiffin feel any better about last year's Rose Bowl against Texas?
``No, we still lost,'' he said.

When offensive tackle Kyle Williams briefly quit the team last Monday after being replaced by Matt Spanos, he said it actually took the mind off a poor performance against UCLA.
``It gave me something else to think about,’’ Williams said

USC coach Tim Floyd suspended freshman guard Kevin Galloway for two games after Galloway returned late from Sacramento from the Christmas break and missed practice Monday and Tuesday. Galloway, who averaged 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 12 games, will miss Thursday’s Pacific-10 Conference opener against Washington at the Galen Center and Saturday’s game against Washington State.
Forward Nick Young did not practice on Christmas night because of stomach flu while center Abdoulaye N’diaye left practice early because of a shin injury.

Some East Coast players, like linebacker Brian Cushing, were late to practice because their Christmas flights came back this morning. Otherwise, it was a short, crisp practice.
Fullback Brandon Hancock said he wants to come back for a sixth year but will meet with doctors before making it official.

USC hired Ali Khosroshahin of Cal State Fullerton as its women's soccer coach today. Personally, I would have gone with Iain Dowie, especially after he turned down Hull City.

USC went 6-6 in the regular season against the spread, which was the 48th-best record in the nation. The Trojans were just ahead of Vanderbilt and SMU.
Central Michigan was No. 1 with an 11-2 record (9-4 actual record). Ohio State was 9-3 against the spread, the fourth-best mark. Not bad considering the Buckeyes were ranked No. 1 all season and had the runaway Heisman Trophy winner.

It’s Christmas and time to give a present to the readers. When this blog started in March, there were no expectations, only a desire to offer more information about USC football.
But this blog quickly became so popular, our site monitor says it is routinely second only to the dailynews.com home page for page hits. That is because of you, the reader and your interest in USC football. And it is quite an accomplishment. Thanks to you.

There may be second-guessing by fans since USC lost to UCLA, but All-American wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett said he remains a believer in the Trojans' play-calling.
``It's easy to say that from the outside looking in,'' wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett said. ``As a team and staff, we believe in what we're doing.''

Tailback C.J. Gable said he will switch from No. 25 to No. 2 next season, which was his number at Sylmar. Wide receiver Steve Smith currently wears No. 2 for the Trojans.

USC coach Pete Carroll said fullback Brandon Hancock is expected to apply for a sixth year of eligibility after missing his senior season with torn knee ligaments.
``I'd love to have him back,'' Carroll said. ``He's a leader and a great player to have on our team.''
Hancock met with the USC coaching staff this week to discuss the idea. Carroll said USC's compliance official said he could likely be granted an extra year by the NCAA.
Players are not allowed to apply until after the season. The compliance office previously said fullback Ryan Powdrell could not apply for a sixth year.

David Buehler, the new kickoff specialist after Troy Van Blarcom was dismissed from school said he will continue to wear a neck roll because he might participate on the kick return team, a role he held before getting promoted.
``I’ve worn my neck roll all through high school and college,’’ Buehler said.

The college coach who earlier this week gushed over defensive end Everson Griffen despite losing him to USC, said the 6-4, 266-pound prospect is fast enough to play defensive back or tailback. We kid you not.

Earlier this week we alluded to a possible scholarship crunch for next season. One more became available because fullback Jody Adewale was convinced to forego his final year of eligibility and instead concentrate on obtaining his master’s degree.
Adewale graduates this year but still has a year left to play football because he redshirted. But instead of playing next season, Adewale said he will work in the athletic dept. and receive two more years of education.
``Why stand on the sideline when I can get my masters?’’ Adewale said. ``It’s their decision. It’ll pay for two years of school.’’

Tailback Chauncey Washington and tight end Fred Davis each had 3.0 GPAs in the fall semester.

The scout team gave the first unit everything it could handle and more in today's mock game. The starters won 23-21, but only after USC coach Pete Carroll controversially awarded another play at the end when the clock might have expired, which allowed quarterback John David Booty to throw a touchdown pass to C.J. Gable.
The highlight of the scrimmage was a touchdown pass from Mark Sanchez to freshman wide receiver David Ausberry.
``It was a great, spirited day when guys could be looking to get out of here,'' Carroll said.

Offensive tackle Matt Spanos did not pass all his classes and is ineligible. Kicker Troy Van Blarcom is also ineligible and was dismissed from school because he did not have a 2.0 GPA after three semesters. Van Blarcom would need to reapply for admission to the university to come back, but don't hold your breath on that happening.
It should be noted that Van Blarcom said he would try to get a grade changed but few are optimistic about that scenario.

USC kicker Troy Van Blarcom was ruled academically ineligible Thursday although the kicker was trying to change a grade to regain his eligibility. Offensive tackle Matt Spanos is also unlikely to be eligible today although he was also trying to change a grade.
Van Blarcom, who is the Trojans’ kickoff specialist, will not be able to play against Michigan in the Rose Bowl unless he can change a grade, which he was in the process of trying to do late Thursday. He needed a 2.3 grade-point average in the fall semester to maintain his eligibility.
``He is in jeopardy,’’ USC coach Pete Carroll said of Van Blarcom. ``We’ll find out (today) if he’s made it.’’
Without Van Blarcom, USC would turn to sophomore David Buehler for kickoffs. Buehler notably kicked a 49-yard field goal against California earlier this season.

USC will stage a quick mock game tomorrow to practice certain situations for the Rose Bowl. It's something USC coach Pete Carroll often does before the season-opener and previous bowl games, to get down substitutions and other sideline situations

Offensive tackle Matt Spanos missed practice to take of ``academic matters,'' according to USC coach Pete Carroll. It's possible Spanos will find out today if he is eligible, because Carroll said grades were getting posted a day earlier than expected.

It's always dangerous to make too much out of a recruit, but a college coach who lost out on defensive Everson Griffen raved about the prospect today.
"He's perfect," the coach said. "He could be a first-round draft pick right now."

USC freshman safety Antwine Perez is expected to transfer to Maryland. Perez also considered Rutgers and West Virginia, according to sources.
His departure is not totally unwanted because it frees up a scholarship amid fears of a scholarship crunch with 12 commitments and a large number of recruits that would like to commit to USC.

USC safety Taylor Mays on fellow freshman safety Antwine Perez transferring.
``He didn’t feel comfortable here,'' Mays said. ``He never felt comfortable since he was out here.''
Linebacker Brian Cushing, also from New Jersey, said Perez also felt homesick.
``I just think he wanted to get closer to home,'' Cushing said.

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett said he will decide whether to turn pro between the Rose Bowl and the Jan. 15 deadline for underclassmen to declare for the NFL draft.

Offensive tackle Matt Spanos was supposed to find out today if he was eligilble but the bureaucracy that processes grades at USC will not officially post any grades until Friday. In the past, it was possible to get an early indication of grades but that is no longer possible.

Terrell Thomas (dislocated shoulder) wore a sling and will probably do little until after Christmas to protect his shoulder.
Safety Taylor Mays wore a cast to protect his swollen hand. With Thomas out, Mozique McCurtis is currently the starter.
Pete Carroll officially confirmed that Antwine Perez transferred. More on that later.

If Chauncey Washington actually had a torn MCL and not a sprained knee, wasn't that even more reason to get Allen Bradford ready for the UCLA game?

Freshman safety Antwine Perez is home in New Jersey and did not return from the weekend break. Sources said he will not return to the team and will transfer, although USC coach Pete Carroll would not confirm that Tuesday night.
It's hard to blame Perez, with Kevin Ellison, Taylor Mays and Josh Pinkard all first-or-second year players and highly touted safety Marshall Jones of Oaks Christian committed for next season. Perez played in seven games this season with three tackles.

Former USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow was interviewed on 570-AM today. Here's a couple quotes:
``(Pete Carroll) wanted to get things done a certain way and it worked out well for everybody. You know, it's just too bad because I think they probably have the talent to maybe be playing for that fourth national championship in a month.''
On offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and assistant coach Steve Sarkisian:
``I know (UCLA defensve coordinator) DeWayne Walker may be better than both of those guys.''

Cornerback Terrell Thomas dislocated his shoulder during practice today and will not practice tomorrow. He is questionable for Thursday. Thomas said he would be able to play in the Rose Bowl.
He hurt the shoulder twice, when he banged into a receiver and then hit the ground. It's important to note Thomas already suffered all season with a shoulder subluxation, which is a temporary, partial dislocation of the shoulder joint. Thomas may need surgery after the season but wants to see if he can avoid it.

Not one of the worst movies ever, but one of the worst Heisman votes ever.
According to the Hartford Courant, former USC quarterback Carson Palmer voted for his brother, Jordan, to win the award.
``I voted for my brother [UTEP QB Jordan Palmer], [the winner] Troy Smith and Darren McFadden,'' Palmer said. ``In that order. [Jordan] was a long shot.''

Step right up and watch the Trojans light the six-story Christmas tree at Universal Studios tomorrow at 5 p.m.
Here's the details:

USC tailback Chauncey Washington his sprained knee was actually a tear of the medial-collateral ligament, which explains why his recovery was so slow.
Washington suffered the injury against Oregon on Nov. 11 and is still not 100 percent today although he hopes all the swelling in his knee goes down by the end of the week.
``I got an MRI and it showed an MCL tear is completely gone,’’ Washington said. `` I was supposed to be out but I kept on playing. It’s coming along.’’

Center Ryan Kalil thinks he suffered food poisoning over the weekend and said he had problems making it through Monday’s practice. Several people joked with Kalil that it must have been the food at the football banquet.

Walk-on guard Ryan Wetherell was credited for a missed 3-pointer against Charleston Southern in the game stats even though he did not play. Earlier this season, he was given a turnover against The Citadel that was committed by Chris Penrose.

Michigan defensive end Lamarr Woodley, the Lombardi Award winner, was a player USC wanted four years ago, as the Trojans tried to sign him and Lawrence Jackson together.
"We recruited him," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "He's a great player. He's a real problem when you run at him or away from him."

The slow recovery of tailback Chauncey Washington might be making a turning point. Washington said his knee remains sore but doctors told him that it should go away by the end of the week, which would allow him to run without pain for the first time since the Oregon game.

In USC's 10-3 victory over Michigan in the 1970 Rose Bowl, who did quarterback Jimmy Jones throw a 13-yard pass to for the margin of victory?
Answer on next page.

If Michigan beats USC and Florida defeats Ohio State in the BCS title game, there is a theoretical chance the Wolverines could be crowned national champs in the Associated Press poll.
USC coach Pete Carroll was asked if he would use that as motivation if USC were in Michigan’s position.
``If you were going to be recognized as the AP national champs, sure,’’ he said

With many younger players getting long looks in the first five bowl practices, one of the more intriguing possibilities is freshman wide receiver Jamere Holland, who redshirted after breaking his collarbone. Holland, probably the fastest player on the team, worked on punt returns, a role he would like to try next season.

USC defensive tackle Walker Lee Ashley said he was aware of rumors he might transfer to Minnesota after the season.
``I have no idea where it came from,’’ Ashley said. ``I’m cool right here. It was all just rumors.’’

There are still a few kinks in the new basketball offices adjacent to the Galen Center. Basketball coach Tim Floyd does not have a lock on his door although his assistants were given doors that lock.

USC coach Pete Carroll joked about today's rain on a busy recruiting weekend for the Trojans.
``We’re a little disappointed in the rain on our boys who came from the frozen East,'' he said.

A downpour hit Howard Jones Field and cut practice a little short Saturday. The most disappointed player was probably quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was enjoying a good day offensively. And safety Taylor Mays, who is from Seattle and likes the rain.
``I was excited, it felt like Seattle,'' Mays said. ``Even when it didn't rain, it was muddy. Here, it's always hot all the time and you have to hydrate. In Seattle, you can just open your mouth and drink the rain.''
USC ran a little more than 30 scrimmage plays, though many were in inclement weather.
``It's always good to practice in these conditions because you never know how it will be for the game,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Tailback Emmanuel Moody said his sprained ankle is still not quite 100 percent but should be by the Rose Bowl. Moody was cleared to play against UCLA but said he was glad he didn’t so he could recover fully.
``C.J. (Gable) said it’s a good thing you didn’t play because UCLA has been going for my ankles and trying to twist them,’’ Moody said.

Kansas forward C.J. Giles contacted USC about the possibility of transferring but the Trojans were not interested, sources said.
Guard Gabe Pruitt will be eligible Dec. 22. USC coach Tim Floyd was upset earlier this week when he learned the archaic system that requires about a week after grades are posted for them to become official. It's the same system that is causing offensive tackle Matt Spanos a week to wait to see if he is eligible.

Here's the official description of the UCLA game award, which is named after a Trojan legend.

THE MARV GOUX AWARD

Awarded annually to the varsity football team member chosen by the team
as having contributed the most during the USC-UCLA game of that season.
The trophy is an actual sized gold football donated annually by Rolland
Curtis.
This award for the UCLA game was first given out in 1952. From 1978 to 1992 it was given to an offensive and defensive player.
Here's a list of past winners who earned the award in defeat:

Did you notice last night's football banquet did not give out an award for the UCLA game, even though it's been a tradition to honor players for the UCLA and Notre Dame games.
Apparently, those awards will only be given when USC beats its rivals from now on.

USC coach Pete Carroll on last year's group of juniors going pro: ``It was very clear in last year's draft that our guys lost a lot of money coming out early.''
Not mentioned, is that punter Tom Malone also lost money by returning for his senior season.

Whenever a team wins the crosstown rivalry in dramatic fashion, expect follow-up stories on how it will affect recruiting. The immediate answer in one case was no effect, as offensive lineman Kristofer O’Dowd of Tucson, Ariz., selected the Trojans over UCLA, who also coveted O'Dowd.
Maybe a better test will be Long Beach Poly cornerback Donovan Warren, who visits USC this weekend and UCLA next month.

Chris Ducar, the goalkeeper coach and recruiting coordinator at North Carolina for the past 11 years, is a candidate for the women's soccer coaching position. Looks like USC waited too long to offer Iain Dowie, who is holding talks with Hull City.
In view of the current circumstances, Alan Pardew would make an ideal candidate.

Wide receiver Steve Smith was named the most valuable player at the annual awards banquet Thursday night at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza hotel.
Kalil won the most inspirational player award. He also received USC’s offensive lineman of the year award with offensive tackle Sam Baker.
Defensive end Lawrence Jackson won the defensive linemen of the year award for the second year in a row. Sophomore linebackers Kaluka Maiava and Clay Matthews were co-special teams players of the year. Maiava won for the second straight year.

USC coach Pete Carroll on wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett's chances of turning pro.
``I don't know exactly where he's at. He has to figure it out,'' Carroll said. ``But he's done it the right way. I'm doing my work for him now.''

USC coach Pete Carroll didn't leave for the football banquet until after 6 p.m. but he can take the carpool lane because he was taken by a pair of campus security officers.

A quick practice highlighted by two interceptions by Terrell Thomas and one by Clay Matthews.
Cornerback Kevin Thomas was cleared to play.
"We're comfortbale with the guys we have playing there now but its good to have him back out there," USC coach Pete Carroll said.

USC center Ryan Kalil and nose tackle Sedrick Ellis won the Morris Trophy today, which goes to the outstanding offensive and defensive lineman in the Pac-10 Conference.
It's the first time since 1991 both winners were from the same school and fourth time in the 27-year history of the award.

Does anyone want to go to the Rose Bowl?
The ticket office sent students an email last night saying they would sell tickets this morning that were unclaimed by student lottery winners. About 300 students were lined up by 9 a.m. and all were told they would receive tickets.
Another student said she was trying to sell her tickets but probably would give up because of a lack of interest.

In the 1985 Rose Bowl, USC defeated Ohio State 20-17. Can you name the two members of the Buckeyes' coaching staff that are currently head coaches?

Our spies at Servite High School tell us UCLA visited earlier this week even though the Friars' big-name recruits are committed to USC, including linebacker Chris Galippo.

Defensive end Brian Cushing's spent time at linebacker during bowl practices in preparation for next season, when he expects to move back to his natural position. Cushing said he might have to lose a little weight to play outside linebacker.

When USC got shut out in the second half against UCLA, it was the first time the Trojans did not score in the final two quarters since Pete Carroll became head coach.
``To score seven points is hard to fathom,'' offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said. ``It still seems like it didn't really happen.''

One question immediately after the UCLA game was why Allen Bradford was not brought up to speed quicker with Chauncey Washington less than 100 percent with a sprained knee. USC coach Pete Carroll said it was thought Washington would be well enough to play.
Asked this week if he regretted not practicing Bradford more, Carroll said, ``his time will come.''

Offensive line coach Pat Ruel said he was initially skeptical about John David Booty being USC's starting quarterback but became a big fan right before the start of the season.
``I saw John David Booty in the spring and boy, I didn’t know, because I’m comparing him to Matt Leinart and I’m not seeing it,’’ Ruel said. ``But by the end of fall camp, I was thinking, `This kid is awesome.’ ''

Linebacker Rey Maualuga said he changed face masks three times this season because he bent them in games.

Freshman offensive linemen Butch Lewis, Nick Howell, Zach Heberer and Charles Brown will all spend time with the first team in practice this week to see where they fit in for next season. But Brown and Howell, who are redshirt freshman, might be making a pitch for playing time in the Rose Bowl.
``Nobody’s got a guaranteed spot going in to the bowl game. Maybe Ryan (Kalil) and Sam (Baker). Hey, it’s competition time,'' offensive line coach Pat Ruel said.

Daily News columnist Tom Hoffarth considers who gave Dwayne Jarrett a first-place vote for the Heisman Trophy.
http://www.insidesocal.com/tomhoffarth/archives/2006/12/the_mystery_vot.html

According to some NFL scouts, wide receiver Steve Smith is projected as a third-to-fifth round pick. Linebacker Dallas Sartz is considered a second-day prospect while offensive tackle Kyle Williams is considered a seventh-round prospect.
Some teams believe center Ryan Kalil could go as high as the first round.

Did anyone notice earlier today the Sporting News listed USC safety Josh Pinkard as a second-team All-American. It was corrected later in the day to freshman safety Taylor Mays.
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=158257

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett made the first team while center Ryan Kalil and offensive tackle Sam Baker made the second team on the Associated Press All-American team.

Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said he did not feel quite as bad about the UCLA loss after watching game films.
``The film wasn’t as bad as it felt after the game,’’ Kiffin said. ``There’s some guys getting and we’re just a second away from getting the ball to them.’’

Our spies spotted Michigan defensive coordinator Ron English in town last week recruiting. English is one of the hot names in coaching right now and we hear the Wolverines consider the Rose Bowl a ``must win'' considering they lost their past three bowl games (Alamo, Rose, Rose), including a last-second loss to Texas in the 2005 Rose Bowl.

Jim Fassel, a quarterback at USC in 1969 and former New York Giants head coach, is a candidate for the Stanford job.

Today's sacking of Alan Pardew http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/6169349.stm throws the search for the next USC women's coach into turmoil because the Trojans never anticipated someone like Pardew might become available.

According to several sources, UCLA players got so fired up because of comments directed at them by linebackers coach Ken Norton during pre-game warmups, they discussed the taunts in a huddle before the game for extra motivation.

Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said he is not interested in the Idaho job vacated by Dennis Erickson.

A week after former USC assistant coach and current UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker helped upset the Trojans, he and Pete Carroll ran into each other and shared small talk at the Mid-Valley Division championship game between Verbum Dei of Los Angeles and La Salle of Pasadena on Saturday night.

Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin joked about the criticism he received since the UCLA game. When a reporter noted he's been criticized even more than quarterback John David Booty, Kiffin said, ``(Offensive coordinator's) the first place (that gets criticized) here and second at most other places.''

Offensive tackle Matt Spanos might play in the Rose Bowl if he passes his finals, which end tomorrow. Spanos was academically ineligible this season but could gain his eligibility once the fall semester ends.
``I'm kind of (dying) to know how I did,'' Spanos said.
Spanos is playing both tackle positions.

Nose guard Sedrick Ellis said today he will definitely return for his senior season. He said Lawrence Jackson's decision to return played a part in his own decision.
"He's my boy," Ellis said. "That put the laminate sealing on it."

Arizona State athletic director Lisa Love, the former USC women's volleyball coach and administrator, hired Dennis Erickson according to published reports. Love was at USC in 2000, when the Trojans offered Erickson the head-coaching position, only to have him sign a 7-year, $7 million contract this very weekend six years ago.
I'd say every Pac-10 coach just got a lot more worried about the Sun Devils than they were when Dirk Koetter coached the team.

USC coach Pete Carroll placed a gag order on mentioning the USC loss during his pre-practice speech on Saturday morning.
``We’re done talking about it,’’ offensive tackle Kyle Williams said. ``Coach Carroll told the team we’re not going to talk about it anymore.’’
Carroll even took the unusual step of not speaking about the loss to reporters.
``I’m not responding to that,’’ he said, when asked a question about the game. ``I don’t want anything more written about it.’’

USC coach Pete Carroll on today's first practice, which was a chance to get back in football mode after a week off.
``We don't need every day to plan for the Michigan game.  We need every day to get our football right.  It's a chance to look at other guys,'' Carroll said. ``We did that today.  We couldn't be more openly competitive about it.''

According to Heisman expert Kari Chisholm at StiffArmTrophy.com, Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith will be ``the single biggest winner ever; besting Reggie Bush's 91.8% of the total vote in 2005. Our final numbers show Troy Smith picking up 2603 points - that's 94.0% of the 2772 possible.''

USC conducted its first bowl practice Saturday and its first workout since last week's loss to UCLA.
``Yesterday was the first day I hadn't thought about (the loss),'' offensive tackle Kyle Williams said. ``It was the first night I went to sleep.''
USC coach Pete Carroll dashed off to Home Depot Center for the Norco-Chaparral and Moorpark-Canyon championship games.

In the 1970 Rose Bowl, USC defeated Michigan 10-3. But to get to the game, the Trojans needed to defeat UCLA 14-12 at the Coliseum. With UCLA at the Trojans' 39-yard-line and under a minute left, which Trojan intercepted Bruins quarterback Dennis Dummit's pass to seal the victory?
ANSWER: Ty Hudson.

USC coach Pete Carroll is at the Coliseum right now watching Birmingham High tailback Milton Knox play San Pedro in the City championship game. Knox scored three touchdowns in the first half and Birmingham jumped out to a 24-7 lead.

In USC’s last game against Michigan in the 2004 Rose Bowl, 27 current Trojans were on the roster. Of those, just 5 played in that game.
LB Dallas Sartz (7 tackles, 2 for a loss, 1 sack, 1 deflection), TB Hershel Dennis (7 carries, 17 yards) and FB Brandon Hancock (2 receptions, 8 yards) all started. WR Steve Smith (1 reception, 9 yards), OT Kyle Williams and WR Chris McFoy also saw action.

Here's my ballot for the Associated Press All-American team.

Back to the 2004 Rose Bowl, who is the only USC player to start the game that is on this year's roster?
Bonus points: How many sacks did Michigan have in the game compared to USC's 9?
ANSWER: Linebacker Dallas Sartz is the only player on the current roster to start the game. Hershel Dennis and Brandon Hancock also started but are not playing this season.
Bonus answer: Michigan had one sack.

USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson told Trojans coach Pete Carroll on Thursday he would return for his senior season.
``I came back to be a part of a great program and great university. With the guys we have returning on defense I couldn’t pass up being a part of it,’’ Jackson said. ``I have a chance to be a senior leader on one of the best teams in the country.''

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was named to the Walter Camp All-American team tonight, which means he is USC's first-ever 2-time All-American first team wide receiver.
UPDATED: Steve Smith and Sam Baker were named to the CBS Sportsline All-American team. That means it's the first time USC's had two wide receivers become All-Americans.

I sent in my Heisman ballot yesterday in the following order: 1. Colt Brennan, Hawaii. 2. Troy Smith, Ohio State. 3. Darren McFadden, Arkansas.
My feeling was the award is given to the "most outstanding college football player,'' and Brennan stood out the most . . . easily. Smith stood out as well, but is surrounded by a constellation of stars Smith is the best player on the best team. But I felt Brennan shouldered more of a burden to make Hawaii successful this season.

According to BBC Sport, Iain Dowie has refused to comment on reports that he is set to take over at Hull City. ``I've got absolutely no comment to make," said Dowie.
Looks like USC women's soccer has some competition for the well-respected gaffer.

Wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett was a Sports Illustrated first-team All-American. Wide receiver Steve Smith, who probably had a better season, was honorable mention along with offensive tackle Sam Baker and center Ryan Kalil.

Name the Big Ten teams USC has not played in the Rose Bowl (Penn State will not count because the Trojans played the Nittany Lions in the first Rose Bowl before they joined the Big Ten).
Also, how many times has USC played Michigan in the regular season?
ANSWER: Big Ten Opponents USC has not played in the Rose Bowl: Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. USC played Michigan twice in the regular season.

A veteran West Coast defensive coordinator who watched the USC-UCLA game said quarterback John David Booty was being unfairly maligned.
``People are trying to put Booty under the bus,’’ the coach said. ``What about the running game? Where was that?
``I think the rush and all that pressure made him uncomfortable. The big plays they are usually able to get, UCLA did not give to him. They took away the big plays.’’

Now that Karl Dorrell saved his job with the win over USC, Steve Mariucci has turned his attention to landing the Arizona Cardinals job.
This means losing to UCLA might have cost Pete Carroll at the very least a job offer and a chance to get yet another raise out of USC.

USC will be the visiting team in the Rose Bowl and be on the east sideline. The Trojans will use the east locker room and wear their white jerseys.

USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson, a preseason All-American, said he will make a decision ``soon'' on whether to turn pro or return for his senior season.
``I don't want that to be an issue during bowl preparation I just want to focus on football and enjoying this time with my teammates,'' Jackson said.

How many times did USC sack Michigan quarterback John Navarre the last time the teams played in the 2004 Rose Bowl and who led the Trojans in sacks that day?
ANSWER: USC recorded nine sacks with defensive end Kenechi Udeze getting a team-high three.

Although USC offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin and assistant head coach Steve Sarkisian are interested in the job, sources say athletic director Lisa Love prefers someone with head-coaching experience. Former offensive coordinator Norm Chow interviewed last weekend, although he does not have head-coaching experience.
Love might turn to her alma mater, because Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is also a candidate.

One of the unique architectural qualities of the Galen Center is the huge window behind the north basket, which is supposed to allow a view of the Los Angeles skyline. But a top administrator said the reason for the window was more pragmatic: USC did not want to spend the money to put seats there.
Personally I'm just glad you can see that big, black beautiful cat across the street.

Did anyone catch this over the weekend?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNeNlyva9Io&mode=user&search

Former USC safety Jason Leach and former walk-on Matthew Newhouse will officially be hired tomorrow as L.A. County Sheriff trainees. USC coach Pete Carroll will take part in a ceremony honoring Leach as the 100th trainee hired.

If USC defeated UCLA on Saturday, the Bruins already made contact with former Cal/San Francisco 49ers/Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci regarding the head-coaching position. But the 13-9 upset rendered such discussions irrelevant.
UPDATED: UCLA officials deny any contact was made with Mariucci.

Here's when USC starts practicing for the Rose Bowl:

Considering the staggering losses from last season (Bush, Leinart, White, Justice, etc.), a 10-2 season is really quite an accomplishment.
But wouldn't everyone feel a lot better if those two losses were to Arkansas, Nebraska or some other early season opponent, when a young team was supposed to be growing. But losing to two teams that USC was double-digit favorites against casts a feeling of underachievement to this season. It might be more perception than reality, but the fact is the Trojans lost two games they had little reason to lose.
And it might add a new trait to Pete Carroll's profile at USC: Susceptible to losses to major underdogs.

Safety Taylor Mays was named a Freshman All-American by the Sporting News. Tailbacks C.J. Gable and Emmanuel Moody were honorable-mention selections.

Some fans who went to the Rose Bowl say they did not get seated until the end of the first quarter because it took so long to move into the stadium. There were also complaints that concession stands ran out of water. The Rose Bowl has less than a month to see these problems get corrected.

Here's an announcement regarding women's basketball: ``Due to a scheduling conflict, the USC-Hawai'i women's basketball game on Saturday has been moved to the Lyon Center. The game will tip off at 1 p.m. as originally scheduled.''
We assumed these type of Mickey Mouse maneuvers would cease once the Galen Center was built.

I asked Pete Carroll if Matt Leinart ever faced pressure like John David Booty did against UCLA on Saturday.
``The first Cal game (in 2004),'' Carroll said. ``It was more like that and he struggled with a couple interceptions.''

John David Booty passed for 274 yards Saturday, but did not throw any touchdown passes. Only two other USC quarterbacks threw for more than 274 yards, with no touchdown passes but they won their games: Todd Marinovich, Oct. 28, 1989, 303 yards (a 19-0 home victory over Stanford), and Matt Leinart, Oct. 15, 2005, 301 yards (a 34-31 road victory over Notre Dame).

USC coach Pete Carroll said there was no doubt UCLA linebacker Eric McNeal caught the ball after he tipped John David Booty's pass.
``I was right there, I saw it,'' he said.
Carroll also watched the game tapes and did not change his opinion.

Here's the grades on the crosstown rivalry:

USC's loss to UCLA bothered Pete Carroll so much, he drove back to Heritage Hall on Saturday night and watched the game film.

USC coach Pete Carroll said the 13-9 loss was unlike most of his career during the past five years of success.
``We didn't kick the ball around and the other team didn't have to play the game of their life,'' he said. ``This was a difficult day. I'm really disappointed in missing out at that chance (for the BCS title). It was unfortunate.''

USC coach Pete Carroll dismissed critics of quarterback John David Booty on Sunday night.
``Anyone who criticizes (Booty) was not paying attention to the game,’’ he said. ``We still threw the football well. He played as he played all year long. His numbers were fine. But the continuity wasn’t there.’’
Carroll attributed that problem to UCLA’s pass rush.
``They just took a lot of chances consistently and we were not picking them up,’’ he said. ``We made a lot of mistakes in picking stuff up, at fullback and tight end.''

USC opens as a 2.5 point underdog to Michigan in the Rose Bowl

It's clear Michigan coach Lloyd Carr is not happy about the events today. Talking about the BCS tonight, Carr said, ``I don't think there is any question there are flaws in the system. I don't know exactly what the voters were thinking.''
As for the players' reaction, Carr said, ``obviously disappointment but that's part of life.''

Here's the final regular season ballot for the Associated Press poll.

The official word should come at 5 p.m. Already, some players are dreading the Beef Bowl for a third time in four years.
``Terrible,'' one said.

Pete Carroll had never been shut out in the second half before Saturday. The last time USC failed to score in the second half was the 2000 game against Cal.
The last time USC rushed for 55 yards or less was in 2004 against Cal, when the Trojans had 41.

Former USC coach John Robinson did color commentary on the radio and said the Trojans had no concept on offense and he could not get a feel for what the offense was trying to accomplish.
Also in the first half, assistant coach Steve Sarkisian went into the offensive huddle during a timeout and told the line, ``our tempo is bad.''

USC was No. 2 in the Pac-10 in third-down conversions at 45.4 percent. UCLA's defense was No. 1 in the Pac-10 on opponents' third-down conversions, holding teams to 27.8 percent.
Who won that battle? USC was 6 for 17 on third down and 1 for 3 on fourth down.
``I'm disappointed, this has never happened,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``John (David Booty) worked his tail off all day.''

I asked a Pac-10 coach who watched the game what adjustments USC made against UCLA's defense.
``None,'' he said.

USC did not score in the second half against UCLA. That has to rank as one of the most surprising stats from Saturday. Over the past five years, the Trojans were known for being a good second-half team, but that never materialized at the Rose Bowl.

USC quarterback John David Booty never seemed to have enough time to throw the ball to wide receivers Steve Smith or Dwayne Jarrett, and that became a problem because the Trojans could never run.
``They stuffed us,’’ Booty said. ``Flat out. I don’t like to admit that.’’
By the way, it's disgraceful that a USC team, favored to make the BCS title game, resorted to a quick snap on the fourth-and-2 to start the fourth quarter that became a 4-yard loss for tailback C.J. Gable. If USC can't gain two yards or one yard (and that was also the case) then something is terribly wrong.

It's a new era for USC coach Pete Carroll, who lost to UCLA for the first time.
``I'm sure I'll be reminded of it for the next 12 months,'' he said. ``They live right here. They get to enjoy it for a year. They’ll have a great time.''

USC will play LSU in the Rose Bowl unless Michigan slips to No. 3 in the BCS rankings, which would send the Wolverines to Pasadena. All in all, it ain't Glendale, Ariz.

Was Lane Kiffin outcoached by UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker?
``Yeah,’’ Kiffin said. ``The scoreboard tells that. It’s no secret.’’

Quarterback John David Booty on his final pass getting intercepted by UCLA linebacker Eric McNeal.
``The dude tipped it to himself,’’ Booty said. ``That’s happened to me lately. Also against Oregon.’’
A tip also happened on the failed two-point conversion against Oregon State. And several other games, although USC seemed in denial all season about this weak spot.
Offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin said McNeal only made the interception by failing to blitz.
``(McNeal) was supposed to come and didn’t,’’ Kiffin said.`` He screwed up. It was unfortunate the way it happened.’’

We also mentioned earlier in the week that Pete Carroll was more concerned about UCLA than any time in his USC career. His comments after today's game bore that feeling out.
``I expected this to be very tough. I kept telling you guys that,'' Carroll said. ``I just know that for (UCLA defensive coordinator) DeWayne (Walker), he has some problems with some of the college teams that do the unusual things, the college style stuff. He's done real well against the pro style teams, which we're more so.''

Some readers scoffed at our post earlier in the week about Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn's 60-yard run and the fact UCLA held four straight opponents to 60 yards rushing. But today UCLA quarterback Patrick Cowan rushed for as many yards as the entire USC team (55).

Where was the adjustments?

Pete Carroll just told me the turf is not stable and a lot of players will be slipping during today's game.

More than three hours to kickoff and already women are storming men's restrooms because of the lines. Welcome to the Rose Bowl!

``Well, they've got a really good band. I think that's what carries the school, the band . . . We're just going to beat USC so bad.''
Answer after the jump:

In the famous 1967 game, which USC won 21-20, everyone remember's O.J. Simpson's 64-yard run. But who was the quarterback that called an audible on third-and-7 and switched from a pass to Simpson's run?
Bonus points: Who was the fullback that threw a key block at the 40?
UPDATED: The quarterback was Toby Page. The fullback was Dan Scott.

The late money is going to UCLA for tomorrow's game with the spread down to 12 points after being 13.5 earlier in the week.

In the first USC-UCLA game at the Rose Bowl in 1982, who was the QB that led USC on its comeback only to get sacked on a potential game-tying 2-point conversion?
Answer after the jump.

Oaks Christian High School tailback Marc Tyler, who committed to USC, was named the Gatorade California Football Player Of The Year.

The first person who picks the correct score on the USC-UCLA game receives a copy of the Trojans media guide (valid email required on pick).

USC coach Pete Carroll said Thursday he intends to ask UCLA to wear its blue jerseys at next year's crosstown rivalry at the Coliseum.
So why doesn't he just wear the Cardinal jerseys tomorrow at the Rose Bowl?
``It's kind of a bold move to (ask for) that to somebody and I don't want to be a part of that,'' Carroll said. ``A lot of our fans remember it's an old tradition that was special. I don't see us doing it at the Rose Bowl. That's not part of the tradition, that's why that doesn't fit.''
Apparently Carroll forgets the Trojans wore cardinal at the 1982 USC-UCLA game, which happened to be in the Rose Bowl.
But by waiting until next year, he puts UCLA coach Karl Dorrell in a lose-lose situation. It means Dorrell did not initiate the invitation and he can't do anything but accept the offer or appear ungracious.

More than two hours after USC defeated Notre Dame, Pete Carroll drove his car down the Coliseum ramp, parked next to the end zone and walked to the middle of the field.
One immediate thought was maybe Carroll took a last look at the Coliseum, before say, departing USC.
``That's not what it was,'' Carroll said.

The Rotary Club of Los Angeles held a luncheon Thursday with USC coach Pete Carroll and UCLA coach Karl Dorrell on Thursday.
Our spies tell us Carroll was not his usual care-free self at the luncheon, which might go back to our previous post about his concern about the Bruins this season and the close eye he's kept on them throughout the year.