"Only"? You're talking about TRUE freshmen here on a national title contender, and 6 got into the game. I think you're doing a good job of making the contrary point.

USC's game wasn't nearly the blowout LSU's, Florida's or WVA's was. How many freshmen played in those games?

This is what the other coaches don't get and why PC pulls the recruiting classes he does. USC is #1, in the hunt for a NC, and still playing more freshmen than the nearest competitors.PC doesn't redshirt as many players as the other programs - it's why there's less rebuilding needed when the great ones leave.

How Do You Do?

Kristofer O'Dowd, "KO" #61, BY FAR, had the biggest impact and his almost flawless play is INCREDIBLE. Not one bad center snap. No bad center exchange. He played the entire game (going from 12 minute quarters at Tucson Salpointe Catholic last year to 15 minute quarters on the #1 team in the country!)--all 77 plays!

What is just as incredible: only 3 lousy penalties for 25 yards, with the initial penalty--delay of game for Mario Danelo for 5 yard. I think another penality for inadvertent face mask.

Hey, Wolfie, was there even ONE penalty against the O-line? Any false start? Any offsides? Any holding penalty? NOPE! Just amazing, and with a freshman center starting, then playing all 77 plays.

Fight On!

Six? That's it? This is an outrage! Someone alert the press!

The one that shocks me is Malcom Smith.

I thought for sure he would redshirt.

All the others, O'Dowd, ROJO, McKnight, Galippo and Griffen i expected to play.

A small sample of the other top ten programs and the number of true freshmen that played over the weekend.

Carroll playing true freshmen more than other coaches appears to be just in the minds of SC fans than reality.

West Virginia (6)
Florida (14) & 10 RS, 24 total
LSU (6)
Oklahoma (3)
Ohio State (8)

Yes but many of those freshman from the other teams you mentioned only played because it was a blowout.

O'Dowd
McKnight
Griffen
Rojo

Will all be contributors in close games this year for USC. That's why players want to come to SC...they know they have a chance to play when it counts right off the bat