Open Forum

Do you think we might offer
Konrad Reuland?

Do you think we are out of the woods on the Bush investigation? Hasn't been almost two years, do we know anything?

Seems like Florida is kicking our butts in recruiting lately. Why do you think this is happening?

Scott-

Seeing as how I have read at least half a dozen reporters write about Mitch Mustain's performance in practice last week, do you take credit for that, or was it well-earned? To a layman, it appears the articles and descriptions were all very similar, so I am assuming it was either a breakout week for Mustain or every reporter decided to pay attention all at once and came to the same conclusion.

Thanks for the forum, Scott. Better late than never (and it is becoming less frequent these days!).

What's the relative long-term damage that is involved with Chris Galippo's back injury/surgery. Are we talkin' a 100% recovery or a chronic achy back?

Scott, what actually is Aaron Corp's role during practices? I have heard absolutely nothing about what he does, so can you share some information about what the coaches have this young man doing? Also, does he get to travel with the team to away games?

You wrote that Pete Carroll did not mind that the Trojans did not have a big play threat. What was your understanding of what he meant by "big-play threat?"

You wrote that Pete Carroll did not mind that the Trojans did not have a big play threat. What was your understanding of what he meant by "big-play threat?"

If the athletic department is having such a difficult time raising money to pay off the debt on the Galen Center, how come they have not thought about auctioning off the opportunity to touch the helmet of America's Quarterback, Mitch Mustain? That will not only pay the debt on the Galen Center, but raise more than enough for the new football center.

I know you mentioned the touching of the helmet a few weeks ago in regards to the Idaho game, but such an opportunity is much bigger than payback for a boring and uninspired game.

Mustain in 2008!

What is the reason behind Konrad Reuland transferring from Notre Dame? The coach, homesick, grades, scandal, playing time?

Do you know where we can purchase the CD collection of the "Best of Roggin and Simers Squared"? Now that they are off the air, we all miss them terribly.

I bought a set last week, but when I got it home and put them in my CD player, there was no sound whatsoever. I now use them for door stops, or as hot plates for those mini microwave pizzas.

I found my earlier set at a swap meet in La Mirada. Can you help track down a few more? I want to give them as Christmas presents to people I do not like.

Scott, since you travel to all games, both home and away, what is the one away game that you most look forward to?

What are your thoughts on how Matt Leinart will fare as a pro? I was optimistic after last season, but this season he has played about as poorly as any QB that I have ever seen. I know that you are a big fan of his, so your thoughts are much appreciated.

USC's totally awesome this year, right? I mean, I think they're totally awesome.

Scott - When do you think we'll get to see Travon Patterson go long?

Scott,

Gable seems real frustrated any chance he seeks a transfer?

How is the line looking in 2008? The interior line is set. Brown will be one of the tackles. Will the remaining tackle come from Lewis and Herring? Do you think that Lewis will be able to get to 300 pounds?

Hi Scott:

Has there been an talking among the coaches of possibly moving Bradford to linebacker with the sudden glutony of injuries at that position (Cushing, Matthews, Gallipo)?

I here that highly touted cornerback, Patrick Johnson, is scheduled for an official visit on December 1st. Do you foresee any possibility of him de-committing from Miami? I don't think we've ever had a recruit de-commit from a Florida school in favor of SC.

Thanks.

I think you are crossing the line a bit when you stir up the pot with regards to playing time/the tailback rotation/Gable. I imagine these situations are delicate and not so easy to manage as a head coach nor as a young player hungry for playing time. Your reporting on this matter seems petty to me and of little value to anyone. What is your point ? Appreciate your info the majority of the time.

How do you do? I want to elaborate on my previous question regarding Mitch Mustain and progression reads. You said he was not in the league of Leinart when it comes to progression reads due to his being on the team for only five weeks of practice, but can you not take into account what he also did at Arkansas? Since word is that he routinely takes apart the 1st team defense in practice, which is the best defense in the country, would that not be evidence that his progression read ability is extremely good, perhaps as good as any QB in the country? How many other QBs in the country can get through the Trojan defense like Mustain?

What do you think this team's biggest weakness is?

You mentioned that the coaches grade the players each week. You referenced grades given to Kyle Moore after Idaho and Wash. St.

So here is my multi-part question: Do the coaches make that information available to the press? (It would be nice to see the weekly grades for, at least, each offensive and defensive starter). If it is not meant to be publicy available, how did you get Moore's grades? By asking him, or someother source?

I know you grade the positions as a whole, but it would be great to learn what the real pros think!

Scott,

What is more important to Pete Carroll, winning national championships or leading the nation every year in the most talent wasted on the sidelines due to injury?

Scott,

What is more important to Pete Carroll, winning national championships or leading the nation every year in the most talent wasted on the sidelines due to injury?

Scott, as an outsider and a Charlie Weis hater like myself, what do you make of the Norte Dame situation? Do you think that it is classless the way that they are somehow continuing to blame Ty Willingham for all of their problems? Thank you for the form, I appreciate and respect your information and insight.

Scott, when you listed the heights of the QBs, you had Corp as the tallest, then Sanchez. So if Corp is 6'3" and Sanchez was also listed as 6'3" last year, then how come Sanchez's height has miraculously been changed this year to 6'4" in the media guide? Can a player request to have his height changed in the media guide? Is this not the "Brandon Granville Syndrome," where a player's height is so obviously incorrect in the media guide and changes every year?

What SC player do you think will go highest in the NFL draft in '08, considering his play so far this year?

Why is CJ Gable in Pete Carroll's doghouse?

If Pete Carroll knows that Michael Jackson does not want Carmen Trutanich on campus and around the football program, why does Carroll keep inviting Trutanich to speak to the players, not to mention being referred to him as clients?

Carmine: How do they kick our butts when we are either first or second each year in recruiting classes. For those scoring at home that is better than the 118 other schools.

USC_89: Since I'm assuming the 89 is 1989, maybe should practice soft and lose Rose Bowls like we did to Michigan St. and Michigan under Larry Smith. One of the key reasons SC has been so successful under Pete Carroll is the competition. The unfortunate by product is sometimes players get hurt. This success would not be there though without the competition.

Why has Pete Carroll never stocked up on corners? It seems like they are always shallow at that position and USC does not get a lot of the best So Cal recruits at that position. Do corners not like to play in USC's soft-zone scheme that doesn't allow them to be aggressive?

Why has Pete Carroll never stocked up on corners? It seems like they are always shallow at that position and USC does not get a lot of the best So Cal recruits at that position. Do corners not like to play in USC's soft-zone scheme that doesn't allow them to be aggressive?

I am kinda interested to know who the Trojans might use to imitate QB Jake Locker (or more importantly down the road, Dennis Dixon and perhaps Tim Tebow) in practice. I vaguely remember years back that some RBs were used to mirror the mobile QB (perhaps it was Vince Young or Brad Smith that the Trojans were getting ready for). Any ideas? I have been wondering about that leading up to this game and against Oregon.

I am kinda interested to know who the Trojans might use to imitate QB Jake Locker (or more importantly down the road, Dennis Dixon and perhaps Tim Tebow) in practice. I vaguely remember years back that some RBs were used to mirror the mobile QB (perhaps it was Vince Young or Brad Smith that the Trojans were getting ready for). Any ideas? I have been wondering about that leading up to this game and against Oregon.

CJ has looked like the fastest guy on the Trojans in the glimpses that we have seen of him this year. I love seeing Staphon getting his chance (and think he should be No. 1 ahead of Washington), but are we going to see CJ play more as the season progresses...or are the Trojans just to deep at RB?

From the inside perspective of his former coaches (McNair, Sark, & Carroll), what’s preventing Reggie Bush from having more success in the NFL? He seems fast enough, quick enough, and is reportedly a hard worker. Is he too small (weight), too tentative, not tough enough?

Scott:

It has been too long since we last spoke and oh so much has happened since then. With Los Angeles now officially declared Mustainland, this raises some serious questions that affect the bigger world around us:

1) Is it true the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce believes they have taken the Hollywood sign "as far as it can go," and are considering tearing it down in order to replace it with a new sign that says MUSTAINLAND?

2) To somehow salvage his completely dead political future, what can you say about the rumors floating around that Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is contemplating legally changing his name to Antonio Mustain?

3) In order to cash in on the ultimate cross promotion and stamp out all those empty seats every week, is it true the athletic department's marketing office is going to change the name of the Trojan Nation section of the Coliseum to Mustainland, while also raising the prices to sit in that most privileged section to $1,000 a seat?

4) Will the Heisman Trust simply award the 2008 Heisman Trophy to our hero Mitch Mustain before a single game is even played, in order to dispense with the foregone conclusion and all unnecessary formalities?

5) Is the NBC show Heroes going to be renamed to the equally appropriate title of Mitch, thus guaranteeing even larger ratings and a full sweep at next year's Emmys?

We need to know the answers to these questions as we are all now living in Mustainland. Referring to Los Angeles as LA is just SO yesterday!

Fight on!

If an athlete is injured and requires surgery, what process is involved? I assume there is a team doctor who performs an initial evaluation and, if necessary, gets the opinion of a specialist.

If surgery is recommended/required, who picks the surgeon? The athlete?

Who picks up the bill(s)? The student health plan?

Now that reality has set in and everybody realizes NOTre DAMe sucks, and we see the rats jumping off the sinking ship, do you expect more fallout, such as Cali commits Crist, McDonald and Fauria not following through on their verbals? Is Pete privately taking satisfaction in seeing the “snow-man” struggle?

How many players can run the 40 at 4.5 or under?

Hey Scott, I mean "Funboy",

When are you going to stop commenting on every step that Mitch takes. This infatuation you have with him is getting old and you're starting to come off as a "perv". Please stop and just talk about football!

P.S.
Leave Leinart alone and go write your negative facts on a Cardinals blog.

What should us diehard Trojan fans be more concerned about (with regard to the mental and physical condition of the players)when USC and CAL meet up on November 10th:
A). USC going into the game undefeated B). CAL going into the game undefeated
C). USC going into the game with a loss or D). CAL going into the game with a loss? A,B,C, or D alone or any combination of?

Kyle Moore is the common denominator with the four defensive turnovers thus far. After three games, would you have anticipated SC being on the negative side of the turnover margain, and that Moore would be the only Trojan ball-hawk?

GREETINGS OH GREAT SCOTT:
PLEASE EXCUSE ALL CAPS--I GROW WEAKER EACH DAY--BUT ONE OF THE THINGS I LIVE FOR IS THE OPEN FORUMS.
[I HAVE GIVEN UP ROMAN MEAL BREAD.]
I HAVE AN EASY QUESTION--I WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU COULD GIVE YOUR ANSWER IN PERCENTAGE TERMS[E. G. BLAKE AYLES 100%]
WHAT ARE YOUR BEST PERCENTAGE GUESSES OF THE FOLLOWING TROJAN RECRUITS COMMITTING TO SC?
1.BRENDAN BEAL
2.KHALED HOLMES
3.JURRELL CASEY
4.D'ANTON LYNN
5.JEFF DEMPS
6.TRAVIS SANFORD
AND, IF I AM ALLOWED A FOLLOW-UP, ARE THERE ANY OTHER RECRUITS NOT LISTED ABOVE THAT YOU WOULD ASSIGN A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF COMMITTING?

THANX A LOT AS ALWAYS, SCOTT, HOPE YOU CAN CONTINUE TO HAVE THE OPEN FORUMS.

Based off of what we've seen these first few weeks, are Jeff Byers and Chilo Rachal possibly the best tandem of Guards in the nation? If Joe Thomas is a #3 pick of last years draft, where does Sam Baker go in 08? Do he and Sedrick go in the top 5 overall?