Open Forum Answers, Act I

Q: Why isn't everyone hating on Dennis Dixon's lone billiards class?
A; Probably because no one cared who Dennis Dixon was until about two weeks ago.

Q: if you we to build a football team (years of eligibility aside)…what two current Trojans do you use to start your team around and why?
A: Sedrick Ellis, because he disrupts an offensive line like no other linemen and interior linemen are hard to find. Sam Baker, because with no indispensable skill players, you might as well go with an All-American.

Q: What surprises you most about this season? Turn it around, what disappoints you the most about this year
A: Losing to a 41-point underdog to start with. Losing two offensive linemen on one play Washington was a first. The meek crowd at Notre Dame and the Irish's ineptness was also something you had to see first-hand to truly appreciate.
For disappointments, I expected a bigger year for Chauncey Washington and because of the hype, Joe McKnight. And the use of the shotgun was also overhyped. And I didn't think John David Booty was struggle in Washington and Stanford games. And . . . and . . . and . . .

Q: About your AP ballot, what is your method of ranking? A lot of us are very curious not just of the low rankings for Pac-10 teams but for things like two-loss Texas being ranked ahead of undefeated Kansas.
A: My AP ballot ranks who I believe are the best teams are and I still believe two-loss Texas is better than Kansas

Q: Is there an interesting story about why Patrick Turner lost the shaded helmet mask thing?
A: No, he thought it would eliminate drops.

Q: How many plays are in USC's playbook?
A: 367

Q: What is the team's feeling heading into the Cal game? Do Caesar, coaches, and players believe they have turned the corner (Booty back, healthy players) and will finish the season strong (3-0)? Or is the team still struggling with its identity and confidence?
A: Caesar believes the team's turned the corner. The players never thought they faced a corner and are always confident about their prospects each week. The identity of the team remains in flux because there is not a vocal leader.

Q: USC has had a recent history of scheduling tough opponents like Auburn, Arkansas, Nebraska (at least they were expected to be tough) and the upcoming Ohio State series. It had also been mentioned that attempts get regular season games against LSU and Oklahoma were made. Who had a say in setting up these and future out-of-conference matchups?
A: Schedules are usually made years in advance by an associate athletic director. Steve Lopes currently does the scheduling and Daryl Gross did it before him. But Caesar approves the matchups or is consulted beforehand and has a large say in it.

Q: Is there any discussion of changing the offensive playbook or the OC in the offseason?
A: Right now, the only way Steve Sarkisian is not returning to USC is if he's named head coach at a Pac-10 school.

Q: Why do you persist in wearing a soccer jersey for your TV reports? Don't you own a sportscoat or other more formal wear?
A: Soccer jerseys are not formal wear? Have you ever noticed how many different cuts of fabric and material go into a manchester united jersey? Besides, Caesar decreed all reports to the masses be delivered in a toga or soccer jersey, and I don't own a toga.

Q: Fred Davis is having a great year. Any chance he breaks into the first round in April?
A: There's a slight chance depending on how his pro workouts go. The problem is about one tight end usually makes the first round. He's definitely improved his stock and it would be ironic if he got drafted higher than his close friend, Dwayne Jarrett, who overshadowed him for three years.

Q: While i love all the football news, when can we expect some Basketball coverage? I know you're only 1 man, but they practice like 10 minutes away from each other.
A: 10 minutes away but practices are at the same time, so it's a problem. Hopefully, we'll increase basketball coverage next week.

Q: Alex Holmes was known as a great recruiter while he was at SC. Who on the team has taken that role of being a great recruiter for the program?
A: There isn't really one player who's assumed as high a profile recruiting these days. It's more spread out now among the team.

Q: What was up with Simers on Tuesday? Do him and Carroll get along?
A: I'm never there, but Carroll doesn't really take this part of the press conference seriously and considers it a ``performance'' everyone in the room endures on a weekly basis.

OK, the questions are getting too long and I'm getting tired of listing them.
What changes are in store for 2008? It depends how these last three games finish. If USC goes 3-0, less chances. If the Trojans go 1-2, more changes. I don't see major staff changes right now. I think the skill positions could be in for a major shakeup. There's going to be a willingness to let guys like Broderick Green and Marc Tyler play tailback and no one's claimed a right to start at wide receiver.

Carl Smith did attend practice. I doubt he'll be back at USC. He's more of an NFL personality because of his low-key approach.

Rey Maualuga said he will return next season but let's see what he says in January.

On another note, Caesar introduced me to Dexter Hazelton on Thursday, the father of wide receiver Vidal Hazelton and he said he reads the blog. The blog! Hail Caesar!