Open Forum, The Sequel

The coaches simply do not believe Allen Bradford is better than Chauncey Washington, for better or worse. Remember last year Stafon Johnson went through a similar situation although at least the coaches said Johnson did not work hard in training camp. Bradford's work ethic has not been questioned. And his receiving skills are valued but underutilized.
He says he will not transfer. We will see.

Looking at the schedule, it's very difficult to predict now. You would ordinarily think the Trojans would beat Oregon State, lose to Cal/Arizona State and beat UCLA. However, I think USC could lose every game and win every game. And I fear too much pressure is placed on John David Booty as a savior to open up the playbook. Cal and Arizona State are very beatable but so USC. Tomorrow's game could be very telling. If USC loses, watch out. The Holiday-Sun bowls seem likeliest destinations.

Yes, the defense will be looking to be more aggressive this week.

Q: Wolfie,Now that the dynasty is over, are you going to be leaving us for a better gig or are you sort of maxed out?

A: I will not leave until Caesar is removed by the Senate.

If Mitch Mustain plays, the playbook would be limited initially but like Matt Leinart and Booty it would quickly expand if he is the starter. Remember, he's played a full season already so it's not like he'll be completely nervous when he plays.

USC officials believe they can overcome the Lloyd Lake allegations because of his past but it's impossible to predict the NCAA's actions.

Q: What does it tell you about Sanchez that both Carroll and Sarkisian openly criticized his playmaking after games, when they have never called out another QB publicly before?

A: It tells me USC's lost two games before November. My memory tells other QBs were criticized, like Carson Palmer his first year and even Matt Leinart got criticized his senior year by Lane Kiffin. But I think Carroll and Sarkisian would say they were not criticizing Sanchez but merely pointing out to the media the difference between playing an experienced QB vs. a new QB.

Beal told USC he loved it but it sounds like his father wanted him to come to USC and he eventually became attracted to Florida.

Q: Can you enlighten us on why PC refuses to use draw plays, screens, or use the shotgun formation?

A: Caesar might use the shotgun this week (we'll see) with Booty back to prevent tipped passes. Screens and draws left with Norm Chow.

Q: Which individual player(s) does Pete Carroll coach up more than others?

A: Taylor Mays. He's easily the most inquisitive player on the team.

Q: What exactly is it that you don't like about the rotation?

A: I'm not against a rotation, I'm against who is used in the rotation. Stafon Johnson did not get enough carries when he was healthy. Joe McKnight was used too little in the first five games and Allen Bradford has not been used at all. That's a horrendous use of the rotation, in my opinion.

Mitch Mustain does not seem to have problems reading defenses or with accuracy. He faces the No. 1 defense in practice and often gets the better of it.

Q: I know you are aware of a lot of damaging off the field behavior that certain players engage in but you do not report it? Is there a reason you report on some things but choose not to report on other activities? Is there a fear that if you report incriminating behavior on the part of a player, there could be repercussions regarding your standing within the USC athletic department, so you choose to turn a blind eye?

A: If you have a specific example, let me know. I've reported about incidents with Rey Maualuga that no one else has along with several other players. I'm not really worried about the athletic dept.

Bryshon Nellum is currently a track athlete. If he has a big year, he might get some pro offers. Right now, it looks like he might not even play football, but I know Caesar wants him to play so it might still happen.

Kris O'Dowd might regain the center spot or even play another spot if there is an injury. Matt Spanos has the job to lose right now, so it depends how he plays.

I don't think John David Booty lost money in the NFL this year because no one said he's a sure-fire first-round pick. His size is a limitation and the low trajectory of his passes also needs to change. That's something the NFL gauges more than his record at USC.

As I've previously said, Mitch Mustain is beginning to loosen up around his teammates and is respected. The players also respect Mark Sanchez, who has strong leadership skills. This won't be a deciding issue in spring practice.

The O-line did not work together a lot before this season and then ran a lot of players in and out to further complicate matters. It wasn't like the old days when Ryan Kalil started every game. It needed continuity this season.

LenDale White was not interested in going through another training camp and college season without getting paid. He would have increased his stock to stay one more year but he didn't have the desire to stick around and wanted compensation.

Q: in your mind what is going right for this team? What are the things we as fans don't see that you notice on an everyday basis that still impresses you about this team, if anything?

A: The work ethic of the team is very strong and the attitudes are better than most previous seasons. This is one of the most coachable teams I've seen since covering USC. There really aren't any influential malcontents, which existed even in the golden age. The defensive line, especially nose guard Sedrick Ellis, is having a good year. Players like Butch Lewis have played unexpectedly and shown they have a bright future. Redshirts like Brandon Carswell should make an impact next season.

I would play John David Booty the rest of the season, unless he throws four interceptions, plays like he did against Washington or breaks his finger.