December 2007 Archives

Here's the game-day schedule for the Trojans, who start with a 9 a.m. wake-up call.

Here's the next installment of answers as 2007 winds down. Hail Caesar!

USC defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis on his concluding his career: ``This may be the most winningest class in college football history, but you never really think about it until you come to the end. Playing with players like Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart and others, It’s pretty amazing.''

Here's Caesar's final injury update before the Rose Bowl.

Just a quick word about the idea of Norm Chow going to UCLA as offensive coordinator. Chow always tells friends that Titans coach Jeff Fisher is the best coach he ever worked for. And he's two years away from being eligible for an NFL pension. OK, that's it.

Please join us in thanking Roman Meal for their continued sponsorship this season. Roman Meal, the bread Caesar supplies his legions as he convinces them it's great to be in the Rose Bowl.

Here's the first installment on the last day of the year.

Even on the eve of the Rose Bowl, it comes back to Matt Leinart.
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_7849119

Nebraska is making a strong push at quarterback Dayne Crist, who committed to Notre Dame months ago.

Quarterback John David Booty said teams no longer fear USC.
``I think teams are so excited to play us now because they know you can beat us and they want to bring us down,'' Booty said.

Two USC players defend a pass to a UCLA wide receiver during the 1958 crosstown rivalry, which ended in a 15-15 tie. We think the the player in the middle is halfback Angelo Coia, but maybe some of our ``mature'' readers can identify the Trojans in the picture. Photo courtesy USC digital library.

USC announced this weekend it would sell more Rose Bowl tickets. And private parties seem to be selling at face value, or less. If you're thinking of going, scalpers outside the Rose Bowl should be at a disadvantage on game day.
``I'd rather see a rematch with Stanford. At least the Trojans would be motivated,'' one USC graduate who is skipping the game said.

We'll start this a little early this time. I'll end the suspense now with my own prediction: USC 31, Illinois 17.

USC offensive tackle Sam Baker said the UCLA game earlier this month was the highlight of his season.
``The one match up that stands out for me was in our last game against UCLA,'' Baker said. ``Everyone was talking about Bruce Davis and how I had to lock him down and it was a great experience because he’s a great player and I have a lot of respect for him.”

USC quarterback John David Booty said he likes staying out of the spotlight despite the obvious advantages of being in such a marquee position.
“I don’t see myself from the outside so I don’t really see it. I’m a Southern boy. We’re definitely raised a little different than someone from Orange County. I’ve been by myself a lot out here in Los Angeles. I’m usually just hanging out with my roommates. I don’t put myself in situations where trouble can arise.''

Chauncey Washington starts at tailback against Illinois with Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson expected to play big roles. Yes, we've heard that before.

USC concluded its final practice before the Rose Bowl and it's not looking good for wide receiver Patrick Turner.
``He's still not full speed yet,'' Pete Carroll said. ``It'll be hard to contribute.''
Linebacker Keith Rivers (ankle) will play but whether he starts is a game-time decision.

As the game approaches, USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson grows weary of questions about Illinois quarterback Juice Williams and whether the Trojans can handle a mobile quarterback.
``People are always trying to get stories on another running quarterback,'' Jackson said. ``He’s good but different than the others. He’s bigger than a running back. He’s not an option type of player.’’

Apparently there was one positive from the Stanford game as Fred Davis broke the USC record for receptions by a tight end.
``I found out from a reporter that I had broken the record after the Stanford game. I got the game ball after the game and now it’s at my mom’s house.''
There might be a Stanford fan out there willing to pay a lot of money for that ball.

Offensive coordnator Steve Sarkisian on how the offense changed:
``The emergence of Joe [McKnight] playing in the running back position was new. You have to remember he was very limited at the running back position. He did not play it in high school as much as people think.''

Here's USC offensive tackle Drew Radovich discussing how last year's criticism of former tackle Kyle Williams after the UCLA game still bothers the Trojans.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7840022

Here's the kickoff of the 1963 Rose Bowl between No. 1-ranked USC and No. 2-ranked Wisconsin. This is considered one of the greatest bowl games ever, as USC takes a 42-14 lead before Wisconsin QB Ron VanderKelen leads the Badgers to 23 points in the final quarter and throws for 401 yards before the Trojans hold on 42-37.
``We're still No. 1 and they're still No. 2," USC coach John McKay says. "They're a good team, but they'd finish about sixth in our league.''

Here's a chance to ask some more questions before the New Year.

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian on Illinois' defense.
``They are very well coached. The funny thing is when you look at a defense is that you can see if
a defense wants to do a lot of things. Some defenses don’t do a lot of things. But the first thing we
can tell after looking at a game is if the guys are really well coached or if they’re out there just
trying to survive.
``These guys are well coached. They play well together and they understand their
scheme very well.''

Wide receiver Patrick Turner (bruised thigh) returned for a portion of practice but did not seem to impress Carroll.
``He ran around a little bit. Not anything to make a dent,’’ Carroll said. ``I know he really wants to play in the game.’’

Here's USC coach Pete Carroll on UCLA hiring Rick Neuheisel.
``We were waiting for the smoke to come out of the Vatican and it finally did,'' Carroll said. ``I think it's a terrific choice. His experience in the NFL is beneficial. They got a really good choice. He's always been a really good recruiter. He'll do a great job.''

The Rose Bowl deserves a big F for not adding one new activity to the itinerary for USC this week. Three straight trips to Disneyland. Three straight trips to Lawry's. Three straight trips to the Improv.
Well, they did change one thing. In the past the players went to a Laker game instead of a USC-UC Riverside game.
All of this would be overlooked, but the grumbling within the team's increased since Christmas. Even the Sun Bowl puts in more effort at keeping a team happy.

Illinois tailback Rashard Mendenhall said the Illini will be able to bother USC with their spread offense, much like Oregon.
``We watched that tape and other film of USC versus the spread offenses to try to simulate our offense against USC and (the Trojans) definitely seemed to have some problems against Oregon and their spread offense. We present some of the same things and we feel very confident of our ability to duplicate the same kind of success that (the Ducks) had.''

Defensive end Lawrence Jackson said thought he would turn pro last season.
``At one point at the end last year I was gone. I thought that I was ready to embrace the challenge
of the next level but I stepped back and looked in my heart and saw some things that I was second guessing.
``I felt like if we got most of our core group of guys back that we could be a great team and it was a great decision to come back. It allowed me to grow as a man and a player as well as see different perspective of things.

Here's Sedrick Ellis' take: “I don’t think we’re settling for the Rose Bowl at all. Our goal during my entire career has always been to get to the Rose Bowl. We can’t control things like how polls rank us and where the BCS
puts us during the bowl season.''

USC cornerback Terrell Thomas plays his final game in the Rose Bowl, but he completed another milestone last week, when he officially earned his bachelor’s degree.
Thomas laughed that athletic director Mike Garrett frequently lectured his class about academics following a rough early start.
``It wasn’t looking too good for us. Mike Garrett said we were the most athletic class but also said you suck in school,’’ Thomas said. ``We were knuckleheads. But we turned out to be the best class. Jody (Adewale) is getting his masters. Lawrence (Jackson) is getting his degree. Sedrick (Ellis) too.

USC football coach Jess Hill celebrates with players Al Carmichael (left) and Rudy Bukich (right) after the 1953 Rose Bowl. Carmichael and Bukich connected for the only touchdown of the game as USC defeated Wisconsin 7-0.

Pete Carroll and Ron Zook usually tussle in recruiting, not the Rose Bowl.
http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_7833917

Here's the final installment of today's answers, brought to you by the movie, ``200.'' No, it's not based on Greek history but instead revolves around the number of listeners to TrojanTV shows.

Freshman wide receivers Ronald Johnson and David Ausberry will share the wide receiver position if Patrick Turner is unable to play.

USC coach Pete Carroll said every player would be eligible for the Rose Bowl.
That does not mean there are no academic issues. Because the spring semester starts a week later than normal (Jan. 14), grades will not be processed until after the Rose Bowl.

Rose Bowl practices are not that compelling, but at least there was some good gossip swirling around Howard Jones Field that UCLA's chancellor will not hire Rick Neuheisel as the next coach because of his controversial past.

Wide receiver Patrick Turner did not practice today because his thigh bruise remains an issue.
``He's not looking good,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``He's got to get in the game plans.''
Turner said he should practice tomorrow.
``I'll be cool,'' Turner said.

Here's the second installment of answers, which reminds me, the USC football team will only stay at the UC Riverside basketball for one half. So maybe that's the half-lamest bowl activity.

USC cornerback Terrell Thomas on facing another running quarterback.
``It’s been our kryptonite in our defense, those running quarterbacks. We won some but we lost some obviously. Everyone just has to do their job, that’s the hardest thing. You can’t really do too much, just do your job.''

Here's defensive end Lawrence Jackson on playing a new opponent in the Rose Bowl.
``It doesn’t matter because at the end of the day you’re just going to remember the color of the jersey that the other team was wearing.There really isn’t anything cool about facing a new team.''

Here's USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt on the Illini offense.
``It’s a different offense than we’ve seen. There are a lot of receivers, a lot of spread stuff. You have got defend the whole width of the field and the vertical passing game but at the same token you’ve got to prepare for all the runs and the option so it’s almost like you’re playing against 12 guys because the quarterback is like another running back.
And on top of that they are no huddle.''

Here's the first installment of answers. Guess how many answers involve Mitch Mustain.

USC defensive end Kyle Moore politely declined Ron Zook's offer to come to Illinois.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7825510

USC tailback Marc Tyler spent last weekend with his close friend and former high school teammate, Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen.
``His take is they had a lot of young guys playing at the end of the year, so they will be better,'' Tyler said.
And what was Tyler's take?
``Knowing him, it was hard for him. He's used to winning and not getting hit that hard. He only got hit twice that I can remember in high school.''

Former USC quarterback Pat Haden and former UCLA coach Terry Donahue will balance out the TV booth as analysts for the Fiesta Bowl. But it's not quite perfect balance, because the play-by-play man is USC graduate Matt Vasgersian.

Where's the critics who criticized our top 25 ranking of Texas and flatly predicted Arizona State would defeat the Longhorns in the Holiday Bowl?
That's 0-2 for the Versus Conference in bowl games by the way.

Here's the trademark ``SoCal'' spellout during card stunts circa 1923 at the Coliseum. According to the Los Angeles Examiner, ``From the USC campus, the sequential card stunt swept the nation. (First yell leader Lindlay) Bothwell's first effort involved fewer than 300 persons. Today, computerized and highly sophisticated, card stunts involve 3000 card-holding students.''

USC's at Lawry’s restaurant for the annual Beef Bowl right now, where someone will undoubtedly eat an ungodly number of pieces of prime rib.
``My dad said it was good when he played in the Rose Bowl,’’ said tailback Marc Tyler, the son of former UCLA tailback Wendell Tyler.

Wednesday’s trip to Disneyland drew different reactions from the Trojans. Freshman center Kris O’Dowd, who is from Tucson, Ariz., was thrilled the Trojans went to the happiest place on earth.
``I’m not going to lie, I was excited,’’ O’Dowd said. ``I did the Buzz Lightyear ride three times. Our knees were pretty cramped.’’
Freshman linebacker Chris Galippo, who went to high school at nearby Servite in Anaheim, was less enamored.
``I grew up going to Disneyland, it was like the 25th time I’ve been there,’’ he said.

Today was final ``Tuesday'' practice of the year, which is always the toughest workout of the week.
``It's pretty amazing it's coming down to the end, it's a screeching halt,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``This was fun to coach them today. (This senior class) has done almost everything they can do. They really respect the opportunity they have. They're very consistent.
``We'll use these guys as examples forever.''

USC tailback Joe McKnight made it back to Los Angeles yesterday afternoon after flight problems Christmas Day. He practiced today with the Trojans.
``I showed up at the airport and everything was closed,'' McKnight said. ``The next morning there was a storm in Houston. I worried about what Coach Carroll was going to tell me.''

Finally a poll without a certain outcome. Be sure to vote as the Question of the Day goes down to the wire.

Wide receiver Patrick Turner is about to see the team doctors so he can get cleared to practice tomorrow after being sidelined with a bruised thigh.

Former USC assistant coach Greg Burns is attending practice. Burns is currently at Kansas State.

Ask questions and ye shall receive answers.

Washington coach Ty Willingham in Southern California. Since this is a recruiting dead period, maybe he's recruiting a defensive coordinator.

Linebacker Clay Matthews needs his hand rebroken.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7817314

Here's a hard-to-believe image if you ever were a USC student. It's a massive student protest in 1950 to keep football coach Jeff Cravath. The protest failed as Cravath eventually resigned following a 2-5-2 season. Today, you would only get a turnout that large if the university banned Thursday night parties. Photo courtesy USC digital library.

Happy Boxing Day!

The Christmas Break really messes up your sense of time. Linebacker Keith Rivers told me today he would know if he could play by ``Wednesday.'' It wasn't until later that I even realized today was Wednesday. Today's practice was actually ``Sunday'' of game week.

Nose tackle Christian Tupou said he weighs 275 pounds. He weighed 262 about six weeks ago.
``I'm about there,'' Tupou said.

Just how interested is USC in playing in the Rose Bowl?
http://www.dailynews.com/ci_7807999

Linebacker Keith Rivers practiced with the first team for some parts of practice and said there were ``no red flags'' with his sprained ankle, although he remains in pain. Rivers said a decision would be made later this week whether he plays.
Linebacker Brian Cushing also practiced and appears to be OK after injuring his knee last week.

Tailback Joe McKnight's flight back from Louisiana was delayed and he did not practice today with the Trojans.

It will be USC’s 48th game at the Rose Bowl Stadium. The Trojans played the first game at the facility on October 28, 1922, when it was known as the Tournament of Roses Stadium. A crowd of 35,000 turned out for that contest, a 12-0 loss to California, the most to see a USC game, at least up to that point.
That record would be broken when USC played in the 1923 Rose Bowl before 43,000, which was nonetheless several thousand short of capacity.

Yet another trip to Disneyland is on today's schedule.
``Yeah, I hear ya,’’ safety Kevin Ellison said. ``I guess we’ll be getting on all the rides again, like the teacups.’’

USC football coach Jeff Cravath (right) walks off the field with Notre Dame coach Frank Leahy following their 1947 game at the Coliseum. This was an era when coaches did more than a quick handshake and were not swarmed immediately after a game.
The game was played on December 6, which means playing regular season games in December is not a recent tradition.
Photo courtesy USC digital library.

With a third straight Rose Bowl, a change of venue next season is becoming popular.
``Next year, I’d like to go to the Orange Bowl or somewhere else different,’’ USC defensive end Kyle Moore said. ``That would be nice.’’

Here's a model of the new scoreboard being installed by the Coliseum next year. Just kidding. Actually, this is a 1955 photo from the USC-UCLA game, which shows the wonderful old clock that used to sit atop the scoreboard.
Photo courtesy USC digital library.

In a week, it's the end of an era for the nose-tackle position.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7803179

Now we know why USC built the Galen Center.
http://www.more99.net/information.php?info_id=6

Here's the installment of our answers, brought to you by the subscribers of TrojanTV: The Few, The Proud.

Here's the second installment of answers during the festive season.

Here's an item from TheOnion.com. We expect a similar announcement this spring from the Pac-10.

``NEW YORK -- Flanked by Food Network president Brooke Johnson and cooking-show host Rachael Ray, Commissioner Gary Bettman announced yesterday that the NHL has opted out of its contract with the Versus cable channel (formerly the Outdoor Life Network) and has reached a long-term broadcasting deal with the Food Network starting in the 2007-08 season.''

Horizon Air (a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group) will paint four of its jets in the school colors and logos of Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and Washington State.

Here's the first batch of answers, brought to you on Christmas Eve by Saint Peter Caesar Carroll.

Here's Pete Carroll on taking a three-day break for Christmas.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7796244

Here's some stats comparing USC's 2001 defense and its 2007 defense.
The 2001 defense intercepted 20 passes while this year’s defense intercepted 10. The 2001 forced 34 fumbles while this year’s team forced 25.

Illinois linebacker Antonio Steele, who tied for 10th in the Big Ten with 83 tackles and also intercepted two passes, is the younger brother of former USC linebacker Markus Steele. Both played at Long Beach City College.

USC coach Pete Caroll and Illinois linebacker J Leman met each other at the Lott Award presentation earlier this month.
``He's a very sharp kid, he's tough and makes plays everywhere,'' Carroll said. ``He's a bright kid that is physically talented. He's a big kid.''

One coach was aghast at the recent announcement that transfers Mitch Mustain and Damian Williams were not allowed to practice once the fall semester ended and believed it was the latest illustration of the compliance office taking an ultra-aggressive stance.
Remember, last year's investigation into the recruiting dinners at Papadakis Taverna restaurant required interviewing players the week of the big Cal game. And more than a year later, that investigation is still not finished.

We hear true freshman linebacker Malcolm Smith could play against Illinois. But the same was said before the UCLA game, so let's believe it when we see it.

Here's a note we were sent from Hawaii this week: UH football fans can pick up free ti leaves, Mardi Gras beads, UH hand fans, Sugar Bowl Fan Guides, etc. at the New Orleans Marriott on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, Dec. 30 through Jan.1, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
And here's one we got from USC: On Monday, December 31, USC Athletics is co-hosting the Rose Bowl Kickoff and Hall of Fame Luncheon from noon to 2 p.m. in Parking Lot K at the Rose Bowl. Tickets are $85, plus a $5 shipping charge.
But then we knew Hawaii was excited about going to a BCS when its former Mater Dei High School quarterback signed autographs yesterday for an hour on campus.

We hear Kevin Ellison is probably considered a third-or-fourth round draft choice right now. The difference could be if a team values his hard play and desire, which remind many within the program of Pro Bowler Lofa Tatupu.

An expanded role for a certain player looks likely in the Rose Bowl.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7790358

There's been speculation that Florida commit Brendan Beal might be wavering in his commitment ( we doubt this, by the way) but more interesting to us is that we hear USC would not take Beal at this point anyways.

It's the gift-giving season so we will answers questions here, even about Mitch Mustain.

USC coach Pete Carroll said linebacker Keith Rivers (sprained ankle) will not be fully recovered for the Rose Bowl.
``He won’t be 100 percent but he might play in his last game,’’ Carroll said.

Linebacker Brian Cushing, who bruised his knee Friday, made a surprise appearance at practice today and said he should be OK for the Rose Bowl. The Trojans departed Home Depot Center this afternoon for the Christmas break. Cushing flies home today for New Jersey while freshman tailback Joe McKnight went straight to the airport from practice for a few days in Louisiana.
Judging from the traffic we saw around LAX, we hope everyone leaves several hours early for the airport.

Safety Kevin Ellison said he sent in the necessary paperwork two weeks ago for an NFL draft evaluation. Ellison said he does not expect to turn pro but wanted the feedback. Linebacker Brian Cushing is also expected to apply for similar reasons because he was advised to by USC coach Pete Carroll.

Linebacker Rey Maualuga said he will ask for the NFL to evaluate his draft status.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7784

Someone asked me for my own football playoff bracket. Here it is.

Here's the answers to questions that didn't get answered yesterday.

This installment is brought to you by AEG, which cannot field a winning pro sports franchise, so it did the next-best thing and brought USC down to the Home Depot Center.

Illinois quarterback Juice Williams runs the spread-option offense and is drawing comparisons to other quarterbacks the Trojans faced, but no one wants to compare him to Oregon’s Dennis Dixon.
``He’s not like Dennis Dixon, he’s more of a running-back quarterback,’’ defensive end Lawrence Jackson said.
Carroll compared Williams to Washington quarterback Jake Locker.
``They have similar looks and they move great,’’ he said.

Linebacker Clay Matthews on practicing at the Home Depot Center where the Galaxy play soccer.
``Who are the Galaxy besides David Beckham?’’

USC linebacker Brian Cushing bruised his knee and probably sit out tomorrow's practice. Wide receiver Patrick Turner will not practice until next week to rest his bruised thigh. Tailback Chauncey Washington is still recovering from a hip-pointer.

With Oregon coach Mike Bellotti remaining with the Ducks, it harkens back to 2000 when Bellotti met with USC. Bellotti presented USC with a list of incredible financial demands for his coaching staff, which pretty much precluded coming down. But that was pretty much the point, to get more money out of Oregon.

Here's the third installment of the Open Forum answers.

Here's the second batch of answers.

Here's the first batch of answers, brought to you by NASA, which seeks to find signs of life in the stands at USC women's basketball games.

Pete Carroll on the new practice surroundings at the Home Depot Center.
``You have to find focus no matter what’s around you and our guys did that,'' he said.

John David Booty's finger, Marc Tyler's leg and Keith Rivers' ankle remain in the news.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7774766

Recently we've been asked by several people whether sophomore tailback C.J. Gable would transfer over playing time.
``I'm not going anywhere,'' Gable said Thursday.
Gable, who underwent groin surgery during the season, said he could run now if necessary but he will return for spring practice.

USC cannot practice inside Home Depot Center because the field is being redone following three weeks of prep football games. When Illinois arrives next week, however, the field will be ready for the Illini to use.

USC coach Pete Carroll liked the practice fields at the Home Depot Center although the Trojans were forced to spend some parts on Field Turf.
``It's a fantastic setting,'' he said.
But there's a catch. USC left a little awhile ago for its hotel in Santa Monica. That's not a pretty drive in rush-hour traffic.

Linebacker Keith Rivers participated in some practice but said he is taking ``baby steps.'' He is dealing with a bone bruise and a high-and-low ankle sprain. Offensive guard Chilo Rachal (knee) did not practice. Tailback Desmond Reed missed practice to finish a paper.

Rose Bowl tickets are now fetching $472 on Tickets Now's website, which is down from last week's $542.

Today's practice will focus on special teams, especially the punt team. This is probably a good thing because three punts were blocked this season.

There are now sweatshirts surfacing that contain the slogan ``Win Forever'' with Pete Carroll's signature on the back. We suggest a different version. A Cardinal and White Stanford hoody with ``Beat'' scribbled on top of it and then Carroll's signature on the back.

Tailback Derrick Coleman of Troy High School continues to consider USC following his recent visit. Although officially committed to UCLA, Coleman wavered when Karl Dorrell was fired. USC's offered him a scholarship and while at one time he was considered a possible fullback in college, the Trojans envision him as a tailback.

Who could overlook state assemblyman Paul Krekorian's comments about USC and the Coliseum this week. Well, we did actually. But here they are.
``I’m a lifelong USC fan, a USC graduate, and a 20-year USC football season ticket holder. No one loves the Trojans more than I do,'' said Krekorian of Burbank. ``USC is a terrific tenant, and I hope that future generations of Trojan players will always run through that Coliseum tunnel on game day. But my first obligation is to the citizens of California, and I will fight any USC lease that does not fully protect the public’s interests.
``I’m deeply troubled to hear that USC is seeking a long term ‘master lease’ over the stadium that would be tantamount to ownership and would give USC unfettered control. The Coliseum is owned by the public and it must always remain under the public’s control.
``The State of California cannot allow the Coliseum to be held hostage by USC.''

Former USC fullback Lynn Cain, a graduate of Roosevelt High School, was named head coach at East Los Angeles College.
``I’m very excited to have the opportunity to coach at the school that I attended and played at, and to be back among friends and family,'' Cain said. ``My friends are very excited, too. I’ve heard from so many of them. Friends and coaches were calling me to tell me that they were pulling for me to get the job, so it really feels good to be back in the area.''
Cain, 52, started on the 1978 national-title team and left USC as the all-time leading rusher at fullback.

Oh look, after last year's decision to suddenly omit the player of the game award against UCLA for the first time in 54 years, it made a convenient reappearance tonight when cornerback Terrell Thomas won it. If only I had a camera to record the look of astonishment when I reminded Caesar of last year's omission, as if it never happened.

Senior defensive Sedrick Ellis and senior tight end Fred Davis shared team most valuable players. Ellis, a two-time All-American, and Davis, the Mackey Award winner, became USC’s first co-MVPs since Paul McDonald and Charles White shared the award in 1979.
Here's the complete list of awards:

I just crossed Jefferson Blvd. with Caesar to see if traffic would magically part during rush hour. And, guess what, it did. He's now off to the football banquet (minus police escort).

We're going to predict USC will award a player of the game award for the UCLA game at tonight's football banquet. You might remember a year ago Caesar broke the yearly tradition because the Trojans lost to the Bruins.

Hmmm. Let's see, there's Mitch Mustain and the constant, ``what about this recruit?'' questions. Anything else you're wondering about?

If USC feels any second thoughts about dropping prep linebacker Lynn Katoa back in the summer. Currently considred a soft verbal to Colorado, Katoa might look more appealing since Brendan Beal (Florida) and Arthur Brown (Miami) selected the Sunshine State.
In today's recruiting climate, we're wondering Keith Rivers and Brian Cushing would be at USC if they were high school seniors today.

Tonight is the football banquet, which reminds us at last year's banquet, the California Highway Patrol and university security provided an escort from USC to Century City for Caesar to get to the reception in record time. So if you see a motorcade tonight, you can flash the V sign and maybe they'll let you sneak into the procession.

USC coaches were not just watching film of Illinois this week. They also broke out some highlights of tight end Jordan Cameron of Ventura College and were impressed by how he looked despite playing only basketball at BYU his freshman year before he transferred.
We usually only mention Anthony McCoy, Rhett Ellison and Blake Ayles, but Cameron will be in the mix at tight end next season for the Trojans.

Because finals end today, eight of USC’s freshman who live in on-campus residence halls must move out of their dorms and stay in a hotel tonight because freshman are supposed to be gone. The freshman will join their teammates when the Trojans check into their Santa Monica hotel on Thursday.

Former USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow's interview with UCLA last weekend would not be classified as ``productive.'' That's not to say he's no longer a candidate, however, because it seems like there are fewer candidates for the job than when England hired a national coach for its soccer team.

At a recent charity auction, dinner with USC coach Pete Carroll went for $4,100.

What made the performance of wide receiver Damian Williams (and Mitch Mustain) at the weekend scrimmage so worthwhile?
The fact it was a mid-Decemeber scrimmage. Usually, these are dreary affairs where even coaches don't learn a whole lot, as players face each other for the fourth straight month. But the Arkansas duo jumped out with their dynamic play (and even surprised the coaches).
Yes, it was against the reserves. But the type of plays made were not just a case of a guy being open, but making eye-opening plays. And these guys already did their thing in the SEC. OK, there's my positive post for the day.

Caesar compared freshman linebacker Malcolm Smith to Lofa Tatupu.
``He's even more athletic,'' his eminence said.

The Coliseum plans to install a $1.5 million high-definition video screen for next season to replace the current version at the peristyle end.
``You mean their replacing the one they can't turn off because they're afraid it won't go back on,'' one USC official said.
We just hope the new video board is a little more impressive than that auxillary scoreboard installed opposite the peristyle midway through this season.

Linebacker Arthur Brown, the No. 1-ranked player at his position, chose Miami over USC and other schools because it was his ``childhood dream.''

A defensive staff member could be a candidate at . . .
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7747526

Last week the USC-Oregon game was moved from Nov. 22 to Oct. 4. Now comes word today that the game will be moved back to its original date of Nov. 22 because of an ``oversight driven by television schedules.''
Apparently the game might still end up in October so don't etch this in stone yet. I just work here.

That suddenly dormant USC website dedicated to firing up fans over the Coliseum negotiations is back with a vengeance today, with the university's reaction to the last week's Coliseum proposal.
We wonder how the Coliseum Commission feels about its private proposal also being on the website?
Here's the link http://www.usc.edu/about/coliseum

Here's the Weekend Forum answers, brought to you by Your-Name-Anywhere Inc., the official fundraising apparatus at USC.

Stack magazine has rated the Top 15 FBS members nationally in a survey of football success and academic excellence.
1. North Carolina; 2. Texas; 3. Stanford; 4. UCLA; 5. Duke; 6. Florida; 7. Michigan; 8. USC; 9. Ohio State; 10. Wisconsin; 11. Virginia; 12. Georgia; 13. Notre Dame; 14. California; 15. Tennessee.

USC will hold a press conference this afternoon to discuss its response to last week's Coliseum proposal. We hear USC is willing to bend on a yearly master lease that would give it control over the stadium but still wants the commission to guarantee improvements will take place.

With finals the next three days, weightlfting is optional for the players.

We hear recruit Chris Polk of Redlands decommitted from USC to Washington because he was turned off by all the wide receivers returning for the Trojans next season.

Now we know why actor Will Ferrell hit it off so well with Matt Leinart. Here's a top 10 list they could both make.

Wide receiver Patrick Turner missed the scrimmage with a bruised thigh but said he would return to practices later this week. Offensive guard Chilo Rachal (sore knee) did not play but is also expected back. Center Matt Spanos and offensive guard Alex Parsons sprained ankles but they are not considered serious.

There's going to be a lot of focus tomorrow on the way quarterback Mitch Mustain completed five passes to wide receiver Damian Williams. But it's important to note that USC coach Pete Carroll said Mustain did not abandon the playcalling to find his old Arkansas teammate.
``He did stuff by the book, things he’s asked but there’s no question there’s a chemistry there,'' Carroll said.

Some of you asked about the status of Venice tailback Curtis McNeal. He was at USC on Saturday and remains committed to the Trojans.

Today's scrimmage was highlighted by quarterback Mitch Mustain, who played his best scrimmage of the year and completed 10 of 16 passes for 162 yards and three touchdowns. Most of his completions were to his favorite receiver Damian Williams, who caught five passes for 58 yards and a touchdown.
Williams also made several tough catches in traffic.
``It's obvious Mitch sees one guy out there,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``Mitch looked terrific.''
Mustain was worried that this was his final bowl practice until he enjoyed a big day.
``It was a nice way to go out, before I was kind of skeptical about it, but now I'm pleased,'' he said.
Quarterback Mark Sanchez was 9 for 12 for 54 yards while John David Booty was 2 for 7 for 36 yards.
Tailback Marc Tyler was also impressive with seven carries for 78 yards and one touchdown.

Time for some questions for those who missed out on our regular forum.

For those of you who ask about USC using the spread-option offense, here's an answer.
http://www.dailynews.com/usc/ci_7734418

I can't remember what ESPN calls it, but their football playoff concluded tonight with ``experts'' Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit picking Oklahoma over USC in the championship game.
Now this raises a question. Since Herbstreit votes in the AP poll and believes USC is one of the top two teams in a playoff, would he vote the Trojans No. 1 if they defeat Illinois and Oklahoma loses its bowl game?

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said he's been pleased with the offense's Rose Bowl performances the past two years.
``Two years ago against Texas, other than a pick by Matt (Leinart) and a fumble by Reggie (Bush) and a fourth-and-1 quarterback sneak, we had a really good plan for those guys,’’ Sarkisian said.

Quarterback John David Booty's broken finger is still not 100 percent recovered. It's one reason Booty rested during last week's bowl practices.

Pete Carroll said defensive tackle Christian Tupou had a ``terrific couple weeks'' of bowl practices as he looks toward next season. Many younger players will get a chance tomorrow when the Trojans scrimmage. One of the focuses of the scrimmage will be the kicking game.

Offensive guard Chilo Rachal injured his knee Friday but tests revealed no damage. He did not practice because his knee remains sore. Linebacker Keith Rivers (sprained ankle) is supposed to return next week. Wide receiver David Ausberry missed practice with back spasms.

Beneath the the "Gate ....Tunnel...Row.....Seat" words on the new Rose Bowl tickets are the names of several schools. There is Northwestern, California, Oregon, and . . . Arizona? Why is Arizona, a team that has never been to the Rose Bowl, listed?

Chauncey Washington and Vidal Hazelton sat out Friday's practice because they were sick.

Today's final segment is brought to you by the Rose Bowl, which never saw a Big Ten opponent it did not like in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

This segment is brought to you by the city of New Orleans, which thanks you for not spending a dime in their city for the BCS title game.

Here's Pro Football Weekly's stab.

Today's second act is brought to you by the Colosseum, which has a better aqueduct and no glass-wearing geeks running around with walkie-talkies on their shoulders like the Coliseum.

We're going to answer all questions ASAP right now. Here's the first segment, with no commercial interuptions.

We hear USC continues to recruit wide receiver/tailback Chris Polk, who originally committed to the Trojans last spring but is now expected to attend Washington. Polk wants to enroll in college next semester so USC will probably recruit him until he officially enrolls.

Fullback Alfred Rowe will need to undergo knee surgery after the season and will probably miss spring practice. Rowe will be available for special teams in the Rose Bowl. He's played several games this season with the injury.

Tonight's highly anticipated matchup between guard Jrue Holiday of Campbell Hall, the nation's No. 3 player and headed to UCLA, against guard Demar DeRozan of Compton, the nation's No. 2 player and headed to USC, did not quite live up to its billing at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach.
Derozan made just 9 of 28 shots and finished with as 29 points as Campbell Hall won by 14 points. Holiday scored 32 points on 12 of 22 shooting.

USC announced tonight that forward Kasey Cunningham suffered an ACL and lateral meniscus tear in his left knee and will undergo season-ending surgery in the next few weeks. Cunningham tore the ACL in the same knee during his senior year of high school. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.6 rebounds in nine games this season.

We hear former Colorado coach Rick Neuheisel could not get Washington State to consider him as a candidate for the Cougars' recently filled position.

There's been some rumors about former USC assistant coach Ed Orgeron's next move, but we hear Orgeron is still in wait-and-see mode about his future, with the NFL the most likely possibility.

Although Pete Carroll visited the South earlier this week, he did not make a home visit to linebacker Jerrell Harris of Gadsden City, Ala. USC is expected to visit Harris next month.

Sedrick Ellis was a first-team selection for CollegeFootballNews.com. Lawrence Jackson, Fred Davis and Sam Baker made the second team, Lawrence Jackson the third team while Keith Rivers and Rey Maualuga made honorable mention.

USC coach Pete Carroll said he approved of both schedule changes announced yesterday. The Oregon State game, originally scheduled for Sept. 27, will move to Sept. 25, which is a Thursday.
"It worked out well for us playing on Thursday this year," Carroll said.
USC's home game with Oregon was switched from Nov. 22 to Oct. 4.
"We had too many byes at the beginning of the year," Carroll said.
This gives USC just what it needs next year, a late bye to prepare two weeks for Charlie Weis.

The Coliseum Commission will give USC a long-term lease proposal that gives the university the right to keep an NFL team out while keeping the Coliseum under control of the commission.
http://origin.dailynews.com/sports/ci_7705998

Guess what, he was in Atlanta today, so I guess I'm prophetic. But relax everybody, he was just recruiting. But isn't it weird of all the places in the country to be today, that's where he was. Hopefully no Falcons fan got their hopes up if they saw him. Hail Caesar!

From what we hear, it's too difficult to tell right now who the frontrunner is with the cornerback from Miami. He is supposedly not going to honor his original committment to the University of Miami and his home visit with USC took place two nights ago, but his intentions remain a mystery.

USC will practice three days at the Home Depot Center, but that doesn't mean the Trojans will get to practice in the actual stadium where the Galaxy plays. The Trojans will use fields outside the stadium for two days and are trying to get permission for one practice inside where the hallowed pitch where David Beckham plays (when he isn't hurt).

Next Monday at San Pedro High School, a mural of USC kicker Mario Danelo will be unveiled.USC coach Pete Carroll will be among those in attendance. The ceremony starts at 10 a.m. with food and drinks from 11-12 p.m.

It's that time of the week.

Ever wonder how the USC coaches judge players? Here's the point system used for defensive players.

With finals taking place this week at USC, it's important to note that about seven players need to achieve satisfactory grades this semester or risk being disqualified academically. That's one reason Monday through Thursday might be a lot more important this week than the weekend's bowl practices.

With Bobby Petrino fleeing Atlanta for Arkansas, how long until someone writes that Caesar is a candidate for the Falcons? The first reader to find a story on the Internet can post it here.

We just voted for the AP national coach and player of the year awards. Our national player of the year was Florida quarterback Tim Tebow. A pretty easy decision.
But a tougher decision was coach of the year, so we voted for . . . Caesar! Just kidding.
Eventualy, we selected Kansas coach Mark Mangino. Yes, the Jayhawks played a favorable schedule but Mangino revived an awful program and gave it national stature with its highest ranking (No. 2) since 1968.
Here's one reason we voted him (memo to Caesar): Kansas committed the fewest penalties in the country (48).

Nose guard Sedrick Ellis won the Morris Trophy, given to the top defensive lineman in the Pac-10. He is the fifth two-time winner of the award.

USC's website dedicated to updating fans on the status of Coliseum negotiations was magically wiped clean over the weekend, kind of the way former basketball coach Henry Bibby used to force the athletic dept. to erase the losses during his stint as interim coach from his official record.
Those death threats followed by last week's brush off from the Rose Bowl apparently caused USC to take a timeout.
``As a gesture of good faith towards the members of the Coliseum Commission and the many other elected officials working diligently to resolve the lease dispute between the university and the Coliseum Commission, we are temporarily removing our request for assistance from this site, as well as the contact information for those officials who are directly influencing the resolution of this matter.''

ESPN's ``experts'' Lee Corso and Kirk Herbstreit are doing a mock bracket for a college football playoff and picked USC over Hawaii in the play-in game of a 10-team bracket.
``They cant' compare with USC,'' Corso said. ``Colt Brennan might get on the field three or four times.''
Hopefully Herbstreit is as correct as when he reported Les Miles took the Michigan job two weeks ago.
USC plays LSU in the next round of the playoff.

Here's a little info regarding that Michigan-Steve Sarkisian rumor.
www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_7687758

State senator Mark Ridley-Thomas unveils a bill to keep USC at the Coliseum.
www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_7687600

He was in Texas today recruiting and will be in Florida on Tuesday to visit the much-discussed Patrick Johnson and find out exactly what his deal is on his college choice.

We hear quarterback Terrelle Pryor, the No. 1-ranked player in the nation, is giving Oregon a much more favorable look than orginally thought because the Ducks will allow him to play football and basketball.

USC's kickoff coverage ranked first in the Pacific-10 Conference.

These answers are sponsored by Blowhard TV, which is also free.

We got this email from a reader excited over USC women's soccer winning the national championship.
``I went to the web site and it prohibited me from seeing the College Cup video. So I go from caring to not caring in a split second. And I go back to my previous life of not caring about women's soccer. When maybe I would have gotten into it.''

Here's a few more answers, any more questions?

The Weekend Forum is brought to you by the University of Virginia, which offers a state-of-the-art TV channel for FREE. Since the Cavaliers host USC next year in football, check it out here http://www.virginiasportstv.com

An alert reader decided to watch the UCLA rewind show and came up with his gem from the USC-UCLA game. As the Trojans took the field for the start of the second half, the public-address announcer said, ``Your USC Chargers!''
Now we know there's constant speculation about Pete Carroll and the San Diego Chargers, but that's carrying things a bit too far.

Vince Young remains bitter from his Heisman Trophy experience. We remember him storming out the back door of the post-Heisman press conference two years ago.
“And I wanted to show the world that I was the real Heisman Trophy winner. But on paper, Reggie Bush is the Heisman Trophy winner,'' Young said on 60 Minutes Sunday night. ``(I am) not taking nothing from him, he knows he’s a phenomenal athlete.''

We hear former USC basketball player Lodrick Stewart fired his agent, former NBA player Jerome Kersey, who was in his first year representing players.

One prominent USC figure frequently speaks about the way USC president Steven Sample wants the university to become Stanford academically while at the same time expecting athletes to flourish in the classroom (or at least stay eligible).
Even sacred cow O.J. Mayo, who said he received a 29 on the ACT, discussed it recently.
``The guy sitting next to me (in class) probably scored higher than me,'' Mayo said. ``So it's pretty challenging in class too.''

http://www.dailynews.com/ci_7673527

Wide receiver Carl Moore, the No. 1-rated JC prospect in the nation, committed to Florida yesterday. It doesn't hurt that his girlfriend is expected to receive a gymnastics scholarship. But the fact Moore, who is from Northern California, chose the Gators over USC once again shows who the biggest rival is in recruiting these days.

Against my better judgment, here's a chance to ask questions over the weekend.

USC coach Pete Carroll highlighted the play of several first or second-year players today.
``(Wide receiver) Ronald Johnson got some good reps with the first group. (Linebacker) Malcolm Smith jumps out,’’ he said. `` (Center) Alex Parsons looks like a different guy.’’

Mamadou Diarra and Marcus Simmons started tonight's exhibition game with Fresno Pacific, along with Angelo Johnson, Kasey Cunningham and RouSean Cromwell. Fresno Pacific jumped out to a 25-11 lead.
Updated: Fresno Pacific is up 52-34 wiith eight minutes left and fans are leaving.

Quarterback Mitch Mustain said he does view bowl practices as significant before competing for the starting job in the spring.
``This is my last chance before going into spring,'' Mustain said. ``It can change impressions and I hope it does. I hope I've improved a lot.''
Pete Carroll said the quarterbacks, including Mustain, looked good in this weekend's workouts although Mustain did force a pass and was intercepted.

Linebacker Rey Maualuga reiterated today he would not turn pro even if he had a ``remarkable'' Rose Bowl.
``I don't think I'm going to have a remarkable game to change my mind,'' Maualuga said. ``I'm not going to change my mind.''

Caesar and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian at the Birmingham-Carson City Section title game at the Coliseum, since recruiting duties ended earlier than expected Friday night. Linebackers Rey Maualuga and Kaluka Maiava at the St. Paul-Palmdale Western Conference championship game, cheering on the Swordsmen along with the Whittier Whiz.