Yet Even More Answers
Here's the last batch of answers.
Q: Your comments regarding Norm Chow and Pete Carroll reveal Lane Kiffin to be a rather polarizing figure -could you go into the history there (particularly the Orange Bowl blow up you mentioned) ?
A: Lane Kiffin was a polarizing figure, among the players and coaches. I will say once Chow left and he assumed the role of offensive coordinator, he did seem more mature. But he never got along with Chow and as I metioned earlier in the week, was behind the firing of Wayne Moses.
The only time the Chow-Kiffin feud reached the public was at an Orange Bowl practice, when Kiffin started yelling at Chow during drills and an argument ensued. Kiffin wanted to do a drill differently but it really was more about the tension there more than anything.
Q: How would characterize this last seasons team’s identity compared to that of the past teams of the Caesar Era? And what are the keys for this team to achieve its potential next year?
A: Last year's team lacked a fiery leader but had a very good chemistry, probably because the seniors were mostly quiet guys who worried about performing and focused on football, not outside interests. The keys for next year's team are consistent play from the running backs, improved play from the receivers, solid play from the D-line without Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson and a pass defense that can overcome soft coverages and make plays.
Q: Why are you so down on this year's recruiting class? Football is won in the trenches, and our trench recruits this year, particularly the o-line, seem awesome. If they stick together, we should have a good 4-5 years.
A: One position does not make a recruiting class. I've never criticized the offensive line recruits although a couple do not impress me as much as the recruiting services. The class is not complete yet, but as of now it's a pale comparison to even last year, when Chris Galippo, Aaron Corp, Ronald Johnson, Marc Tyler, Broderick Green, Marshall Jones. Now I dont mean where are the recruits who play those positions. I mean recruits who can make an impact like those recruits were expected to or have already.
Q: Any chance of improving the comments feature so it doesn't take 2-5 minutes to submit a post? This is why there are so many double postings. Technology is better than this - it is 2008 after all.
A: Try posting blog items with similar issues. We switched to a new server and software recently and it is awful. Email complaints to josh.kleinbaum@dailynews.com
Q: Have you heard of any possible coaching changes or additions to Pete's staff this year?
A: Not at the moment. Lots of rumors and I've mentioned Nick Holt already. Steve Sarkisian said he will ignore NFL offers. Pat Ruel is a perennial candidate but says he will stay. Ken Norton turned down UCLA but I'm sure he'd listen to an NFL offer.
Q: It seems like OJ Mayo has had a rather subpar season, considering the hype he came in with. Any chance he'll stay around for a stellar sophomore year?
A: Although O.J. Mayo really needs another year in college, I don't see him staying because he'll still be a top 10 pick and won't have to worry about where he gets his Laker tickets.
Q: My Question was will USC invite the band (Even though the Bruins have already stated that they won't bring them)
A: USC will not invite UCLA's band to the Galen Center. Or its cheerleaders.
Q: With signing day only two weeks away, many fans view this as a possible sub par recruiting class coming in comparison to previous years. In your opinion, do you think there is one particular factor that weighed into why it was a down year in recruiting?(i.e., was it negative recruiting by other coaches with the Bush scandal and mentioned possible sanctions or Pete Carroll being rumored for a NFL head coach position
A: The class is not finished so it's a bit early to make a final judgment, but USC lost a couple recruits to UCLA by waiting too long to make a decision on whether to offer them. And it lost more than that to Florida, which is doing well nationally. Plus, Darrell Scott refuses to consider USC because there are too many running backs. Who can blame him? Those are a few reasons. Needless to say, USC is offering earlier now and will be very aggressive this spring.
Q: "Chow told friends", "said a associate of Carroll and Chow", "a former USC football player told me", etc. Coaches yelling at each other? It's college football. Did Carroll or Chow ever tell you, to your face, any of this information you write about, concerning their relationship?
A: If coaches merely yelled at each other, I would hardly make it a major issue, so please be a little more sensible. What you have to understand is people do not want to be quoted criticizing colleagues, which is understandable. I sat in Pete Carroll's office for 45 minutes talking about this story. And I talked to Norm Chow one-on-one. They knew what I was writing and we discussed it. If this does not satisfy you, oh well.
Q: Regarding Carroll vs Chow, any truth to the rumor that Norm tried to recruit Mark Sanchez to Stanford when he thought he was getting the Stanford job and that this caused further friction between PC and NC?
A: Chow thought he was the frontrunner for the Stanford job but he did not try to change Sanchez's mind.
Scott, you are doing an awesome job, thanks for your hard work on this blog!
Stong answers. Thanks.
I hope there aren't a lot of coaching changes. Coaching continuity is very important especially when you have as many positions to fill as we do. The current coaching staff is already familiar with the potential replacements. Also, in game preparation, they already know much of what the other conference teams are going to do so it makes it easier to get the newer players ready. Anyway, I would hate to lose the year of on the job training that we have just given to coaches like Steve Sarkisian.
Fight On!