Answer Friday, Part 3

Q: What do you know about Mike Garrett and Steve Sample traveling to Lou Holtz's home in 1997, following John Robinson's firing, and formally offering him the head coaching position for the USC football team? Is it true that Holtz actually accepted the position but asked that an interim coach be appointed for one year while he was taking care of his ill wife, but Garrett could not agree to an interim coach, so USC ended up with Paul Hackett instead?

A: The actual interview with Holtz and job offer took place while Robinson was still the head coach. If you remember, Mike Garrett wanted a head coach selected before he fired John Robinson. USC also met and offered Paul Hackett the job before firing Robinson.
Holtz was interested but did not feel he could coach because of his wife's health. So USC moved on to other candidates. The interim idea was a non-starter.

Q: Mitch Mustain has (quite rightfully) been described as The Chosen One, yet Tricia Pillsbury is clearly also The Chosen One. Both are obviously worthy of the title. So which one will bring balance back to the Trojan universe?

A: I would never choose against Tricia Pillsbury. I know the mere mention of her sends chills down a particular relic of the 1970's who works in the athletic dept. and wants no public references to her, such is her power.

Q: Walk-ongate was solved. Pedalgate remains unsolved to this day. What are the chances that Song Girlgate will be resolved satisfactorily?

A: Song Girlgate involves some people entrenched in power and by nature, those in power do not easily give it up. So this could be the most formidable challenge yet, but then maybe that's why so many readers are fired up about it. I'm guessing the tryouts could be the most interesting in years, at the very least.
By the way, we hope to have a small break in Pedalgate before training camp opens.