August 2008 Archives

USC received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after C.J. Gable's 33-yard run in the second quarter. Pete Carroll said officials threw a flag because several players, including Rey Maualuga and David Ausberry, ran on the field to celebrate.
They also did it after the second touchdown, but the officials were not sure if the players were on the field for the extra point, so no penalty was called.

Here's some thoughts from USC coach Pete Carroll tonight.
``There's still plenty of stuff that happened we could fix,'' Carroll said. ``Everybody thought we could not do (what we did) with the distractions of the second game (Ohio State) and that was not the case. Now we get the benefit of enjoying the second game.''

Wide receiver Vidal Hazelton remains bothered by a sprained ankle.
``He's still hobbling,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``He'll need all week to get well.''

How many of you went to Virginia? I gave the campus and stadium high marks, especially the unique columns and the grassy knoll where students were allowed to watch behind the end zone (without a barrier. Imagine that at the Coliseum).
It seemed like even the highest seats were reasonably close to the field.
I also was impressed by the way 64,000 made it to the stadium without traffic or people crowding each other, even during Wahoo Walk, the Cavs' version of Trojan Walk.
What did you experience?

There was an article last week in the Washington Post that said Pete Carroll and Al Groh were considered for the Maryland job in 1991 but Carroll withdrew. Carroll said Saturday he never was a candidate for the job.

With Labor Day games, the AP Top 25 will be released Tuesday, so we'll see if USC's rout of Virginia causes any movement.

``(Our wide receivers) played well, that's a difference from last year.''
-- USC coach Pete Carroll

Cornerback Kevin Thomas, who redshirted last season, intercepted a pass that safety Taylor Mays also had a chance to intercept.
``I'm gonna get (Thomas),'' Mays joked. ``I'm going to beat him up. I had the ball in my hands and he muscled it away from me. I need to work on my biceps.''

In another tradition, USC sent the home fans to the exits in the third quarter, a scene repeated at Auburn, Arkansas and Nebraska in recent years.
``All these season-opening road games, by the third or fourth quarter, you hear our fans and the fight song,'' defensive end Clay Matthews said.

Here's a noteworthy passage from my USC-Virginia game story.
``Several USC players said they were surprised when Virginia showed up on the field during the Trojans' Friday evening walk-through inside the stadium.
``You could see them eyeing us,'' linebacker Rey Maualuga said. ``It was like a sign of disrespect. I think they wanted to prove something to us.''
Apparently, there was a misunderstanding over when each team was scheduled to arrive, but it allowed this parting shot from Maualuga.
`` I thought that was like a JV team so that they could make us think they weren't that big,'' he said.
Full story here.

USC recruit Curtis McNeal, a tailback from Venice High School, informed the university that he successfully completed the required summer courses and awaits approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse before he attempts to enroll.
This does not mean he is academically qualified. McNeal needed to complete four courses and receive high-enough grades to overcome his SAT score. The clearinghouse is expected to review his transcripts later this week for a final decision.

Earlier today, I mentioned it would be interesting to ask Steve Sarkisian about the decision to pass so much and not use a balanced offense. The Trojans threw 35 of their first 58 plays.
``Early in the game, we wanted to get Mark in a rhythm and get him feeling comfortable,'' Sarkisian said.
He then added, ``The goal is to be balanced by the end of the game.''
Of course, I said it would be interesting to ask, not that the answer would be interesting.
I don't put much stock in that last quote, because USC was just running out the clock, so of course the runs would increase.

These are the true freshmen who played against Virginia: Tight end Blake Ayles, wide receiver D.J. Shoemate, linebacker Uona Kaveinga, safety Drew McAllister, nose tackle Jurrell Casey, defensive tackle Armond Armstead and defensive end Malik Jackson.
It will be interesting to see how many get meaningful playing time now that they cannot redshirt. As you know, I'm an advocate of redshirting unless a player can truly help the team.

Virginia's stat crew ruled Mitch Mustain's 10-yard touchdown pass to Marc Tyler a run, because it was behind the line of scrimmage.

USC defensive end Clay Matthews came off the bench and tied for a team-high with six tackles, forced a fumble, recovered two fumbles and even roughed the passer to complete his performance.

``It's been evident over the years that when we prepare like this, we can expect to perform at a really high level. In that case, for a long time, we were able to do that again. After all that time we spent, all the processes, if we play like we're supposed to, and all the guys come to practice, then we're able to do that.''
-- USC coach Pete Carroll

``USC was a big, fast team with superior quarterback play today. We were anything but big and fast. Our quarterback turned the ball over too many times.
``We knew what we were opening up with when we scheduled the game. We wanted to take a challenge against a team that is in a league of its own. We knew it was going to take a lot on our part to pull this off. To play as poorly as we played is not acceptable.''
-- Virginia coach Al Groh

Well, the score was lopsided and there were some notable performances, but this was not a particularly insightful test for Ohio State. Virginia did not have a passing game to make this game interesting.
Also, USC did not establish a running game and seemed to want to pass first. It will be interesting to see what Steve Sarkisian says about that.
Here's where you can post your thoughts on the game.

Many of the Scott Stadium record crowd of 64,847 are going home with USC ahead 45-7. This would be a good time to get Aaron Corp some playing time.
I'm a little curious about how USC, which preaches balance, threw 34 passes vs. 23 runs in the first three quarters.

Any thoughts? The offensive line was superb in the first half. Mark Sanchez was literally standing still on pass plays he had so much time.
But there's always those nagging issues (like fumbles) that prove vital when you play a quality team. That was a problem last season with Joe McKnight. Did anyone care to address it in the offseason?

Joe McKnight's first fumble of the season occurs on a punt return but Virginia fails to capitalize and misses a 46-yard FG.

OK, Virginia finally scored, but note that they did because USC kicker David Buehler was forced to kick from the 15-yard line following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the Trojans following their own touchdown.
No touchback = touchdown for Virginia.

C.J. Gable's 33-yard touchdown makes it 21-0 with 4:01 left in the first quarter. Is this game over?

Nick Perry took his Internet test on Friday. It was originally scheduled for Wednesday. So we probably won't know anything until Tuesday.

When USC players motioned toward the Virginia students during warmups, the students began chanting, ``Stanford, Stanford.''

Florida tailback Emmanuel Moody carried three times for 1 yard against Hawaii. He had one carry in the first half.

USC's fortunes could rest on Mark Sanchez's emotions.

The NBA players' union suspended O.J. Mayo's former agent, Calvin Andrews, for a year for alleged recruiting improprieties involving Mayo.
Does this mean they received proof of wrongdoing? And did the NCAA provide them with any evidence?

Back to familiar territory here.

``I don't know that anyone ever lives up to the hype when they come here.''
-- USC Pete Carroll on players arriving with highly touted backgrounds.

Questions about Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp.

Questions on Whitney Lewis and the song girls.

A question about the top 25 poll.

Caesar is one of at least five coaches who make more than $3 million per year. Can you name the other four?

It's hot and sunny in Virginia, which is better than last night when it seemed like thunderstorms never ceased.

This segment includes a question on one of my favorite players at USC.

Let's try to answer some questions before the game.

Here's a look at USC's schedule this season.

Time to pick the score for the USC-Virginia game.

Virginia is wearing throwback uniforms next week against Richmond but not Saturday against USC. Perhaps the Cavs noticed USC went 3-0 against teams in throwbacks last season.

USC released its baseball schedule, which should secure Chad Kreuter's job for four simple reasons.

1. The Trojans play 19 of their first 24 games at home.
2. The Trojans welcome Western Carolina for a weekend series Feb. 27-March 1.
3. USC plays Winthrop in a FOUR-game series a March 12-15.
4. Brown plays a doubleheader at Dedeaux Field on March 25.

I don't know what this is, but it's not a baseball schedule for a school that's won 12 national titles.

Here's a USC preview interview I did with radio station The Zone in Omaha, Neb. Hey, college football is a 365-day a year sport there.

There are no USC running backs on the Doak Walker watch list, given annually to the nation's top running back. The only two Pac-10 running backs on the list are UCLA's Kahlil Bell and Keegan Herring of Arizona State.

The football team has seemingly no health issues heading into the season opener as everyone practiced today. The exception was RoJo, who felt sick this morning but still practiced.

USC wrapped up its preseason practice Thursday, and Pete Carroll couldn't have been happier.
``Great prepation for (the season),'' Carroll said. ``Everything worked out like we wanted it too. Based on years past and our expecations, we'll be ready to go. We're counting on that we'll play clean football, stay out of our own way and not make the kind of mistakes that mess you up. If we do that, i think we'll be hard to beat no matter who we play.''

Pete Carroll said he held reciever Ronald Johnson back a little in practice since he was under the weather, but Johnson said he practiced fully.
``I just went anyway,'' Johnson said. ``I can't wait until Saturday.''

USC is flying to Virginia right now. We hear there will be two planes because the biggest jet planes are not allowed to land at the airport in Charlottesville. That means some of the usual rattling caravan of boosters, officials, etc., that follow the Trojans will be on a different plane than the team.

Wide receiver Ronald Johnson said he woke up with a sore throat and was dizzy, but he still practiced Thursday and said he'll be OK for Saturday's game.

Sources say USC center RouSean Cromwell intends to sit out the entire season and return next year. Coach Tim Floyd said last week there was a chance Cromwell would return in January.

USC will not name a starting tailback. It will just depend on the script which back starts the on the first play. Of course, we expect Joe McKnight to be heavily involved whether or not he is on the field for the first play.
After the first 15 plays, however, the plan is to play whoever has a hot hand on Saturday (although this did not seem to really be the case last year no matter how cold a back was).
But C.J. Gable looks like he could get playing time because he is the best blocker.
``We need to protect Mark (Sanchez),'' running backs coach Todd McNair said.

Here's the Charlottesville, Va., weather for Saturday: Isolated thunderstorms with a high of 84 degrees.

Here's another Mitch Mustain quote.
``My Arkansas experience is worth nothing, to be quite honest.''

The sophomore quarterback did not appear too happy over his newfound status as the No. 3 quarterback.
``I'm not down about it. They like how (Aaron Corp) improved in camp and made great improvement,'' Mustain said.
Asked if he spent time on the scout team this week, he said, ``If I get sent down that far, I'm in trouble.''
Asked if that would be the time to call Tulsa, where his high school coach Gus Malzahn is offensive coordinator, Mustain said, ``I don't know about that.''

Mark Sanchez threw another interception in practice today and admitted he became frustrated during some drills where receivers were not open.
``I was most frustrated near the goal line. Nothing was open,'' Sanchez said. ``I hated throwing the ball away, it's like pulling teeth.''
Said Pete Carroll: ``He got mad because the play got covered. He can't do anything about that. That's just his competitiveness.''

Cornerback Shareece Wright is pronounced fit and will probably start against Virginia.

Auburn is going to start the season with a two-quarterback system. Should USC consider playing Mark Sanchez and Aaron Corp on Saturday, especially if Sanchez's conditioning is any kind of an issue?

Brian Cushing is still wearing a cast on his left wrist but said he will not be affected for the Virginia game. He said his wrist is sprained.

Pete Carroll said Travon Patterson is an important player in the wide-receiver rotation.
``He used to play like a little guy and get banged up and cough the ball up,'' Carroll said. ``He's played tougher and stronger.''

Nick Perry gets another stab at an Internet test today as he tries to get certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse.

We wanted to get this sooner, but if there was a player who surprised people during training camp, it is converted defensive tackle Derek Simmons.
He showed such natural tendencies at offensive guard that he might be starting today if he made the move last year. An NFL scout who watched him at practice one day said Simmons already looked like a pro prospect.

Mark Sanchez on the eve of the new season.
``You can't roll over anybody. We're a new team and trying to put a stamp on the USC tradition.''

Aaron Corp is the backup quarterback against Virginia. Read here.

Freshman defensive end Malik Jackson might play against Virginia especially after intercepting a Mark Sanchez pass in practice today.
``He's as natural a player at that position as anyone who has come here,'' Pete Carroll said. ``He has a natural feel for rushing. (Former defensive lineman) Lawrence Jackson needed to redshirt his first year, he didn't have that feel.
``That was an excellent play he made (on the interception). He had to pull off the running back and made a great play.''
Jackson said he is not afraid of Virginia after practicing against his teammates.
``I don't think they can show us any more than we've seen going against each other,'' he said.

Dr. James Tibone pronounced Mark Sanchez fit to start the Virginia game, which was the last formality before he officially started.

Mark Sanchez threw two interceptions in practice, one was picked off by safety Kevin Ellison and the other by freshman defensive end Malik Jackson.

We just finished answering questions, so it's time to ask more. One per person please.

The last of the questions get answered!

Here's Pete Carroll's press conference quotes.

Al Groh meets the media. Not terribly exciting.

We've hit the home stretch of the Open Forum.

Here's a question regarding wide receiver Brandon Carswell.

ABC's broadcast team for the USC-Virginia game will be Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire and Stacey Dales.

Bayern Munich soccer team coach Jurgen Klinsmann's made two visits to Pete Carroll but what he learned his debateable. Despite being favored to win the German league title, Klinsmann's tied for eighth place after managing a pair of ties in his opening two matches.
Is Klinsmann destined to become Germany's Ed Orgeron or Greg Robinson?

More questions and more answers, brought to you by the NFL Network, proud broadcaster of a league where Lane Kiffin can intercept three Matt Leinart passes and still lose 24-0.

Virginia can play games with its depth chart too. The Cavs did not choose a starting QB and the player expected to start, Peter Lalich, is listed last.

This segment is not brought to you by TrojanTV, because it is no longer called TrojanTV. It's now Trojan All-Access.

Here's my feature on the state of the offensive line.
Featured quote: ``In the end, we will not be the weak link," offensive line coach Pat Ruel said.

Fox is doing its Lexus Gauntlet or whatever they call it show live from outside Heritage Hall, with Sean Farnham and James Washington among the star-studded lineup. Perhaps too combat that, Anthony Davis is also here. Did Fox pay him yet?

Pete Carroll said whoever the backup quarterback is, the position will be up for grabs on a weekly basis.
``The competition will continue and we'll see how far we can take it,'' he said.
Aaron Corp is believed to hold a slight edge over Mitch Mustain entering this week.

Tailback C.J. Gable's strained hip was a non-issue as he broke a long run near the end of Monday's practice.
``It was a really good day for him,'' Pete Carroll said.
Linebacker Luthur Brown practiced for the first time this season after being sidelined with a sore back. Cornerback Shareece Wright (abdominal injury) ran without pain but is not sure yet if he is ready to play.

Here's a review of the rule changes for this season:
The horse-collar tackle has been banned.
The game will now have a 40-second clock that starts counting down immediately when the ball becomes dead.
Officials can use video to look at field-goal attempts and to determine if a player was downed before fumbling or if a player was knocked out of bounds before scoring a touchdown.
Officials can call an incidental facemask penalty.

3.7 -- yards per carry average for Reggie Bush in the NFL.

Here's Florida coach Urban Meyer talking about former USC tailback Emmanuel Moody.
``He is a high character guy that shows up every day and was able to get better. When a player and a position coach find that kind of chemistry it is great. They know what buttons to push and they opened each others hearts up and got it done.
``I would put Emmanuel real close to great. He is a completely different player than he was last spring and he is ready to go out there and play college football. It's been a while.''

As the season starts, we want to welcome back our flagship sponsor, Roman Meal bread, the official bread of Caesar.

This portion is a Song Girl-free zone.

David Buehler was one of 30 kickers named to the Lou Groza Award watch list.

Back to answer mode.

You ask, we answer.

Did you know some of those 1,600 new seats at the Coliseum have an obstructed view?

We now hear that former USC assistant coach Ricky Hunley attended at least two practices during training camp. We're going to assume it was before he became a UCLA staff member. But we still smell a scandal! How does Hunleygate sound?

Pete Carroll said no one is looking ahead to the Ohio State game on Sept. 13.
``The media's looking ahead and the fans are but they don't play,'' he said.

Looks like the Arizona Cardinals selected Kurt Warner as their starter following Matt Leinart's 4 for 12 for 24 yards and three interception performance against the Raiders.
To say he's been a flop is an understatement but Warner's age and injury history will probably mean he plays at some point.

Former USC assistant coach Ricky Hunley visited campus recently and sought to work in some capacity on the staff. USC did not have any openings so Hunley approached UCLA and was hired to help study opponent defenses for offensive coordinator Norm Chow.
UPDATED: Hunley also attended Friday night's Salute to Troy, which makes for an interesting plot twist!

With training camp over, here's our rankings for the entire camp.

Aaron Corp €€*
Mitch Mustain €€

With Nick Perry down to his last chance to academically qualify, it's interesting to note hardly anyone ever mentions Venice tailback Curtis McNeal.
``I wouldn't bet on it happening with him,'' a member of the football program said Saturday.

Virginia, which is going through its own quarterback controversy, will not release its depth chart until Tuesday.

If you examine USC's depth chart, you will note that every position that lists shared spots, such as Aaron Corp ``or'' Mitch Mustain, goes in alphabetical order. Nose tackle is in alphabetical order (Averell Spicer over Christian Tupou), split end (Patrick Turner over Damian Williams), defensive end (Everson Griffen over Clay Matthews), etc.
But look at running back. Joe McKnight is first despite the fact C.J. Gable and more importantly, Stafon Johnson, are ahead of him alphabetically. Technically, so is Allen Bradford.
Now you know why I frequently mention that McKnight enjoys special status, especially as long as he still holds his transfer year.

The depth chart actually got released on a rare Saturday. The backup QB's are just like we mentioned. Some other notables are that Patrick Turner ``or'' Damian Williams at split end, which means Turner did not win the job outright.
Another ego blow took place at defensive end, where Everson Griffen ``or'' Clay Matthews is listed as the starter. This is probably more of a way to try and keep Griffen humble than anything else. Averell Spicer and Christian Tupou are the co-choices at nose tackle.
And then we have this mess at tailback:
4 Joe McKnight (6-0, 200, So.) OR
2 C.J. Gable (6-0, 200, So.*) OR
13 Stafon Johnson (5-11, 215, Jr.) OR
21 Allen Bradford (5-11, 225, Jr.)

A full depth chart is after the jump.

USC puts out its depth chart tomorrow and at quarterback, it looks like we will see Aaron Corp ``or'' Mitch Mustain for the No. 2 spot. That's a way to avoid making a decision and will prevent sending a quarterback's morale into the tank.

Cornerback Shareece Wright remains out with a groin injury but it is hoped he can return for Monday's practice.

Mark Sanchez did 15 plays with the first team today and even dove to the ground to recover a fumbled snap, which everyone applauded as a sign he wasn't protecting his much-discussed knee. He will get about 70 percent of the snaps for Monday's practice as everything is done to get him ready for the Virginia game.

We heard USC baseball coach Chad Kreuter was trying to load up the schedule with easier opponents since this might be a make-or-break year for him. And now comes official word that the Trojans pulled out of the Houston College Classic, which features Texas, Texas A&M, Rice, Houston and UCLA.
So who replaced USC? UC Irvine, of course.

USC recruit Nick Perry did not pass a required test this week, which sets back his chance of being admitted to school. Perry is not officially disqualified because he still has another opportunity to pass and can be certified by the NCAA Clearinghouse until Sept. 15.

Linebacker Brian Cushing's wrist was in a cast Friday night but he said it was only a sprained hand. Still, USC's had Clay Matthews working at strong side linebacker more this week and Cushing did not play a lot in Thursday's scrimmage.

One of our readers showed me a Charles White autograph he obtained at the Salute to Troy for a mere $10. I told him that's a bargain by Anthony Davis standards, who was also in attendance.

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez worked out with the scout team for 14 plays and remains on track to start.

Jeff Byers, Mark Sanchez, Kevin Ellison and Brian Cushing were named team captains.

With training camp nearly finished, Pete Carroll had a couple comments heading into next week.
``We need to clean up the line of scrimmage stuff,'' Carroll said. ``But we're in a good position to make a push for a game plan.''

Would you start Mark Sanchez at quarterback against Virginia with one week of practice or would you start Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain instead?

Here's the scrimmage rankings:

Aaron Corp €€€
Mitch Mustain €€*

Ever since signing date, when asked in the Open Forum about what freshman would make the biggest impact, I would answer tight end Blake Ayles. And now that he is over a concussion, he showed why during yesterday's scrimmage. Ayles caught three passes for 65 yards.
``We think the world of him,'' Pete Carroll said. ``I don't have any question he can help us.''
The potential loser here might be starter Anthony McCoy, who seems to be relegated to a blocking tight end role.

Here's the nose tackle depth chart:

Averill Spicer
Christian Tupou
Jurrell Casey

Arizona State might be Pac-10 champs after all.

This is the best-selling T-shirt on Stanford's web site.

After USC assistant coach John Morton forgot to play Jordan Cameron into the scrimmage Saturday, Cameron got the first play of Thursday's scrimmage, a 32-yard pass from Garrett Green. Cameron led all receivers with three catches for 81 yards. He also drew a pass interference penalty and was called for pass interference.

One freshman who says he is not redshirting is free safety Drew McAllister, who had 12 tackles and an interception in the final two scrimmages. McAllister is currently on kickoff team and will probably be used on several special teams this season.

C.J. Gable admitted even he thought his season might be over following a hip injury that occurred Tuesday. It turned out just to be a strain.
``I thought I was done but it wasn't that bad,'' he said. ``I'll play hurt. I don't care.''

One thing I noticed during the scrimmage was that Aaron Corp used his mobility to do more than scramble. He managed to move around and then find an open receiver several times. This goes back to Pete Carroll saying he wanted Corp to be able to ''slide around the pocket.''
Corp completed 20 of 26 passes in the final two scrimmages.

For whatever happened on the field, here's the most important quote of the day from Pete Carroll.
``Mark legitimately threw today and Mark's going to be back full speed in the next couple days,'' Carroll said. ``He's going to enter back in the mix by Monday. If he does all right and handles it, he's positioning himself to be the starter. It's likely it'll be that way.''

Cal coach Jeff Tedford named Kevin Riley the starting quarterback over Nate Longshore.

Scrimmage stats

Passing

Aaron Corp 8-10 85 yards
Mitch Mustain 10-14 92 yards 1 TD
Garrett Green 9-19 134 yards, 1 TD 2 INT

Rushing

Stafon Johnson 3-11
Allen Bradford 11-39
Joe McKnight 3-32
Broderick Green 3-17
Marc Tyler 1-4

Receiving

Vidal Hazelton 5-44
Blake Ayles 3-65
Travon Patterson 2-25
Jordan Cameron 3-81
D.J. Shoemate 3-36
Brice Butler 3-19

Tackles

Drew McAllister 8
Jordan Campbell 5

Scoring

Griffen interception end zone
Butler 12 pass from Green
McKnight 6 run
Heberer fumble recovery (off Ayles fumble)
Ellison 2 pass from Mustain

12 penalties (8 from first team)
2 turnovers (reserves)

Mitch Mustain starts slinging it (throwing it sideways) and completes a 9-yard pass to Travon Patterson, 22-yarder to Blake Ayles and 16 yarder to Patterson. It's his best drive and he finishes with a 2-yard TD pass to Rhett Ellison. White team 28, Cardinal 7.
Mustain is 10-14 for 92 yards and 1 TD.

Aaron Corps kicks off the quarter and hands off to Allen Bradford for 8 yards. Corp rolls out but has Armond Armstead and Malik Jackson on him and throws the ball away. Corp throws a 10-yard pass to Vidal Hazelton.
Corp finds his old high school teammate Blake Ayles for 21 yards. Bradford then gains 14. Corp waits and finds Patrick Turner for 20 yards. He then flips to Bradford for 8.
TOUCHDOWN: Corp finds Ayles again, who fumbles into the end zone and its recovered by the offense. White team 21, Cardinal 7.
Chris McCaffrey leads the reserves on a drive that stalls. Mustain back and finds Bradford for a yard. End of 3rd quarter. Unofficially, Corp is 8-10, 84 yards. Mustain is 5-88, 40 yards.

Aaron Corp throws 12-yard pass to Stanley Havili and then Allen Bradford gains 8 yards in two carries. Corp finds Anthony McCoy on third down but the play gains 0 yards.
Garrett Green back and he finds Brice Butler for 8 yards between a couple short runs. An incomplete pass and then a 7-yarder to D.J. Shoemate before the drive ends with a pass to Broderick Green that loses 2 yards.

Garret Green starts off and throws a 32-yard pass to Jordan Cameron who fumbles it but recovers. So much for Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain getting the first series. After Green is sacked by Kyle Moore, he scrambles for 16 yards on third down (against the No. 1 defense).

Mark Sanchez is suited up and jumping around on the field. We'll let you know if he makes an unexpected appearance this afternoon.

Looks like Shareece Wright, Fili Moala and David Ausberry are among those sitting out the scrimmage.

The Trojans came out in all-white jerseys, which could make it hard to tell the offense from the defense, but they just went back to the locker room, so we expect a switch to take place for the actual mock game.
UPDATED: The offense switched to cardinal jerseys in the locker room. Actually, the team is divided with half the offense wearing white and half cardinal.

USC officials predict 10,000-15,000 for today's scrimmage.
UPDATED: OK, it looks like less than 10,000, perhaps because it's a work day.

USC was ranked No. 1 in the Football Writers Assn. of America Super 16 poll, beating out Georgia by three points.
Full poll after the jump:

We hear offensive lineman Matt Meyer will probably redshirt as he faces the possibility of surgery on the broken bone in his foot. Meyer's already undergone three operations on the same bone since his freshman year of high school.

USC recruit Maurice Simmons' sentencing hearing has been switched August 28 to Sept. 3.

Here's the Wednesday rankings:

Aaron Corp €€€
Mitch Mustain €€*

Quarterback Aaron Corp on today's scrimmage.
``It could be (for the starting job),'' he said. ``But I really don't know so I have to just go out and perform.''

This is based strictly on pass protection ability, not something terribly interesting, but highly valued by coaches.
1. C.J. Gable
2. Joe McKnight, Stanley Havili
3. Stafon Johnson
4. Broderick Green
The coaches say the pass protection is dramatically better this season than a year ago.

Freshman defensive end Malik Jackson was not cleared for the morning practice because problems arose with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Remember, we mentioned a couple weeks ago the NCAA was waiting for his senior-year transcript.
Eventually, the problem was cleared up and Jackson was cleared and he was allowed to participate in the afternoon workout.

Doctors said tailback C.J. Gable suffered a strained hip and his ankle felt better today. USC coach Pete Carroll said Gable might return in a couple days.

USC forward RouSean Cromwell has left the basketball team for at least half the season and possibly more, Coach Tim Floyd said.
``He is going back to Memphis for personal reasons,'' Floyd said. ``The hope is he would return in January. That remains to be seen.''
Cromwell appeared in 21 games last season, averaging .7 points and 1.0 rebounds.

Fili Moala sat out practice with back spasms while Shareece Wright pulled his groin. Neither is expected to be serious.

Tomorrow's scrimmage could determine the starting job, or at least the No. 2 job, if Aaron Corp or Mitch Mustain outperforms the other.
``That's kind of fair to say,'' offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. ``I think it could happen.''

Aaron Corp will work with the No. 1 offense for Thursday's scrimmage after Mitch Mustain worked with the 1's during Saturday's scrimmage.

C.J. Gable is getting an MRI right now so USC is waiting for results to determine how long he will be out.

Mark Sanchez threw on 7-on-7 today and did not have any problems. He appears on track to return to practice and perhaps resume his No. 1 spot.
``It felt good,'' Sanchez said. ``It felt a little rusty. But my leg felt great. I didn't even think about my leg.''

Here's Wednesday's rankings:

Aaron Corp €€
Mitch Mustain €€

One question per person please.

More than anything else, linebacker Brian Cushing needs a healthy season.
He also wants to be elected a team captain this week.
``Absolutely, I'd like to do it and I'd appreciate it,'' Cushing said. ``I feel I'm a leader on the team.''

I asked Steve Sarkisian about the perception among some that Aaron Corp's passed Mitch Mustain on the depth chart. Sarkisian said that is the fans' perception.
``More than anything else, he caught up in everyone else's eyes,'' Sarkisian said. ``Everyone just thought it was Mitch's job.''

After more a few complaints, USC finally posted its basketball schedule.
"We think we have put together a great schedule for the USC fans," Tim Floyd said. "At the same time, as challenging as our schedule was last season with Kansas, Memphis and Oklahoma, if you look at the RPI from a year ago this non-conference slate is even tougher."
That's what I thought when I saw Tennessee-Martin and North Dakota State are coming to the Galen Center. And who uses the word, ``slate'' anymore?

Quarterback Mark Sanchez threw to moving targets for the first time and did some light running before practice. Sanchez forgot his helmet because he had not practiced in more than 10 days.
``Sanchez is looking really good, hopefully he'll be able to practice,'' Tibone said.
Sanchez said he wants to return to practice by Monday, which would give him a week to regain the starting job.
``I felt in a rhythm, my arm feels fine,'' Sanchez said. ``Hopefully we'll know more (today) from whether the swelling comes back or if I feel pain.
``(Virginia) is a definite possibility. The way things are healed.''
Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said he liked most of what he saw watching Sanchez throw.
``He's able to throw the football with ease,'' Sarkisian said. ``We saw a couple things in the movement (of his leg) still, but that's normal. The key is how he bounces back (today).
``He's feeling his way still. He actually threw a couple deep balls that were right there.''

C.J. Gable underwent an x-ray that showed no damage but will undergo an MRI tomorrow because doctors are unsure how serious his hip injury is. He also has a high-ankle sprain, which is usually the most-serious version.
``I think the hip is the worst part,'' team doctor James Tibone said. ``I can't tell right now (how long he will be out). We won't know for a few days.''
Gable walked very slowly on crutches tonight.

Tailback C.J. Gable injured his hip and possibly his knee or ankle during practice. He will be looked at by team doctors to determine how serious the injury might be.
``He's hurt, I don't know how bad,'' Pete Carroll said.

The USC bookstore is now selling/shilling this Dodgers hat that many of you inquired about where to purchase. Maybe Frank McCourt dropped them off when he visited football practice as a way to meet the Dodgers payroll (excluding Manny Ramirez, of course).

Here's some different types of odds for some USC individual players this season.

Former linebacker Collin Ashton is back at USC and working as an assistant strength coach.

Here is how I see the tailback situation right now:
Stafon Johnson and C.J. Gable will get the bulk of traditional carries. Joe McKnight will get his touches through carries, receptions and punt returns. Allen Bradford will be the power back.

USC sent this ad out to fans offering season tickets, but only offered five home games for the men's basketball team, including three Pac-10 teams. Again, why has every other school published their schedules already? And why should someone buy season tickets when they don't even know who USC is playing?

Former USC linebacker Dallas Sartz signed a free-agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday.

Aaron Corp was limping last night after practice. Corp said it was his hip but no big deal and he felt fine. A teammate said Corp usually walks that way. Meanwhile, Mitch Mustain's wearing a wrap on his knee after he bumped knees with Stafon Johnson during the scrimmage.

Here's a big difference between Pete Carroll and Ohio State coach Jim Tressel.

USC assistant coach John Morton said he should be fired on Monday. Here's why.

Here's the rest of the Open Forum answers.

Here's part of a statement released by former North Carolina forward Alex Stepheson.
``I have chosen to attend the University of Southern California. The school has great academics, a great basketball program and it's close to home. I look forward to joining the team, being coach by Coach Floyd and competing in the Pac-10.''
Readers will remember we reported this on July 17.
So what took so long? USC did not want to announce Stepheson's arrival until point guard Angelo Johnson left the program. Remember Tim Floyd denied Stepheson was coming a couple weeks ago. OK, coach!

Marc Tyler's got a left-ankle injury that occurred on a kick return. It is the same ankle he broke in high school. Joe McKnight tried to practice but his finger nail started bleeding and he was pulled from the workout.

Aaron Corp worked more with the first unit today but Steve Sarkisian said he is still splitting time with both quarterbacks. Corp worked with the first team on a four-minute drill while Mustain worked with the first team during the overtime drill, when he was intercepted by Marshall Jones.

Travon Patterson's making a move on the depth chart based on his scrimmage performances.
``There's certain plays I want him in there,'' wide receivers coach John Morton said.

Nick Perry's been delayed taking an online test, which explains why he is not here yet. He is supposed to take the test tomorrow and then must wait for the NCAA to process his paperwork. Curtis McNeal needs to finish a class and get a certain grade to be eligible. His case seems more mysterious right now, or maybe it's a longer shot than Perry.

So where do things stand with Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain? First, it's entirely possible Mark Sanchez will start against Virginia.
But let's look at Corp and Mustain. So far, there is not a clear-cut favorite. So I will list some factors for each to give you a detailed look at the competition.
Mustain has a better arm, is a traditional pro-style quarterback and has that extra year of experience.
Corp is more dynamic, can roll out or scramble and comfortable with the short-to-intermediate type passes. He is also more talkative in the huddle than Mustain, who is more soft-spoken.
At the end of the day, Corp might have more upside but Mustain might be more polished. But they are essentially even. And the team is indifferent over who should start.

Matt Barkely, the Song Girls. What else is there to talk about?

Item: South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier began his 14-week ``Carolina Calls'' live radio program from Wild Wings restaurant in Columbia, S.C.

Reaction: Perhaps USC can start a ``Caesar Calls'' regular show live from La Barca restaurant on Vermont.

Questions about the o-line and linebackers.

Here's Sunday night's rankings:

Aaron Corp €€*
Mitch Mustain €€

Freshman guard Khaled Holmes tore a ligament in his finger and will need to wear a custom-fitted cast on it.

Back to the football questions.

Washington State has cheerleaders too.

Even more questions about you know what.

Time to answer questions, as many of you focus on those Song Girls tryouts.

Tight end Jimmy Miller is healthy and making plays in the scrimmages.

Pete Carroll said he is in no hurry to name a starting quarterback.
``Aaron (Corp) and Mitch (Mustain) are close, it's not obvious (who is ahead),'' Carroll said. ``We're not looking for a quarterback to be spectacular or carry the whole load. We never have going back to Carson (Palmer). It's about who is most comfortable.''

Mark Sanchez might start throwing to moving targets by the weekend. He is scheduled to run Tuesday unless it might aggravate his knee.
``I need to throw to moving targets,'' Sanchez said. ``I need to practice full go by game week. I think I have a chance to do it.
``In my mind, I need to know I'm OK running and pivoting and shifting in the pocket.''

Joe McKnight hyperextended his elbow during the scrimmage and did not practice tonight. Neither did Cary Harris (sprained shoulder). Jeff Byers, Alex Parsons and Blake Ayles all returned.

Here's the current center situation:

Kris O'Dowd -- Healthy
Michael Reardon -- Hip
Alex Parsons -- Concussion
Jeff Byers -- Spleen
Garrett Nolan -- Hand

Parsons and Byers are expected back tomorrow.

Here's Saturday's scrimmage rankings:

Mitch Mustain €€*
Aaron Corp €€

Former USC wide receiver Jamere Holland returned a punt for a touchdown but then fumbled twice within eight snaps during Oregon's scrimmage.

Caesar changed the time of today's from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The quarterbacks made some mistakes that would be glaring in a game (Corp's tipped pass interception by Rey Maualuga, Mustain's interception returned for a touchdown) but Mustain showed a flair and ability to move the offense.
Stats are always a bad indicator during scrimmages, because it depends on which unit you were with and which defense you faced, etc. Corp was efficient but the pass-blocking was often atrocious when he played.
The offensive line continues to be an issue, even though it should be noted Jeff Byers and Alex Parsons were out. And the wide receivers are not showing anything dramatic either. Vidal Hazelton fumbled while Patrick Turner and David Ausberry got only fleeting chances. The tight ends (Jimmy Miller, Rhett Ellison) caught nine passes for 134 yards, which is perhaps a sign that the coaches want to keep it conservative for the quarterbacks.
Joe McKnight and Stafon Johnson look like the main weapons right now, but if the blocking doesn't improve, it might not matter who plays quarterback.

Mitch Mustain on his interception: ``That was just a bad play on my part. I got anxious. After that I was OK. I felt faster (than in the first scrimmage).''

Aaron Corp on how he played: ``I had some good plays. I've got to get rid of the ball and can't take sacks. It was a decent performance.''

Mark Sanchez threw before the scrimmage and Pete Carroll sounded like he might be able to try for a comeback against Virginia.
``He just has a little swelling to get out of the knee,'' Carroll said.

5 -- turnovers by the offense (three interceptions, two fumbles).
8 -- penalties (6 by the offense).

Here's the official scrimmage stats:

Apparently, the Pete Carroll-Nick Holt-Everson Griffen meeting that caused some consternation earlier in the week paid off Saturday night.
``Everson Griffen looked on fire,'' Carroll said.

Cary Harris left the scrimmage with a sprained shoulder. Jimmy Miller caught four passes for 92 yards and looks much quicker.
``That's as good as Miller's looked,'' Pete Carroll said.

Mustain finds a wide-open Blake Ayles Jimmy Miller for a 40-yard catch over the middle. But the drive stalls after an incomplete pass to Patrick Turner, yet another penalty and a sack. Congdon Joe Houston kicks a 43-yard FG with a much-stronger kick than Congdon's. Mustain is 5-7, 99 yards at the moment, completing five straight.
Corp throws a 15-yard pass to Ellison and then gets sacked by Uona Kavienga (the middle linebackers seem to be getting through). His next pass is tipped, snapping seven straight completions. Corp stays in for the next series. Allen Bradford gains 21 yards on a run. Corp completes a couple more passes but Vidal Hazelton fumbles one and the defense recovers.
Corp is currently 13-17, 90 yards, unofficially. Mustain comes right back and finds Patterson for 22 yards to boost his yardaged to 121.

Mitch Mustain sort of leads the team to a field goal thanks to one of those half-hearted kickoff team efforts against Joe McKnight on a return that put the ball at the 30. The offense goes six yards in three plays, before Jordan Congdon barely clears the crossbar on a 41-yard FG.
Aaron Corp's series is two very short passes to Allen Bradford (5 yards total) and a sack by Rey Maualuga who comes through untouched. Corp's completed six straight passes for 20 yards. Cary Harris is injured and leaves the scrimmage. Now it's Garrett Green's turn as the reserves face off. Rhett Ellison's catching a lot of passes tonight, which might be because there isn't a lot of time for the QBs to throw. Green throws a 4-yard TD to Brice Butler.

Garrett Green is intercepted by freshman Drew McAllister and Aaron Corp's intercepted by Rey Maualuga on a tipped pass. Mitch Mustain sits out a few series. But then Corp leads the offense to a TD, as Stafon Johnson breaks a 47-yard run and Corp completes an 8 and 7 yard pass to Vidal Hazelton. Johnson scores on a 4-yard run.
Mustain looks like he's sinking but then rebounds with a three straight completions, including a 26-yard TD pass to Travon Patterson (we think). He also threw an 11-yard pass to Patterson.
Mustain is 3 of 5 for 57 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT
Corp is 7 of 10 for 38 yards, 1 INT

A nightmare start for Mitch Mustain, whose first pass is intercepted by Shareece Wright and returned about 25 yards for a TD. Aaron Corp fares a little better, completing three of five passes for 15 yards, all the Rhett Ellison. But two straight penalties ruin his drive.
Mustain's only other pass was incomplete. So the offense is still struggling here at the outset. Broderick Green's 12-yard run was a highlight.

Pete Carroll said before the scrimmage Mitch Mustain would be the first QB working with the first team.

A lot of the general public is complaining about the long line and single entrance at the Coliseum for tonight's scrimmage.
``They should have told people it would be like this,'' one fan yelled.

Defensive back Josh Pinkard wore a pair of Crocs with ``Moody'' written on them.

Here's Friday's rankings:

Aaron Corp €€
Mitch Mustain €€

The AP Top 25 poll finally came out and USC is No. 3, behind No. 1 Georgia and No. 2 Ohio State. Complete results after the jump.

Former USC linbebacker Matt Grootegoed is playing middle linebacker for the Calgary Stampeders.

Saturday is the opening kickoff of the English Premiership, the SEC of Europe.
Time for predictions. Here's my top four: 1. Manchester United 2. Chelsea 3. Liverpool 4. Arsenal.
Relegation: Stoke, Hull, West Brom.
What do you reckon?

Linebacker Chris Galippo said he hopes to return to practice the bye week before Ohio State and be available for the Oregon State game.

Pete Carroll said he thinks Mark Sanchez will return to practice by the middle of next week.

Oh, for the good old days, for more reasons than one.

Since USC's own website is the last place to check for the basketball schedule, here's one school's site where it announced playing a game at the Galen Center before USC did. And here. And here. And here.
Maybe the fans can put together their own schedule.

Quarterback Mitch Mustain said it's easier when the offense does not go off scripted plays, which it did Thursday.
``Whatever Coach Carroll pulls out of his hat helps us, we get a real game feel and the defnese isn't running something specifically for the designed play.''

Aaron Corp on when a starter will be named: ``I really don't know when it will happen.''

There were quite a few notable players who either sat out or barely played the first scrimmage, like Stafon Johnson, Joe McKnight, Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner.
``That was like our first NFL preseason game,'' offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. ``You'll see more of our key players Saturday.''
USC's next scrimmage is Saturday. I'm no longer saying it's closed because some people seem to get in no matter what anyways. Except Augie Garrido.

Heres Thursday's practice rankings:

Mitch Mustain €€€
Aaron Corp €€*

Did you know Texas baseball coach Augie Garrido got kicked out of the scrimmage at the Coliseum? You do now.

We got to the bottom of Everson Griffen's unhappiness Wednesday. Griffen had to meet with USC coach Pete Carroll and defensive coordinator Nick Holt that day because they were concerned he missed several practices with a hamstring injury and rash.
Griffen was upset they questioned his injuries. He returned to practice Wednesday afternoon but did not finish. He did complete Thursday's practice and appeared OK.
The backstory is that Griffen's sometimes been accused of being too cocky by the coaching staff and some teammates.
Griffen, one of the top 10-rated players in the nation in 2007, is currently splitting time with converted linebacker Clay Matthews at defensive end.

Just to illustrate our earlier note about the offensive line going the wrong way. Linemen went the wrong way on two of the first three plays of the scrimmage, according to offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

Pete Carroll said his two biggest questions in training camp are whether the offensive line can come together and where Sanchez fits in following his injury.
``That's really the top business order,'' he said.

Malik Jackson is out with a strained back while Joe McKnight hurt two fingers after Brice Butler slammed a door on them. McKnight started practice Thursday but was removed by the coaches. He said he would return in a couple days.
Linebacker Michael Morgan dislocated his shoulder.

There's some talk Mark Sanchez might be able to come back next week after he continued to show improvement in his knee. Sanchez is wearing a smaller knee brace and seems to be walking without much trouble.

One reason for the offense's struggles during the first scrimmage was confusion on the offensive line, where going the right way on a play became an issue. Even projected starters like Butch Lewis, who started several games last season, went the wrong way on a few plays during the scrimmage, which explained some of the breakdowns.

Forbes magazine determined that Pete Carroll is underpaid.

``At the head of the money class is University of Southern California head coach Pete Carroll, who pulled in a $4.4 million salary last year, including $400,000 in benefits and deferred compensation. Was he worth it?
``By our count, Carroll delivered more than his money's worth. He has led USC to a 34-5 record since 2005 (including the 2007 and 2008 Rose Bowl titles), a record that is 54% better than the median coach in our analysis. As a result, Carroll scores a 114, meaning college football's highest earning coach was 14 percent underpaid.''

BCS guru Jerry Palm picks USC to face Florida in the BCS title game. He also selects Utah to face Missouri in the Fiesta Bowl and Arizona State-Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.

Aaron Corp's running ability is one reason I don't always like to use practices as a way of judging a quarterback. He doesn't get to use his speed much in practice.
``What I like about Aaron shows up in scrimmages and not so much here,'' offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said.

Damian Williams is the only receiver other than Patrick Turner who is able to interchange between the three wide-receiver positions with no problems.

I asked a Pac-10 coach for some analysis on USC basketball commit Demetrius Walker from JSerra High School.
``He's a power forward-wing trying to become a shooting guard. He jumps well; not real fluid. Nothing exceptional.''

CBS signs a 15-year deal to televise SEC games, In addition to the broadcast rights on CBS Sports, the deal includes digital, internet, wireless, Video-on-Demand, data and enhanced highlight rights across all CBS platforms, including CBS College Sports Network and CBSSports.com.
Simulcasts of CBS Sports games will be available for distribution by the CBS College Sports Network.
By contrast, the Pac-10 will televise 12 games on the Versus Network.

Here's Wednesday's rankings:

Aaron Corp €€*
Mitch Mustain €€

Defensive end Everson Griffen was not too pleased Wednesday.

The final stragglers get answered.

Caesar reserved special praise for freshman safety Drew McAlister.
``(He) sprained his ankle and just played anyways,'' Pete Carroll said.
That's how you make it here. Forget the injuries. And play.

Not that we expect any coaches to say who is leading the current quarterback race.
``It's a neck-and-neck race,'' offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. ``They're both doing good things and making mistakes. We could play a game with either one. We'd take care of them.''
That last comment sounds like we'd see some running plays on third-and-long, which were so popular against Arizona and Oregon last year.

There might be some news regarding Curtis McNeal and Nick Perry as soon as tomorrow, but as we mentioned Sunday, they would likely miss all or most of this week's workouts. Perry's absence is being eased by the better-than-expected performance of Malik Jackson and Wes Horton in camp.

Mark Sanchez is allowed to bend his knee and adjust his brace so that his leg can be more mobile, a sign of improvement.
``Each day he's feeling stronger,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``It's not going to take him long to come back.''

Michael Reardon is going to get a cortisone/plasma injection into the torn labrum in his hip and after a recovery period, attempt to play this season. If he cannot get through the pain, he will probably undergo hip surgery.

Time for more questions. One per person please.

Someone wanted to know if Caesar would be the Olympic coach if football were a sport.

I thought Aaron Corp and Mitch Mustain were about even in the scrimmage but even though Mustain's stats were a little better, I'm giving Corp a slight edge in the grades because he was dynamic with his foot speed. But if USC played tomorrow, I think the coaches would start Mustain.

Aaron Corp €€*
Mitch Mustain €€

A question about the basketball schedule here.

The questions continue!

Here's a story I wrote today on USC's quarterback situation.

Facebook is more than just crazy pictures of Song Girls or athletes. For instance, here's a group titled, ``I Hope I NEVER Have To Work Another Henry Bibby Basketball Camp Ever Again.'' I hope they at least got paid, which used to be an issue for his USC camps.

USC could start an offensive line composed of its injured players.

Alex Parsons, concussion
Michael Reardon, hip
Tyron Smith, ankle
Jeff Byers, spleen
Matt Meyer, foot

*Walk-on center Garrett Nolan is also injured.

Another array of questions.

Brian Cushing is taking reps in practice at middle linebacker. Why? Because without Luthur Brown or Chris Galippo, USC does not want to throw a true freshman (Uona Kavienga) in perhaps the most stressful defensive position if Rey Maualuga got hurt.
It was a handful for Maualuga his freshman year. So if something happens, expect to see Cushing.

We finally get a chance to answer all the Open Forum questions.

Everson Griffen missed his second straight day with a pulled hamstring. Clay Matthews sat out with a sore knee but said he will return tomorrow.

The quarterback-center exchanges were an issue today. Corp fumbled twice and Mustain bobbled a couple snaps. One reason might be that Nick Howell and Alex Parsons were moved back to center with Michael Reardon injured, so there's some unfamiliarity right now.

``We were very sluggish (offensively),'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``When you don't score any points, it can't be a good day. It's too soon to be worried about the offense.''

Mark Sanchez does not want to make predictions that might place pressure on the doctors, but things look better than expected after Dr. James Tibone examined him. Tibone said Sanchez did not look like he would play against Virginia on Friday but now he is not sure if he will play or not.
``Things are ahead of schedule,'' Sanchez said.
Sanchez will be off his crutch tonight and see how it feels tomorrow. He said he does not know if he will be able to play the season-opener yet.

The running game was nearly non-existent and offense had a rough day against the defense, although the QBs looked poised. Aaron Corp started the scrimmage with the first team but Pete Carroll said it was merely his turn and not a sign of who replaces Mark Sanchez.
The blocking needs to improve in the next scrimmage.

Passing

Aaron Corp 6-13 60 yards
Mitch Mustain 9-13 94 yards, 1 INT
Garrett Green 4-6 66, 1 TD

Rushing

Corp 7-26
Gable 4-27
Green 4- minus-5
Bradford 4 - minus 4

Receiving

Patterson 4-49
Carswell 2-49, 43-yard TD

INT

Baucham

Tackles

Malcolm Smith 4, 1 for loss, 1 deflection
Ellison 3
Casey 3
Campbell 3

Allen Bradford loses 1 yard on a carry. On 3rd down, Gerald Washington blocks Corp's pass. Next!

We're going to try to blog this. Aaron Corp is at QB to start things off. He scrambles for 14 yards on the first play.

Mark Sanchez said he threw a few times Monday just to keep his arm loose.

Point guard Angelo Johnson was academically disqualified from USC, which means the Trojans' APR score will take a hit. Johnson is looking at Baylor (one of his top choices with USC), Southern Miss (coached by Tim Floyd's best friend in coaching, Larry Eustachy) and Oregon State.
Johnson is back in Minnesota with his family. By the way, USC's spokespeople never did get around answering what Johnson's status was.

I mocked the depth chart released last spring because it showed Charles Brown and Butch Lewis at left tackle while Alex Parsons started at right tackle. And it took about five minutes in training camp for Lewis to take over at right tackle. He and Brown are established starters right now.
Pat Ruel said Nick Howell's been inconsistent so far and Parsons is moving around to different positions, including center with Michael Reardon out. All three freshmen (Matt Kalil, Khaled Holmes, Tyron Smith) are potential candidates to not redshirt. So far, Kalil would be the top candidate.

When USC quarterback Aaron Corp said he had a sore groin in training camp, it brought back memories of when former USC coach Paul Hackett used to brag that his quarterbacks would always get sore groins in camp because of the drills he made them do.
``The quarterbacks will always hurt their groins. Joe Montana hurt his groin,'' Hackett said. ``That's just what happens.''

The new skill players in training camp are meeting at 8:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. daily to try and learn the offense. It's considered important because one player told the coaches last week he knew only two plays.

Hopefully this will answer all future questions on Song Girls tryouts. Finals are Oct. 22.

Center Michael Reardon and offensive tackle Matt Meyer could be facing season-ending injuries.

We forgot a few names (it's a long list). Defensive end Everson Griffen did not practice. Wide receiver Brice Butler's also been out but at least he got his protective boot off and was moving around. Offensive tackle Tyron Smith is still out with a sprained ankle.

There was an impression over the weekend that today would be important regarding the examination of Mark Sanchez's knee. But no doctors were around, so that will not happen until tomorrow.

Here's Monday's quarterback rankings, which were a 2 Euro day.

Aaron Corp €€
Mitch Mustain €€

Quarterback Aaron Corp said he has a sore groin but it would not affect him for Tuesday's closed scrimmage at the Coliseum.

Here's a quickie list of who was sidelined today.
Clay Matthews, Jordan Cameron, Matt Meyer, Ronald Johnson, Vidal Hazelton, Mike Reardon, Josh Pinkard, Trey Henderson. Alex Parsons also got hurt after Rey Maualuga hit him.
Reardon could be a long-term injury because he has a hip problem. Meyer is out at least a week and might need his fourth operation on the joint above his big toe, which would sideline him indefinitely.

Here's some Mark Sanchez quotes after rehab:

``It was good today. It didn't swell up much. The next few days they'll make some better decisions. They want the doctors to look at it tomorrow.
``I wanna be back for the Virginia game bad.''

The coaches briefly considered wide receiver Brandon Carswell as a practice quarterback after Mark Sanchez got hurt.
``I could throw, but my accuracy, I don't know,'' Carswell said.

Here's my first ballot for the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
1. Georgia
2. Florida
3. Ohio State
4. USC
5. LSU
6. Oklahoma
7. Missouri
8. West Virginia
9. Texas
10. Clemson
11. Auburn
12. Kansas
13. Wisconsin
14. Arizona State
15. BYU
16. Illinois
17. South Florida
18. Texas Tech
19. Wake Forest
20. Alabama
21. Virginia Tech
22. Florida State
23. Tennessee
24. Oregon
25. Pittsburgh

We hear that one of the remarks that precipated Joe McKnight throwing a punch at Vidal Hazelton was when Hazelton asked McKnight and Stafon Johnson, ``How many of you are starting? You both say you're starting. How is that possible?''
Actually, we wondered the same thing.

Here is one of the Song Girls circa 1985.

USC forward Leonard Washington will wear No. 4 this season.

Defensive end Malik Jackson recorded two sacks in last night's scrimmage.

C.J. Gable hurt his wrist in the scrimmage and is wearing a brace. Vidal Hazelton has a sore shoulder from being thrown into the ground during one of those ``no-pads'' practices.

Among players we haven't mentioned yet, tailback C.J. Gable broke off a run between 30-40 yards during the scrimmage.

With Mark Sanchez out, it might be time to break out our practice rankings system. And wouldn't you know it, right when the Euro took its first hit in forever against the dollar. But not enough to abandon it, of course. Here's the Sunday night version.

Aaron Corp €€€ (three Euros)
Mitch Mustain €€ (two Euros)

There was a long line to get into practice and once inside people were herded into a tighter area than normal, which made practice somewhat claustrophobic and maybe a little dangerous.
``We're lucky no got hurt,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.
So why was it done? Caesar wanted to create an atmosphere to give the practice a little extra importance.
``I like this, it's nice to have people around,'' quarterback Mitch Mustain said.

David Buehler ended the scrimmage portion of practice with a 54-yard field goal.

Freshman quarterback Aaron Corp stood out during the scrimmage portion of Sunday night's scrimmage before about 2,000 fans. Corp worked with the first team.
``Any time we move the ball and it's not going off the script, the defense doesn't know what we're going to do,'' Corp said. ``I did some good things.''
Mitch Mustain said he played ``average.''
``My vision's got to improve,'' he said.
USC coach Pete Carroll said the quarterbacks were under too much duress.
``It was rough,'' he said. ``We've got to help protect them better. They're progressing.''
Carroll praised some of the freshmen, including wide receiver D.J. Shoemate, who enjoyed a long run after a short catch and defensive end Malik Jackson.
``I made a big deal to the team that this is the first chance to make a big impression,'' Carroll said.

Here's the conclusion of the play mentioned below.

Pete Carroll said he looked into a fight between Joe McKnight and Vidal Hazelton during summer workouts where McKnight threw a punch at Hazelton on Cromwell Field but determined it was no more than a practice-type brawl after some banter got out of control.
Hazelton said, ````It wasn't a brawl. It wasn't like a fight. Just always the wide receivers and running backs trying to outdo each other.''

Former USC defensive lineman Lawrence Jackson sacks and strips the ball from former USC quarterback John David Booty during an exhibition game between the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.

It's worth noting that one of the freshman off to a quick start this week is offensive tackle Matt Kalil. He's been impressive in drills so far and since no one is really seizing some of the spots on the offensive line, the freshmen are getting extra looks in practice.

Everyone is tossing out examples of athletes with dislocated kneecaps, so here's another one. Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford suffered a similar injury during summer workouts while in high school and missed the first two games of the season.

Los Angeles County district attorney Steve Cooley at football practice.

This from someone familiar with Mark Sanchez's situation.
``It could be two weeks, it could be six.''

There was a comical moment Saturday when Jordan Campbell and Marshall Jones were on the kick return team and Campbell knocked Jones out of the play.
``I was blocking somebody and all of a sudden my feet went out from under me,'' Jones said.

Quarterback Mitch Mustain said he noticed a big difference going with the first team during Saturday's practice.
``It's 10 times easier than in the spring,'' Mustain said. ``It was like a blur then.''
Mustain threw a few interceptions Saturday but said he feels much better than before and he is preparing as though he will play in the season-opener at Virginia.
``There's probably a pretty good chance one of us will play against Virginia,'' he said.

Welcome to training camp: Defensive end Trey Henderson has a swollen knee and cornerback T.J. Bryant is suffering from soreness. Neither practiced Saturday.

Trainers say USC quarterback Mark Sanchez will probably be out at least two weeks, which makes his status for the Virginia game uncertain at this point.
One positive is that Sanchez said the swelling in his knee went down overnight.
``It's way down, it's a really good sign,'' Sanchez said. ``I have no idea how long I'll be out until I start rehab (Monday).''
The general time frame is 2-to-4 weeks with the hope Sanchez recovers within two weeks.

Marc Tyler said he has a mild concussion and did not practice today. He hopes to be cleared tomorrow. Doctors would not clear him today.

Let's say Mark Sanchez is out two weeks with a dislocated kneecap. Would you bring him back with a week to go before the Virginia game and start him or just go with Mitch Mustain or Aaron Corp instead?
Remember last year, John David Booty practiced during the week with a broken finger but USC ended up going with Sanchez for three games.
What would you do?

The offensive linemen frequently get overlooked but after three practices, tackle Charles Brown is probably the most improved.
``I'm really pleased with how physical Charles Brown is,'' offensive line coach Pat Ruel said.

Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp said they were confident they could fill the starting role, after each expressed skepticism earlier in the week that there was much chance of beating out Mark Sanchez.
``I think it changes (things) a little bit,'' Mustain said. ``This is a perfect couple weeks for us to respond. That's why we're here. I don't think leadership will be a problem. I've played quarterback before.''
Mustain said Friday's practice felt different once he and Corp were thrust into more prominent roles.
``I'm sure Mark felt like that when (John David Booty) got hurt (last year),'' Mustain said. ``It's a natural response.''
Corp threw three touchdown passes during Friday's practice and said he would be prepared to start.
``It's an opportunity. I'm thrilled but at the same time I feel for Mark,'' he said.

Freshman defensive tackle Jurrell Casey practiced with the starting defense Friday and Pete Carroll said he will compete for playing time this season.
``He looks very much like (former All-American) Mike Patterson when he got here,'' Carroll said.
Casey weighs 300 pounds after playing last season at Long Beach Poly around 270.

Lost amid the Sanchez injury, offensive tackle Tyron Smith will be out at least a week with his sprained ankle while wide receiver Brice Butler is also on crutches with a sprained ankle from this morning's walk-through.

Mark Sanchez will be out for an unknown amount of time with a dislocated left knee. He said there was no ligament damage or tears but doctors would not say how long he will be sidelined.
``It was just scary. It could be a lot worse,'' Sanchez said. ``This is the best-case scenario. They didn't give me a time frame. It could be a short period or a long period. Hopefully, it's shorter.''

A doctor is on his way to USC to evaluate Mark Sanchez's x-rays so there is a chance we could have something around 8 p.m.

Steve Sarkisian said Mitch Mustain was ahead of Aaron Corp but both will compete to start if Mark Sanchez is out for an extended period. The more immediate concern for the coaches was having enough quarterbacks and Garrett Green is expected to move and become the No. 3 QB.
An interesting tidbit is that wide receiver Brandon Carswell is being considered for a switch because he played quarterback in high school.

Mark Sanchez just returned from x-rays and is on crutches with a huge knee brace. USC is awaiting the results to determine the extent of his knee injury.
``It didn't sound like the typical classic ACL thing,'' Pete Carroll said.
Results coming later tonight.
Sanchez got hurt when he played catch with Clay Matthews and jumped up to catch the ball and came down on the side of his foot.

A USC spokesperson said he is trying to confirm that point Angelo Johnson left the program. I'm only interested because it explains why Tim Floyd got squirrely last month when I asked where a scholarship for Alex Stepheson would come from and did not rule out that he had one.
``I'll discuss the roster in September,'' Floyd said.
Looks like it's getting discussed in August.

Former USC tailback Emmanuel Moody is competing for playing time at Florida right now. He spoke today about the difference between Gainesville, Fla., and Los Angeles.
``Gainesville is much more of a football town than L.A.,'' Moody said. ``If we lose here, people get upset for days. In L.A., there are so many more things to do to take people's minds off of that loss. Gainesville lives and dies by what happens on Saturdays, so there is a lot more pressure to perform well here."

Offensive tackle Tyron Smith twisted his knee yesterday and was limping around afterward. One reason is because he was not wearing a knee brace because the freshmen were recently fitted for custom braces.
The other reason is we mentioned yesterday how even the non-pad practices are very physical at USC.
``Sometimes guys get banged around,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.

Actress Sophia Bush attended USC but was not a Song Girl (maybe if she were from the South Bay) although she plays a cheerleader on TV.

Luthur Brown is wearing a brace for about 20 hours a day to keep his back steady. We hear he might not be back until the Ohio State game.

Here's some more comments from Mitch Mustain on the first two days of practice.
``I feel better than any other time here,'' Mustain said. ``We look pretty well for where we are in the season.''

Clay Matthews no longer attends linebacker meetings, the freshmen defensive line are given props from Pete Carroll and Anthony McCoy deals with ``the drops.''

Time for some questions after a couple days of practice. One question per person please.

Dodgers owner Frank McCourt at USC practice.

Wide receiver Jordan Cameron enjoyed another big day with three catches and drew praise from Pete Carroll.
``Without question he's got something,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said. ``He's got wonderful han ds and a vertical leap of 40 inches. He's made a nice initial impression and has a chance to compete for playing time.''

True freshman Uona Kaveinga is currently the No. 2 middle linebacker with Chris Galippo and Luthur Brown out with back injuries.

Freshman offensive tackle Tyron Smith sprained his knee and limping after practice.

It's pretty clear that the reserve quarterbacks don't really think anything can happen in training camp to unseat starter Mark Sanchez.
``I feel like it might be a stretch in the next two weeks,'' quarterback Mitch Mustain said. ``I don't see Mark turning it over. But it's a long season.''

USC now has two additional scholarships for this year with Daniel Campbell and Maurice Simmons no longer part of the program.

Linebacker Chris Galippo said he expects to return in October following his second back surgery six weeks ago.
``Some guys have knees and some have shoulders. That's my thing, I guess,'' Galippo said. ``Dr. (Robert) Watkins said, a lot of the time, everything else overcompensates after surgery and that's how you re-injure yourself.''
There was talk he hurt his back from lifting too much weight over the summer.
``It could have been (from lifting weights) but honestly, it just snuck up on me,'' Galippo said.

Aaron Corp was asked whether the quarterback competition is actually open during training camp.
``You have to go into it like it is even if it is or it's not,'' Corp said.

A player mentioned how much quicker the offensive line looked since spring practices. Initially I thought this was significant until the player said it was because the linemen were not wearing shoulder pads.
``They are a lot quicker without pads,'' the player said.
The danger is that USC practices without pads tend to feature hitting just as intense as regular practices.
``Guys could get hurt, they're all trying to strip the ball away and knock people down,'' the player said.

I heard this from a UNLV booster.
``Have you heard they named a freeway after (Coach) Mike Sanford? The 210.''

Here's the remaining questions from the Weekend Forum.

USC forward Leonard Washington is currently wearing a boot on his foot after tearing a ligament in his ankle. Washington said he will wear the boot for about two more weeks and should be fully recovered before practice starts in October.

It was a good first practice for wide receiver Jordan Cameron. Pete Carroll labeled two of his catches as ``spectacular.''

Today's practice was moved from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

After seeing the reaction here to those black jerseys, I decided to ask Pete Carroll his opinion on whether USC would actually wear them.

USC coach Pete Carroll met with former USC quarterback and new Avengers coach Pat O'Hara on Wednesday before practice.

Chris Pousson, a late addition to the team who is on scholarship, took all the snaps today with the kickers and appears to be the new longsnapper.

Linebacker Luthur Brown did not practice because of back issues. He's experienced back problems since his freshman year and underwent surgery.
``We're keeping him quiet,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said.
Brown's absence could be significant because the other reserve middle linebacker, Chris Galippo, is out until October following back surgery.

Starting guard Jeff Byers is out with an enlarged spleen.
``I've been sick for a couple of weeks,'' Byers said. ``I really feel like I am letting the guys down. They're not sure what I have. I'm looking to come back by the weekend or the start of next week.''
Byers said his spleen shrank 1.5 centimeters on Wednesday.

Here's USC coach Pete Carroll on the Maurice Simmons verdict.
``It's most unfortunate news for Maurice and his family,'' Carroll said. ``I don't know the details. We've known the family for a long time.
``His status is being determined by this process. We really can't do anything about it.''

USC recruit Maurice Simmons was convicted today of felony robbery, assault with a firearm and a misdemeanor charge of allowing someone to bring a gun into his car.
He could face anywhere from 3-8 years in prison and there is a less likely chance he would receive probation. Simmons was immediately placed in custody. He will appeal the verdict.
``He can write off his days at USC,'' said Michael Carney, who is Simmons' attorney. ``They're not going to take him.''

A question here about ``the competition,'' as Pete Carroll likes to say.

Here's the schedule and field for when USC plays basketball in Puerto Rico. The Trojans face Seton Hall on Nov. 20 at 5 p.m.

OK, it's not really a rumor. Several schools are already putting out feelers that they are interested in USC recruit Maurice Simmons in case the university holds up his admission following his criminal case.

``I'm already bored and it's the first day,'' one player said after attending several meetings Tuesday. With today's practice starting at 5:30 p.m., it will seem even longer before some real action takes place but Caesar needed to wait until summer school wrapped up for some players before starting.

Here's the last answer session before practices start.

Former USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson is currently starting in the Seattle Seahawks' nickel defense, playing the ``three technique'' position, which is the inside tackle opposite the nose tackle. He's a backup defensive end in the regular defensive formation.

USC's Olympics experience got off a rough start today as the U.S. women's soccer team was upset by Norway, 2-0. USC striker Amy Rodriguez, expected to contribute with star Abby Wambach injured, did not play.

Mark Sanchez is about to change his viewing habits.

With 90,000 fans filling the Coliseum, how does USC crash out of ESPN's Helmet Clash with a first-round loss to South Florida? South Florida? Really? In the first round? Was Tim Floyd coaching?
A program that started when Paul Hackett coached USC vs. a program with more than 100 years of tradition. And it's not even close.

Here's the bios for the new walk-ons. We can't vouch for the heights and weights since some players are more than an inch off in the current media guide.

Wide receiver Patrick Turner's sporting a new look with a thick beard.
``Kyle (Moore) keeps telling me to shave it but I like it,'' Turner said.

Jury began deliberations Tuesday in the criminal case of USC recruit Maurice Simmons.
The district attorney's office offered a plea bargain of three years in prison, which Simmons rejected.A verdict is expected either today or Thursday. If convicted of a felony, USC is not expected to allow Simmons to enroll. If convicted of the misdemeanor, he would probably face some type of action from USC's student affairs office.

Q: Will this season's USC vs. Ohio State game be the most hyped regular season game of the Pete Caroll era? If not which game was and why?

Offensive tackle Butch Lewis is finally up to 300 pounds after weighing as little as 250 after he contracted a virus in Mexico last year. He weighed about 280 most of last season.

We hear former USC center Matt Spanos is getting some reps with the second team during Miami Dolphins training camp.

Basketball trainer Bobby Walls resigned to become a trainer for the Los Angeles Kings' farm club in Ontario.

We've focused on the NCAA Clearinghouse situation for several freshmen but it is worth noting that there were no apparent problems in summer school with returning players and everyone should be eligible, although that becomes official in a few weeks.

Lane Kiffin's father-in-law, former Florida star quarterback John Reaves, was arrested.

Freshman defensive end Malik Jackson is on campus and will report for training camp. His mother is handling getting his senior year transcript sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse so that he can be certified without problems.

Here's the final answers as the anti-transparency crowd remains upset about this forum.

As camp begins, Pete Carroll sees a lot of player rotations.

When USC players report tomorrow for training camp, defensive end Nick Perry and tailback Curtis McNeal will not be there because of academic issues regarding the NCAA Clearinghouse.
I previously mentioned Perry only needs a verification of graduation, so it should happen. McNeal is more complicated but people seem to think he will qualify.

Offensive lineman Daniel Campbell did not qualify and will not attend USC this year. He is enrolled at Hargreaves Military Academy in Virginia for a year and will be free to go anywhere.

USC recruit Malik Jackson is still waiting for the NCAA Clearinghouse to receive a copy of his senior year transcript before he can be certified.

ESPNU ranked its top 150 recruits with Mater Dei QB Matt Barkley No. 1.
Here's the list.

USC is selling black football jerseys on its official online store. This is puzzling for many reasons. Football jerseys are something of a sacred matter for USC. Pete Carroll's previously rejected attempts to wear an alternate uniform. Last year's basketball black jerseys were a flop.
So is this a fashion statement? Perhaps, but an odd choice in lieu of the anti-gang violence rally Carroll held at the Coliseum on Saturday.

Here's some times for readers who want to attend practice.

Oregon State will wear newly designed Nike game jerseys this fall.

The Washington game is now a sellout which means all the home games are sold out.

Who knew who Sarah Carmona was three weeks ago?

Former USC basketball player Lodrick Stewart is considering playing in Germany next season.

The readers are focused like a laser beam on one topic.

A few readers and the athletic dept. are glad football practice starts this week because it might slow down the momentum of Song Girlgate.

In other news, about 1,000 showed up at the Coliseum on Saturday for Pete Carroll's anti-gang violence rally.

No Mid-American Conference football team is ranked in the preseason coaches' poll, but that does not mean the MAC is irrelevant. MAC teams will face a school that is ranked in the preseason Top 25 poll 10 times this year, including No. 1 Georgia.
The little conference did enjoy a magical weekend on Sept. 20, 2003: Marshall upset No. 6 Kansas State 27-20 in Manhattan; Toledo beat No. 9 Pittsburgh 35-31 and Northern Illinois shocked No. 21 Alabama 19-16 in Tuscaloosa.

Or should it be, SGG (Song Girlgate).

That's Song Girls for those wondering. Here's the first group of answers from this forum.

Here's part of the USC football media guide you won't find in the printed version because of the NCAA's 208-page limit.

Looks like Baylor took a page out of the USC basketball handbook.

This a combo forum, on any topic. But I still need to answer the questions in the Song Girl forum, so you have two options there. One question per person please.

It is highly unlikely USC recruit Maurice Simmons would serve jail time if he is convicted of a misdemeanor, but again, whether he is admitted to school could depend on vice president of student affairs, Michael Jackson.
Whenever football players are involved, Jackson tends to be ultra-severe with penalties, so I would expect him to want to get his bite of the apple before everything is resolved.

This is the final Open Forum question.
Q: Any word on when Nick Perry will get to campus, if ever?
A: Perry only needs verification of graduation which should happen soon.

Here's the rest of the Football Forum questions.

USC recruit Maurice Simmons testified in his own trial in Compton Superior Court on Friday, where he is charged with second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and permitting a loaded firearm in his vehicle.
The district attorney's office refused a plea bargain agreement, where Simmons would plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of allowing someone with a gun in his car, according to Simmons' attorney, Michael Carney.
Under that agreement, Simmons would not serve jail time.
``They're trying to allege that Maurice is a gang member,'' Carney said. ``Their witnesses were (unimpressive). I'll have witnesses next week that will testify on Maurice's character.''
The alleged victim of the robbery testified, but wore prisoner clothing because a subpoena was issued to force him to testify and he had an outstanding warrant on another matter.
Simmons was arrested on March 6 along with Lamont Hall, who is charged with second-degree robbery, assault with a firearm and possession of a firearm. Hall is attempting to plea bargain and serve jail time but the judge has not yet decided if he will allow it.

An interesting question about the Coliseum here.

Back to answers.

No. 2-ranked USC will play No. 1-ranked Georgia in the BCS title game, if you believe the coaches' poll released today. And Ohio State, at No. 3, would play Arizona State in the Rose Bowl.
Discuss and full poll after the jump.

Personally, I think the Laker Girls should have added a former USC Song Girl.

Another non-Song Girl question because it's the Football Forum.

Here's another controversial topic.

We're starting off with the football questions here.

Or should we say Wide Order for Charlie Weis? The over/under on regular-season victories for Notre Dame is seven, which means the Irish would win eight games with road games at Michigan State, Washington, North Carolina, Boston College, Navy and USC.

Here's one cheerleader tryout with at least some transparency.