Answer Monday!

Q: In the Pac 10, the travelling squad is restricted to a total of 65 players. Can the visiting team bring more then 65 players and only suit up 65? Any exceptions? It would seem to me that this rule just puts the visiting team at an even greater disadvantage. Do you agree that this is an unfair rule?

A: You may only bring 65 players although some USC players pay their own way and attend games but cannot suit up. I've never liked this rule but it saves money and means less players miss class. At least that is the bureaucratic explanation.

Q; It has often mentioned how the 2001 Arizona game is looked at as the turning point in the Pete Carroll era. What are some other games you look at as being the key games of the Carroll era, from both a positive and negative perspective?

A: I consider the 27-0 victory over UCLA the same season to be a major impact game for two reasons: It established Pete Carroll's credentials that he would be a force in L.A. and it basically made fans happy the first season, even if USC went 6-6 and lost the Vegas Bowl. I also consider the 2002 victory over Notre Dame to be significant because it was one of the most dominating performances ever in that rivalry and propelled USC to its current six-game winning streak over the Irish.

Q: If USC were to win the PAC 10, Ohio State to win the Big 10 and Virginia, yes Virginia, were to win the ACC, who else could say they have a better resume? Nobody else would have beat 2 conference champions. I think at least USC would have to be considered the best 1 loss team in the nation.

A: Perhaps but the weakness of the Pac-10 would more than offset these conference-champion accomplishments. As it is, Penn State's victory over Ohio State probably ended the Buckeyes' chances.

Q: If we took up a collection how much would we need to raise to get you and Dohn to switch beats?

A: I will switch beats when you donate $410,000 to me. That is only 10 percent of Caesar's salary, so it's quite reasonable.