December 2008 Archives

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USC coach Pete Carroll was asked today about the Pac-10's bowl record and focused on Oregon State.
``You saw an Oregon State team come alive this season. They had a slow start, got going, and played great football throughout the year, and for whatever reason, that game for us was one that was not respected in a sense, and Oregon State proved that anybody who thought that was wrong about the year they had.''

Turnovers could be a critical part of tomorrow's game. In Pete Carroll's first five seasons, USC's margin was between plus-1.3 and plus 1.6. But in the past three seasons, it's dropped to plus-0.3, plus-0.2 and plus-0.4.

The USC women's basketball team lost to Utah Valley, BYU and Utah in non-conference games this year.

Should part of Penn State's game plan include making sure it recovers Mark Sanchez and Joe McKnight's fumbles?

It's now 4-0 for the Versus Conference in bowl games. Too bad it does not make up for the 0-4 on Sept. 13 against the Mountain West Conference, especially from USC's perspective. That helped keep the Trojans from earning national respect and being a serious top-two contender. Now the pressure is on Caesar to avoid being the only Pac-10 team to lose.

Joe Paterno, still recovering from hip surgery, said he will coach the Rose Bowl from the pressbox. It worked for Charlie Weis in the Hawaii Bowl.

Oregon State coach Mike Riley broke out the orange jerseys for the Sun Bowl and took the one-timeout penalty that is now accepted practice.

Penn State holds its rally today at Beverly Hills High School at 3:30 p.m. The Nittany Lions band and even Joe Paterno and the football team are scheduled to appear. Parking at the high school is free (but limited).

USC coach Pete Carroll spoke a little bit more today regarding Stanley Havili's situation.
``In the system of accounting for the grades, it took a long time for his grades to get through. Three of our guys are in the same situation. One reason or another. It took
awhile. He came up short units-wise, so he can't play.''

Time to put a number on this Rose Bowl. We'll get things started: USC 27, Penn State 13.

ESPN ignored the Oregon cheerleaders, but maybe this will make up for it a little.

We ask Mitch Mustain if he would transfer and Mark Sanchez talks about distractions in the Morning Buzz.

If you take everyone at their word*, who won following the recent events of the past few days?
USC? Pete Carroll is happy because he says Ken Norton is staying. And he keeps the best linebacker he said he ever coached. That's a victory.
UCLA? It now appears like it will hire a defensive coordinator based on something more than being a star player. An even bigger victory.
So everyone wins? Well, not quite. DeWayne Walker will not be replaced no matter who Rick Neuheisel hires, so that's a loss. But it could have been worse.

*We do not take everyone at their word, but that's for another post.

Can someone inform ESPN that some people watched the Oregon-Oklahoma State for an occassional look at the cheerleaders?

Wide receiver Damian Williams said that like just about everyone else on the team, he applied for early NFL evaluation. But Williams said there is no chance he will go pro. He just wants to know what he needs to work on for next year.

Former USC defensive line coach Jethro Franklin was among a group of assistants let go by the Houston Texans today. He might be a candidate to end up at Tennessee, but we've previously said that Ed Orgeron is expected to become associate head coach and defensive line coach for the Volunteers.
Maybe Rick Neusheisel will call instead.

Pete Carroll was asked today about the Ken Norton-UCLA saga.
``Everybody wanted to see a rivalry,'' he said. ``This is competing. I think it's over. But I bet there will be more stuff.''
One question is how this is different than if a rival school told a recruit that Carroll is leaving for the NFL ? That happens frequently. Or is it different this time because a recruit decommited?

Freshman forward Leonard Washington will make the trip to Oregon with the basketball team although he remains sidelined with a sprained ankle. He is still wearing a protective boot on his foot.

Ken Norton was asked after practice if he was interested in the defensive coordinator's job at UCLA now that DeWayne Walker is going to New Mexico State.
``I'm done talking about that stuff,'' Norton said.

Blake Ayles is out. Damian Williams and Stafon Johnson were proclaimed 100 percent although Williams is expected to receive a painkilling injection in his injured shoulder before the game.

Fullback Stanley Havili has been ruled academically ineligible for the Rose Bowl and will not play. Adam Goodman, D.J. Shoemate and Rhett Ellison will share time at the position.

Here's some Penn State pre-game reaction.

Here's an important quote from Josh Pinkard: "If I get invited to the (NFL) combines, I'm leaving.''

There's still time to drive down to San Diego to watch the Oregon cheerleaders, uh football team, play Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl.

It looks like a top underclassmen's NFL plans have been decided.

I'm going to list some facts here just to illustrate how things got to where they are today.

Item: Last January, Ken Norton and Rick Neuheisel went to dinner to discuss the idea of Norton joining UCLA's staff. Norton eventually declined.
Item: In May, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel tried to push the embarrassing youtube USC walk-on video to recruits. The video was eventually removed from youtube by USC. UCLA denied the allegation.
Item: In July, Narbonne safety Byron Moore decommited from UCLA to USC.
Item: In October, Neuheisel went around town expressing displeasure that Pete Carroll attended two Loyola High games, a violation of NCAA viewing period rules. Carroll said he misinterpreted the rules and was kept from at least one high school game to make up for the violation.
Item: Last week, Carson tight end Morrell Presley decommited from USC to UCLA.
Item: Norton accused UCLA of saying he would leave USC and become defensive coordinator.

Some interesting timing here. Morrell Presley decommits from USC to UCLA. That is followed by Ken Norton's allegations UCLA claimed he is leaving to become their defensive coordinator. At this point, someone is going say, ``why does a tight end like Presley care about Norton?''
The answer is that Norton recruits the City Section and spent more time with Presley than any other USC coach.

The team has the option of seeing the Tom Cruise movie, ``Valkyrie,'' tonight.
That reminds me, a few years ago, they saw the Cruise-movie, ``Collateral'' and Matt Leinart wanted to write on his blog that he did not like the movie. But his comment was not allowed to avoid offending the employee who supplied the film.

Here's is my contentious appearance with Petros and Money tonight.

Pete Carroll on the UCLA recruiting controversy.
``I'm not upset. I'm just glad the air is cleared. The bottom line is it was obvious Ken had to say something. It only happened with guys we were recruiting.''

Linebacker coach Ken Norton spoke after practice about UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's statement denying he told recruits Norton was leaving USC for his alma mater.
``I can't respond until I see it for sure,'' Norton said of the statement. ``I wasn't going to just make something up. Something is being said about me. My issue is they were talking about this stuff to recruits.''
Asked about what would happen if UCLA offered him the defensive coordinator's job next week, Norton said, ``no comment.''

OK, we were with Caesar when he inspected Howard Jones Field tonight and deemed it fit for use. So it will be the location of tomorrow's practice. Practice will be at 12:45 p.m.

Tomorrow's practice might also be at McAllister Field because Howard Jones Field remains soft.

Pete Carroll said Aaron Corp is the new backup QB after having better bowl practices and will assume those duties for the Penn State game.
``The past few weeks he outplayed Mitch,'' Carroll said.

Here's some coaching moves over the Christmas break period. None at USC, of course.

For the second straight day, practice is moved to McAllister Field (30th street and Hoover).

Here's the USC band's playlist for the Rose Bowl halftime show.
``Woman" by Wolfmother (2006)
"Almost Easy" by Avenged Sevenfold (2007)
"The Hand That Feeds" by Nine Inch Nails (2005)

The songs come from the Rock Band and Guitar Hero series of music video games. But don't worry, something tells me we'll still hear some Kansas on New Year's Day.

We made a brief mention of this in the Morning Buzz, that former USC quarterback Pat O'Hara contacted Pete Carroll about the quarterbacks coaching position. He attended several USC practices this season and was the head coach of the Avengers before the Arena Football League suspended the 2009 season.

If you participated in last night's chat, you know there were requests for another picture of Oregon cheerleader Amanda. So here you go.

Does anyone remember Joe Paterno took a swipe at USC in 2004?

Here's some USC reaction from today's practice.

The Senior Bowl officially named linebackers Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews and defensive linemen Fili Moala and Kyle Moore as the USC players who will participate in the game. We previously mentioned this along with the fact safety Kevin Ellison seemed like a strange omission.

We'll have a live chat around 10 p.m. tonight.

Nothing new on Stanley Havili. He is going to turn in some paperwork tomorrow and hope to get cleared. The big winner could be Rhett Ellison although Adam Goodman will practice full-time tomorrow. Blake Ayles remains inactive and looks like he will miss the game. Kevin Ellison is not expected to play.
Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said he's prepared the past month without Havili because of his ankle injury, so it's not a sudden change for the Trojans.
The offense struggled against the defense, especially during the blitz period. USC just left campus for the Beef Bowl.

We hear linebacker Jelani Jenkins will probably visit USC next month. He already made an unofficial visit last summer with his father. If we had to bet, we would say Virginia is the leader right now for the Maryland native.

Adam Goodman (knee) was cleared by doctors to resume practicing as USC waits to hear if Stanley Havili will be academically eligible for the game.

There's a good chance that today's practice will be held on McAllister soccer field (30th and Hoover) depending on how soggy Howard Jones Field is this afternoon.

C.J. Gable makes a decision about his NFL evaluation paperwork, Kris O'Dowd takes a break and a replacement for Dennis Slutak is on the horizon. All in the Morning Buzz.

Here's some USC reaction after today's practice.

Here's some reaction from Penn State players today.

With Stanley Havili ineligible at the moment and Adam Goodman coming back from knee surgery, USC's currently left with D.J. Shoemate or for pure blocking purposes, could move Rhett Ellison to fullback.

It increasingly looks like strong safety Kevin Ellison will not play in the Rose Bowl.
``I don't think so,'' Ellison said. ``My knee's been really sore.''

Fullback Stanley Havili is academically ineligible although Pete Carroll said his status could change by Monday or Tuesday. He cannot practice right now.

When USC played Penn State in the 1923 Rose Bowl, both teams wore their dark jerseys. USC and its opponents in the 1932, 1933, and 1948 Rose Bowls also played in their apparent dark home uniforms.

In Pete Carroll's eight years at USC, he's lost just one game by more than 11 points. In Joe Paterno's first eight seasons, 1966 to 1973, Penn State lost 8 games by more than than 11 points. From 2001 to 2008, the Nittany Lions lost 12 such games.

We asked two players about transfer rumors.

One question per person please. Follow us on twitter at twitter.com/InsideUSC.

USC and Tennessee are talking about playing each other in football but don't expect a Pete Carroll vs. Lane Kiffin matchup. The soonest the Volunteers' schedule is open is 2020.

I watched just enough of No. 1-ranked Mater Dei's victory over No. 2-ranked St. Patrick last night to hear the announcer USC tailback Stafon Johnson and Monarchs guard Gary Franklin, a Trojan commit, are cousins.
Johnson and Franklin's fathers are friends but they are not related.

Former USC safety Alfred Rowe attended practice. He played linebacker at Mt. SAC this season. Rowe said he's spoken to Middle Tennessee State, Kansas and Fresno State about transferring.

USC players returned from Christmas break full of enthusiasm based upon the team meeting held before practice.
``Everyone erupted,'' quarterback Mark Sanchez said. ``When they were going over our week, everyone was excited and can't wait to play.''

Today's practice was held at Cromwell Field because of the Christmas rain. But around noon today, USC had a helicopter fly to Howard Jones Field and hover around in an attempt to dry the field quicker. It's good to be football.

Safety Kevin Ellison's sore knee is not recovering as quickly as hoped and he did not practice today. Wide receiver Damian Williams (shoulder) returned but only in non-contact drills. He said he may not be cleared for contact until the Rose Bowl. Stafon Johnson (knee) practiced and said he felt better though not 100 percent.
Stanley Havili had problems flying back from Utah and missed practice. He should rejoin the team this afternoon.

USC forward Leonard Washington will be out 2-4 weeks with a high-ankle sprain.

USC basketball player Marcus Johnson was academically cleared today and will be able to play Sunday.

Time for questions. One per person please.

For the third time, here are the missing answers from the Song Girls Forum. But at least it's another chance to see Oregon cheerleader Amanda.

It's never too soon to look at next year's defense.

We're going to try to hold a chat tonight around 10 p.m.

If Caesar defeats Penn State, he would own victories over three of the top seven winningest active coaches. Here's a look at the top 10.

We hear one reason Ed Orgeron is returning to college coaching is that the NFL players did not warm to his gung-ho style.

This is my all-time favorite USC picture. As a present to myself, I'm running it again today. Screen legend Greta Garbo was sent to USC in 1926 to pose for some publicity photos with the track team. Garbo initially refused until MGM deducted $25 from her salary, which convinced her to head to campus and don a USC track singlet.

What chance is there USC could open up its offense in the Rose Bowl, something that will be necessary next season.

With its loss to Notre Dame tonight, Hawaii's been outscored 90-31 in its past two bowl games. The last bowl victory was a 41-24 victory over Arizona State in 2006, which was Dirk Koetter's last as Sun Devils coach. But don't mock Koetter too much. He replaced the fired Carl Smith as the Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator.

We found out Notre Dame wore its names on its jerseys in its 1987 bowl game. It was done today as a surprise to the players, who did not know and will keep the kits.
Don't tell Caesar, this is the kind of thing he goes for.

Here's how USC's done in every Rose Bowl it played. Remember you can follow us on twitter.com/InsideUSC.

Does anyone know if Notre Dame ever wore their names on jerseys before?
Of course, USC coach Pete Carroll approved black socks for the Oregon game but was overruled by athletic director Mike Garrett.

Notre Dame is wearing names on the back of its home jerseys at the Hawaii Bowl. And black socks.

Here's how the teams stack up statistically.

USC moved up to ninth in the latest Directors' Cup standings released today. Oregon is fourth. Maybe they include the cheerleaders. But you might be surprised to see which Pac-10 team is currrently ahead of the rest. Here's the link.

Gotta polish off those song girl questions.

Boise State represented TCU's fourth undefeated top-10 opponent of the season. If USC played that schedule, it would be in the BCS title game. Or the Holiday Bowl.

On second thought, what I meant to say was if Taylor Mays went to Oregon, his chances of returning for his senior year would be better.
This is the segment of answers that did not show up yesterday.

USC assistant coach Pat Ruel uses a good analogy to describe Penn State's defense.

The chat below is live, if you are awake.

We're thinking of doing a live chat around 5 p.m.

What about the excesses of the bowls?

Our note earlier today was actually a bit off. The Pac-10 is not 1-9 against Top 25 teams in basketball. It is 1-11.

Are the Oregon cheerleaders the rock stars of the Pac-10? I think so.

As usual, the SG questioners are razor-sharp.

In this segment I mention the ``buzz'' you hear from Pac-10 or other conference coaches on recruits. If I hear a lot of buzz, then I know the recruit is significant. The last answer addresses the buzz on an oft-discussed recruit.

The Pac-10's record against teams that are ranked in the current top 25 is 1-9.
On a side note, Georgia Tech was picked to finish eighth in the ACC by the media at the Atlantic Coast Conference's Operation Basketball media gathering.

We pay tribute to George Lucas in this segment.

This is for stragglers who did not ask a question in the Open Forum. One question per person please.

Back to football!

No, we did not forget the Song Girls' Forum.

How much does Steve Sarkisian make this month? And who is better? Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark or Illinois quarterback Juice Williams?

USC freshman DeMar DeRozan scored 17 points Monday night against Georgia Tech so it seemed like a good time to talk to him about the hype that accompanied him to college.
``A lot of people are not in my shoes,'' DeRozan said. ``They don't understand how hard a transition it is from high school to college. Even in high school, I never bought into the hype.''
It was generally assumed DeRozan would turn pro after this season but his slow start throws doubt into that plan.
``That's one thing that's out of my mind,'' DeRozan said. ``I think about that way down the road. I don't think so much about it now. I just go out and play.''

Maybe after the roof gets fixed, someone can fix the draft blowing through the Galen Center.

I'm considering a moratorium on Morrell Presley questions.

Michael Coleman was just here and is submitting the paperwork to regain admission to the university. He said he would like to return to the football team.

USC is ranked 24th in Collegiate Baseball's preseason rankings. UC Irvine, coached by former Trojan Mike Gillespie, is ranked 20th.

No plastic covering the Galen Center right now despite the early rains.

Tailback Stafon Johnson did not practice today and went to get x-rays afterward on his sore knee.

Practice was at Cromwell Field today because of the rain. But it did not rain during practice.

USC linebacker target Manti Te'o at Notre Dame's first Hawaii Bowl practice at Aloha Stadium.

Recruiting, recruiting, recruiting.

There are simply too many All-American teams. Here's the Pro Football Weekly edition.

It's always an interesting forum when the first question asks if athletic directors are stupid?

The lobby of the arena features pictures of basketball player Jackie Gemelos and volleyball player Taylor Carico. Gemelos has not played a game in three seasons because of knee injuries while Carico recently announced she would transfer.

I keep getting asked in the live chats who USC is recruiting for the offensive line? No one's mentioned this prospect but he is the one I would keep an eye on.

One of USC's best players is snubbed by the Senior Bowl. Plus why USC coach Pete Carroll is waiting until after the Rose Bowl to hire Carl Smith.

Check out the mother of all chat sessions in the post below. And remember you can follow us at http://twitter.com/insideusc if you have a twitter account.

USC director of football operations Dennis Slutak resigned today to become assistant athletic director/director of football operations at the University of Washington.

Penn State is 6-7 against higher-ranked opponents in bowl games. The Nittany Lions open practice today in Southern California after spending last night in Santa Monica just down the street from where USC stayed the past three nights.

If we had to say today, we think there is an 85 percent chance Mark Sanchez will return for his senior season.

One USC lineman is moving to tight end next year. Another's career could be over. And a third probably will never enroll.

We will hold a live chat on Sunday at 7 p.m.

New commitment Jake Harfman of Mt. SAC also punted this season. This is significant because USC needs to do something in the offseason to replace Greg Woidneck. Whether or not it's Harfman at least he is a backup option.
Here's his kicking stats:

It's a good thing USC is not located in Chapel Hill, N.C., Lawrence, Kan., or even Westwood. Because if it was, people might actually care about the basketball team's four-point victory over North Dakota State or the generally shambolic play this season.
At some point there will need to be some scrutiny regarding the evaluation done for this recruiting class (I'm not referring to DeMar DeRozan in this instance) and the distribution of scholarships. Right now, USC's getting something out of one of its four new recruits (again, excluding DeRozan).

Stanley Havili is hobbled by a sore ankle. Fili Moala, who sprained his ankle during a practice, returned and is fine. Blake Ayles is still not running as he slowly recovers from knee surgery.
Pete Carroll said he still has not officially hired Carl Smith as quarterbacks coach. Smith also called plays from the sideline for the New Orleans Saints. Yesterday we mentioned he did it for a season in Jacksonville.
One of the practice visitors was new Washington secondary coach Demetrice Martin, who coached at USC for two seasons.

USC 61, NDS 57.

NDS 49, USC 47 10:12 left.

USC 39, NDS 39. With 12:47 left.

We've talked to quite a few JC coaches recently and when we ask what coaches have visited, the usual answer is Sam Anno. The former USC linebacker and special teams coach is aggresively recruiting Southern California for Central Connecticut State.

North Dakota State 34, USC 29.

With no rain, there's no more plastic covering the student section seats at the Galen Center.

A former USC tailback wants to transfer back into school.

Former USC basketball player Davon Jefferson at the USC-Duke women's basketball team.

USC women's basketball team blew a 17-point second-half lead and lost in overtime to No. 8 Duke 97-89.

Former USC defensive lineman Manuel Wright is a member of the Stockton Lightning of the af2, which is the minor-league version of the Arena Football League, which recently canceled its season.

Steve Sarkisian and Kennedy Pola have talked about the running backs job at Washington but nothing's been decided. Pola might make too much money to leave the NFL and return to college football.

Carl Smith in a USC football sweatshirt and hat. Smith said he called plays from the sideline with the Jacksonville Jaguars, so I guess we can see where this is headed.

USC just offered a scholarship to Cerritos College defensive Ryan Davis who committed to California earlier this week. Davis was on campus today and watched practice. Also watching was Tesoro wide receiver Preston King also attended practice.
And as promised, we contacted one of our Hawaii spies who tells us USC is recruiting offensive lineman Stan Hasiak.

Kicker Jake Harfman of Mt. SAC just committed for next season. He was also offered by Georgia and Louisville and has a long field goal of 56 yards.

USC holds its Rose Bowl rally The Americana at Brand in Glendale lon Monday, December 29 from 6-7 p.m. The event is free and features the Song Girls (which year, I don't know). I think Caesar should make an appearance since Joe Paterno is supposed to show up at the Penn State rally.

Here's a little information on Simioni Vehikite, who committed to USC yesterday and could play fullback or linebacker. He's originally a rugby player and moved to Hawaii from Tonga at age 10. He runs 4.6 in the 40. He played defensive tackle before transferring to Kapolei High School.
We'll post later today on whether USC is interested in his teammate, offensive lineman Stan Hasiak.

While we were out, Jeff Byers received a sixth year from the NCAA.

Mark Sanchez said he was still waiting to hear back from the NFL on his evaluation, so I offered to give him one for free.
``I already know what it would say,'' Sanchez said. ``I've seen the grades. C-, C-, C-.''

We hear Lane Kiffin is debating whether to call plays next season at Tennessee. One would think that was a major selling point when he interviewed for the job. Or was it really the ability to bring along his dad as defensive coordinator?

There was some behind-the-scenes drama during the USC-Notre Dame game that preceeded Vidal Hazelton's transfer.

Steve Sarkisian worked Thursday's practice and made four home visits in the evening in his new role as Washington's head coach.

The computer we used decided to end the chat without warning. Still, we went more than two hours. We'll do the next one over the weekend.

I've been asked a lot about Aaron Corp transfer rumors to Boise State, so I spoke to Corp about it today. He laughed and said people have asked before about it because his best friend, Austin Pettis, plays at Boise. Corp said he never considered leaving USC.

Wide receiver Damian Williams (separated shoulder) could return to practice Sunday or Monday. Safety Kevin Ellison is out as he continues to recover from playing in the UCLA game.

We hear former Michigan quarterbacks coach Scott Loeffler will become the quarterbacks coach at the University of Washington.

Justin Mesa will replace Yogi Roth as the football graduate offensive assistant coach next season.

There's a big piece of plastic on the roof of the Galen Center. Thanks Clark Construction Co.!
UPDATED: There is also plastic covering seats in the student section.

Here's an update on former USC basketball player Elias ``Larry'' Ayuso.

USC All-American setter Taylor Carico intends to transfer for her senior year.

USC is currently outside the top 10 of the current directors' cup standings but another Pac-10 is ranked No. 1.

USC assistant coach Ken Norton at Kapolei High School in Hawaii earlier this week. Maybe he ran into Gib Arnold?

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian received a committment from Narbonne quarterback Josh Moten. He will be an ``athlete'' for the Huskies and not play quarterback.

Time for your favorite questions of the week.

Penn State will hold a rally at Beverly Hills High School on New Year's Eve at 3:30 p.m.on the football field.

Wide receiver Vidal Hazelton's narrowed his transfer choices to two schools.

USC basketball assistant Gib Arnold just rolled into the gym at the Iolani Classic in Honolulu. Among the teams in the tournament is Fairfax, which features USC commit Solomon Hill and USC target Renardo Sidney.
Arnold's alma mater, Punahou, is also in the tournament. Our spies are everywhere.

Rey Maualuga was named MVP at tonight's football banquet. They also gave out a player of the game award for the UCLA game. Remember Pete Carroll eliminated the award in 2006 when USC lost to UCLA. Here's the full list of winners.

We're hearing Ed Orgeron is going to get the double title of associate head coach and defensive line coach at Tennessee.

We hear USC is actually the leader over Florida for the services of Miami linebacker Frankie Telfort.

Jeff Byers still has not heard back from the Pacific-10 Conference regarding his sixth year of eligibility.

If you did not realize the public-relations coup it was for Pete Carroll to unilaterally announce he would give up a timeout to wear cardinal jerseys against UCLA, consider this from ESPN:
``The December 2 story "USC willing to give up timeout to wear red at UCLA" was the most read single story, generating more than 1 million page views.''

We just finished answering questions, so let's start again.

Whew!

The three-hour chat set us back in answering all the questions.

Here's the TV-Radio cast for the Rose Bowl.
ABC: Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit and Lisa Salters
ESPN Radio: Mike Tirico, David Norrie and Erin Andrews

Here's the four USC players who made the Sporting News All-American team.

Some excellent questions in this segment.

Here's the latest on the staff musical chairs, with a little more detail as some people continue to ponder decisions.

In case you missed it, check out our three-plus hour marathon chat that proved enlightening on many topics, including who Sarah Brandner is?

You can now follow us on Twitter at the following address: http://twitter.com/InsideUSC

With the bowl games still to be played, one web site already unveiled its 2009 Top 25. USC is fifth.

That would be USC assistant coach Ken Norton, who nearly lost his best friend on the staff, Rocky Seto, to Washington.

Brian Cushing became the Trojans' third All-American. I can't keep track of all the All-American teams so here's the release.

With Rocky Seto staying, who will Steve Sarkisian hire as his defensive coordinator? He's 0 for 2 after Seto and Nick Holt spurned him.

In this segment, we propose a new job for Beano Cook.

Utah fans demand for online ticket purchases for the Sugar Bowl was so heavy last week that the server had to be closed down for part of last Friday.

Assistant coach Rocky Seto said he turned down the offer to become Washington's defensive coordinator and will remain at USC.

The topic of Steve Sarkisian staying through the Rose Bowl seems to be burning up the forum.

Steve Sarkisian tries to hire another staff member although it looks like Yogi Roth will not be going to Washington.

We'll have a live chat tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.

We hear from knowledgable sources Tennessee was not interested in hiring Lane Kiffin until it heard Monte Kiffin was coming as part of package deal.

Would it be more fun to throw my shoes at the next Lane Kiffin or Steve Sarkisian press conference?

The answers continue and continue.

The NCAA finally cleared freshman forward Nikola Vucevic.

We hear Steve Sarkisian just blew out the last remaining member of the old Husky staff, recruiting coordinator Chris Tormey. Ouch.

Here's Washington's official press release mentioning staff additions. Not mentioned is USC director of football operations Dennis Slutak, who is seriously considering doing a similar job with the Huskies. Or Yogi Roth, who we heard is not going to Washington.

What do Archie Griffin and Brian Cushing have in common?

It's raining. I blame Steve Sarkisian.

Flip-flopping back to the Song Girls Forum.

Finally, a segment without a Daniel Campbell reference.

Rey Maualuga was named the Pac-10's defensive MVP by the Sporting News. Somehow Mike Bellotti was coach of the year. Here's the full list of conference winners.

Of course we could not forget this week's Song Girls Forum answers.

If Penn State cannot sell its Rose Bowl tickets, does it mean the economy is an issue or even the Nittany Lion fans are not thrilled with paying $145 for a game that will not decide the BCS championship.

Rose Bowl tickets are available to the general public from Penn State, by telephone, starting at 7 am, PDT, tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16th. There is a limit of two per customer. Information here.

Back to answer mode.

It's time for Answer Monday, which will performed under duress as I weigh a job offer to move to Seattle and start a new website: Washingtonripsitoff.com.

C.J. Gable said his body language kept him in the doghouse during the UCLA game.

With Steve Sarkisian staying through the Rose Bowl, it would seem a perfect opportunity for John Morton to call the plays. Except for one small problem: At this moment, it does not look like John Morton will call the plays.
A new quarterbacks coach will not join the staff until Sarkisian leaves, so that leaves Morton or Sarkisian (or Pete Carroll) as the remaining candidates for the Penn State game. I'd vote for Morton and let Sarkisian worry about the Washington job.

ESPN reports that San Diego State will hire Ball State coach Brady Hoke. That would mean UCLA would then retain DeWayne Walker (barring another job offer) and USC linebackers coach Ken Norton would not replace Walker. For now.

Through the aid of a reader, we now are available via Twitter at http://twitter.com/InsideUSC.

Washington fans are probably relieved to hear Memphis offensive line coach Rick Mallory and Louisville offensive coach Brent Myers are the top candidates for the Huskies' offensive line job. Neither has USC connections and are former Husky assistants.

Because I interviewd an NFL scout who believed Mark Sanchez should turn pro, I understand the reasons behind waiting until January to see if the junior quarterback will return for another season.
But there is also a part of me that finds it a bit incredulous that we are even talking about it. Specifically, does a season playing against some of the worst teams in the country in an offense that enthusiastically removed the deep-passing game from its arsenal qualify as an immediate ticket to the NFL? The answer is probably yes.

Florida recently announced an autograph policy for the post-season:
``University of Florida football student-athletes (in particular Tim Tebow) have continued to be inundated with requests for autographs. During the weeks ahead, the UAA is strongly asking Florida fans to allow players focus to be on their rigorous schedules as successful student-athletes. The UAA has asked Tim not to fulfill these autograph requests due to their overwhelming number.
``With this in mind, the UAA is asking fans not to come to the practice field or attempt to have materials signed by members of the Florida football team throughout their preparations for their semester exams and bowl appearance. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we seek to ensure the team's continued success at the University of Florida.''

So this means Tebow actually signed autographs for the past year after winning the Heisman Trophy? He really is the anti-Matt Leinart.

Notre Dame unveiled a countdown to playing in the Hawaii Bowl? I think their fans would rather see a countdown to Charlie Weis' knee surgeries.

This is for stragglers who did not ask a football question in the Open Forum.

USC tailback Stafon Johnson considers his options.

For those keeping score, Steve Sarkisian's hired two USC strength coaches, tried to hire two assistant coaches (Rocky Seto, Yogi Roth), hired an administrative staff member and offered another a graduate assistant's position.
Does he know anyone outside USC? Can't he go hire some people at El Camino College?

Clay Matthews was invited to the Senior Bowl, which means he will get a chance to significantly raise his draft stock because of the large number of NFL scouts and coaches who attend that game.

Steve Sarkisian, in a purple Washington sweater, at the Mt. SAC-Butte College game tonight.

And here's another All-American team with Mays and Maualuga.

Linebacker Rey Maualuga and safety Taylor Mays were named to the Football Writers Assn. of America's All-American team. Here's the full team:

Oregon's $200 million basketball arena will be named for Phil and Penny Knight's late son. The Matthew Knight Arena is scheduled to open for the 2010-11 basketball season.

Rocky Seto is still making up his mind about the Washington defensive coordinator's job.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno admitted this weekend he had someone else fill out his coaches' ballot much of the time when he voted in the USA Today poll.
``I don't know what the other people did, but until it came down to crunch time, I usually had somebody on the staff (do it), to be honest with you,'' Paterno said.

Here's more details on the latest with Rocky Seto and John Morton. And who is calling plays?

USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian quickly changing allegiances and into Washington gear at tonight's Oaks Christian-Serra championship football game. Also watching was UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow (though not within speaking distance of Sarkisian, of course).

Mark Sanchez, who will not practice this weekend because his ankle is still sore from the UCLA game, said he sent the NFL an early evaluation form.
``They said there's no guarantee I would hear back by the declaration date,'' Sanchez said. ``I honestly haven't broken it down. I'd like to do it after the (Rose Bowl).''

Here's Tim Floyd's comment on Marcus Simmons.
``Marcus had a chance after being away from the team for a few days to realize he has not dealt with his rash of injuries in the proper way by trying to walk away from it. He wants to graduate from this university and contribute in any way he can and asked for reinstatement. We are welcoming him back to the team and look forward to seeing him on the floor in our upcoming games.''

John Morton was promoted to offensive coordinator today but there is still some mystery over who will call plays? Pete Carroll said tonight he has not decided yet because it depends on who becomes the quarterbacks coach. He said he's comfortable with Morton calling plays but needs some time to sort things out.
What's significant to me is that Morton will remain in the pressbox. So it's probably better for USC if he does call plays, instead of someone down on the sideline doing it like Steve Sarkisian the past two years.

USC defensive coordinator Nick Holt turned down Steve Sarkisian's offer to become defensive coordinator at Washington.

Rocky Seto said he was offered the defensive coordinator's position at Washington. He will make a decision within a couple days.

Marcus Simmons is no longer transferring after meeting with Tim Floyd.

Syracuse athletic director Daryl Gross hired former Orangeman captain and player Doug Mazzone as the new coach. An extremely safe choice which protects Gross from blame for ignoring the alumni after the disastrous Greg Robinson hire.
UPDATED: Then again, we love the reaction of our favorite , we love the reaction of our favorite Syracuse blogger.

Mt. San Antonio College faces Butte College in the mythical national championship game tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Orange Coast College. Butte features defensive end Brandon Rankin, who recorded six sacks in a game. He would interest USC but does not have the academic qualifications to gain admission.
There's also Mt. SAC defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo, who already committed to USC. Fangupo's had a mixed season and more than a few JC coaches have expressed doubts whether he will be able to play at USC.

We frequently discuss the need for a special teams coach and I think this season even demonstrated the loss of Sam Anno, who handled the kickers the previous two seasons.
For starters, punter Greg Woidneck's average dropped from 37.9 yards to 36.6. Kicker David Buehler enjoyed a good season, especially on kickoffs, but he missed more field goals this season (8-12) than last season (16-19).
Again, these are subtle differences, not tremendous, but I think you could easily make the case Anno was missed. And to a greater extent, a full-time special teams coach would make a significant difference.

USC just announced it will not practice Sunday.

If you go by the starting lineup for the UCLA game, USC's defense started nine seniors and Taylor Mays, which means 10 starters could be different for next season's opener.

USC defensive end Kyle Moore on not making the BCS title game.
``We thought if we kept winning that we'd be back in the top three and somehow we're not. But we can't worry about it.''

We're hoping to do a live chat around 3 p.m. here today.

USC safety Taylor Mays weighs his options.

ESPN NFL analyst Mark Schlereth went off on Reggie Bush tonight after an OT loss to the Chicago Bears.
``Reggie Bush is not a good football player,'' Schlereth said.
UPDATED: Schlereth went even further.
``To me right now, you look at him compared to Pierre Thomas, Pierre Thomas is so much better.
``He's a liability in blitz pickup. He is a liability getting those tough, inside yards.
``Reggie Bush will always decide to step out of bounds.''

Rey Maualuga finally won an award. He won the Bednarik Award, which is given by the Maxwell Football Club (whatever that is) to the nation's top defensive player. I don't know if the Bednarik ranks with the Butkus or Lombardi, but it definitely is better than the Lott Award.

USC will hold all its bowl practices on campus. Last year, the Trojans held several practices at the Home Depot Center in Carson and stayed at a hotel in Santa Monica. That was done to relieve the monotony of yet another Rose Bowl.

Texas ran its streak of having a Walter Camp First Team All-America selection to nine consecutive seasons (2000-08) - the longest current mark in the country. Ohio State is second with eight consecutive years (2001-2008), followed by USC, with seven (2002-2008). The all-time longest streak is Notre Dame, 18 years (1964-81).

Rey Maualuga and Taylor Mays were named Walter Camp first-team All-Americans today.

Here's a pretty upset reader's opinion today.

Mark Kizla of the Denver Post voted Rey Maualuga second for the Heisman Trophy.

The SEC named its all-freshman team today. Where would it finish in the Pac-10? Second? Third?

East Carolina coach Skip Holtz is considered the frontrunner for the Syracuse job. That means athletic director Daryl Gross tried to hire Lou Holtz at USC in 1997 and Skip Holtz in 2008. I wonder what this guy thinks about that?

Former USC linebacker Josh Tatum will enroll at Missouri. Although Tatum said earlier this year he wanted to come back to USC, the Trojans did not really recruit him.

USC secondary coach Rocky Seto will probably speak to Steve Sarkisian about a possible job on the Washington, but Seto went to Hawaii this week to recruit. Hawaii is home to linebacker Manti Te'o, the prep winner of the Butkus Award and perhaps USC's top remaining target.

We hear he's going to hire former Arizona and current San Jose State linebackers coach Charlie Camp as his linebackers coach.

Pete Carroll is one of nine finalists for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award, which is handed out by the Football Writers Association of America.
Texas' Mack Brown, Texas Tech's Mike Leach, Florida's Urban Meyer, Penn State's Joe Paterno, Boise State's Chris Petersen, Alabama's Nick Saban, Oklahoma's Bob Stoops and Utah's Kyle Whittingham are the other finalists.
Carroll's never won but was a finalist three times (2003-05).

Time for more football questions. One per person please.

Time for more questions. One per person please.

No official announcement yet on John Morton and the latest on the Steve Sarkisian-USC-Washington staff moves.

We hear Washington coach Steve Sarkisian hired USC's assistant director of football operations Jared Blank.

Washington coach Steve Sarkisian hired Idaho assistant coach Johnny Nansen as his defensive line coach, making Nansen his first official hire.
UPDATED: What's the connection? Nansen was an assistant for Nick Holt at Idaho and worked many USC camps.

Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, Texas quarterback Colt McCoy and Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford were invited to New York for the Heisman Trophy celebration.
Tebow is trying to become the first quarterback since Matt Leinart to win the Heisman and national title in the same season.

USC linebacker Rey Maualuga makes the Rivals All-American first team.

Teams that USC defeated in basketball this season are a combined 12-24 and only one has a winning record. One of the teams USC beat, San Francisco, owns a victory over the Academy of Art.

If what I'm hearing is true, that Steve Sarkisian is looking at Ron English, the Louisville defensive coordinator, to be his own defensive coordinator, along with former USC assistant Demetrice Martin, those are moves that would be respected with the coaching community.
I'm curious who will become the non-playcalling offensive coordinator and I wouldn't be surprised if he hired Yogi Roth as his quarterbacks coach.

In case today's poll question was tough to decide, here's a web site that recaps some of the candidates.

Can this blog handle another forum? A reader asks.

Some non-football questions even got asked this week. Amazing.

Familiar names are surfacing as potential coaching staff members at Washington.

If Joe McKnight, instead of C.J. Gable, fumbled the first play of the UCLA game, would he have sat out most of the rest of the game?

Did Rey Maualuga and Brian Cushing split the vote?

Should Sam Bradford turn pro?

Will USC's defensive losses prevent it from being in next year's BCS title game?

Now this is not good news at all, especially after I had the pleasure of meeting Stacey Dales at the Virginia game.

Someone actually wants USC ranked ahead of Florida.

Here's the picture we promised of the new 2009 song girls. Congratulations!

Back to the grind.

Rose Bowl tickets are a mere $145. Such a deal!

It's obvious today that the readers are intensely interested in the offensive coordinator's job and who should get it, and so far, many want an outside hire.

The readers will be ranking the Pac-10's best soon.

In this segment, how long before Tennessee fans revolt?

Without further adieu, it's time to answer questions.

Coming later today, a reader photo of the new song girls!

Here's one of our practice photos from our UCLA cheerleader photo session. Hey, we needed adequate prep time with one of the Pac-10's top two squads.

Here's the schools former USC wide receiver Vidal Hazelton is mulling before he enrolls somewhere next month.

Media reports in Seattle said Steve Sarkisian will be paid $1.75 million in 2009, $1.85 million in 2010, $2 million in 2011, $2.1 million in 2012 and $2.3 million in 2013.
He could receive bonuses each of up to $1.25 million, including $500,000 for winning a national title.

Here's what else our NFL scout said on Mark Sanchez.
``I think he should come out now. How much better will he get in a year? He should turn pro and be a backup next year with an NFL team. It would be better preparation for him.''

Here's the most appearances at No. 1 in the BCS standings (through Dec. 7, 2008): Oklahoma 18; Ohio State 15, USC 15; Florida State 7; Miami (Fla.) 7; Alabama 5, Nebraska 5; Tennessee 5, Texas 3, LSU 2, Missouri 1; UCLA 1 - total of 12 schools, 84 standings.

Our NFL scout attended the UCLA game on Saturday. Here's his evaluation:
``They're not a great offense. Damian Williams and Joe McKnight are the two best players. I like Mark Sanchez, he's a good player. Patrick Turner comes up with a play here or there. They tried to make UCLA adjust early and once they did that, they never adjusted to UCLA's adjustments. UCLA could not blitz effectively without Lockett. Sanchez made some good plays scrambling.''

USC guard Dwight Lewis was named Pac-10 basketball player of the week. And the soft-serve machine works too!

We hear that Steve Sarkisian approached DeWayne Walker briefly after the game to feel him out about Washington but nothing happened substantially.

Rey Maualuga is named Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year.

We received a report from an astonished visitor at the USC-USF game at the Galen Center last week on the status of the soft-serve ice cream machine.
``It does work. I almost fainted in amazement before the San Francisco game (that was before I almost fainted in amazement at how bad the basketball team is). Vanilla, chocolate AND swirl.''
Now that only leaves Pedalgate and Song Girlgate plus whatever else we need to solve.

Rick Neuheisel voted USC No. 3 and controversially, Oklahoma No. 4, in his final top 25 ballot. Mike Riley also had USC No. 3 while Mike Bellotti voted USC No. 4. Jeff Tedford and Ty Willingham also placed the Trojans No. 3. Here's the complete poll results.

Some of you kept asking for an NFL scout's opinion of the offense, so we asked one who watched every game and attended the UCLA game.
``They try to make it seem like they're doing a bunch of different things but they're not. (Steve Sarkisian) wants to make it look like he wants to run the ball but he really wants to throw it.
``The running plays are simple and they do quick passes or play-actions. They do a good enough job with good players. They get the guys to line up in the right spots. This is not a well-oiled machine. It's not clean.''
Later today, we'll have his evaluation on the UCLA game.

According to BetOnline.com, its handicappers decided USC would win an 8-team playoff. It made USC a 7-point favorite over Alabama in the quarterfinals, a 2.5 point favorite over Oklahoma in the semifinals and a 2-point favorite over Florida in the title game. The full bracket is after the jump.
``Flat out, college football needs a playoff," said BetOnline.com odds maker T.J. Kendrick. "The fact that USC is the favorite to win a BCS title they won't even have a shot at this season really sheds light on one of the many flaws the current BCS structure presents. The best team may not win the national title because of a computer."

Would Steve Sarkisian, who is the coach closest to Matt Barkley, try to lure the quarterback to Washington before he enrolls at USC next month? After all, it does fall under the ``competing'' mantra that Pete Carroll respects above all else.

```We're gonna be a physical team on and on off the field.''
-- New Washington coach Steve Sarkisian
Perhaps he wants to return the Huskies to their former glory under Rick Neuheisel, as chronicled in that Seattle Times series.

It was a beautiful day at the Rose Bowl, especially when I met the friendly UCLA cheerleaders. Rumor has it a game took place afterward. Photo courtesy of Barry Markowitz.

Here's the grades on the victory over UCLA.

Here's the latest on offensive coordinator and the USC-Penn State pairing in the Rose Bowl.

USC assistant coach John Morton is eager for a chance to become an offensive coordinator.
``It's been one of my goals,'' he said. ``I've earned my stripes. If it happens, it happens. If not, it doesn't.''

``I'm assuming if I'm offensive coordinator I'd call the plays,'' assistant coach John Morton said tonight. ``There's a certain blueprint and obviously here it's been successful. There's no reason to change anything. My philosophy is to make sure the quarterback gets in a rhythm and establishing the running game and have a well-balanced attack to help keep the defense on its toes.''

Pete Carroll said he spoke to John Morton today about the offensive coordinator's position.
``We're working though it,'' he said. ``I don't have a time table. I'm excited about John and what he brings. I did talk to Carl (Smith). Something is possible there.''
Reading between the lines, Morton could be elevated to offensive coordinator and Smith hired as the quarterbacks coach. Carroll did not want to say who would call plays.

Texas defensive end Brian Orapko won the Nagurski Award tonight. USC linebacker Rey Maualuga was one of the finalists.

``Southern Cal's a team that I think is one of the two or three best in the country. I've been watching them for the last two weeks on film trying to get a feel for their personnel.''

Regarding the potential apathy from playing in a fourth straight Rose Bowl, Pete Carroll said, ``We heard those questions last year and had an explosion.''
He later said, ``That's absolutely media driven or fan driven. That's not our guys talking.''

All season long, even after last night's victory, Pete Carroll said, ``We played one-and-a-half bad quarters'' this season, in reference to the Oregon State loss.
But doesn't he really mean the defense played one-and-a-half bad quarters? Because the offense played at least 20-25 this season.
When USC looks from the outside tonight at the BCS title game, it can blame the offense. It was lackluster yesterday and did not improve. In fact, I can remember more plays against Virginia or Ohio State off the top of my head than against any in November. The No. 1 culprit is the playcalling, but perhaps a bigger crime is a lack of confidence in certain positions (quarterback, wide receiver) that prevented the Trojans from being dynamic.
Watch Florida, Oklahoma or Texas. USC had a tailor-made schedule for a national title and blew it, because it didn't allow its offense to complement its stellar defense.

USC blows out Ohio State and the Buckeyes are supposed to get the Fiesta Bowl's at-large berth? Ohio State didn't beat anybody this season. Neither did USC but it did beat Ohio State. USC vs. Texas is a game that would rival Florida vs. Oklahoma. This system is not working.

USC did not allow a sack yesterday, which was quite a difference from the 2006 game when UCLA applied pressure the whole game.
Conversely, the Trojans did not sack quarterback Kevin Craft one time. This is consistent with USC's desire to stay in its base defense against UCLA, content to play it safe against a struggling offense.

The USC student managers defeated UCLA's student managers 14-7 on Friday.

Isn't USC precisely the type of place where you go out and get some top-flight offensive coordinator. Nothing against promoting from within, but even a tyrant like Alabama coach Nick Saban went out after last season and hired Jim McElwain who was assistant head coach at Michigan State, the quarterbacks coach for the Oakland Raiders and offensive coordinator at Fresno State.

USC's won nine of the past 10 games against UCLA. So Paul Hackett gets an assist in there too.

If UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker gets another job, like at San Diego State, it means Ken Norton will again become the prime candidate to replace him.

Before the game, UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker went over to shake Pete Carroll's hand and later shook hands with Steve Sarkisian. UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow went to a different part of the field and was not near the USC coaches during the initial part of warmups.

The Seattle Times reported Steve Sarkisian will make $1.85 million per year at Washington in a five-year deal.

Here's the place for stragglers to ask football questions that did not ask in the Open Forum. One per person please.

Here's the new helmets Steve Sarkisian will switch to for next season at Washington.

Here's the final regular season Top 25 poll for the Associated Press.

Pete Carroll said assistant coach John Morton will be the new offensive coordinator, which means he will not join Steve Sakisian at Washington.

USC got flashbacks to 2006 before it regrouped and beat its crosstown rival.

Mark Sanchez did not leave the game until less than two minutes remained. He said he suffered what he thought was a shoulder stinger, absorbed three late hits and cut his neck. So why is was in a 28-7 game that late is a bit of a mystery, especially since knocking him out of the game would make UCLA's day.
``All of a sudden, it was over and time ran out,'' USC coach Pete Carroll said, when asked why Sanchez stayed in for so long. ``It was a championship game and we wanted to take care of it.''

USC needed a one-year exemption from the Pac-10 because the reality was that no matter what the Trojans did after the Oregon State game, they could not earn enough respect to move up the polls and make the BCS title game.
``All year, for whatever reason, the loss we had hung on us,'' Pete Carroll said. ``It didn't seem that the opinion of that loss ever changed.''
Here's a couple reasons why it didn't: Oregon State lost two games by a combined 57 points. The Pac-10 is awful. Florida beat an 11-0 team that was ranked No. 1, not 4-8 UCLA on the final day.
The real travesty is Texas, which gets left out despite beating Oklahoma. It also beat Big 12 title game finalist Missouri and then-undefeated Oklahoma State. And it barely lost to 11-1 Texas Tech.

Swimsuit model Marisa Miller and the fat booster. But not together, of course.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez finished the regular season with 30 touchdown passes. It is the fourth-most in a season by a USC quarterback. Matt Leinart threw 38 touchdowns in 2003 and 33 in 2004. Carson Palmer threw 33 in 2002.

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez on the three late hits.
``I knew they were coming after me. That was just the way they were playing today. It's a sign of respect when teams are really coming for you.
``I was just taking their hits and trying to move on. There were some good licks. I have a couple of scars and bumps and bruises to prove it. It was fun. It's a physical game, and I loved being a part of it.''
For the record, Sanchez had some cuts in his neck from one of the hits.

Tomorrow's BCS announcement will now take place around 5:20 p.m.

If you attended the game, you probably saw a near-meeting between the teams in the middle of the field before the start of the second half. USC came out and started dancing and then UCLA got excited and the teams headed toward midfield.
``We were over there dancing to the music songs that came on,'' wide receiver Patrick Turner said. ``What was that song? `Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh.' I think it was that one. That's one of the songs we dance to before the games. I guess they took it the wrong way and they came over there. We were just jumping.''

Wide receiver Damian Williams will be out up to two weeks with a slightly seperated shoulder.

``I don't feel like we took over the game. Credit to them. DeWayne (Walker) does a great job.''

Washington is announcing right now that Steve Sarkisian is its new coach. Ah wonderful, ah wonderful, ah wonderful.

Superior athletes make coaching irrelevant in lopsided games. Discuss the game.

The offense scored 28 points with 8:12 remaining but does anyone feel satisfied at this point?

David Buehler missed his third FG of the game but it really won't matter. Because this is the Versus Conference, not the SEC or Big 12.

The Orange Bowl has two reps at the game. Why? I have no idea?

Malik Jackson is eligilble for the second half.

This game is so bad that it doesn't even matter USC is losing the turnover battle, 2-0.

My prediction in today's paper was 28-10. So if USC does not score the rest of the game, I'm OK. The UCLA fans are starting to accept the inevitable, based upon the fan noise.

Where's C.J. Gable been since the fumble?

I don't want to knock the kicking game too much but there have two stressful moments this listen when the Trojans lined up for a field goal and they are 0 for 2. At Arizona, USC missed a field goal that would have put the game away and in the first quarter today, missed another one. The crowd was loud enough and the score (7-0) surprising enough to make it a crunch field goal, im my opinion.
There was also miss right before halftime, but with USC ahead 21-7, it's not exactly a crunch moment.

Mark Sanchez looked at me and did a ``whew'' motion and wiped his forehead on the pass in the first quarter when he nearly had a pass intercepted but a pass interference penalty was called instead.

Quite a half. And quite a few runs on third down. During the first quarter someone asked if Steve Sarkisian could go to Washington before the game.

Which defense will score more points today? USC's defense scored only two touchdowns this season and it will be interesting to see if UCLA's defense can force turnovers off Mark Sanchez (or Joe McKnight).

No surprise at the direction things are headed regarding the offensive coordinator.

The media interview USC coach Jess Hill in 1951. Everyone dressed better in those days, obviously.

Does this week have the usual emotion for the crosstown rivalry?

I was told by a Seattle radio station there are rumors that Ed Orgeron, Ken Norton, DeWayne Walker and Norm Chow are being mentioned as potential assistant coaches at Washington.
Let's clear it up: None of those guys will work in Washington. As you know, Sarkisian and Chow are not on speaking terms. Norton would not move to Seattle. Walker would not move as an assistant. Going to Washington would be a step down for Orgeron.

Because of the Steve Sarkisian situation and Pete Carroll's lighting of the Christmas tree, Ask Caesar will be postponed. But next week we'll ask two reader questions.

I've heard complaints about the playcalling this season from all angles. And there were plenty of complaints two years ago too. But whether it was Lane Kiffin or Steve Sarkisian, the fact is Pete Carroll is the unofficial offensive coordinator. Just something to bear in mind when a replacement is hired.

A female student at the rally was asked the highlight of her time at USC: ``I took ballroom dancing with Matt Leinart,'' she said.

At last night's bonfire rally, a comedian said, ``I have money on the game. I'm in a betting pool with Rick Neuheisel.''
The reaction was silence.

Here's today's latest Tom Hoffarth installment on USC.

Time to pick the score of the crosstown rivalry. I'd advise against picking 21-14. In USC's entire history, there's been only one game with that score but the Trojans did win a baseball title over Arizona State by a 21-14 score.

Steve Sarkisian got the Washington offer but won't formally accept until after the UCLA game.

New Mexico State called USC assistant coach Ken Norton but he said no before an interview could take place.

We hear Fresno State's Pat Hill and Texas Tech coach Mike Leach were never offered the Washington job. Not surprising, with Leach's personality considered an interview killer.

Assistant coach John Morton said he would definitely be interested in the offensive coordinator's job at USC. But he could also be a candidate at Washington because Steve Sarkisian brought him to USC.
At this point, former assistant coach Carl Smith remains the frontrunner and of course, officially, nothing's happened.

What a night for Steve Sarkisian to be speaking at the bonfire rally! He offered to introduce me at the rally if I stayed to hear him speak but the readers awaited.
He denied he accepted the Washington job today or that it was offered.
``I have interviewed with Washington. Nothing's been finalized in any way shape or form,'' he said. ``There's been some communication but nothing in writing one way or another.''
Sarkisian told Washington he did not want to do anything on his end until after Saturday's game against UCLA.

We hear Petros is about to give his version of last night's fireworks exchange right now.

The rosters for the Under Armour All-America game are here and here.

That is our new nickname for Lane Kiffin, for who else could get an NFL and plum SEC job by 33?

Steve Sarkisian interviewed with Washington on Thanksgiving. Carl Smith's been hovering around USC since Saturday. Does this mean John Morton will not be the next offensive coordinator?

Fresno State coach Pat Hill and Texas Tech coach Mike Leach withdrew themselves from consideration for the Washington job. That leaves you know who.

If USC lost to UCLA on Saturday, could the Trojans still be selected for a BCS bowl?

There's no rule saying you have to throw deep to win games. USC is 10-1 after all. But when a couple people with close connections to the football program blamed it on opposing defenses (those nasty Pac-10 defense at that), it made me wonder why opponents don't seem to share a similar philosophy with Oklahoma.
Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford averages 15.22 yards per completion and has nine completions of more than 50 yards, all for TDs. I'm sure one of the answers will be, ``Big 12 defenses are terrible,'' so I'll get that one out of the way now. Unlike Washington and Washington State, of course.

With all the attention focused on Pete Carroll and Norm Chow and Steve Sarkisian this week, it's worth also noting that UCLA assistant coach Wayne Moses also coached at USC in 2001. And he was basically fired because he and then-wide receivers coach Lane Kiffin did not get along with each other.
If you're keeping score, that meant Kiffin clashed with Chow and Moses among current UCLA assistant coaches. It will be interesting to see if there is handshake between Moses and Carroll after the game.

One question per person please.

Time to ask all those questions that were not asked last week.

USC coach Pete Carroll bluntly criticized the job he did in 2001.

The USC-UCLA series is not the only one to feature both teams in their dark jerseys. The Trojans upset No. 1-ranked Cal in 1951 with both teams featuring home kits. USC is the team with the striped jerseys in the picture.

I was going to write tonight how dull it seemed around campus this week for a USC-UCLA game, but that was before Thursday's fireworks detailed in the post below. I have not spoken to Petros Papadakis (I have a standing rule to only speak to him when I am on his show or cornered in a pressbox), but I would imagine tomorrow's show will be worth listening to for a full recap.

Our spies said there was quite an emotional scene right outside Heritage Hall after practice when assistant coach Pat Ruel gave a tongue-lashing to former USC tailback and radio talk-show Petros Papadakis.
Several players witnessed the incident as they went to the locker room.
Ruel was upset that USC does not get more respect in the BCS rankings and Papadakis is part of a show centered on the BCS.
``I just asked him a question,'' Ruel said. ``He's sitting there kissing up to the Big 12 so I asked a question.''
Observers said Ruel was heated and Papadakis, who came down to USC because of a rare day off from radio duties, mostly listened. It might rank up there with the time Ruel threw agents out of the lobby of Heritage Hall three years ago.

Tailback Stafon Johnson said his bruised thigh improved and he would be able to play Saturday. Kevin Ellison is also on track to play along with Stanley Havili.

So Oregon named offensive coordinator Chip Kelly the successor to Coach Mike Bellotti. This is all started because Kelly was about to interview for the Syracuse job. And who do you think recommended Kelly for that job? We hear none other than Pete Carroll.

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame announced today that Pacific-10 Commissioner Tom Hansen, Ivy League Executive Director Jeffrey Orleans and Big East Commissioner Mike Tranghese will be recognized with NFF Legacy Awards during the 2008 NFF Annual Awards Dinner on Dec. 9 at the Waldorf- Astoria in New York City.

We hear UCLA packed its blue jerseys for the 2003 USC-UCLA game at the Coliseum but decided not to break them out.

We talked last week about USC's third-down conversions and the Trojans were 5-11 against Notre Dame. Now consider that Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford completed 10-of-13 third-down passes at Oklahoma State last Saturday. Those completions resulted in eight first downs and two touchdowns (two were both first downs and touchdowns). The average completion covered 17.3 yards. Bradford also was 1-of-1 on fourth down for a touchdown.

Would USC be wiser to redshirt Vidal Hazelton back in October rather than lose him to transfer?

During the USC-UCLA football rally at 'L.A. Live' on Friday morning, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles will be collecting canned/non-perishable food and gently-used clothing for the holiday season.
The rally apparently goes from 6-10 a.m. as radio host Colin Cowherd broadcasts from L.A. Live.

Here's an interesting Dennis Dodd column on how someone did not even vote in the Harris Poll last weekend.
And then there was this exchange:
``Daily Oklahoman columnist Berry Tramel ran into Harris voter Pat Quinn. Quinn is a former sports information director at Oklahoma State. Tramel asked Quinn about the Texas-Oklahoma issue.
"Oh I don't know," Tramel quoted Quinn as saying. "Doesn't really matter."
``Why?
"I think Alabama and Penn State will probably play for the national championship," Quinn said. "They're the only undefeated teams, aren't they?"

USC and UCLA wore their cardinal and blue jerseys against each other from 1957-82. They also wore the home uniforms in crosstown rivalry games in 1949-51.
That means the tradition was suspended nearly as long as it actually occurred.

More questions from our faithful readers.

Time to ask Pete Carroll a question. Deadline is 3 p.m. Thursday. And here's last week's question.

Tommy Trojan gets covered up for this week's USC-UCLA game. Oh wait, this is a 1951 version. Is that a successor to George Tirebiter in the foreground?

Steve Sarkisian interviewed with Washington and it sounds like he's a legitimate candidate.

Vidal Hazelton on his decision to transfer: ``I'm leaving on good terms with Coach Carroll. You've got to go through adversity and struggles. I went up there and gave all of them a hug and thanked them for everything.''

Pete Carroll commented on Vidal Hazelton's transfer.
``We'll do everything we can to help him,'' Carroll said. ``This is a very difficult program and it's not for everybody. He's up against some really good players. (Assistant coach) John Morton was always fighting for him (for playing time). We tried the best we could. Sometimes guys take your spot away.''

Malik Jackson will be suspended for the first half of Saturday's game between USC and UCLA. He was ejected near the end of the Notre Dame game.

Stafon Johnson did not practice because of a bruised thigh. He hopes to return tomorrow. Stanley Havili and Kevin Ellison also missed practice. Havili expects to return tomorrow while Ellison is day-to-day.

You ask, we answer.

USC wide receiver Vidal Hazelton has decided to transfer, according to sources inside the athletic dept. Hazelton will not be at football practice today. Sources said Hazelton is leaving for several reasons, including to move closer to his family in New York. His grandfather was recently diagnosed with cancer. He could not be reached for comment.

Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford has a higher pass-efficiency rating than the past 10 Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks.

The Wall Street Journal makes the case that USC is the best, if not the most deserving, to play in the BCS title game.

Pac-10 coordinator of football officials Dave Cutaia requested clarification on what the penalty would be for violation of the football rule regarding contrasting colors for football jerseys. Following is the interpretation from NCAA Secretary-Rules Editor Rogers Redding. It differs from previous interpretations received on the same subject. Bottom line--the team in violation will be assessed one timeout.

Here's Pete Carroll's press conference.

I'm jacked up for the USC-UCLA game! Oh wait, for a second, I thought I was Pete Carroll.

How about that Nittany Lion getting arrested? That might be the highlight of going to the Rose Bowl.

USC quarterbacks Mark Sanchez, Clay Matthews and Garrett Green lead the way on the Pac-10's All-Academic team.

Maybe USC should play every road game in its cardinal jerseys and then just play with four timeouts to force efficient clock management.

Did you know USC wore white jerseys at home regularly during the 1930's? Someone needs to ask Julie Bescos about this. I'm still not sure exactly when the Cardinal v. Blue jersey because a crosstown tradition. But it might be the 1960's.
On page 182 of the media guide, there is a picture of Jim Sears celebrating after SC's victory over UCLA in 1952. He is wearing a white, road jersey.
In the book, The Best Little Rivarlry in Town, there is a picture of the team captains meeting before the 1955 USC/UCLA game; the UCLA captains appear to be in white shirts.

Some good questions being asked here by discerning readers.

It's time to address the questions that everyone needs to know the answers to.

Here's a quote likely to be repeated by Pete Carroll today when asked about his relationship with Norm Chow.

When did the Spirit of Troy eliminate these guys? They were around in this 1951 Life magazine photo. Maybe Art Bartner knows.

Here's everything you wanted to know about USC wearing its cardinal jerseys on Saturday. And if you were UCLA, would you be offended your opponent doesn't need two timeouts against you?

Seven additional teams became bowl eligible last week to bring the total to 71 for the 68 contracted positions in 34 FBS postseason games: Bowling Green, Florida Atlantic, Memphis, Southern Miss, North Carolina State, Hawaii and Arkansas State. There are four additional schools (Arizona State, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisville and Middle Tennessee) with five overall victories and at least one game remaining.

Fairfax High forward Solomon Hill (6-6, 210 pounds) said he committed to USC. Hill originally committed to Arizona but changed his mind when Lute Olson retired. Hill was supposed to wait until the spring.
The question now is whether Hill's commitment will influence Fairfax forward Renardo Sidney, who could go to USC, Mississippi State or play a year in Europe.

Quarterback Mark Sanchez said he did not think the Trojans would be distracted by the atmosphere surrounding the crosstown rivalry.
``I think it would be tough for a lot of teams who wouldn't be able to handle it if they didn't have Coach Carroll's philosophy,'' Sanchez said. ``We never make any game bigger than the rest. We treat every game the same even though we know this is the city championship. We don't want to get caught up in the media hype.
``When you go into the game, you can't think it's a rivalry game.''

``I especially want to thank Al Davis for giving me an opportunity.''
-- New Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin

Pete Carroll said tonight Lane Kiffin had a great start with his press conference at Tennessee. But he didn't know about this.

Nick Howell is supposed to be out 3-4 weeks with a sprained ankle but said he wants to try to play. Kevin Ellison will try to practice tomorrow. Stanley Havili (sprained ankle) did not practice but said he will return Wednesday.

USC season-ticket holders are being offered a chance to buy tickets for the USC-UCLA game on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

The over/under for the USC-UCLA opened at 50.5 and went down 47 flat. The spread went from 30.5 and is up to 31.5.

Here's the finalists for the Broyles Award, which goes to the nation's top assistant coach: TCU defensive coordinator Dick Bumpas, Utah defensive coordinator Gary Anderson, Ball State offensive coordinator Stan Parrish, Florida defensive coordinator Charlie
Strong and Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson.

In this segment, we compute the point spreads if USC played Texas, Florida, Alabama or Texas Tech. Did you know the Trojans would be favored by 9 points over Texas Tech at the Coliseum but it would be even if the game were in Lubbock?

We scored the pre-game fight a draw.

Does UCLA have a chance to beat USC this week?

We talked to a booster club member today who is leaning against buying tickets to the Rose Bowl.
``I'm tired of it,'' he said.

Poll questions, record questions, so many questions.

ESPN announced the field for the 2009 76 Classic in Anaheim and USC is not among the basketball teams.

David Buehler was named Pac-10 special teams player of the week. He kicked a 35-yard field goal, had four touchbacks and went 5-5 on conversions.

And we're off! Lane Kiffin should be introduced as the Tennessee coach today. Did the Vols A.D. watch film of the 13-9 USC-UCLA game before he made his decision? Or the fourth-and-2 call in the Rose Bowl (minus Reggie Bush)?

The pre-game fight could not ruin the highlight of the day, as we posed with the extremely friendly Notre Dame cheerleaders. Special thanks to Notre Dame cheerleading coach Jonette Minton and photographer John L. Tuell for helping us out Saturday.

The eternal optimist, Pete Carroll, isn't giving up on the BCS title game yet.

USC went 4-0 in November to make Pete Carroll's record 27-0 in November.