Will USC’s defensive losses prevent it from being in next year’s BCS title game?
Q: Justify TTech at #5! Seriously Scott
A: I did it in the previous segment.
Q: Which assistant coaches on the USC staff do you see and/or hear about either Sarkisian or Kiffin taking onto their respective staffs?
A: I could see someone like Yogi Roth going up there if he got a promotion to quarterbacks coach. I think he would take Nick Holt if he could but I believe Holt will stay here. Otherwise, guys are taking a step down unless they get a huge promotion. Ken Norton will not go up there. Neither will Todd McNair or Pat Ruel. But if someone gets a huge promotion out of it, anything is possible.
Q: Each of Pete’s BCS teams has, to some extent, dealt with a drop off of talent at certain positions for the following year (and, conversely, expected improvements at positions as well). Do the current expected departures at defense reflect the largest talent gap between seasons, in your opinion? Will this be enough to see ‘SC struggle with obtaining a BCS (not the championship) game next year?
A: The defensive losses will be quite staggering, especially if Taylor Mays leaves too. But there are guys who can fill roles, like Will Harris, Shareece Wright, Kevin Thomas, Chris Galippo, Malcolm Smith, Malik Jackson, Armond Armstead and Jurrell Casey. They all have experience. And with the Pac-10 schedule, who is better? I think it’s the usual story for USC in recent years: Beat the teams you are expected to beat.
Remember, USC lost Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush, LenDale White, Winston Justice, Darnell Bing, etc., and came within a whisker of making the BCS title game in 2006.