Open Forum

I've read these 2009 top 10's:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3844884&name=feldman_bruce

http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/story/11268404

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/stewart_mandel/01/20/early-top-25/index.html?eref=si_ncaaf

What's yours?

Hi Scott,

How are the Horton boys looking relative to their competition? Do you think that Wes or Shane can break into the starting lineup?

Wasn't the real reason Sanchez suddenly turned pro despite not being remotely ready in any way due to an imminent break expected in the Pedalgate investigation?

I love how Ohio State is always in the top ten and they never do a damn thing! I love it.

Is a salary of $1M really necessary for Bates? The Heritage Hall coffers never cease to amaze.

Are Mark Trakh,Chad Kreuter and Bill Ferguson done this year if they don't have very strong seasons? Obviously Trakh has already had a bad start. Hail Ceaser!!!

Will SC have the linebackers next year to have another dominate defense? Any chance for an incoming freshman like Burfict or Te'o to come in and start or contribute?

I did not catch if you answered this, so here goes again.
Noticing that Flournoy, not only undersized at 6-0, 180,4.55 is only ranked 33rd amongst WRs by Rivals and only 23rd by ESPNU...what does PC/Morton see that's so special?
Thank You

Seriously, what would it take to get you to write in the first person singular?

Status, please, on the Reggie Bush matter. Will Pac10 make a judgment before the court case ends?

Can you shed more light on the departure of Yogi Roth? His relationship with Brenden Carroll got him on the top staff in the country at age 24 and he had worked his way up from video assistant. It seems odd that a guy who was gifted this amazing opportunity would just up and leave football entirely.

Scott, With Seto going to coordinator who will coach the secondary?

Is there any truth to the rumor that Pete Carroll attended the inauguration in hopes of discovering a suitable podium for future press conferences?

Scott,

You stated that USC has 2 to 3 silent commit? John Martinez was a silent commit, was Kevin Greene a silent commit? How many silent commits do we have left? Thank you.

UCLA recently got two more cornerback commitments Pollard, and McKay. As much before in the forum, USC needs cornerback commitments. With USC having less depth at cornerback and with there being playing time available after next season, why have cornerback recruits this year have not been eager to come to USC knowing that playing time will be available next season and it is rare for any school to start a true freshmen cornerback?

Recent USC problems: Transfers, opponents becoming better, draft depatures, coaches leaving and possible violations. Our quarterback and many starters on defense left. California, Oregon, Arizona State, Oregon State, Arizona, Stanford, and UCLA will be strong. As a USC it seems that the Rose Bowl and BCS be gone. Are these issues a reason to think that the USC run will end and we will suffer the same result that happen to some schools like Miami, Florida, and Tennessee. Do you think that USC will suffer next season or afterward and lose four games and have its run end? Please give analysis. Thank you.

Re Morton, up in the booth, how much actual help to the team is he by relaying information down, and, since he is 'gruff', is that a turn off for possible recruits or players, or do we need someone like that? Thanx.

Scott, if the Trojans had somehow been able to know the future in this case, and knew that Boyd was definitely going to honor his verbal, do you think we would have been happy to get Greene too? /

Word is the volleyball players were not exactly shedding any tears over Taylor Carico's departure and even held the door wide open for her. What have you heard?

Simmons was not in "good spirits" earlier over playing time (despite injury). He still is only getting around 3-4 minutes. Has his attitude improved? With Lewis questionable it sounds like they are trying to work him in at off guard or somewhere.

Do you think the playcalling will change a little with Bates and USC will do new things like using more five receiver sets like they did in the Rose Bowl, trick plays, and deep passes?

Carl Smith watched USC practice for weeks, and when hired by Pete Carroll suddenly jumps at a NFL job. If Carl Smith wanted a NFL job he should have stayed away from USC and not hurt recruiting. Smith pulled a suprise that hurt the team. Does Pete Carroll feel betrayed by Carl Smith and his actions of leaving?

Scott, do you know whatever happened to J. A. Adande and to Christine, both of which were sportswriters fairly recently for the formerly big local paper, and, on a related note, would Christines' present condition hurt her, in your opinion, from getting a job anywhere as a football beat sportswriter, and, if she got such a job, and the readers' knew what happened to her, would her credibility be damaged, you think? Thanx, and just asking because I liked Adande, and re Christine, you are in the business, and would have a better insight than I would.
PS Assuming the players' knew, how do you think they would react/relate? Thanx again.