Answer Thursday!
Answers, answers, answers.
Q: Mike said:
Why doesn't SC seem to be making useful halftime adjustments? SC used to be unbeatable in the third quarter.
A: This used to be Pete Carroll's forte. But lately, it does seem to be lacking. I felt Oregon State made the adjustments and Carroll admitted this week he expected Oregon State to strictly pass the ball but then Jacquizz Rodgers returned and that fouled up the defensive game plan. It seemed like Mike Riley was dictating things, just like last year.
Q: cjs1993 said:
Was any explanation given for handing the ball to McKnight on the final drive? He had an injured hand, hadn't touched the ball in hours, and is obviously prone to fumbling.
A: This was extremely dangerous move and I did ask about it. It seems the extent of the hand injury (later downgraded) was not known when he initially carried on the final drive. Then he was removed. But it still did not seem to be worth the risk, even if he were healthy. Especially with Allen Bradford having a big game.
Q: 51Grad said:
You have been so critical of Lane Kiffin while he was here and predicted he will only last 3 to 4 years at Tennessee Has he done anything to cause you to ease up on him?
A: I knew he hired a talented coaching staff and I also knew Tennessee is a ready-made program for success. But when I made that prediction, I took into account whether he would self-descruct in some way, whether off the field with some comments or his behavior. Maybe he'll flouish. But right now I'd say it's 50-50 that I'll be right.
Why do you have this Q&A business when you don't even have the information to answer the questions?
Mike asked why SC wasn't making useful halftime adjustments and all you said was "It used to be his forte but does seem to be lacking now." If Mike Riley was dictating things why did USC keep scoring and win the game? I don't think Riley planned to lose, do you?
So Carroll said his defensive halftime adjustments were strictly with the intent that Jacquizz Rodgers would not be playing? Are you kidding me? So he just takes the risk of assuming someone won't play? That sounds like garbage - the OSU offense ripped SC's defense when 'Quizz was in AND out of the game.