Answer Friday!

Q: Pop Goes The Weasel said:
Scott, so what do you think the problem is, lack of talent, poor coaching, injuries, early road games, all of the above, or other factors? If other factors, please list. Thank you, and do you see a better outlook for us next year?

A: Despite the fact these two losses hit USC all of a sudden, these things usually are a long time in the making. I think some recruiting losses played a role, which contributed to a lack of depth defensively. Then you lose players like Frankie Telfort unexpectedly. And look at the losses in the front seven last year (Fili Moala, Kyle Moore, Clay Matthews, Rey Maualuga, Kaluka Maiava, Brian Cushing). And the coaching, i.e. playcalling, is not winning any awards this season.

Q: Trojans Rule said:
Have Bates/Morton been a liability for us this season, and how about Seto up in the press box---what does he really do, or rather what does PC allow him to do?

A: John Morton is not calling plays so I tend to miminize his role in the problems. He points things out in the pressbox but does not have a say in playcalling. Rocky Seto does game-planning but is not calling defensive plays or deciding when to make adjustments. That role belongs to Pete Carroll.

Q: Harry Bawles said:
HI WOLFIE:
So is Charlie Weis, at a record of 6-4, with 2 games left and a possible bowl bid, gone for sure now at ND you think? Thanx in advance as always.

A: I'd say he is long gone if I were a better man. They cannot afford him any longer at Notre Dame. If Brian Kelly is the replacement, Pete Carroll won't like preparing for that offense.