Answer Wednesday! (Part 3)
Some readers are focusing on the staff in this segment.
Q: Rich K said:
Given my earlier comments of the coaches failure to adjust both offensive and defensive schemes to the talent, we now must look to the last two games as starting points for next year. Why have the offensive play callers abandoned running plays? The passing plays have primarily been down the field and the outside or bubble type screens, why haven't we exploited the middle?
From the defensive side, the opposition seems to key on Gallipo and Morgan, are the schemes too predictable? It seems like the opposition is winning the battle at the point of attack, here is a major problem in adjustment. Is the talent on the field overratted?
A: Pete Carroll went basic on defense against Stanford because when he went with a complicated scheme against Oregon, it did not work. Offensively, all I can say is that I do not know what USC's philosophy is this season and what it is trying to accomplish.
Q: NOBS said:
Which assistants do you think will be let go? I would think there will be more than 2.
A: I don't think there will be staff changes unless someone decides to return to the NFL or gets a job at another college that is considered a step up.
Q: USCfan said:
Why is wrong with this years football team? What impactfull changes need to be made in order for USC to return to its dominance? Does one of those changes includes coaching on both both sides? And will coaching changes even happen, regardless if changes need to be made?
A: Recruiting needs to focus intensely on linebackers and wide receivers. I do not believe there will be coaching changes because Pete Carroll's been pretty happy with the staff and a lot of changes were made after last season. I do think it's possible Jeremy Bates gets an NFL job, so that could be a possible change.
The word I have been hearing is that California high schools produce a lot of very good football players. So this means an SC cannot monopolize all the talent even if it had first choice.
A lot of talented players go to schools like Oregon State, Oregon and even Stanford. And, hence, the Trojan losses to these teams should not be so surprising.