Answer Thursday! (Part 2)

Q: scinsc5 said:
Do you think Jordan Cameron can make a dent at tight end?

A: I think he could be effective, much like Gregg Guenther a few years ago if used properly. He's always looked good in practices but it seemed like the coaches just did not want to use him the past couple years. Maybe he gets a fresh start with his new position coach, Keary Colbert.

Q: lbc trojan said:
Do you think USC's offense will improve drastically with Kiffin running the show?

With Kiffin replacing Norm Chow as offensive coordinator in 2005, the USC offense broke school records in nearly every category, averaging 49.1 points and 579 yards per game, and became the first team in NCAA history to have a 3,000 yard passer (Matt Leinart), two 1,000 yard rushers (Reggie Bush and LenDale White), and a 1,000 yard receiver (Dwayne Jarrett) in a single season.

With Kiffin's ability to recruit these types of athletes and use them effectively, what's to say the USC offense won't get them in the national title picture this season?

A: No offense to Kiffin, but you or I could have plays with that talent. However, I think he can do a better job than Jeremy Bates, who was in his own world last season and did not know how to interact with others. So I think Kiffin can get more out of Matt Barkley and Co. this season.

Q: Trojans Rule said:
Hi Scott:
Do you know what Bates and Ruel argued about last season, like who should be starting, or blocking schemes, or whatever? Thank you.

A: One thing I do know is that during the week of one game, Bates promised the coaches that USC would run the ball around 45-50 times in the game. The actual number proved far less and Ruel made a comment, ``What happened to running the ball 45-50 times?'' That was not why they argued but it was one incident that showed the frustration that existed.
Bates did not know how to deal with people, as I said above, and Ruel is a no-nonsense guy. So you put that together and you have a possible issue. But it helps explain why Ruel had no chance going to Seattle despite his relationship with Pete Carroll.