Answer Monday!

Q: George Tirebiter said:
HI WOLFIE:
Theoretically, is it possible for the Trojans,by using delaying tactics such as taking their time, or whatever, to postpone the NCAA from acting on their appeal until after the February signing date? If so, we could bring in up to 9 players in 1/11 and another 25 players in 2/11, as the 9 players in 1/11 would count against our 2010 class and thus we would be brought up closer to full strength before the scholarship penalties hit. I think our chances of getting the scholarship penalty reduced are very poor in view of recent NCAA changes making it almost impossible to have initial sanctions changed. I think since the rule change, only 1 out of 11 appeals have had any success. Please correct me if I am wrong in any of the above.
In view of all of the above, I cannot understand why we first proposed giving out only 20 in 2/11, and now are apparently resigned to giving out only 15 in 2/11.
Any thoughts you have on this would be greatly appreciated, as it appears we are giving in to the NCAA on a horribly unjust penalty which you yourself said was way over the top.
Thanx in advance as always.

A: Pat Haden said he thinks the NCAA will rule before signing date to avoid any confusion for USC.

Q: gotroy22 said:
Scott, were you surprised that Reggie Bush willingly forfeited his Heisman Trophy Tuesday?

A: Yes and no. He would never give it back. But I believe he heard from the Heisman Trust he could either return it or they would take it back. So he had little choice. Given his image, the best move was to forfeit the award.

Q: Trojans Rule said:
HI SCOTT:
My uncle says that, as far as top ten finishes go, we are pretty much dead meat until at least 2016. Do you agree, and does it make your job less interesting? Thank you very much.

A: I disagree. We can't predict the future. USC took about 52 scholarship players to Minnesota so it's actually operating at less than the dreaded 55 in three years. And no one within the football program expects that 55 number to actually be accurate because USC will try to sign nine players at the semester break. Now I think it will extremely difficult but not impossible to finish in the top 10. But USC will have to play a lot better than it is now for that to happen. So it might be more performance driven than scholarship-reduction driven.

Q: $uckaFREE said:
What's Drew Mcallisters status at this time? I know he played against Hawaii but didnt see him at all against UVA. Is he still nursing the sore hip or just stuck behind T.J.?

A: He is playing but is not 100 percent. It's too bad because he could be useful. But I think his hip still bothers him from doing more than special teams.

Q: DixieTrojan said:
Have you heard of any USC fans suing the school to get their money back for buying tickets and apparel during the forfeited and seasons?

A: No. But I saw a lot of empty seats at the Virginia game. Now I know why that sign outside the Galen Center advertised tickets incessantly.

Q: The Coach said:
Will Pat Haden welcome Reggie Bush back to USC?

A: When? Bush is not allowed back under NCAA sanctions. After the sanctions, I'm sure Haden would talk to him. .I don't know about a ``welcome.''

Q: TROJANS32 said:
Scott, have you heard any talk yet from the decision-makers about bringing in players via creative financial aid?

A: The NCAA is looking to change rules for walk-ons and it might make it easier to bring in players via financial aid. USC is monitoring that issue.

Q: Sam Gilbert said:
You suggested that if Jim Harbaugh is successful at Stanford for a little longer that could leave. Would you guess he'd go to the NFL or another college? And if he remained in the college ranks where could you see him going? SC perhaps?

A: I think he wants to go to the NFL. If not, the Michigan job because it is his alma mater. I'm not sure why USC did not even interview him other than the fact Mike Garrett does not know how to run a coaching search.

Q: osezno said:
Joe Houston and Jacob Harfman both requested, and were granted permission to wear #10. I know D.J. Shoemate used to wear the number as well as the now-redshirting De''Von Flournoy. The only one left on roster who is listed as using it is Boomer Roepke.

Do you know why they're wearing #10?

A: It is my understanding that they did not request the switch but the coaches are doing it for some type of competitive advantage. I asked Lane Kiffin and he said he could not discuss the game plan. I'm sure we'll hear more about it this week.