October 2010 Archives
USC's already lost a game it should have won this season (Washington). Will the Trojans win a game they are supposed to lose? They should be underdogs at Arizona and Oregon State.
Several USC players referred to the Oregon game as the Trojans' bowl game while freshman cornerback Nickell Robey called it the, ``Super Bowl.''
So how does USC recover from the letdown?
``That's why you never heard me call it a bowl game,'' Lane Kiffin said. ``I'm not worried about our team. We will go back to work and not change what we're doing
USC coach Lane Kiffin said tonight Matt Barkley ``didn't play very well.''
Kiffin also blamed himself by saying he did not call enough short pass plays to overcome Oregon's frequent blitzes. Kiffin said he went for longer passes because he felt he needed to keep pace with the Ducks' offense.
Jeremy Bates was 1 for 16 on third-down conversions in the Caesarhawks' 33-3 loss to the Raiders.
USC ranks 13th nationally in total offense and 98th in total defense. Despite that, I still feel the defense did its part last night against Oregon by forcing five punts. Oregon punted only 23 times in its previous seven games. Or 12 times in six games if you don't count the Arizona State game.
Pac-10 commissioner Larry Scott told me yesterday that the conference spoke to Stanford about its clock operator and hired Mike Pereira, the former vice president of officiating for the NFL, as a special advisor to improve the officiating.
Here is this week's ballot for the Associated Press top 25 poll.
USC gave Oregon a scare in the third quarter but the Ducks just kept their fastbreak offense going while the Trojans' offense sputtered.
Matt Barkley on playing at the Coliseum tonight: ``There is an advantage at home, but ultimately fans aren't going to win a game for us. We have to execute and if we aren't making plays it doesn't matter if we are home or away we aren't going to win.''
Lane Kiffin lamented USC's third-down conversion rate tonight (8-17) but in the Jeremy Bates era, that would be cause for dancing on the sidelines.
You really need to go for it when playing the No. 1 team in the nation and in one area I did not get that sense tonight: Playcalling.
And one drive offered two examples: With USC trailing 43-32, the Trojans had a third-and-5 at the Oregon 40. They tried an ill-fated run with fullback Stanley Havili that lost 4 yards. On fourth-and-9, Matt Barkley threw a 4-yard pass to tight end Jordan Cameron.
That's not the daring type of calls that win big games.
Lane Kiffin was in decent spirits after the game. Cornerback Shareece Wright and quarterback Matt Barkley looked frustrated. On the other hand, some players were smiling on the field after the game talking to their Oregon counterparts.
``They don't run a lot of (different) plays,'' Wright said. ``They just run some plays to perfection.''
Yes, the defense was run up-and-down the field. But I think the QB play hurt USC quite a bit (and maybe more).
Turnovers change games and Oregon QB Darron Thomas' pass is tipped and intercepted by Jurrell Casey to set a TD pass from Matt Barkley to Ronald Johnson.
It's halftime and the Trojans looked like they had a chance to really give the Ducks a scare but there was a fumbled snap and then a bad punt by Jake Harfman that made the difference and allowed the Ducks' quick-strike offense to put it back in control.
Off topic, Steve Sarkisian getting pounded by Stanford 28-0. Maybe he will petition the Pac-12 to play USC every game.
Nice drive by USC that stalls when it gets a little conservative inside the 20. Joe Houston makes 32-yard FG.
Most of today's game updates will be posted in the twitter box on the right side of the home page.
If you go to the game, be sure to stop on the USC campus. It is homecoming and there is more going on today than any other home game of the season.
OK, KCAL-9 meteorologist Evelyn Taft is making her homecoming prediction after all. She likes USC, 42-40. But her comments after the jump make it quite clear why she feels that way.
USC baseball coach Frank Cruz said Friday night that the scoreboard at Dedeaux Field will be named after former coach Mike Gillespie at a baseball alumni dinner at the Galen Center.
Gillespie said he did not know what to say because he was fired and then USC named a scoreboard after him. He joked that his detractors on Internet message boards can use the scoreboard for target practice.
And even more Friday Night answers.
Former USC baseball coach Mike Gillespie is expected to return to the campus tonight for a baseball alumni dinner at the Galen Center. Now there is a direct example of something that happened because Mike Garrett is no longer the athletic director.
The music building behind Heritage Hall is now vacated, which clears the way for demolition and the construction of the new football complex/weightroom that we dubbed the Peter C. Carroll center but Carroll wanted it built for several years.
The USC ticket office just sent out an email trying to fire up fans by saying ESPN GameDay questioned their enthusiasm.
``ESPN Gameday will also be returning to USC this week and they have publicly
questioned the passion of USC fans & challenge you to make a strong showing.
Gameday begins airing at 6 am outside the peristyle end of the Coliseum. All USC
fans are encouraged to attend.''
OK, it's time to pick the score for the big USC-Oregon game. Our resident prognosticator, Evelyn Taft of KCAL-TV, picks USC but will not give a score to avoid jinxing things. So away we go.
A lot of underclassmen basketball recruits will be at the USC-Oregon football game tomorrow,including several juniors: forward Xavier Johnson of Mater Dei, forward Grant Jerret of La Verne Lutheran, guard Gabe York of Orange Lutheran and forward Zena Edosomwan of Harvard-Westlake.
USC wide receiver Ronald Johnson said he feels he's had just an average season so far.
Here's the grades at the midway point for USC.
OK, it's big-game week, so here is the Thursday night edition of USC Report with myself and correspondent Kari Van Horn.
USC basketball coach Kevin O'Neill talked today about point guard Jio Fontan, who transferred from Fordham and will be eligible in Decemeber.
``He's going to be a major part of our team. I think the expectations are very high on him. He's the kind of guy who thrives on that, so he's looking forward to it. And, his first game is going to be at Kansas on national TV. I'm sure that will be an adjustment for him, but I have confidence in him.''
The Pac-10 announced it will sort of combine it's men's and women's basketball tournaments this season. The women's semifinals and final will be at Staples Center before the men play those games.
The initial rounds of the women's tournament will remain at the Galen Center.
More interesting questions on the Oregon game in this segment.
With USC playing No. 1-ranked Oregon on Saturday, we have an early score prediction from our favorite cheerleader, Amanda Pflugrad. She likes the Ducks, 46-33.
We'll run our regular prediction post Friday morning.
Well, let's see what questions are on the minds of the readers.
Here's the Pac-10 basketball preseason poll, which picked USC to finish sixth.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley moved up four spots to 16th place in this week's poll of 62 actual Heisman Trophy voters by StiffArmTrophy.com. Auburn quarterback Cam Newton is No. 1.
Full results after the jump:
USC players do believe this week's game with No. 1-ranked Oregon is a bowl game and one even calls it the ``Super Bowl.''
It's time for the latest on the USC-Oregon game on this episode of USC Report with myself and correspondent Kari Van Horn.
Lane Kiffin and Oregon coach Chip Kelly traded barbs about the talent level of USC's defense Wednesday.
``In their two-deep, out of their 44 players, they have 12 five-star recruits and 26 four-star recruits," Kelly told the Oregonian. ``I don't know if there is anybody in the country who has that. I keep hearing USC is down in talent. We have zero five-star recruits in our top 44 and 11 four-star recruits."
Most coaches scoff at recruiting-service rankings. Challenged about his five-star soliloquy, Kelly reacted with mock incredulity.
``They're the most talented team in the Pac-10.''
Kiffin, who regularly decries the state of the roster at USC, was incredulous over Kelly's comments.
``I really wish that I had good enough players and we were good enough coaches that we could spend enough time counting how many four- and five-star players we had on each other's rosters,'' Kiffin said Wednesday. ``I don't have time for that unfortunately.''
The NCAA released its Graduation Success Rate today for players who entered college in the 2003-04 academic year. USC tied for fourth with Arizona State. Here's the Pac-10 standings:
We mentioned in a story two weeks ago how one reason for USC's dropoff the past couple years was recruiting evaluation. In Pete Carroll's first six years, he had Ed Orgeron and Lane Kiffin as recruiting coordinators to hold him in check or stand up to him regarding recruits.
An example is Stanford defensive linemen Sione Fua who went to three straight summer camps at USC but never got offered a scholarship. A few weeks ago, he gave USC problems in the Cardinal's narrow victory over the Trojans.
As one high-ranking member of the athletic dept. says, ``we were just taking guys off recruiting lists.''
USC recently received a commitment from defensive end/linebacker Charles Burks from Edison High in Huntington Beach. When Burks was first offered a scholarship, it was contingent on him enrolling in January because USC wants to sign nine players at the mid-year break.
But the Huntington Beach Union High School District will not allow Burks to graduate early so he will have to sign in February.
If you are wondering what quite a few former USC football players are doing these days, check out this roster. I was surprised to find out linebacker Zeke Moreno is still playing pro football.
USC coach Lane Kiffin hopes to find a way to turn Oregon QB Darron Thomas into looking like a first-year starter while the Oaks Christian players on both teams enjoy some banter.
``It's not his fault we didn't tackle against Washington or on our last drive against Stanford.''
-- USC coach Lane Kiffin on quarterback Matt Barkley
``Contrary to what people think they are disciplined.''
-- USC defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin on Oregon's off-field issues in the offseason
USC allowed seven sacks in seven games, the third-fewest in the Pacific-10 Conference. Meanwhile Oregon's defense is tied for second in the Pac-10 with 19 sacks.
Here is my preseason Top 25 college basketball ballot for the Associated Press poll.
Former USC wide receiver R. Jay Soward is on HBO's Real Sports tonight and discussed taking money from a sports agent.
Will USC's game against Washington help the defense at all this week? And more on Oregon's fast-paced offense.
Utah is 19-0-1 in its past 10 games when you combine its actual record and record against the spread. Lane Kiffin will no doubt look at the new schedule to see when USC travels to Salt Lake City. Welcome to the Pac-12 South!
``I've never seen a team play with that tempo.''
-- USC coach Lane Kiffin on Oregon.
Florida coach Urban Meyer was asked today why the Gators are not dynamic behind starting tailback Jeff Demps and mentioned former USC tailback Emmanuel Moody in his answer.
``I don't know if there's so much a deficiency,'' Meyer said. ``It's the guys that are dinged because people were really high on Gilly (Mike Gilislee) and all of a sudden he gets pulled up. And people were high on (Emmanuel) Moody and its on and off, on and off, injury after injury.''
Here's my All-American team that I submitted to the Associated Press for their preseason team.
Kyle Singler, F, Duke
JaJuan Johnson, F/C Purdue
Jacob Pullen, G Kansas State
Jimmer Fredette, G BYU
Kalin Lucas, G Michigan State
What is it about Oregon that causes Lane Kiffin to frequently mention the tempo of its offense? For one thing, the Ducks are usually have a hand on the ball and are ready to snap as soon as the officials spots it.
That makes it difficult for a defense to even communicate from the sideline, let along substitute during game.
USC linebacker Malcolm Smith said Monday he can play against Oregon. But Chris Galippo will also play weakside linebacker this week since Smith might not be 100 percent.
USC is 20th in this week's Sagarin ratings, which are a combination of his BCS rankings, which do not consider margin of victory, and his "predictor" rankings, which do. And somehow, Cal is ranked 19th.
Quarterback Matt Barkley was one of 16 semifinalists for the Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award.
Could USC be ineligible for the 2012 Pac-12 title game? It's something the university intends to find out.
USC is a 7-point underdog against Oregon. Those who thought the Trojans would open a double-digit underdog at home. No such luck.
USC is 7-11 against teams ranked No. 1 by the Associated Press. The Trojans are 4-4 in the Coliseum in those games. USC never played a No. 1 team in the AP poll during the Pete Carroll era.
ESPN's College GameDay pre-game show will visit the Coliseum on Saturday, the seventh time the show originated from the Coliseum.
USC is No. 6 in the nation in third-down conversions at 53 percent. Last year, the Trojans were 90th, converting 36 percent of the time on third downs.
USC is ranked 112th in the nation in pass defense. QB Matt Barkley is sixth in the nation in passing efficiency.
Oregon ranks 114th in the nation in time of possession. The Ducks have the ball for only 26 minutes, 40 seconds per game. They score so fast, they barely have the ball. It also shows how fit their defense is because it is on the field for most of the game.
Here is this week's ballot for the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
In this segment, a question about scholarships and the Pac-12 schedule.
More answers on a bye weekend.
I thought Brian Kelly was a good hire for Notre Dame and I won't be surprised if the Irish are a tough opponent next month at the Coliseum. But Notre Dame's 35-17 loss to to Navy reinforces a great stat from the Pete Carroll era.
During Carroll's first eight years at USC, he only lost one game by double digits and that was an 11-point loss to Notre Dame. Kelly's already lost two games by double digits (23 points to Stanford, 18 to Navy) in his first eight games.
Many teams stumble the week after they defeat USC. See Washington this year. But Cal's unleased the opposite theory. The Bears are blowing out Arizona State, 50-10, in the fourth quarter.
Of course there is no pressure after getting blown out by USC with the season pretty much disappointing already. Again, Cal is Cal.
In this segment, I discuss a weakness of the past couple years under Pete Carroll that did not exist his first six years.
USC coach Lane Kiffin and assistant coach Kennedy Pola were in attendance Friday night at Serra High School of Gardena's game against St. Paul of Santa Fe Springs. USC wide receiver Robert Woods also attended the game. Serra's top prize is wide receiver George Farmer.
USC reports that 37,500 showed up today to hear President Obama speak. If 7,500 stay for the women's soccer game, then USC can set its attendance record.
In this segment, questions about the January signing period and USC's talent.
A question in this segment about how good the offense will be next season.
We might as well be in Seattle this week with the weather.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley is 20th in this week's poll of 61 actual Heisman Trophy voters by StiffArmTrophy.com. Auburn QB Cam Newton is first. Here's the full results;
USC wants to set an attendance record at tonight's women's soccer game at the Coliseum against UCLA. Maybe it would get a couple extra fans if the women's volleyball team wasn't playing at the same time at the Galen Center.
Would USC really switch to a spread offense next season and in the last item, defensive end Wes Horton will wear a customized plate to protect his injured back next week as he attempts to play against Oregon.
USC's football schedule for 2011 should be adjusted in the next 30-45 days to reflect the new Pacific-12 Conference.
Under the new Pac-12 Conference format, USC and UCLA will receive $2 million more than the other 10 schools in years when total revenues are less than $170 million.
Here's a chart the Pac-10 provided today showing conference victories from 1997-2009.
Pac-12 North
Oregon 71
Oregon 57
Cal 50
Washington 46
Stanford 45
Washington State 41
Pac-12 South
USC 78
UCLA 58
Arizona State 52
Arizona 44
Colorado
Utah
Some questions here about the NCAA sanctions.
In case you missed it, the Pac-10 announced it will realign into North and South divisions. More importantly, USC will continue to play Stanford and Cal every season. Here's a key excerpt of the release:
More answers on Pac-12 realignment day, which you can watch here at 11:30 a.m.
USC already runs some spread-offense plays in its no-huddle but could go to the spread even more next season because of roster limitations, such as the lack of a true fullback.
``There's already a concern and movement as you look at our roster right now,'' Lane Kiffin said. ``We could end up being a spread offense here. That may be what we need to go.''
With so much focus on Oregon this week and the Ducks-USC game next week, it's time to pick the score of tonight's Oregon-UCLA game. If anyone picks the exact score, they will win a copy of the 2010 USC media guide (valid email address required with score).
USC athletic director Pat Haden on today's Pac-12 realignment announcement and the site for a conference championship game.
Here's a great chart from the San Jose Mercury News that shows how much revenue Pac-10 schools receive revenue from the conference through three primary sources: football bowl appearances, the NCAA basketball tournament and TV rights.
The first two are split equally, but the appearance-based TV model tilts the total of the cash received toward those on TV the most.
Money from those three sources distributed over the latest two-year period available (the academic years of 2007-08 and 2008-09):
USC $22,904,973
Oregon $18,438,293
UCLA $18,012,614
Oregon State $17,167,040
Washington $16,598,735
California $17,464,382
ASU $16,656,606
Arizona $15,402,227
WSU $14,356,743
Stanford $14,114,638
And now, tackling this week's forum.
USC is now selling group packages for No. 1-ranked Oregon and arch-rival Notre Dame? Times really have changed.
In this segment, a question about Mike Garrett and what I heard today regarding an NCAA appeal date.
I'm trying to remember the last time I heard a USC coach talk about an opponent with the reverance Lane Kiffin's reserved for Oregon. Are the Ducks really that good?
But the difference in tone is the main point. USC usually was favored over teams and rarely ``acted'' like an underdog. That seems to be the role for the next 10 days.
USC did more wind sprints at the end of today's practice as conditioning remains an issue for Lane Kiffin, especially with Oregon looming. Kiffin feels the Ducks are the best-conditioned team in the nation.
Tailback Dillon Baxter said this morning he wants to try to practice tomorrow. His left foot was in a protective shoe so he might not be able to return until next Tuesday.
Lane Kiffin's got a big recruiting need to focus on during the bye week thanks to Pete Carroll.
At least Lane Kiffin is off the top 10 of the coaches hot seat this week. So is Tim Brewster but he was fired by Minnesota.
Here's a poll where USC is glad it did not make the top 25. Then again, 34th is outrageous enough if you are a student. That's USC's national ranking in tuition according to this list that says it cost $40,384 per year. And that's before you pay room and board.
The football awards scene is so out of control that Phil Steele now gives out midseason Pac-10 awards. Ronald Johnson, Butch Lewis and Tyron Smith made the first-team offense. So did Robert Woods as a kick returner (but not as a WR?). T.J. McDonald made the first-team defense.
Matt Barkley and Kris O'Dowd made the second team along with Jurrell Casey. Devon Kennard and Allen Bradford made the third team.
With recruiting on my mind, here's a question for next season? Who starts at linebacker? Devon Kennard? Chris Galippo? Who else?
USC hopes it can set an NCAA attendance record on Friday night at 7 at the Coliseum when the Trojans host UCLA. Tickets cost as low as $3.
When Robert Woods practiced at nickel back last week, what did it say about the coaching staff's opinion of most of the defensive backs? In fact, USC's been reluctant to play nickel defenses at times this season even against spread formations.
I get asked this question a lot, so I am going to mention it again. USC can sign as many as nine players at the mid-year break.
USC coach Lane Kiffin is preparing for Oregon today. NCAA rules allow to go out for two days this week recruiting, so Kiffin is staying on campus today.
USC coach Lane Kiffin made the team get in some extra conditioning at the end of this morning's practice because he said the Trojans needed to get in better shape.
A USC student's comment while passing by practice helped motivate cornerback Shareece Wright to improve the defense.
USC defense tackle DaJohn Harris on the defense's improved performance against Cal.
``We don't want to be that defense that gives up,'' Harris said. ``There is some anger. Nobody likes to lose. We're tired of losing.''
Sagarin's overall computer rankings, which combine his BCS rankings that do not take into account margin of victory, and his predictor ratings, which do, has 7 Pac-10 teams in the top 25: Oregon (1), Stanford (2), Arizona (11), USC (17), Oregon St. (18), Arizona State (19) and Cal (23) .
Former USC linebacker Junior Seau crashed his SUV off a cliff after his arrest on domestic violence charges.
Washington defensive coordinator Nick Holt just received a contract extension. The Huskies are ranked 98th in total defense. When does Monte Kiffin get his contract extension?
USC quarterback Matt Barkley received honorable mention honors for the Davey O'Brien quarterback of the week award. Auburn's Cam Newton won the award.
Here are the grades for the Cal game with special not-on-the-report card F for Cal coach Jeff Tedford before you get read the actual marks.
After seven games, some conflicting views on how USC feels about itself and those two losses.
Arizona QB Nick Foles is out 2-3 weeks with a dislocated right kneecap. USC plays Arizona on Nov. 13, which means Foles might have played a game before the Trojans go to Tucson.
Lane Kiffin said Sunday it is difficult to not think about USC's two last-second losses, ``50 times a day.''
USC coach Lane Kiffin said his coaching staff is going to recruit heavily during the bye week.
``We're going to flood the country starting tonight,'' Kiffin said. ``It's most important to build for the future.''
Oklahoma and Oregon (USC's next opponent) are 1-2 in the first BCS standings.
Tailback Curtis McNeal is academically ineligible, which explains why David Ausberry played tailback at the end of the Cal game.
Lane Kiffin said tailback C.J. Gable's x-rays were negative but he still did not know the extent of his knee injury.
``It could be something he could come back from,'' Lane Kiffin said.
Interesting results in today's top 25 polls. The Harris Poll does not give USC a single vote but Hawaii, which lost to by 13 at home to the Trojans, gets 21 points. The coaches' poll also gives USC zero points but Hawaii nine points.
Meanwhile, USC received 80 points in the AP poll and finished 26th, just out of the poll.
I would say the coaches' poll might reflect some sort of lack of respect for Lane Kiffin but the Harris poll is a mix of former coaches, administrators and media.
UPDATED: And there you go. I momentarily forgot USC is ineligible in those polls. Which is why I like the AP poll.
``I was real proud of our kids in the second half. We came back and won the second half.''
-- Cal coach Jeff Tedford
Here is this week's ballot for the Associated Press Top 25 poll.
USC's thoughts turned to facing Oregon in two weeks after Saturday's blowout of California.
USC freshman wide receiver Robert Woods is in such good shape that Lane Kiffin does not need to rotate him during the game. Even senior Ronald Johnson rotates to stay fresh. Woods is not your average freshman in more ways than one.
``It's none of my business (but) he's won a lot more games than I have. I hope they appreciate him. He's one of the best coaches in the country.''
-- USC coach Lane Kiffin on Cal coach Jeff Tedford
``This guy can call a game now. He's got some great players and knows how to use them.''
-- USC defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin on the playcalling of his son, Lane Kiffin.
Tailback C.J. Gable was on crutches after the game. Lane Kiffin originally said Gable suffered a season-ending knee injury. But USC later said they were not sure how serious the injury was and it might be his kneecap and not knee ligaments. Either way it looked fairly serious but no firm announcements will be made until tests are taken.
Tailback Allen Bradford is 80 percent after suffering a sprained big toe earlier in the week.
Let's revisit our theme of the week: Cal is Cal.
The Pac-10 Northern Division can have them.
Looks like we finally found a defense worse than the one that played the past 2 weeks.
Live game updates will be provided in the twitter box on the right side of the blog.
Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin holds Cal to less than 500 yards in total offense.
The Trojans figure out a way to avoid letting the game come down to the last play.
Coach Lane Kiffin informs the officials the clock starts after a first down.
The Kiffins convince Cal to run the ball despite that 116th-ranked pass defense.
The Trojans to avoid losing every game in October with Oregon on the horizon.
Golden Bears coach Jeff Tedford wants to do something besides living off that 2003 victory over the Trojans. The Bears actually want to win a game they are expected to lose this season. Cal forgets it is Cal.
Quarterback Kevin Riley decides even he can find the holes in USC's generous pass defense. Tailback Shane Vereen gains 125 yards.
USC returns home to face Cal and as the Trojans try to stop their two-game losing streak.
There's been some talk this week that USC should simply let opponents score in certain situations because its defense is struggling and the offense is scoring points.
But here's a reality: The offense is probably overrated a bit at this point because some of the defenses (Washington State, Washington) are among the Pac-10's worst and even Stanford ranks only fifth.
USC coach Kevin O'Neill said he thinks he might actually play a walk-on this season, guard Eric Strangis, a transfer from Cal Lutheran. The Trojans hold their first basketball practice tonight at 5. It is closed to the public.
OK, it's time to pick the score of the USC-California game. Our first pick comes courtesy of KCAL-9 meteorologist Evelyn Taft, the official weathercaster of our blog.
Evelyn picks the Trojans to defeat the Bears, 35-21.
Not even nearly 400 yards passing against Stanford could propel quarterback Matt Barkley into the Heisman Poll of 60 actual voters by stiffarmtrophy.com. Ohio State QB Terrelle Pryor is No. 1.
Here are the full results:
It's time to exam who is to blame for USC's defensive shortcomings? Cornerback Shareece Wright on critics of the Tampa 2 defense?
``The fans don't even know what the calls are," Wright said. "They have no right. It's not the calls. We need to make plays as players.''
OK, there's a lot of topics swirling around the program to discuss on this week's episode of USC Report with myself and correspondent Jackie Grant. Please excuse the little technical glitch at the beginning. Thanks.
Wes Horton, Dillon Baxter and Malcolm Smith did not practice today and look unlikely to play against Cal on Saturday.
Maybe Larry Scott can tear himself away from designing new logos and picking championship game sites to make sure that replay officials are not graduates of a team playing the game he worked.
Here's a parallel from 2001 USC does want to repeat in 2010.
That was the first season that USC lost 5 games by 5 points or less and the first season it lost twice in the final 12 seconds.
South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery had seven catches for 127 yards and two touchdowns last weekend against Alabama and made a highlight-reel one-handed catch.
What's worse? That he committed to USC originally or that Lane Kiffin told Jeffrey he would pump gas for a living if he played for the Gamecocks?
As good as the Pac-10 is this year, ESPN's BCS analyst Brad Edwards predicts Oregon will reach the title game.
``Right now, I've got a feeling that Ohio State is going to lose at Iowa. I think Oregon is going to run the table. I have a hard time seeing anyone else in the Pac-10 knocking them off, even though that is traditionally one of the hardest conferences to go undefeated through.
``So I see Oregon there. I think at that point it really comes down to whether Oklahoma or Nebraska can go undefeated. Obviously, if they can go undefeated into that Big 12 championship game against each other, one of them is going to come out and would get that other spot. If they don't, if they both slip up somewhere, then I think a one-loss team from somewhere else is going to get in there over a Boise or TCU. Right now, the way those teams are playing, I would probably predict Oregon against Nebraska for the National Championship.''
Tight end Jordan Cameron's been limited with a bone bruise but should be OK for Saturday's game.
The focus is on the linebackers as Chris Galippo prepares to start and Michael Morgan talks about those penalties against Stanford.
Cal quarterback Kevin Riley on if he thinks about this week's game as his last chance to beat USC.
``It does enter my mind. Since we've been here, we haven't won down there, so obviously it would be nice going down there, coming out firing and winning down there ... It'd be fun, my last year, just to beat USC. It's another game in the Pac-10 but it would definitely be fun winning down there.''
Linebacker Chris Galippo said he would start at weakside linebacker. Lane Kiffin said it depends on whether Malcolm Smith and Shane Horton are healthy. Galippo said he thinks he is comfortable enough to play the spot even though he's usually played middle linebacker or practiced at strongside linebacker.
Here's wide receiver Robert Woods on playing nickel back:
``It was the coaches' idea but it's a goal of mine to play both ways. They're talking about putting me in this week. They are just giving me one task. Just lock down my man.''
A non-defensive question in this segment.
Defense, recruiting, defense. There are reasons these questions are asked. Like having the 100th-ranked defense in the nation.
More defensive questions thanks to some shocking performances.
USC wide receiver Robert Woods was added to the list of candidates for this week's poll of Heisman Trophy voters by stiffarmtrophy.com following his 224-yard performance against Stanford.
USC might be five seconds from being 6-0 but when was the last time the Trojans were eighth in the Pac-10?
Yesterday I mentioned my suggestion of moving tight end Blake Ayles to defensive end. But what changes would you make? Move Devon Kennard to defensive end or strongside linebacker? Let Marshall Jones or Demetrius Wright get some time at safety? More time for Hebron Fangupo at defensive tackle? Scrap the Tampa 2? More blitzing?
Lane Kiffin said he had not heard anything from the Pac-10 office regarding his complaints with the officiating and clock operator. I personally can't wait to hear the Versus Conference reply. C'mon Larry Scott, let's go. It's Tuesday night already.
I asked Lane Kiffin tonight why tight end Blake Ayles is not switched to defensive end, especially with Christian Thomas back at tight end. I remembered Ayles as a difference maker in high school at defensive end and he isn't doing much offensively.
Kiffin said Jordan Cameron's been injured (and he was limping tonight) and it's not a good idea to change positions in midseason. I don't disagree but it seems with all the roster limitations and depth complaints, it's time to roll the dice a little bit, especially if it will improve the defense (potentially).
``He needs to improve ... He made some decisions that we need to get better with.''
-- Cal coach Jeff Tedford on QB Kevin Riley
A question in this segment on how to defend USC's offense and improve USC's defense.
Here's a Sports Illustrated story where a Los Angeles agent talks about paying Pac-10. One reason I'm posting this because there seems to be a lot of UCLA followers on the blog lately and the story features players from both schools.
In this segment, a question on my grade for Matt Barkley's performance.
Let's attack those questions, post-Stanford edition.
It must have been so hard for the Rams to shut down the Seahawks that they were unable to muster anything in their 44-6 to Detroit. Perhaps Jeremy Bates can score more than three points this week.
USC said it wanted to make a statement against Stanford. Now the Trojans face Cal knowing a loss would set up a possible four-game losing streak with Oregon looming.
Lane Kiffin on Nevada blowing out this week's opponent, Cal.
``That 52 (points) doesn't help us unless we're going to put Barkley in the pistol.''
No wonder Lane Kiffin left Tennessee. The Volunteers (2-4) used 15 true freshmen and 15 first-time starters through the first six games.
USC's problem with the clock operator at Stanford Stadium is not the first time the Trojans experienced problems in Palo Alto. In 2001, USC played the Cardinal in basketball and on a key play guard Casey Jacobsen took an inbounds pass with four seconds on the shot clock and hestitate and dribbled and scored even though observers believed at least seven seconds elapsed before Jacobsen shot the ball.
Who knew USC would be a ``highlight'' game for Tennessee to sell basketball tickets? Or maybe it's just viewed as a chance to heckle former coach Kevin O'Neill.
USC coach Lane Kiffin said he complained to Pac-10 supervisor of officials Dave Cutaia about ``several issues,'' in the Stanford game.
The most notable incident is what we mentioned earlier today when the clock did not start after USC got a first down at Stanford's 3-yard line.
``The clock is supposed to start,'' Kiffin said. ``We huddled up to take our time. It should have started. We were even faking audibles. They never started the clock. I expressed myself (to the Pac-10).''
Interesting playcalling in the fourth quarter when USC went twice to Ronald Johnson on third-and-10 and fourth-and-10 situations (unsuccessfully) despite the fact Robert Woods was in the midst of one of the best receiving performances in school history.
There was an interesting situation near the end of the game last night. USC got a first down at the 3-yard line with about 1:11 left. For some reason, the officials did not start the game clock.
This allowed Stanford to save a timeout. It also prevented USC from burning time off the clock before snapping the ball. Instead, USC scored on a 3-yard run by tailback Allen Bradford but there was still 1:08 left. And Stanford still had two timeouts left.
Lane Kiffin let Stanford kick its game-winning field goal without calling a timeout even though he had one left with four seconds remaining in the game. He used two last week to try and ice Washington.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley felt ``sick,'' as the Trojans lost a heartbreaker at Stanford.
Lane Kiffin was asked about how to improve the defense after the game.
``I don't know,'' Kiffin said. ``Personnel wise, we are pretty banged up. We will have to go back and look at things.''
Very similar to 2001 when USC lost to Oregon and Washington at the end of the game. But will Lane Kiffin be able to win his final four regular season games like Pete Carroll did that season? Wins over Notre Dame and UCLA would soothe the growing discontent.
This was USC's third loss to Stanford on the last play of the game in regulation. In 1969, Stanford kicked a field goal. In 2000, Chris Lewis's 20-yard touchdown pass to Jamien McCullum for a Stanford 32-30 win. I was at that game and remember that an administrator told me that sealed Paul Hackett's fate.
And of course, tonight's last-second field goal by Stanford kicker Nate Whitaker, who is 10 for 10 this season on field goals.
``I was pleased by the way the team fought tonight. The papers were saying this week that the USC dynasty was over. So to come up here and as 10-point underdogs and put on this type of showing.''
-- USC coach Lane Kiffin
``It's the second week in a row we had a chance to finish someone off and we didn't do it. ``We still couldn't stop them. We need to figure out what more we can do to finish people off.''
-- USC coach Lane Kiffin
``Tonight was a great day for us. Matt and I were really connecting. Stanford is a great team. To score three touchdowns for the Trojans tonight was really a great feeling. Stanford was leaving me uncovered at times and Matt was looking for me.''
-- USC freshman Robert Woods, who caught 12 passes for 224 yards
Great offensive performances or lousy defenses? You decide. If nothing else, plenty of drama.
Robert Woods is turning in one of the best performances ever for a true freshman wide receiver. He's got 200 yards receiving and it's not even the fourth quarter.
Each team goes right down the field but USC WR Robert Woods enjoying a career day already with 7 catches for 122 yards.
Immediate game updates are in the twitter box on the right side of the blog's home page.
The Trojans went down the field like they were upset over the Washington loss. By the way, USC beat the No. 1 team in the nation today.
Defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin figures out how to teach the Tampa 2 defense to his players in Game 6. Coach Lane Kiffin channels Pete Carroll's anger for Jim Harbaugh into his team. Kicker Joe Houston makes a field goal more than 30 yards. USC converts two two-point conversions. The defense does not wilt in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Matt Barkley completes the two biggest passes this week.
The Cardinal plays as well against USC as a favorite as it does an underdog. Coach Jim Harbaugh pretends Pete Carroll is still coaching USC. Linebacker Owen Marecic makes eight tackles and rushes for two touchdowns. Andrew Luck wants to prove he is the best quarterback in the Pac-10. The Stanford band's NCAA sanctions halftime show does not fire up USC.
Is this USC's make-or-break game already not even halfway into the season? It looks like it from Palo Alto.
Finally finished with the Washington forum!
Still finishing up the forum with some angry Washington questions.
Should Pete Carroll (and by extension recruiting coordinator Brennan Carroll) bear some responsibility to the roster deficiencies that Lane Kiffin is dealing with right now?
Freshman tailback Dillon Baxter said he's been ``going through the motions,'' in practices before this week.
OK, it's time to the pick the score of the USC-Stanford game. Our first pick comes courtesy of KCAL-9 meteorologist Evelyn Taft, who is a USC graduate. Evelyn picks the Trojans, 49-28.
Lane Kiffin and Jim Harbaugh avoided any controversy this week despite last year's antics between Harbaugh and Pete Carroll.
It's time to talk about the state of the program, the tailback situation and many other topics on USC Report with myself and correspondent Whitney Blaine.
Ed Orgeron is hospitalized with an infection in his leg and it is undecided if he will attend the Stanford game. Allen Bradford will start at tailback. Wide receiver Robert Woods (bruised thigh) said he is OK and will play. Defensive end Wes Horton said he will suit up but does not know if he will play. He did not practice this week.
Lane Kiffin did not name a starting kicker. Joe Houston made 5 of 6 field goals while Jake Harfman was 3 of 4 but all kicks were inside 32 yards.
UPDATED: Orgeron was released tonight and is expected to be at the game.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley dropped out of this week's poll of 57 actual Heisman Trophy voters by StiffArmTrophy.com. Here's the full poll results:
After last night's practice, special teams coach John Baxter told a reporter, ``Do you know what a good kick is?''
One that goes between the uprights was the wrong answer. Baxter said kicker Joe Houston's kicked the ball well on five of his six field goals despite making only two.
More tough questions in the post-Washington world.
Lane Kiffin joked last night that he asked USC women's soccer player Ashley Freyer if she could kick a football. I asked Freyer the same question.
``It sounds like fun,'' she said.
And a rousing return to the forum with some more sore subjects.
Would you pay $1,000 for Lane Kiffin-autographed football from the Hawaii game? Apparently you would.
Photo by Hans Gutknecht
USC coach Lane Kiffin and special teams coach John Baxter disagreed Wednesday over whether the kicking competition was still going.
Lane Kiffin on USC's 6-5 record in its past 11 Pac-10 games.
``The numbers are the numbers. Things have changed. That doesn't mean we change our standards.
Stanford cornerback Richard Sherman did not practice Wednesday and Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh said, ``no comment,'' when asked his injury. Sherman is Stanford's best cornerback, intercepted a pass last season against the Trojans and made the fourth-down catch on the winning drive in 2007 against USC.
Wide receiver Chris Owusu (concussion) participated in some of Wednesday's practice but is questionable. Wide receiver Ryan Whalen (dislocated elbow) will play.
Here's more of Lane Kiffin after practice on whether expectations are too high at USC.
``It doesn't bother me if the fans or the media standards are that we are supposed to win every game and we're still going to have better players like we used to. That's fine. That's the standard we have as a staff.''
Here's more from Lane Kiffin today regarding USC's 6-5 Pac-10 record in its past 11 conference games.
``This is not your old SC,'' he said.
USC coach Lane Kiffin today on how long it will take the program to escape the effects of NCAA sanctions.
``You're looking at a good five years, maybe six. Until you can have a full roster,'' Kiffin said.
Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck leads the Pac-10 in total offense (291.0) and ranks second in passing efficiency (157.5). He is third in the conference in passing yards per game (250.6) He has also rushed for 202 yards and two TDs in 25 carries (8.1).
Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh and USC coach Lane Kiffin were asked today about the ``what's your deal,'' exchange between Harbaugh and Pete Carroll last season. Carroll was upset about Stanford going for 2 points with a big lead and told Harbaugh after the game, ``what's your deal?''
Harbaugh responded by telling Carroll, ``what's your deal?''
Harbaugh said today his confrontation with Carroll, ``couldn't be any more irrelevant.''
Kiffin was asked about Stanford's, ``what's your deal,'' ticket plan, a package that included a ticket to the USC game and two other games.
"It's irrelevant, unless the Seahawks are on their schedule,'' Kiffin said.
USC is now getting 9.5-10 poiints from oddsmakers against Stanford, which means the money is flowing to the Cardinal, which opened as a 7-point favorite.
If the late USC coach John McKay looked down at the teams playing in this week's game wearing generic uniforms, which team would he think was the Trojans?
The one that runs the ball and plays physical football? Or the one that lines up for extra points with guys all over the field and runs the Wildcat formation?
In case you missed it, here's a scintillating replay of yesterday's radio appearance with Petros and Money.
USC defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin tried to provide some answers for the Washington game.
Just as I predicted on the Petros and Money show, Lane Kiffin did not name a starter at tailback tonight. I suspect the main reason is he thinks it somehow keeps Stanford up in the air.
But here's the question: Does Allen Bradford deserve to be named starter on Tuesday after gaining 223 yards against Washington? Or is this a little like the Aaron Corp situation last year?
Monte Kiffin said tonight he did not think USC's lack of tackling in practices contributed to the Trojans' poor tackling against Washington.
``I don't think you can say that,'' Kiffin said. ``That's not the first time this season we haven't tackled well. It's certainly not why (we haven't tackled well).''
In this segment, who would Pat Haden have hired if he were the A.D. last January.
The Carolina Panthers cut Dwayne Jarrett after he was arrested for driving while impaired. Is Seattle his next stop?
In this segment, it appears that conditioning is an issue.
Caesar now has Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett on his roster. Why didn't he trade for Joe McKnight?
The Pac-10 athletic directors meet tomorrow in San Francisco to narrow the options on division realignment and revenue sharing, etc. But remember, I mentioned earlier Pat Haden is not expected to attend because his wife is undergoing hip surgery. USC will be represented by senior associate athletic director Steve Lopes.
UPDATED: We now hear that Haden will attend the meetings after all.
Lane Kiffin declines to criticize Jim Harbaugh for last year's incident with Pete Carroll while Nickell Robey vows not to go through another loss like the Washington game.
Not for USC, but the New York Jets. Coach Rex Ryan said tailback Joe McKnight could be a two-way player after watching him play on the scout-team defense. I'm sure McKnight would settle for being a one-way player who plays.
A couple more answers on a grey day in L.A.
Washington coach Steve Sarkisian said today he received a phone call from Pete Carroll on Saturday night after beating USC.
``He was just happy. He said, 'Way to go.' You've got to remember, Pete's a defensive guy. I think he would have preferred the score to be a little lower. He was happy for us.''
And now to the questions post-Washington questions.
From Day 1 of Lane Kiffin's hiring, I said the true test would be how he leads and inspires USC when adversity hits. That was something Pete Carroll was pretty good at during his tenure. But motivation was his strength.
Kiffin's moment of truth comes a little earlier than expected, thanks to the Washington loss, but we will get an answer to what kind of leader he is this week (and the next couple after that).
These are the final questions from last week's forum, before the Washington debacle.
Jake Locker's performance against USC (310 yards passing, 110 rushing) was not that unusual. The last time a QB passed for at least 200 yards and rushed for 100 was former Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli last season (222 yards passing, 164 yards rushing).
Here are the grades for the Washington game:
If the tackling and playcalling were not enough to worry about, Jim Harbaugh, who loves to beat USC, is this week's opponent.
Lane Kiffin on why he tried a 40-yard FG instead of running on third and fourth down on the key drive of the fourth quarter last night.
``We'd run the ball two plays for six yards combined. It was not a situation I considered fourth-down territory.
``You had to kick a field goal in that situation. We were up 31-29. If you kick a field goal, they have to score a touchdown to win instead of kicking a field goal.''
Of course, the mitigating factor is USC's kicker was 2 for 5 on field goals at that point and kicking from 40 yards was a risk.
``I don't think teams are intimidated to play us because we're not playing well.''
-- USC coach Lane Kiffin
We heard the Fat Booster was on the Washington sideline last night. It makes sense because he was also at the Huskies' spring scrimmage. And it would be a way to get on the field since USC no longer allows boosters on the sideline.
Win. Lose. Win. Lose. This is why I didn't think much of Seattle hiring Pete Carroll. You can get someone to go .500 for a lot less than $6.5 million and a suite at Qwest Stadium.
Bonus points for losing to the Rams, a team Seattle was 10-0 against.
And extra credit to offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates for scoring three points.
Last night's game reminded me of a previous time in USC history, namely the Paul Hackett era, when USC would get caught up in games where neither defense could stop the other team and no lead was safe. Not a pretty period.
Lane Kiffin said the confusion on offense following two kick returns occurred because he was changing plays from the sideline because Washington lined up to blitz and he needed to adjust.
The first time, he took a delay of game rather than run a play. The second time, he called timeout. Isn't that a quarterback's job to read defenses and make adjustments?
James Blasczyk, a 7-foot-1 center from Lee College in Baytown, Texas, committed during a weekend visit to USC. He spent his freshman year at Texas A&M before he transferred. He gives USC another incoming 7-footer with DeWayne Dedmon of Antelope Valley College scheduled to enroll in January.
Nothing impressive about last night's game at the Coliseum . . . unless you were Washington kicker Erik Folk or QB Jake Locker.
Steve Sarkisian engaged some USC fans with a little trash-talk before the game Saturday.
Lane Kiffin is a former quarterback. Is that why he called a pass on third-and-4 at the Washington 23-yard line?
It's two-down territory with a struggling kicker anyways and the offensive linemen want to run in that situation. Oh, and with a power back who gained more than 200 yards. Oh, and with Nick Holt's defense bleeding yards all night.
I guess I'm perplexed to say the least.
At least USC did not go for 2-points. Then again, the first time they didn't the Trojans lost.
``On the last two drives we couldn't' put six on the board, it killed us. Don't blame Joe (Houston). It's up to the whole offense to put points on the board.''
-- USC quarterback Matt Barkley
Lane Kiffin after the game: ``The tackling wasn't good. Any time you give up 537 yards you're surprised.''
Lane Kiffin was asked tonight if the kicking competition was open again after Joe Houston missed a 40-yard field goal and is 2 for 6 this season.
``Definitely,'' Kiffin said.
USC scored 31 points tonight but failed to put Washington away, most noticeably on that missed pass from Matt Barkley to David Ausberry in the end zone.
But what is inexcusable is the fact it ran the Wildcat and did not utilize Dillon Baxter. He is the best-suited back for the Wildcat and can run or pass effectively out of it.
Where was he? ``I don't know what to say,'' Baxter said after the game.
So much to say about this loss. But here's a great quote from USC coach Lane Kiffin on Washington's final game-winning drive.
W e weren't going to stop them,'' Kiffin said. ``We were dead.''
This game is pretty crazy. Allen Bradford is USC's MVP. Where is that expert defense everyone was promised back in January?
Is Lane Kiffin lucky or what? He dodged a sure TD when Jake Locker fumbled and now the Trojans drive down the field for a TD.
Lane Kiffin is not winning any coaching awards today with the offense almost getting two delay of game penalties after kick returns. But Robert Woods' 56-yard kick return sets up a 4-yard TD by Marc Tyler.
Earth to Monte Kiffin in the pressbox. What were three players doing the secondary letting Devin Aguilar get behind them for a 44-yard TD pass from Jake Locker.
Jake Locker looks better on this drive, using his arm and feet to move down the field. The defense looks like Pete Carroll is coordinating it so far.
Jake Locker just showed what an enigma he is by completing his first three passes for 54 yards and then making two bad throws in the end zone. The Huskies get a 23-yard FG instead.
Allen Bradford goes 37 yards up the middle for the TD with 11:32 left in first quarter. Does it just seem like the holes are bigger this season when Bradford is running?
Game updates will be posted here but also on the twitter feed on the right side of this page.
Lane Kiffin is able to transition from playing a ridiculous schedule the first four games. Quarterback Matt Barkley does not throw two interceptions for the third straight game. A starting tailback actually emerges from the three-man rotation. The defense does not allow quarterback Jake Locker to scramble too much on pass plays. Kicker Joe Houston makes a field goal
Steve Sarkisian snuck a few Seattle Seahawks on the plane to Los Angeles. Quarterback Jake Locker actually lives up to the endless hype he received in the summer. Defensive coordinator Nick Holt recovers from the shock treatment of getting steamrolled by Nebraska. Washington pretends Aaron Corp is playing quarterback for USC again this year.
Who does Caesar want to win tomorrow's game? Because he is Caesar, he will smoothly embrace the winner and express some aw-shucks sorrow for the loser. But I think he's rooting for Lane Kiffin.
Who does Norm Chow want to win? Easy. Kiffin. Although Kiffin did not want to hire Chow as offensive coordinator, Chow does not speak to Steve Sarkisian and dropped contact with him when he felt betrayed by Sarkisian for his role in Chow's forced ouster from USC in late 2004.
USC quarterback Matt Barkley is 22nd in this week's Heisman Trophy poll of 65 actual Heisman voters by stiffarmtrophy.com. Full results after the jump:
Time to pick the score for the USC-Washington game. I'll go with the Trojans 35-23. As a bonus, feel free to see if you can get the right score for the Stanford-Oregon game.
When Lane Kiffin was a USC assistant, the Trojans often won Pac-10 games with overwhelming talent. Those days appear to be over as he enters a key stretch of the conference season.
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