“You’re the joke of the neighborhood, what do you care if you’re feeling good?"
-Supertramp-Take the Long Way Home-1979

This must apply to USC athletic director Mike Garrett over the hiring of the child Lane Kiffin.

The English have a word for what I’m feeling today. GOBSMACKED! I simply can’t believe USC could hire a kid who has done nothing in his career with the exception of piss off everyone he has ever worked for.

I saw his name on the endless rumor mill about potential replacements for Pete Carroll. I kind of chuckled thinking, is there any way this could be serious? Alas, it’s true. I’m kind of waiting for the entire sports community to e-mail and text me with the words, "Only kidding Scott, boy did we get you.”

First, let’s look at him. Okay, he fits the mold of the SC coach. Tall, good looking, but the times I’ve seen him in action away from camera, he seems to me to be the recipient of the world’s most successful personality bypass operation.

Notice him at a press conference -- he never looks the camera or the audience directly in the eye. What should that tell you?

Then there is the matter of the performance before the Tennessee booster club and the snide remarks throughout his “tenure” as the Volunteers head coach. I am impressed he was able to go from head coach to joke punch line for every sportscaster in the U.S. in so short of time.

And what has he ever actually accomplished as a coach? Okay, he was the offensive coordinator for USC when Bush, Leinart and company averaged something like 42 points per game in 2005, but seriously, I’m thinking an orangutan could have called the plays for that team and done well.

Let's not forget he called the famous 4th-and-2 play in the national championship game against Texas which ultimately lost the game for SC. Oh yeah, that play. You remember the one in which Reggie Bush, possibly the most threatening and explosive back of his generation, was standing beside Carroll on the sideline as the Trojans ran Lendale White up the middle against an eight-in-the-box Longhorn defense. Remember.

He did really well at Oakland, didn’t he? What was it, five wins, fifteen losses? Could you have imagined him trying to get the attention of the Raiders players? Funny: “Ah guys… guys …can you please be quiet and listen, I really do have something to say. Okay, if you don’t stop I’m going to take my football and go home.”

I suppose the silver lining is he is assembling an all-star coaching staff lead by his father Monte and my favorite Ed Orgeron. Big Ed is a great recruiter and the father is supposed to be a defensive guru. There is also a rumor Norm Chow could return to the Trojan fold. He’ll need them.

And what about the players and fans of Tennessee? They bought into this hype. The put up with his childish pranks and grandstand plays week after week. The hollow promises and big noise. I feel sorry for them. No group of fans deserves that…. well, except Notre Dame Fans.

Still, I suppose it could be fun. SC is guaranteed huge national media coverage. I’m anxious to see how fast Lane can upset the Pac-10 like he did the SEC with his insane remarks. Harbaugh vs. Kiffin... meeting at mid-field after a verbal sparring match all week long in the press. Harbaugh will simply pick him up and eat him.

How about Lane vs. Rick Neuheisel? I will assume the name of the USC-UCLA game will change from the Crosstown Showdown to the Whiny Brat Bowl in no time.

Talk about traditions of the future.

John McKay must be spinning over in his grave right now.

Can I say anything nice about Mr. Kiffin? Well sure. His wife is absolutely smoking hot.

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They came not as Achilles, Agamemnon, Ajax, and Odysseus but as Masoli, James, Luck, and Gerhart. Their arrival signaled the end of the Trojan Empire.

I am completely at a loss of words to describe the efforts and outcomes of the last two USC losses.

The offense has been predictable and ineffective. The defense has been shredded like the Swiss cheese it has become.

Even as a Trojan, I have felt the hype machine has been working overtime the last couple years but no more than in 2009. SC went from reloading to rebuilding to restructuring in three weeks. What are we, ranked 22nd now? That's still way to high.

I have spoken to many people close to the program and I think everyone is at a loss. The problems are layers thick. Heart, coaching, game plans, effort -- you name it, it has been mentioned.

My son and I went to the Stanford game and I can assure you it was hideous to sit through. Matt Barkley has gone backwards since the second half of the Ohio State game. Four turnovers against Stanford which led to 28 points? The offense line, heralded as the nation’s best in August, is porous at best. The defensive line is probably the weakest in the past ten years. Linebacking is slow and poor in pass coverage. The secondary is left to do it alone. Injuries can be offered as somewhat of an explanation, but if you believe the hype from the media, a team with the recruiting record of USC should be able to lose a few players and not fall off too much. Simply not true.

That leaves a long way back for SC. I honestly do not know if if can be fixed next season. We shall see.

And Stanford didn’t even have the decency to show up in a wooden horse before they sacked Troy!

Congratulations

Congrats Ohio State. Five Big Ten titles in a row.

Impressive.

I knew you guys would win even after Purdue. Your defense is too strong. I told some of my Buckeyes friend before the Penn State game that you guys were going to Pasadena no doubt. Penn State is a fraud and Iowa has been living on a prayer all year long. Now it's time for the big one... Michigan.

I must say as a neutral observer that I miss the days where the tension and anticipation for the OSU-Michigan game was palatable when you woke up on the Monday morning of Michigan week. Now, Michigan is again in free fall. It is really just a formality game for you guys to go kick the crap out of them. Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

I think they should hire Jim Harbaugh... anything to get him out of the Pac 10.

I miss the way it used to be when the Ohio State-Michigan game was at noon and the USC-UCLA game was at 3:30 and the winner of those games usually went on to play in the Rose Bowl. That’s the way it should be.

Thoughts

It looks like it's Texas vs. the SEC winner in the national championship game.

Does anyone else have a problem with the fact Texas played Louisiana-Monroe, Wyoming, UTEP, and Central Florida? What a joke... strength of schedule is always a concern with some teams but not others.

How come it never affects teams like Texas and SEC teams but always others? Plus the play in the Big 12 which is a lot like the OCC Capital Davison.

The one good thing I can take away from the 2009 season is the continued joke which Notre Dame Football has become. I have conflicting feelings really. On one hand, I love it when the Irish can water down their schedule and still struggle to play .500 ball. On the other I want Charlie to stay for his entire contract so ND and more importantly USC can be assured of the Irish being mediocre for years to come. So I can only hope they continue on the path they are on... losing, but not losing by a lot so Weis’s big con can continue.

Best of Luck in Pasadena on New Year's Day. I think you’ll get the Ducks... .and they are pretty good. Everyone is invited to come to Cincinnati and join me for my big Emerald Almond Bowl party between SC and whoever we get to play.

FIGHT ON!

 

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APOLOGY
Well, it seems I owe everyone an apology. I said a freshman couldn't win a close game in Columbus. Obviously I was wrong. Matt Barkley's performance as well as all the Trojans was close to super human when you look at all the elements involved. Noise, atmosphere, and opponent.

Say what you will, and I know Buckeye fans everywhere are broken-hearted, but you guys were magnificent in defeat. The old cliche "It's a shame someone had to lose" was never more evident than it was on September 12. My basic opinion, and this is in no way a slam on Buckeye Football, is that it appeared that one team wanted to win and one team expected to win.

Lots of second guesses on calls and non-calls and decisions and play calling, but the bottom line is when SC had to do it, they did. I don't know how fair the recent criticism coming at Jim Tressel on the national scale is. To be honest, the decision to kick a field goal on fourth and goal is hardly a bad call. You never sacrifice points. The problem is Pete Carroll and his brass ones. He takes gambles as illustrated on numerous calls he made Saturday. He never blinks. It usually works out for him so he gets the glory.

I laugh at so called Buckeye fans that are calling for coach Tressel's head. Look at the man's record. So he's dropped a couple national championship games. I know about 115 other teams that would trade those losses for participation in the big game. Don't be too critical. Remember a guy named John Cooper?

The Ohio State Experience
I had an amazing experience at the game. I was able to attend on a field pass courtesy of our publisher at WeAreSC, Garry Paskwietz. I went up to Columbus Friday with my son for our WeAreSC luncheon and then attended the USC walk through. On Saturday we arrived on campus to have lunch with some friends from LA. We ate at Eddie George's and the fan base were without a doubt a great representatives of Buckeyes fans everywhere. No hassle, no off color comments. We had the occasional boos as we walked, but it was all in good fun. People just seemed eager to talk college football and share their opinions on the game. Your fans appreciated the event as what it was -- a showcase for college football on the national scene.

It was kind of a bizzaro universe at Eddie George's. We Trojans were rooting for Michigan as we detest all things Irish and you guys were rooting against your maize and blue playmates. Great fun. And the right team won again.

The game from field level was the most fantastic thing I have experienced. The noise was unreal. Your crowd was phenomenal. The only problem I encounter was from a field security guy from Ohio State. I am not at liberty to mention his name, but his initials are TR. He was about the rudest person I've ever come across, accusing me for not working while I was watching the game because I didn't have a camera. After he chased me with his attitude from one side of the SC bench, he followed me to the other side and started again. It's a shame that the one moron I encountered was actually a paid employee of the university. I looked his bio up on the OSU football website only to discover he was a former manager. That explains everything -- a small man given power and all that. He should have stayed with setting balls down for the field goal kickers. Still, I am pleased he found another job after he was kicked out of the Gestapo for cruelty.

It was cool hanging with Will Ferrell and Anthony Munoz. I spoke with Munoz as I have worked his football camps before. Ferrell seems a little unapproachable. My favorite story was when Taylor Mays sat down to get his injured knee treated, I asked, to no one in particular "what happened?" A voice to my side said, "I think he hurt it a couple players ago." I turn to look and it was Chris Fowler. Nice guy -- we talked a moment about Mays's knee, and I thought what the heck, I'll just go see for myself and walked over behind the bench and watched the trainers fix it up.

Big star evening. Along with Ferrell and Munoz we had Charles White, Marcus Allen, and Allen's pal Eric Dickerson. I heard Ohio State was graced with Jack Tatum, Larry Zelina and Vince Vaughn.

The USC Experience
As I mentioned earlier, I was able to attend the SC walkthrough on Friday. I had heard about how loosey-goosey these events are. To see the walk through in person confirms it. Players strolling out for about 15 minutes. No formal stretching. No formal schedule as far as I could see. The linemen played a little hybrid game of touch football called Trojan Ball. The defensive backs kicked field goals. The backs played one on one against each other going for passes and the QB's just tossed it around with Saint Pete. After about 40 minutes of just goofing off, the players met at midfield and had a little talk from strength coach Chris Carlisle. Then dismissed. They had to be called back because they forgot to do the little cheer.

My 11-year old son got in and brought his football to be autographed. He was a bit star stuck, but the players were more than accommodating. I loved that. There is no reason these players can't sign autographs for kids. It made his day, and I am appreciative for it. David and I then went downtown to the pep rally. The song girls were there, and I was star struck. It's no wonder teams hate us with gals like that cheering for us.

The Future
I have enjoyed writing for you guys the last few months. I don't have anything against Ohio State, and like I said, I appreciate your time honored tradition and contribution to college football lore. I can't see you losing again, and depending on how we do in the Pac 10 against Cal and the obligatory weak sister who will probably stretch us, I can easily see a rematch in Pasadena on New Year's Day. Let's face it, this home and home series has been great and exciting, but to me there is nothing in sports that rivals a Ohio State-Southern Cal Rose Bowl. That is when it really counts, and "The Granddaddy of Them All" only adds to the magic of it.

Good Luck
FIGHT ON!
and GO Bucks!

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Why is college football the greatest spectator sport in the world? I had my ideas, and following an utterly fantastic weekend in Columbus, Ohio, I was able to organize my thoughts.

College football brings out tribal instincts in us all. I was engulfed by the atmosphere and tradition of Ohio State. I am from Ohio. I was born, breed, and educated here in Big Ten Country.

As I stood on the sideline Saturday night and watched the crowd's noise build to a crescendo when the Ohio State Band marched out in precession, I felt a fierce pride I have never felt before. Not so much for the Buckeye football team, but for the fact this was part of me. The fight songs the band played were the same I had heard when I ran out on the field to play football in high school. The spelling of Script Ohio I had seen a thousand times on TV, but today the noise on field level was overwhelming. The crowd moving in a tribal ritual spelling O-H-I-O made the old concrete structure take on the complexion of a living breathing beast. When the band played Ohio State's alma mater, "Carmen Ohio" the choired voices sounded like a hymn for a secular church with 106,000 fanatic parishioners. I felt a shiver down my spine. All the fall afternoons of all my youth in front of our television came racing back to me. I had been initiated with these tribal laws and customs for many years. Scarlet and grey, The Horseshoe on the banks of the Olentangy River, songs, salutes, passions.

However I am a Trojan. I am stirred within my tribe by other customs and ceremonies. Just as symbolic. Just as revered. And the clash of the two tribes was absolutely magnificent, a masterpiece of competition painted on a green field.

As I watched the game from field level, I was amazed at the size, talent, and speed of the players on display. I was also amazed that at its purest level, football is in reality hand-to-hand combat. It is simply one tribal warrior battling against the other. The record crowd of 106,033 formed a valiant foe. Ohio Stadium became the ultimate 12th man. Encouraging to their scarlet clad foot soldiers, when USC took the ball, the crowd noise become more than deafening, and it was downright oppressive. I couldn't hear the voice of a person right next to me. How Matt Barkley called signals is a complete mystery.

The game takes on a different perspective at field level. Angles and depth are distorted. Time seems to slow down. I heard on Sunday that the final Trojan drive took 20 minutes of actual time. To me it seemed to be 2nd-and-19 then all of a sudden Stafon Johnson was walking into the end zone. What a performance by SC to hang on and mount a drive that will now be placed into the tribal lore of Troy.

The funny thing about the attitude of our current college football, had it been Ohio State driving, the nation would have braced for a monumental upset. However, with SC the nation was just waiting to see how the Trojans would pull out a win.

I asked some Ohio State fans when they knew it was over, and they all replied that they knew when SC entered Ohio State territory. Mysticism within our tribe is completely restored. It's only a surprise when we lose.

In the end, it was really a shame Ohio State had to lose. They played a wonderful game. The stadium was eerily silent except for the sounds of Conquest. The beast had been slain. The visiting tribe was finally victorious in enemy territory. There were tears from the Buckeye faithful. They exited in a silence becoming a funeral. I'm sure there were tears of joy from Trojans somewhere.

As for me it was an experience I will forever cherish. I was an eyewitness to tribal history from the sidelines of the Shoe. It was the game of the season. Where the season leads for both teams is a mystery to us all, but one thing is for sure. Tribal love will be renewed on every Saturday. Not only in 2009 but forever. FIGHT ON!

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MIXED RESULTS

I'm not reading one thing into your struggles against Navy. The Midshipmen are very disciplined and gave themselves a chance to tie and go into OT but they simply didn't have the athletes to do it. You guys will be fine on the 12th and it will be a wonderful game.

We looked good but played close to the vest in LA. The running backs all contributed and Barkley was not asked to do to much. The new look defense looked pretty good. I understand San Jose State had a senior-laden offense and we took them apart. Sets the stage for the BIG ONE.

STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND

People have asked me all my life WHY? Why are you a such a huge USC fan?

I was born and raised in Ohio, graduated from college in Ohio, lived in Cleveland and now Cincinnati. If anyone should be a Buckeye fan it should be me but I was drawn down a different road very early in life. When I was a little kid, I absolutely loved Greek Mythology. I couldn't get enough of it. Read it all the time.

My favorite story was The Trojan War. So when I heard a radio announcer say, "Southern California Trojans" I was hooked for life. Being a little OCD (although then it wasn't a disorder -- you simply liked stuff), I threw myself into anything I could find about USC. Everything I learned I loved, and here I am today.

I saw a quote from author and sportswriter Jon Eisenberg that sums it up best. He writes in "Cotton Bowl Days," "Many fans find other teams to cheer for as they grown up-at college, or in a city to which they move, but there is always room for just one team in their heart, the team that causes them to cheer and cry long after they've supposedly outgrown such childness. Often, it's the team that mattered the most to them years ago, above all else." That is exactly how I feel about my beloved Trojans.

As long as I'm citing books, I recently read a new publication called WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A TROJAN by Steven Travers. Wonderful book, compulsory reading for any Trojan. I think you guys have a similar book, What it means to be a Buckeye, something like that. As I was reading, I was stuck by the respect and reverence our ex-players had and still have for Ohio State.

Steve Sogge, Quarterback for SC in the 1969 Rose Bowl: "Ohio State was outstanding."

Richard "Batman" Wood, Linebacker, Rose Bowl 1973/74/75: "I give credit to those guys at Ohio State. They were tough. Oklahoma was very physical and fast but we only faced them once. I have to rate the Buckeyes the toughest."

Paul McDonald, Quarterback, 1980 Rose Bowl: " In 1979 we went unbeaten and defeated Ohio State in the Rose Bowl 17-16. I can say this -- (Ohio State( was the best defense I played against in college."

Our teams have a rich and glorious history as foes, mostly in the Rose Bowl. I remember every one that I ever saw between Ohio State and USC. The 1969 Rose Bowl broke my heart when we lost 16-27 to the sensational sophomores -- Kern, Tatum, those guys.

The triumphant of games in the early seventies were the best. SC won big, OSU won big and we won the rubber game 18-17. Those games mark benchmarks in my youth. Just classics.

The games between OSU and USC always have a special feel to them. Maybe it's the conflict of everything each school represent -- Midwest values vs. Hollywood glitz. I think it's a mutual respect between each program. Sure, there are bigger rivals on each team's schedule, but whenever you see Ohio State versus Southern California, the hairs on the back of your neck stand up on end. The country stands at attention as two mythological football programs ready for battle. There is nothing like it.

Heck, I still have newspaper clipping from The Columbus Dispatch of the 1963 game in the 'Shoe. You guys won 17-0.

I am really looking forward to going to the game Saturday night. Last time we played in Columbus (1990: SC 35, OSU 26), I had work obligations and couldn't go. My ex-mother in law went in my place. The next day, when I asked her how the game was she said, "Horrible, I had to sit next to the USC band and they played than damn song (Conquest) 500 times!" Killing me. Is it any wonder the marriage didn't work?

My prediction. The game will be 0-0 at kickoff.

Seriously, like all football games the outcome will be decided on the play in the trenches and who can limit turnovers. USC was very vanilla on Saturday. Barkley handed off and threw safe. He will be required to do more Saturday. SC's defense looked very quick and sure against San Jose State. They will need to limit Pryor's big play ability. And tackle him.

RANTS AND RAVES

Both our favorite whipping boys won Saturday. Michigan equalized their 2008 season scoring total against Western Michigan and Notre Lame reinvented college football as we know it by beating Nevada 35-0. I will assume with this win ND just gets to automatically play in the BCS National Championship Game, or do they have to play other contests? I know the rules are a bit different for them.

Oregon sure represented the Pac-10 well on Thursday. Not only did they get embarrassed on the field but the incident afterwards was beyond surreal.

I was disappointed with Desmond Howard's (another one of your favorites I'm sure) comment on Gameday Saturday actually blaming Byron Hout, the kid form Boise State, for the fight Thursday in Idaho. Howard says Hout was at fault for taunting LaGarrette Blount into punching him. Hout needs to bear some responsibility, but unless football has changes a lot since I played , players get taunted after every snap. I've been called everything but late for supper. And my ancestry was called into question many times as well, but I never punched anyone, nor upon reciprocation did anyone ever punch me.

I will close with a GOOD LUCK for the game this week. When you see me on campus with my SC stuff on campus Friday and Saturday, please don't throw anything sharp.

FIGHT ON!

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THE BIG PUSH

The season starts Saturday! Can you believe it? After all those empty months, light at the end of the tunnel. Don't get me wrong, I love baseball and following sports in general, but there is nothing to compare with college football. The color, pageantry, tradition. It's just awesome.

This time of year I'm always put in two minds over the BCS system. On one hand, and probably logically, I am dying for a playoff system, but if that were implemented, the urgency and importance of every game might be lost. Think of it. If there was a playoff, would the SC-Ohio State posses the same romantic atmosphere as it does? It would seem reasonable that the loser of this game would still qualify for an eight team playoff. It would have to take a little edge off the match up.

A CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

It's Matt Barkley! Barkley has earned the honor of becoming the first true freshman to start an opener in SC history. No small accomplishment.

Barkley is supposed to be a true QB phenom -- big, strong, leadership ability beyond his years, great arm. Our number 7 will need all these attributes and more on September 12th. Articles are coming of the L.A. press about Coach Carroll opening up the offense and not holding back anything for Barkley.

I look for a very close to the vest game plan in Columbus -- ball control behind the veteran offense line, short safe passes to move the chains and sustain drives, and let the defense try to create field position. One thing is for sure, and this is true for either team, turnovers will determine the outcome of this game.

I was saying to my guys and huge Buckeye fans, Brooks Gear and Spencer Berlekamp, that I just cannot see an 18 year old turning the tide in the 'Shoe. I don't care how good a kid is, to ask him to step out of high school football and deliver in a venue like Ohio Stadium, under the lights and on national TV, is a huge challenge. I hope I'm wrong, but I think this give you guys a HUGE advantage. Having said all this, I predict Barkley will be the best QB in the long glorious history of SC's Program. 2012 Heisman anyone?

STAR STRUCK

Ho Hum. Last week at SC practices, which are open to the public, we hosted Will Ferrell and his family, Jamaal Wilkes, and Magic Johnson.

Just another celebrity packed week in Troy. It got me thinking what former greats will be on the side lines for the game on 9/12. I think each teams gets four field passes for non-working personnel. I have to think Anthony Munoz is there for us. He lives just down the road here in Cincinnati. Ronnie Lott is on the sidelines a lot, but don't worry, he's not allowed to play. Maybe Marcus Allen. He's kind of a regular. For you guys... maybe Eddie George? Chris Speilman? I'm pretty sure that you could select a former player present on the sideline roster and have college football hall of famers left over. What a great match-up.

WRIGHT OUT

Cornerback Shareece Wright has been declared ineligible for the 2009 season. Wright failed to make the grade for his summer school assignment.

His eligibility has been in question throughout fall camp. He becomes the third penciled-in starter lost from an already depleted defense.

Averell Spicer and Armond Armstead have missed considerable practice time due to injury. This loss is key to me because now we take a natural safely Josh Pinkard and move him to corner. I'm sick over this one.

Joe McKnight has been named starter at tailback for the game against San Jose State. I sincerely hope our No. 4 can live up to the hype and expectations he has had to endure for the past two seasons. Great talent, slippery hands.

FIGHT ON!

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The 2009 fall camp is now finished at USC. Injuries to a few key personnel has been the story so far. That and the apparent reloading of a very capable defensive unit.

The big news of course is that spring starter Aaron Corp had missed virtually all of camp with a minor break in his fibula. Huge loss. The reports out of L.A..is that true freshman Matt Barkley has dazzled coaches with his innate understanding of the QB position.

The word among the players is Corp gives SC the best chance to win.

Corp's status will be determined by August 25th. If he can practice, I think he will start against San Jose State on 9/5. If he cannot, there are some rumors that are swirling that Barkley could start against the Spartans on the fifth, then third string Mitch Mustain will start in Columbus because of his experience in major college football while playing at Arkansas. I think this is this heresy because I could not imagine Coach Carroll doing that.

Either way, as I suggested in one of my earlier blogs, this dilemma puts the Trojans at a severe disadvantage on 9/12 in The Shoe.

Another key injury is that of staring center Christopher O'Dowd. O' Dowd went down in the first scrimmage with a dislocated knee cap, a injury he suffered his freshman year. The initial reports were that  No.61 would miss up to four to six weeks but he has been upgraded and will probably be back for the home opener against SJS, but if not, then for sure against you guys.

Another loss is starting defensive end Armond Armstead. Armstead is out for six weeks with a broken foot.

The reports are very positive about the new defense. Although racked by graduation loss in 2009, Trojan defenders are having their way in scrimmages and mock games so far against the offense. As you know, the age old theory on practice is the defense is usually farther along than the offense because of the lack for timing responsibilities the offense must produce. Still, I would be lying to you if I said I wasn't just a little concerned over the lack of productivity by the offense. The offensive line is touted as the finest in the nation! Or could the defense be that good? The stats of the scrimmage on 8/22 tell us that the defense actually won the day 2-0 on a safety. 69 plays with not a point to show. I hope it was a case of a great defense and a vanilla play calling script. Time will tell.

I have enjoyed the Big Ten Camp reports that have been shown on the Big 10 Network. Is it me or does it seem that every program in your league have new facilities?

I love the fact that Minnesota has a outdoor stadium. I can't wait to see a game from there in November with the snow flying. I would be amiss if I didn't comment of Big Ten nicknames. There are certainly some strange ones. Ohio State's is course one of the strangest.........Buckeyes, but mix that in with Badgers and Hoosiers and Golden Gophers... (are there Silver Gophers and Lilac Gophers? I thought they were brown. Or only Golden ones?)

Before you get your comments all up in a tizzies I'm not knocking these nicknames, I understand they come from age old traditions, I'm simply pointing out they are a little unusual.

Best if luck against the Midshipmen. I will be rooting on my two favorite teams on opening weekend -- USC and whoever is playing Norte Lame, in this case Nevada. Go Wolfpack!!!!!!

FIGHT ON!!!

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I would like to address what I consider areas of concern for USC in 2009.

The second hardest hit unit by graduation after our linebacker corps, the defensive line has great potential but many unknowns to answer this fall. The leadership of this unit will fall heavily on the shoulders to two men. First is Everson Griffen (6-3, 280, Jr., No. 93). Griffen is extremely strong and quick. Lighting speed off the corner. Griffen started a few games last season, including the game against Ohio State in L.A. He was used as a pass rush specialist but now will be expected to be an every down defensive end.

The second defensive lineman with experience is Christian Tupou (6-2, 285, Jr., No. 44). Tupou is a nose tackle who started the last ten games of 2008. Tupou is a hard working D-lineman, not huge but extremely quick. Pushing Tupou will be Jurrell Casey and JUCO transfer Hebron Fangupo.

At tackle is Averell Spicer (6-2, 295, No. 99). Spicer started a few games last year at nose but has been moved to tackle for 2009 and had a great spring there. Rounding out our defensive line will be ends Armond Armstead, Nick Perry, Malik Jackson, and highly touted incoming freshman Devon Kennard. Coach Carroll is high on this group, calling them the quickest group he's had at Troy in years.

In my opinion, this is the key to the Trojans being successful on September 12th and the rest of 2009. They must step up and challenge as a group. As you know it will take almost a super human effort to contain super football god Terrelle Pryor, who will probably rush for 700 hundred yards and pass for another 400 against us.

Catch me if you can

The second area of concern for me is the receiving corps. I have to say I think we have been lacking a little bit since Mike Williams had a brain fart and followed your boy Maurice Clarett out early for a chance at the NFL Draft. I saw Williams play in South Bend in 2003 and he was untouchable. Okay, I know it was against Notre Dame, but this was back when they could actually beat Navy and Air Force. Williams could have caught 100 passes that afternoon if the game plan would have dictated. Dwayne Jarrett was a good solid receiver but he didn't seem to have that intangible aptitude Williams did.

This year, SC will feature returning starter Damian Williams (No. 18, 58 rec, 869 yds, 9 TD). You'll remember Damian from the Rose Bowl where he had a career game (I wonder why Penn State decided not to cover him in that game?). He's the kid who transferred in from Arkansas a couple of years ago. Good solid receiver, great hands.

Also returning is Ronald Johnson (No. 8, 33 rec, 570 yds, 8 TD). Johnson has to be killing you because he's from Michigan. Johnson is the big play guy on the SC offense. Also returns kickoffs.

Joining these two will likely be big David Ausberry. Ausberry is the latest in a long line of huge wide outs starting with Mike Williams. He's 6-4 and 235 pounds -- a big strong kid who makes a great target. Let's hope he proves to be as productive as Mike was.

Two other Trojans that will vie for significant playing time in 2009 are Travon Patterson and redshirt freshman Brice Butler. Patterson is widely considered the second fastest Trojan behind Taylor Mays while the reports out of camp is Butler is the most precise route runner in the last 10 years. We shall see. It's very important this group offers leadership and productivity to ease the transition of the new signal caller, whoever that may be.

Pre-season observations

I have to say I was appalled at the comments of Hawaii coach Greg McMackin. I mean ok we've all been guilty of gay bashing remarks, but to compare homosexuals to Notre Dame football players...it's diabolical. That is an insult no one should have to put up with.

Is there a reason no one is saying anything about Florida opening with Charleston Southern? I've never heard of Charleston Southern. I assume it's a community college in South Carolina. I'm sorry, I don't care if Florida plays the remainder of their games against the NFC East that game is weak...Oh sorry I forgot the SEC is stronger than the NFC East.

Texas opens with SW Louisiana Tech or someone like that which isn't much better. It's simple to me. If you choose to play a sub BCS team you forfeit points in the computer ranking. The mighty Gators play C-Southern then Florida International later in the season. That's like ten games compared to 12 for the rest of us. Doesn't make sense to me. I'm a little embarrassed we open with San Jose State but at least they are in a Division I conference.

Can you believe we have less then a month till we get this thing started?

FIGHT ON!

 

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The undeniable strength of the 2009 USC Trojans will be in the defensive secondary. The Trojans can boast one top five, if not number one, 2010 draft choice and three, maybe four other first round/early second round choices. The sixth best DB is a sophomore but will be an early pick when he decided to go pro. It is a surplus of riches that equals if not surpasses last year's golden group of linebackers.

Corner-# 24 Shareece Wallace (6-0,180, junior three-year letterman) Listed at one corner after spring ball Wallace missed considerable time in 2008 with a neck injury after starting the first two games. 2005 Super -Prep All-American.

Corner-# 15 Kevin Thomas (6-1,185, senior three-year letterman) Thomas saw considerable action in 2008 appearing in every game with starts in several. Three picks one for a touchdown. Thomas will bring great experience and a ball-hawking attitude to the flank in 2009. 2005 Super-Prep All American.

Safety-# 36 Josh Pinkard (6-2, 210, senior with three letters) Missed the last two seasons with injuries and was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA. Was an early starter in his career but has been cursed with knee problems. Pinkard is reportedly 100 percent finally. Big hitter who is great in coverage and run support. 2003 Super Prep All-American.

Safety-#2 Taylor Mays (6-3, 230, senior three-year letterman) Two-time All-American and Thorpe candidate. Started every game since his freshman year. Listed at 230 but is probably closer to 240. Has been clocked at 4.285 in the 40. A physical freak of nature. Rumor has it that Mays maxed out the point system used at the NFL combine the spring after his sophomore year. A sure fire first-round pick if not number one in 2010. Incredibly he had no picks in 2008 although he deflected nine passes. Devastating hitter. 2005 Parade All American in high school.

Back-ups
# 26 Will Harris- Loads of experience as a career back-up and spot starter for the Trojans. Probably will be the nickel back. Quick, strong, reads the game well. 2004 Super-Prep All American.

# 1 T.J. Bryant- T.J. will push for serious playing time this fall. Excellent cover corner from Florida. High school All-American.

Here is what I think will happen in The Shoe. Because of the speed of the SC defensive front, you guys will be forced to keep a back in to help with pass protection. Without the threat of this fifth receiver, the SC secondary will not be hard-pressed to perform out of the ordinary.

Now having said this, I do appreciate the fact that your Terrelle Pryor is capable of seriously disrupting a defensive scheme. His athletic ability will be like nothing SC sees the rest of the season. BUT, and this is very important, Pete Carroll has been designing defenses since the national championship loss to Texas to contain these -- I don't know how to even classify it -- super playmakers I suppose (Vince Young and Pryor). I have watched the defense go from a traditional 4-3 into this hybrid scheme Carroll loves. I think a lot rides on the secondary in coverage and support and PC has that with this group. I'm not saying SC will win on the 12th but I think this secondary will be extremely difficult to exploit.

Taylor Mays #2 (Athlon.com)

TEBOWGATE
Are you guys as sick of Tim Tebow as much as I am? So Spurrier didn't vote for him. Who cares? I never thought I'd say this but if it comes down to a Texas vs. SEC National Championship game I could almost pull for the Longhorns. I am so friggin' sick of the SEC.

One thing they have to deal with down south is the addition of new coach Lane Kiffin at Tennessee. I met Kiffin while I was a participant at Trojan Flashback Camp (an adult fantasy camp) in 2004. Of all the SC coaches and former players at this camp, i.e. Ronnie Lott, Charles White, Paul McDonald, and Ron Mix, Kiffin was the only one who was an arrogant _____ (fill in blank). He acted like it was bother to do his job. Not impressed with ol' Lane.

Besides, wasn't he the offensive coordinator in the aforementioned NC game with Texas who had Reggie Bush standing on the sideline on fourth and 18 inches? I mean come on! You've got the most electrifying player in the last 15 years of college football, a player who would for sure occupy one, maybe two defenders even as a decoy and he's standing by the head coach in the pivotal play of the game. Insane.

Sorry to rant but that game will forever more open up wounds.

Anyway, I know Tebow is good and all but it could be a long fall watching his coronation as the "greatest player" in the history of the game, doubly hard for you guys since he might get his second Heisman pulling even with Archie.

Less than two weeks to go!

FIGHT ON!

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Is your pulse starting to race? Are your palms starting to sweat? The time is ticking to the beginning of the 2009 pre-season. I saw some photos of our boys and they look like lean, mean Trojan fighting machines. Example: Everson Griffen, listed at 265, looks like his body is shredded with muscle.

Daryll Clark scrambles against Everson Griffen (PennLive.com)
 

I am getting really excited as I also do this time of year. I think my Trojans are going to shock some of the so -called experts I hear on TV. I've heard predictions like 10-2 or even 8-4. I'm not saying we will go undefeated but I can't possibly see four teams on our schedule better than we are.

The best was from Lou Holtz. You know Lou, who with every comment, does his impersonation of Sylvester the Cat from Looney Toons. He predicted Notre Lame would "throttle" SC in South Bend this fall. At least I think that is what he said, sometimes he can be a little difficult to understand through his slobbering.

This is a program that recently made headlines for signing a contract to play Army in Yankee Stadium. My question is "Why are the Irish playing Army at all"? Oh, of course it's tradition. They played to a 0-0 tie right after World War II . I guess when other teams schedule cupcakes they have a soft schedule, but when ND does it it's tradition.

I have an idea! How about Ohio State get Otterbein back on the schedule and SC will play Occidental College. Those are traditional games, aren't they? Didn't we play those schools in the 1910's? God I hate ND; I swear, if they were playing the Taliban, I'd wear a turban.

Trench warfare
Can we be honest with each other? Anyone who has every played football at a reasonable level or knows the game realizes that games are won and lost on the line of scrimmage.

Returning to the so-called experts, USC is supposed to offer up one of the top O-lines in the country in 2009. All the returning starters have major playing time. The center is on the Rimington Award watch list, and one of our guards is a former NATIONAL player of the year...........in any position. The Trojan interior will have to be good early, especially on 9/12 in the Shoe. The line will need to establish a powerful running game to take our young QB, whoever it may be, out of second and third and longs and to control the clock.

It is suggested in the book The Art of War that it is best to know thy enemy. So here is a thumbnail look at the 2009 Trojan O-line.

TE-Anthony McCoy (6-5, 255, sr.; three-year letterman -- No. 86) - Not as quick or sure-handed as former Mackey Award winner Fred Davis, McCoy is a devastating blocker. Able to power block down the line but also quick enough to get out and seal linebackers, McCoy is very capable to drift into shallow seams in a zone defense and be very effective as a short yardage receiver. Also look for a healthy Blake Ayles, who started as a freshman last year but then fought injuries for a long portion of the season.

Tackle - Charles Brown (6-6, 295, three-year letterman, No. 71) - The buzz in spring ball was that Charles was being pushed hard by Butch Lewis, who is currently listed as his back-up. Both are exceptional power blockers who have very quick feet and speed. Both will certainly be playing on Sunday soon.

Tackle - Tyron Smith (6-6, 270, one letter, No. 70) - Although light for his position, Smith is the best athlete of any offensive lineman in Pete Carroll's tenure, he has very long arms, a tremendous ceiling for growth. Is probably a more natural left tackle, needs work on drop step. Raw but unlimited potential.

Guard - Nick Howell (6-5, 280, two-year letterman) - Howell is physically strong, might be strongest guy on the line. Veteran senior. Good genes, dad Pat was All-American.

Guard - Jeff Byers (6-4, 285, three-year letterman, No. 53) - Jeff was offered a rare sixthyear of eligibility by the NCAA due to many injuries in his career. Came to USC from Colorado, where he was a national player of the year for any position, unusual for a lineman. Extremely smart, great at one-on-one blocking. Will emerge as a leader for the 2009 team.

Center - Kristopher O'Dowd (6-5, 300, two-year letterman, No. 61). The crown jewel of the Trojan line. Tabbed as a Remington Award finalist, O'Dowd offers everything one could want in a lineman. Big, strong, quick. Possess excellent technique and intelligence in calling defense. Was a starter from his game in college. Pretty special.

If you look at the dimensions of these individuals you will notice that the line is built for speed, just like all facets of the SC team. They should offer a cohesive well-oiled unit as they have been playing together for sometime. The O-line is projected by coaches, media and fans as a real strength for the 2009 season.

Hang on Buckeye fans the light to the end of the endless off-season is on the horizon.
 

FIGHT ON!

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