Going for another

2009-10 USC Basketball Season in Review

2010-03-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

After the dust settled on the 2008-09 basketball season, one where we won the Pac-10 tournament, beat Boston College and pushed Michigan State, the national runner-up, to the limit in the NCAA tournament, USC fans were left thinking, what now? Goodbye Taj Gibson. We hardly knew you, Demar DeRozan. Good luck in Italy, Daniel Hackett. Good riddance, Tim Floyd. At least we have a good recruiting class, whoops! hello Arizona. Kevin O'Neill? Guess we should give him a shot. So let's see who we have left: Dwight Lewis, and, um, Evan Smith. Fantastic. I would have voted us 10th, not 9th in the preseason poll which looked like this:

California
Washington
UCLA
Arizona
Oregon State
Oregon
Arizona State
Washington State
USC
Stanford

So saying there were no expectations for this team going into this season would have been an understatement. Coupled with the fact that we started the season with a six man rotation (Lewis, Marcus Simmons, Nikola Vucevic, Kasey Cunningham, Donte Smith, and Evan Smith) meant for a long season.

Things started off well, with a 10 point win over UC Riverside, USC's first win in a home opener at Galen Center ever, so Coach O'Neill already had that stat over his predecesor. But things got ugly quick. If you had game 2 in the "When will Kasey Cunningham tear one of his ACLs?", come on down to collect your prize! Only five guys played after Cunningham went down as Loyola Marymount used their depth (when does a West Coast Conference team have more depth than one from the Pac-10?) to pull away for the upset.

But help was on the way, in the form of Alex Stepheson. Or maybe not. Stepheson has such an impresive physique, but is so damn raw in terms of talent. So frustrating. If I had Stepheson's body, I'd be in the NBA right now. Oh well. Didn't matter against an overwhelmed Coppin State team. But the hardest stretch of the season proved too much for USC to overcome. Nebraska stole a win in the Big 12/Pac-10 Hardwood Series. Then the Trojans played some scrappy ball in Austin to stay in strking distance with #2 Texas until they pulled away when Vucevic fouled out.

Then came the sour note on the season, the egg USC layed at Georgia Tech, falling behind 19-0, with Lewis being pulled after 6 minutes of action. In a season of ups and downs, struggling to score against a zone, holding opponents to 37 points, I stuck with the team as long as they played hard. After their third straight loss and playing uninspired ball, it was easy to give up on an already lost season. It was the first time there was no sure NBA talent on the roster (Nick Young, O.J. Mayo, DeRozan), the team was full of transfers (Johnson from UConn, Stepheson from Carolina) that were just stop gaps until the program could back on track, and there was no real likeable guy on the team. Until...

The team got back on track with home wins against Sacramento State and Idaho State. Then Tennessee came into town. After holding off Idaho State by 6, things looked bleak as the #9 Volunteers took the court. But little did most of us know the older looking white kid with the messy hair had in store. Mike Gerrity, fresh off sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, made his USC debut, sporting the #44, was one of three Trojans with a double-double, as he had 12 points and 10 assists. But more impressive was how he weaved through Tennessee's full court press, which I don't blame them for employing, as no one else for USC could have broken their press. For this first time since Ryan Francis, USC had a true point guard. I fell in love with Gerrity on the spot, despite his 1-7 performance. This performance also ensured I would catch at least one game USC played in Hawaii in the Diamond Head Classic.

Gerrity led the team in scoring in wins over Western Michigan and Saint Mary's, scoring 17 points in each game. The Trojans rotation became complete when Leonard Washington became eligible for the game against the Gaels. USC sported a eight man rotation with Vucevic, Stepheson, Johnson, Lewis, and Gerrity starting and Simmons, Donte Smith, and Washington off the bench. Not too shabby. In the championship game of the inaugural Diamond Head Classic, the Trojans used suffocating defense to hold UNLV to 34% shooting to win the championship. Gerrity was named tournament MVP with Johnson also being named to the all-tournament team. USC was on a roll heading into Pac-10 play, something most of the conference could not say. The Pac-10 did not have a marquee win, other than USC's upsets over Tennessee and UNLV while struggling with mid majors (Loyola Marymount, Portland, Cal State Bakersfield, Seattle, etc.). It would be a down year for the conference to say the least.

USC continued their strong play to open conference play, sweeping the Arizona schools at home, including holding Arizona State to a paltry 37 points. Then the hammer dropped on the poor USC team, as athletic director Mike Garrett announced sanctions due to the O.J. Mayo fiasco; loss of scholarships, recruiting hours, vacating all the wins from Mayo's lone season at USC, and the big one, no postseason play, including a ban from the Pac-10 tournament. It seemed like Garrett wanted to avoid most, if not all, penalties for the football program by laying down the law on the basketball team. I'm fine with the loss of scholarships (take away Lil Romeo's) and the loss or recruiting hours I can deal with. Vacating the wins was fine too, USC will never be in the discussing as a dominant basketball program, so losing 21 wins and a first round loss to Kansas State was no big deal. But to punish this team, with only Dwight Lewis being around when O.J. was here, a new coach who had nothing to do with Floyd's wrong doing was wrong. Take away more scholarships or more recruiting hours. Do anything but take away what this team was playing for, a chance to defend their Pac-10 tournament championship, and a chance to play in the Big Dance. But sorry, Lewis, Gerrity, and Johnson, your season will end at Arizona with no chance at post season glory, just so the football team can get off scott free. And where's Floyd's penalty? He's currently an assistant coach with the Hornets. What happens if the football team gets slapped with sanctions for stuff that happened under Pete Carroll? Does he lose scholarships with the Seahawks? One of the many problems with college sports, where everyone but the student-athletes see the money they generate, where coaches can jump from school to school while the kids have to sit out a year due to transfer rules, where there is no playoff to name the national champion in college football. Ugh. And USC and Angels radio announcer Rory Markas died too. Not a good week for USC.

Anyway, when the Trojans went up north, their eight game win streak was snapped against Stanford, no big surprise there after what happened during the week. USC also lost to Cal before heading to Pauley Pavilion. The Trojans jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back, going on to their largest margin of victory ever at UCLA (67-46). Despite blowing out Washington 87-61, USC finished the first round with a whimper, losing to bottom dwellers Washington State at home and the Oregon schools on the road. So all that good (blowouts of UCLA, Washington) was quickly wiped out by the bad (losing to Oregon, Oregon State). USC finished 4-5, going 3-1 against the top 4 and 1-4 against the bottom 5 of the conference. Wonderful.

The Trojans rebounded to start off the second round of conference play, taking care of Stanford and the conference leader Cal at home. UCLA game into town, and despite the Trojans ability to foul three point shooters, USC earned the first regular season sweep of the Bruins since 2004. The Trojans stole a game from Washington on the road before the bottom fell out on the season. USC finished the season on a five game losing streak, dropping games to Washington State, at home to Oregon and Oregon State, at Arizona State, and at Arizona in the Tim Floyd Classic, ending in double O/T. The Oregon games were brutal, as USC scored 44 points in each, never figuring out the zone defense. It's easy, don't dribble into the zone where the other team wants to trap you and swing the ball around. Oh, and the free throw line is ALWAYS open. Flash Lewis there for a easy midrange jumper. But there I go with logic again. Despite their five game losing streak, USC still finished tied with UCLA and Oregon State for fifth in the conference, more a reflection of the poor play of the Pac-10 than anything. The Trojans would have entered the tournament as the #5 seed using the tiebreaking process:

Results of collective head-to-head competition during the regular season among the tied teams (Oregon State, UCLA, USC went 2-2 against each other)
If two or more teams are still tied, each of the tied team’s record vs. the team occupying the highest position in the regular season standings, and then continuing down through the standings until one team gains an advantage.

Oregon State, UCLA, USC went 1-1 against #1 California
UCLA and USC went 1-1 against #2 Arizona State, Oregon State went 0-2
USC went 2-0 against #3 Washington, UCLA went 1-1 USC went 2-0 against UCLA, either way, we win

Yeah that's not complicated... But I would like our chances in the wide open conference, as USC did not lose a Pac-10 game by more than 10 points (both times to Oregon, who finished ninth in the conference). The Trojans would be matched up with Arizona in the first round, a team USC beat at home and pushed to double overtime, where Vucevic fouled Kyle Fogg on a three point shot, who hit all three and sent the game to double O/T where Arizona won with a layup with one second left.

So USC finished the season 16-14 (8-10 Pac-10). USC was in position to win the conference before their five game losing streak. But I'd still rank this season as a B-. Great were wins over Tennessee, UNLV, sweeping Washington and UCLA, and winning the Diamond Head Classic. And Mike Gerrity. Terrible were being swept by Washington State, Oregon, and Oregon State and the no-show at Georgia Tech. A decent recruiting class coming in next season leads to hope, but who's returning from this year? Marcus Simmons, defensive stopper with an average offensive game. Nikola Vucevic, my pick for Pac-10 Most Improved Player of the Year (a little biased). Alex Stepheson, hopefully he goes from "raw" to "medium rare" over the summer. Leonard Washington, hopefully he stays out of trouble. Donte Smith, only as a backup point. So year, the cupboard more half empty than half full...

My picks for the all-conference awards (I won't do defense, cause I can't rate the top 5 in the conference) (oh, and here are the actual winners):
Player of the year: Quincy Pondexter, Washington
Coach of the year: Herb Sendek, Arizona State
Freshman of the year: Derrick Williams, Arizona

Most improved player of the year: Nikola Vucevic, USC

All-Pac-10 First Team
Ty Abbott, JR, Arizona State (12.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, 41.8% 3pt FG)
Patrick Christopher, SR, California (16.0 points, 5.5 rebounds)
Jeremy Green, SR, Stanford (16.9 points, 3.7 rebounds)
Landry Fields, SR, Stanford (22.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.6 steals)
Quincy Pondexter, SR, Washington (20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.4 steals, 54.3% FG)
Jerome Randle, SR, California (18.7 points, 4.5 assists, 40.4% 3ptFG)
Theo Robertson, SR, California (13.8 points, 4.7 rebounds)
Isaiah Thomas, SO, Washington (17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists)

Klay Thompson, SR, Washington State (19.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.4 steals)
Derrick Williams, FR, Arizona (15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 58.8% FG)

All-Pac-10 Second Team

Malcolm Lee, SO, UCLA (12.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists)
Dwight Lewis, SR, USC (13.8 points, 1.2 steals)
Michael Roll, SR, UCLA (13.5 points, 3.6 assists, 42.0% 3pt FG)
Nikola Vucevic, SO, USC (10.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.3 blocks)
Nic Wise, SR, Arizona (14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.8 steals)

All-Pac-10 Freshman Team
Solomon Hill, Arizona (6.6 points, 4.3 rebounds)
Tyler Honeycutt, UCLA (7.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.2 blocks)
Reggie Moore, Washington State (12.9 points, 4.1 assists)
Reeves Nelson, UCLA (11.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 63.3% FG)
Derrick Williams, Arizona (15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 58.8% FG)

Best of Inside the NBA

2010-02-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

Watched the Best of Inside the NBA show after the Rookie/Sophomore challenge Friday night. Haven't laughed that much in a while. Here are some of the best ofs from the show:

Yo're an idiot!

Kenny's Jersey is Retired

Kenny's New Shoe (f/ Kobe's Fake Laugh)

Barkley Changing Diapers

Teleprompter Fun (f/ Sponsor for EJ's Neato Stat)

Aqua Man

Barkley kisses Kenny's Ass

Barkley vs. Bavetta

Kenny's Birthday

Lack of Institutional Control at USC?

2009-12-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

A look at the off-field incidents of the USC football team under Pete Carroll, starting with the latest story which may be the straw that broke the camel's back in terms of the NCAA citing the athletic department with a lack of institutional control:

December 2009 - RB Joe McKnight was reportedly seen driving a SUV registered to a Santa Monica businessman. The owner, Scott Schenter, has said that the car belongs to McKnight's girlfriend but it is under his name because her family did not qualify for the loan. In any case, McKnight should have known better and will be lucky to get away with just a slap on the wrist.
July 2009 - LB Jordan Campbell and DE Everson Griffen were cited for being loud at a party in Nantucket, MA, which was better that what was first reported, that they were arrested for a breach of peace. Knuckleheads...
September 2008 - CB Shareece Wright was charged with resisting a police officer after not leaving a party, ignoring a cop's orders. A plea agreement was made where Wright pled no contest to disturbing the peace. Wright was already out for the 2008 season with a neck, and missed 2009 due to a brain fart.
March 2008 - DT Fili Moala was arrested for obstructing an officer and resisting after a bar fight. Moala was smart enough to leave the scene of the crime but for some reason ran back into the bar and was arrested. Moala was, surprise, not charged for the incident. But it did not stop Todd McShay from predicting he would be the number 1 pick in the 2009 draft.
May 2007 - CB/FS Josh Pinkard was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. He plead guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 36 months of probation.
August 2006 - CBs Brandon and Ryan Ting decided to leave the team. It was later discovered that Brandon tested positive for steroids. Good bye to their 3.9 GPA and lowering out APR score. I don't remember, but hopefully Brandon was the good one.
June 2006 - WR Dwayne Jarrett shared an apartment with Matt Leinart, but paid less than his share of the rent. Leinart's father paid for most of the rent, and was viewed by the NCAA as a violation. Jarrett was reinstated once he donated the difference Leinart's father paid in rent to a charity of his choice.
April 2006 - RB Reggie Bush allegedly took improper benefits from prospective agents while playing out his junior (Heisman) season at USC. His parents were said to be living in a house rent free, as the rent was paid by Michael Michaels (that's really his name), a marketing agency investor. In April 2009, the NCAA combined the Bush investigation with that of O.J. Mayo to see if USC is lacking institutional control. Death Penalty here we come!
April 2006 - QB Mark Sanchez was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault by a woman who claimed that Sanchez made unwanted advances on her. Charges were dropped due to lack of evidence, as the case was essentially a one-on-one allegation. Sanchez also used a fake ID when he was arrested and was cited for underage drinking. He had also broke a window at a frat party in an earlier indicent. Sanchez took a rape awareness class at USC and was later reinstated.
January 2006 - Possible recruiting violations arise at Papadakis Tavern, where some recruits are treated to an expensive dinner miles away from campus. A visit to the restaurant has since been removed from future recruiting visits.
December 2005 - QB Matt Leinart was briefly ineligible for the 2006 Rose Bowl game (Vince Young's coming out party) after filming a promotional bit for ESPN. He was reinstated by the NCAA after USC petitioned; apparently it was a money issue for them.
November 2005 - LB Rey Maualuga was arrested for allegedly punching another student at an off-campus party. Maualuga was allowed to play in the game that same weekend. No charges were filed against Maualuga, showing he did indeed "own the police."
August 2005 - DE Frostee Rucker was charged with spousal abuse (charges were filed in June the following year, after he left USC). Rucker settled with a plea agreement.
May 2005 - DT Manuel Wright failed to qualify academically and declared for the NFL Supplemental Draft. Wright was also arrested on three misdemeanor charges, including assaulting one of his roommates and assault with a deadly weapon. Nick Saban also made him cry at one of his first Dolphin practices.
March 2005 - CB Eric Wright was arrested on suspicion of rape at an on-campus apartment. The charges were dismissed due to lack of evidence, even though 136 Ecstasy pills were found in his apartment. He transferred to UNLV a few months later.
August 2004 - RB Hershel Dennis was investigated for sexual assault after he had sex with a female who was drunk. He was reinstated after the investigation was dropped due to, surprise, a lack of evidence. Too bad Reggie Bush and LenDale White had already established themselves.
April 2004 - WR Mike Williams declared for the NFL Draft on the heels of Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett challenging the NFL's three years out of high school rule. Courts later ruled that decision void, and Williams was unable to regain eligibility at USC.
March 2004 - OT Winston Justice was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he shot at another student with a pellet gun. It was Justice's second arrest in eight months; he was arrested for soliciting prostitution from an undercover police officer. He plead guilty on a lesser charge, exhibiting a replica firearm, and was suspended for two semesters.

I'm sure I'm missing some incidents. But in addition to these, players being academically ineligible also hurt the program, in terms of APR scores and the number of scholarships the school gets. Here's a list of players who were academically ineligible during Carroll's tenure:

Darnell Bing: 2002
Stanley Havili: 2009 (Spring semester; Rose Bowl only)
Whitney Lewis: 2004 (redshirt)
Anthony McCoy: 2010 (Spring semester, will miss Emerald Bowl)
Joe McKnight: 2008 (Spring semester)
Tyron Smith: 2010 (Spring semester, will miss Emerald Bowl)
Matt Spanos: 2006
Averell Spicer: 2010 (Spring semester, will miss Emerald Bowl)
Troy Van Blarcom: 2007 (Dismissed)
Chauncey Washington: 2004 (redshirt) and 2005
Manuel Wright: 2005 (declared for Supplemental Draft)
Shareece Wright: 2009

Again, probably missing some from this list as well. Feel free to add to this.

I remember... 6 years

2009-12-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Stealing this from GarryP's post on WeAreSC, (and it's just 6 years for me, cause I'll admit, I didn't follow USC, let alone college football until I got to SC. But am I a bandwagon fan for jumping aboard my freshman year at the school, which happened to be the 2003 national championship year? Find me next September at the Coliseum with my 2010 football season tickets...):

2003:

My first taste of USC football, the 2003 season opener at #6 Auburn. Watching the game in the common area of New/North dormitory. Free pizza (mmm pizza). Matt Leinart's first career pass being a touchdown to Mike Williams. Dominating a team that had Jason Campbell, Ronnie Brown, and Carnell Williams in the backfield.
My first taste of the Coliseum, the 2003 home opener against BYU. Jumping out to a 21-0 lead before the Cougars stormed back with 18 straight. Leinart's 3 picks and the boos from the crowd. The Trojans scoring 14 points to end the game. The first smell of victory dogs.
Beating Hawaii 61-32. Seeing Hawaii play live for the first time, in Los Angeles ironically. Timmah Chang.
Losing to Cal in triple overtime. Watching the Gamecast while working in the computer lab at King Hall, cheering as the Trojans came back from down 14 and being depressed when we lost.
Beating Notre Dame 45-14 in South Bend.
#3 USC against #6 Washington State. To this day, I don't understand why there wasn't much hoopla over this game between two top 6 teams. Wazzu went on to beat Texas in the Holiday Bowl.
Beating UCLA 47-22, including leading 40-2 at one point. Seeing a male Bruin cheerleader waving the UCLA fan after they converted a blocked PAT into a safety, cutting the margin to 30-2. Mike Patterson rumbling 52 yards to score. Singing "Tusk" at a UCLA game.
Beating Oregon State 52-28 in the season finale. Mike Williams' one handed catch. Singing "Pour Some Sugar on Me" at the end of the game, and saying "Beat the Sooners!" while "Conquest" played.
Watching the BCS selection show the next day to see that Oklahoma, despite losing to Kansas State 35-7, would play in the Sugar Bowl against LSU for the BCS National Championship. Also the same day I lost faith in the BCS.
Beating Michigan in the Rose Bowl 28-14. Leinart lateral to Hershel Dennis lateral to Mike Williams pass to Leinart for touchdown. Keary Colbert going beast mode on the Wolverine secondary. USC Trojans, the 2003 National Champions. Finished 12-1, #1 in the AP poll, Pac-10 champions.

2004:

Beating Virginia Tech 24-13 in D.C. Reggie Bush announcing his arrival to the college football world with three receiving touchdowns. The Hokies would go on to win the ACC in their first year of membership.
First weekender trip, a 31-28 win over Stanford. Being shocked by the Farm's long TD run to end the first half up 28-17. USC's comeback and defense smothering Stanford. Chanting "We are SC!" at the end of the game.
Beating Cal 23-17. The stand. Cal drove the ball to the USC 9 yard line with about a minute and a half remaining. The sequence of plays went: Aaron Rodgers pass incomplete, Rodgers sacked for a 5 yard loss, Rodgers pass incomplete, Rodgers pass incomplete, ball game. Loudest I've heard the Coliseum. Ever. First time College Gameday came to the Coliseum, and it was hella fun.
Beating Oregon State 28-20 in the Fog Bowl. Watching the game at a Hooters. Dominique Byrd's one handed catch. Reggie's punt return.
Beating Notre Dame 41-10 in the Coliseum. College Gameday came back!
Beating UCLA 29-24 behind Reggie and on the strength of Ryan Killeen's five field goals. Dwayne Jarrett's crushing block on a Bruin defender on Reggie's first TD. Carrying oranges into the game and holding them up high after the game ended. Matt Cassel's most important play of his USC career: recovering an onside kick to seal the deal.
Tom "The Bomb" Malone.
Matt Leinart winning the Heisman Trophy.
Beating Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl 55-19. Leaving no doubt. Watching the game and thinking how unreal it was that we were destroying the Sooners. Steve Smith going beast mode on the Sooner secondary. USC Trojans, the 2004 National Champions. Finished 13-0, ranked #1 in both polls, Pac-10 champions.

2005:

Scoring 70 points in the home opener against Arkansas.
Reggie Bush, lol.
Trailing Arizona State 21-3 at the half. Missed the first half because of an engineering career fair. Huge comeback to win 38-28.
Beating Notre Dame 34-31 in South Bend. Samardzija's punt return. Brady Quinn's drive to take the lead. 4th-and-9. Leinart to Jarrett. Leinart's gutsy audible in a loud (understatement) Notre Dame Stadium. Jarrett having blurry vision in one eye. Leinart fumbling out of bounds at the one yard line. Time running off the clock. The Bush Push. Charlie Weis getting a 10 year contract extension after losing this game.
Revenge at Cal, 35-10.
Beating Fresno State 50-42. The wildest game I had seen in person (at the time). Reggie Bush going beast mode on the Bulldog defense. Punching my buddy in the face on accident after Darnell Bing returned an interception for a TD (called back for a penalty).
Beating UCLA 66-19. Too bad we paid for that a year later. College Gameday, woot. Yelling "Arizona" at them Bruins (they lost to them 52-14).
Reggie Bush winning the Heisman Trophy.
Vince Young beating USC in the Rose Bowl/BCS National Championship game 41-38. The only thing I remember is VY running towards us with 19 seconds left to put the Longhorns up 39-38. USC's 34 game win streak snapped. But I remember applauding the team after the loss. Nothing to be ashamed of after that one. Finished 12-1, ranked #2 in both polls, Pac-10 champions.

2006:

Booty Booty Booty Booty rockin' everywhere!
Beating Nebraska 28-10. College Gameday again.
Losing to Oregon State 33-31. But it seemed like the turning point of the season after winning the previous three games by 7 points or less. The Trojans fell behind 33-10, then rallied for 21 straight points before Booty's 2 pt conversion was tipped at the line of scrimmage. But wasn't too upset after that loss.
Beating Cal 23-9. It was a slugfest, yet included a 49 yard field goal by back-up kicker David Buehler. Gutsy fourth-and-2 call to up USC up by two scores from Booty to Steve Smith.
Beating Notre Dame 44-24. Dwayne Jarrett went into beast mode on the Notre Dame secondary. College Gameday was there.
Losing to UCLA 13-9 while ranked #2 in the nation, poised for a return to the national championship. This one hurt, and was probably where USC's dominance started to dwindle.
Beating Michigan 32-18 in the Rose Bowl. Mario Danelo's last game. Dwayne Jarrett and John David Booty going beast mode on the Wolverine defense. Finished 11-2, ranked #4 in both polls, Pac-10 champions.
Mario Danelo's death. Sigh, this one hurt. I may or may not have cried when I heard this.

2007:

The missing man (kicker) formation after USC scored their first TD against Idaho. Get the chills everytime I see the video.
Rolling over Nebraska 49-31. The team got to cocky, as you could tell after escaping Washington 27-24 and....
Losing to Stanford 24-23. Disgusting. Booty broke a finger on his throwing hand, and golden boy Sanchez apparently wasn't ready to play. Against Stanford. A 43 point underdog.
Beating Notre Dame 38-0 in South Bend.
Losing to Oregon 24-17. USC's Pac-10 reign should have ended after this. Then Dennis Dixon's knee exploded.
Weekender at Cal, winning 24-17. The driving rain made for an awesome atmosphere. I was soaked and chilled to the bone, yet we won, so all was good.
Beating UCLA 24-7. Singing "Tusk" at the end of the game. Revenge never felt so good.
Beating Illinois in the Rose Bowl 49-17. Rey Maualuga going beast mode on Juice Williams in the second quarter. Finished 11-2, #2 in the coaches poll, #3 in the AP poll, Pac-10 champions.

2008:

Mark "Dirty" Sanchez making his debut at Virginia, winning 52-7.
Beating Ohio State 35-3 in the Coliseum. Let down game coming in 3, 2, 1,
Losing to Oregon State 27-21, falling behind 21-0. I guess coming out flat is very trendy for this team.
Beating Notre Dame 38-3 in the Coliseum. Missed this game (Vegas).
Beating UCLA 28-7. Back to the scene of the crime, getting sweet revenge against the Bruins.
Beating Penn State in the Rose Bowl 38-24. Yeah not really a remarkable year after beating Ohio State and losing to Oregon State. Finished 12-1, #2 in the coaches poll, #3 in the AP poll, Pac-10 champions.

Not a bad list at all. Probably a lot more memories that I'm missing. One down year is not bad at all, and Pete doesn't face too much flack for beating Notre Dame and UCLA. A lot of teams would kill to have an entire history with these accomplishments, let alone a six year stretch. And I didn't even list the 2002 season, with a Pac-10 championship, finishing 11-2, ranked #4 in both polls, and Carson Palmer winning the Heisman. Next year, we lose a lot again (entire secondary, Damian Williams), but hopefully the coaching staff won't have too much turnover. The schedule is easier, but I like that fact that there is no marquee matchup that the team gets super pumped for, avoiding having a slump or hangover after that game.

UCLA fans will now light themselves on fire.

Trojans come up Poinsettias... huh?

2009-12-06T02:34:00.000-08:00

Kick USC when they're down, Pac-10 teams, because when the Trojans bounce back (maybe not next season, but the season after), they will come back with a vengeance. Wait, who am I kidding? The talent gap has closed on USC to the point where they can't just win games on talent anymore. The Trojans can't just show up to a game and sleepwalk to a 30 point win. Coaches are finding the chinks in the armor and USC can't make the adjustments to make use of their advantages. Games are being decided on which team has the most heart, and in most of the games this season, the team on the opposite on the end of the field has had more desire to win the game. Maybe not due to a lack of desire to win the game as much as overconfidence on the Trojans' part. Take a look back at this season, game-by-game, and let's figure out which team wanted the game more.

USC 56, San Jose State 3 - The Spartans dominated the first quarter before USC remembered they were USC and overwhelmed San Jose State.
USC 18, Ohio State 15 - Sluggish game where both teams wanted the win equally. But at this point in the season, Ohio State was still Ohio State, who faltered in big games while USC still dominated Big Ten teams.
Washington 16, USC 13 - The Trojans were so overconfident (like the year before against Oregon State) that they thought they could sleepwalk into Husky Stadium for a win. Jake Locker willed the Huskies to the win while the armor started to crack for the defense.
USC 27, Washington State 6 - The score may not show it, but if you watched this game, the Cougars moved the ball on the vaunted Trojan defense. QB Jeff Tuel, in his first action of the season, gave the defense fits all game.
USC 30, California 3 - The last complete game of the season. Cal had just come off a demoralizing loss to Oregon (42-3) as the 6th ranked team in the nation. The Trojans wanted this one more. Last time all season I felt confident of a game going into halftime.
USC 34, Notre Dame 27 - USC started off fast, but Notre Dame wanted to win this one, badly. A furious comeback was cut short as time expired on the Irish. This was kind of like the Penn State Rose Bowl game where USC jumped out to a big lead only to hold on late to save the win.
USC 42, Oregon State 36 - Oregon State wanted this one more, and they had the weapons to do it. Somehow Matt Barkley put together his first coherent drive since the Ohio State game to work the last five minutes off the clock to hold on.
Oregon 47, USC 20 - Look at the score and tell me who had more heart. I believe it was 24-17 at the half.
USC 14, Arizona State 9 - Fluke pick-6 and 75 yard screen play or USC is 7-5 right now.
Stanford 55, USC 21 - 27 fourth quarter points by Stanford. I think they may have had more heart that game.
USC 28, UCLA 7 - A competent Bruin offense probably moves the ball on USC, turning enough punts into field goals to give UCLA the win. But both teams were equally bad in this one.
Arizona 21, USC 17 - Arizona wanted to go to the Holiday Bowl. USC just wanted a nightmare season to end.

That's just one time all season where USC showed more effort and heart through out the game than their opponent. In years past, I would complain about how turnovers and penalties would shoot the Trojans in their foot. but those teams at least had the heart to not get blown out by 34 points at home. I mean at certain points in the game, you can look at the body language of the team and tell that we're not going to win the game. Against Oregon when we could not stop their offense. Against Stanford when Toby Gerhart ripped off another huge gain. Against Washington as Jake Locker dissected the defense. Against Arizona as Will Harris jogged over to help on the game winning touchdown. At least in the past, you could say USC would always have a chance to win the game, even though their mistakes put them in a losing predicament.

Hard to find a favorite loss, but I look back to the Oregon State loss in 2006. USC fell behind 33-10 early in the third quarter and it was almost time to turn off the TV. But that team would not allow USC to get blown out. They would not allow the Trojans name to be sullied by a blowout to Oregon State. So the made a HUGE run at the game, cutting the margin to 33-17, then 33-25, then 33-31 before Booty's pass to Jarrett on the conversion was tipped at the line. At the time, the loss hurt, it was the first regular season loss since 2002. But I came away with a lot of positives from that game. How the team showed heart and almost pulled off the comeback of the ages. How that team would not allow the program to suffer such a blowout. The UCLA loss in 2006 was disheartening because of how poorly the offense played that day. The Stanford loss in 2007 hurt because the Cardinal were such huge underdogs and made a comeback of their own, down 9 points in the fourth quarter. The Oregon loss in 2007 was fine, as Mark Sanchez was filling in for an injured Booty, and we were driving to tie in the final minutes. The Oregon State loss in 2008 was brutal only because we looked so good against Virginia and Ohio State only to stumble in Corvalis, and the Trojans could not close the 21 point halftime margin.

But the most disappointing thing of this year's team is their inability to finish games. Pop in the 2004 USC Trojans DVD. What is the one thing Carroll is shouting to his team in the locker room after game?

Carroll: "Can you win the game in the first quarter?"
Team: "Hell no!"
Carroll: "Can you win the game in the second quarter?"
Team: "Hell no!"
Carroll: "Can you win the game in the third quarter?"
Team: "Hell no!"
Carroll: "But can you win the game in the fourth quarter?"
Team: "Hell yeah!" (Insanity ensues.)

That was one thing you could always count on from a Pete Carroll coached team, that they would always finish games strong. For some reason, this year's team has played their worst in the fourth quarter. Last season, USC outscored their opponents 98-15 in 12 regular season games (a TD against Oregon State on a 2-yard drive, and a TD against Stanford to end the game). This year? They were outscored 70-88 (skewed a bit by a 27-0 shellacking by the Cardinal, but still). That's not finishing strong Pete. Is it the conditioning? Don't we still have the same guy we've had since 2002 (if not further back)? Is it the injuries wrecking havoc to the depth chart? Is it the coaches being out-coached? What changed at the end of the third quarter against Notre Dame? It's hard to put a finger on it.

But its nice for all the Bruins out there to put this 8-4 season in perspective, how they would be elated if they were 8-4 this year and going to a bowl game not in Middle-of-nowhere, Idaho or Cold-as-fuck, Michigan. And it was a great run from 2002 to 2008, winning seven straight Pac-10 championships and finishing in the top 4 every year while going to a BCS game. With the parity in the Pac-10 and balance of talent across the board, it would be hard for any team to break USC's record 3 straight Rose Bowl wins (and 4 appearances in a row), so we have that to look forward to. But when will the Trojans elevate back up the Pac-10 pecking order? It doesn't look like next year, with the Stanfords and Oregons and Oregon States looking to run shit in the conference while USC is finally, officially in rebuilding mode. Carroll may think Matt Barkley is the golden boy, but until he can learn to set his field, stop staring down receivers, and avoiding his requisite interception every game, he is not the next Mark Sanchez, Matt Leinart, or even John David Booty.

What will help him and the team out? No coaching turnover. I think that, more than anything, wrecked havoc on the team this year. Even if the coaches failed to improve any player this year (Barkley made more mistakes at the end of the season, offensive line unit was ranked #1 nationally and disintegrated as the year progressed, ditto for the secondary, receivers did not improve through the year and were mishandled (short routes to Damian Williams, burning DeVon Flournoy's redshirt, tight ends not named Anthony McCoy having no confidence), special teams (outside of the punt return unit) not improving even with a special teams coach) having the continuity of the staff will help the young players grow (then again, the lack of improvement could again be placed on the arrogance of the players, thinking that they're better than the other team). Half of last year's staff is in Washington right now, and it looks like the better half is running things in Seattle. But the staff, as is, is fine, as long as it can stay intact through the spring and into next season.

The one thing I like about next season's schedule is that there isn't one game everyone is circling, like Ohio State or Nebraska from the past few years. There will be no big game let down for next year's team, allowing them to take one game at a time and not look past the opponent of the week. @ Hawaii, Virginia, @ Minnesota, and Notre Dame is a very manageable out-of-conference, but then again, we all know Carroll's problems lie in conference. Having Oregon and Cal come to the Coliseum, helps, then again, we lost by 34 at home to Stanford this year.

Will things change this offseason? Hard to see the administration putting heat on Carroll after his great run from 2002-2008, especially with that gaudy 18-2 record against rivals UCLA and Notre Dame. Every great team of this decade has had their poor seasons. Oklahoma started the aughts (2000's) by winning the National Championship and made it to three more games (2003 loss to LSU 21-14, 2004 loss to USC 55-19, 2008 loss to Florida 24-14) but went 8-4 in 2005 (those wins were eventually vacated thanks to Rhett Bomar) and 7-5 in 2009 (minus Heisman winning QB Sam Bradford). Miami looked to run shit after winning it all in 2001 but falling short in 2002 (double-overtime epic loss to Ohio State 31-24) but went 7-5, 5-7, and 7-6 between 2006 and 2008. Ohio State won the 2002 national championship but lost in 2006 and 2007 and finished 7-5 and 8-4 twice. USC started off slow (5-7, 6-6 in 2000 and 2001, respectively) but dominated the rest of the decade before this year, which could still end in a not bad 9-4. LSU won it all in 2003 and 2007 but was 8-5 in 2000 and 2008 and was is the only national champion with 2 losses. Texas, I think has won double digit games every year in this decade. If they win the title this year, they may be the team of the decade, since Florida had to endure the Ron Zook era. Wow too much info there... might have a team of the decade power rankings after the national championship.

Anyway, the Pac-10 rankings heading into the bowl season:

Oregon (10-2, 8-1) - Pac-10 Coach of the Year will be Chip Kelly, not only for winning the Pac-10 championship in his first season as coach, but also for turning what could have been a disastrous season after the Blount sucker punch and embarrassing display against Boise State in the season opener. What a difference three months make, as they looked to be the laughing stock of the conference. Just two things Oregon: Don't shit the bed in the Rose Bowl against Ohio State like you did against Boise State, and stop rushing the field every time you win a game that means something. Act like you've won before.
Arizona (8-4, 6-3) - Arizona finally got paid off for waiting for the Mike Stoops era to payoff, and it should culminate in the Holiday Bowl against a Nebraska team that can't score if their lives depended on it. Four field goals didn't beat Texas, and it probably won't be the Wildcats. By the way, Trojan fans, QB Nick Foles was playing with a broken left (non-throwing) hand while they were down to their back-up tail back and still won on the road. I'm just sayin'.
Oregon State (8-4, 6-3) - Rose Bowl or bust indeed. Holiday Bowl already passed on the Beavs, the Sun Bowl has a no-repeat clause (Oregon State beat Pitt last year in a barn-burner, 3-0), so its down to the Vegas or Emerald Bowls. Probably the Vegas since the Emerald wants its pick of the NorCal teams (Stanford, Cal). The Beavs probably will get Utah in Vegas since BYU has played there in the past 32 seasons.
Stanford (8-4, 6-3) - USC's loss is the Cardinal gain, right? El Paso against Texas Tech or Oklahoma looks likely for Stanford. Too bad Toby Gerhart had to play on a four loss team, as he should win the Heisman on production alone, but Mark Ingram being productive on a 13-0 Bama team will win the Tide their first Heisman (hard to believe, I know). Gerhart should be the Pac-10 offensive player of the year, though.
California (8-4, 5-4) - USC won the head-to-head here, but Cal, despite a disappointing loss to Washington, finished the season stronger, and would probably be 10-2 had Jahvid Best not been knocked out of the Oregon State game. That back-to-back with Oregon and USC lingers though. Probably head to the Emerald Bowl again, unless the Sun Bowl gets frisky and sends the Bears to El Paso and keeps Stanford in the Bay Area. Either way, Boston College awaits as long as the Gator Bowl can host the Bobby Bowden Memorial Bowl between Florida State and West Virginia (the last two teams he's coached).
USC (8-4, 5-4) - What's prettier, a Rose or Poinsettia? Well at least some Trojan fans got what they asked for, a bowl game not in Pasadena. Still stuck in Southern California, though I guess that was the goal coming in, playing in one of the Rose Bowl games this year. Disappointment, sure. The question is, will Mitch Mustain get some reps in the Poinsettia Bowl against BYU? Because this defense is not holding the Cougars to less than 28 points, which is bad since the offense can't eclipse 21.
Washington (5-7, 4-5) - Finished the season strong by winning the Apple Cup and destroying Cal. That hail mary by ASU literally cost the Huskies a chance to play in a bowl this year. I bark for Sark, and I think he is a close runner-up to Chip Kelly for coach of the year. A five win turnaround is not bad at all.
UCLA (6-6, 3-6) - Yes, bowl eligible, but hard to overlook that six game losing streak. Notre Dame's loss is the Bruins' gain, as they should (as long as Navy beats Army) get called by a bowl with an at-large spot, most likely the Humanitarian Bowl in Boise, Idaho, unless Roady's wants Louisiana-Monroe or Louisiana-Lafayette to fill that spot. Idaho is a virtual lock in the other spot of the bowl, so instead of toothless Wyoming people taunting the Bruins, we'll have toothless Idaho people throwing potatoes at them. Good times all around.
Arizona State (4-8, 2-7) - Man that 10 win season feels like years ago, even though it was in 2007. Seems like Dennis Erickson has some of the pieces in place, they just need time to gel. At least they won't finish last in the conference for some time...
Washington State (1-11, 0-9) - At least they didn't finish winless, and they beat a team going to a bowl game! Looks like the only gimme on the slate for any team next year.

And the overall rankings (though I've failed to follow college football after USC lost to Stanford):

Alabama (13-0) - Had osme hiccups along the way, but they were able to pull out the close games and take care of teams they were supposed to. Up next is the BCS National Championship likely against Texas.
Texas (13-0) - Man that would have been awesome had Nebraska pulled off the upset. Oh well. Hard to pick against Bama winning it all though.
Cincinnati (12-0) - 3-5 don't really matter anymore. I just put Cincy up here since they've gone through a tough Big East slate (no joke) and beat Oregon State in Corvalis. Probably Sugar Bowl against Florida? Man the Cincy offense against Florida's D is a sick matchup.
Texas Christian (12-0) - Weak schedule (though you can't fault them, as they traveled to Virginia and Clemson), though hard to ignore their body of work against the Mountain West. Another dream match between TCU and Boise in a BCS game? Poinsettia had the game last year and it finished 17-16, TCU. Though the Fiesta Bowl was rumored to favor a TCU/Big Ten matchup with Iowa or Penn State.
Florida (12-1) - Hard to ignore being blown out by Alabama and only had one true test during the season (at LSU). Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati would be a fun one to watch.
Boise State (13-0) - Has the most impressive win of Cincy, TCU< and themselves in their win over Oregon, but hasn't done much to impress since. Probably get dragged out to the Orange Bowl against Georgia Tech.
Oregon (10-2) - Rose Bowl bound against Ohio State. Terrell Pryor needs to be on target if the Buckeye offense wants to keep up with the Ducks.
Ohio State (10-2) - Rose Bowl bound against Oregon. Weird with the Buckeyes' dominance of the Big Ten throughout the decade that this is their first trip to the Rose Bowl in ages.
Georgia Tech (10-2) - Bounced back from being upset by Georgia by winning the ACC. Orange Bowl against Boise State is probable.
Iowa (10-2) - Will still get rewarded for a good season with a trip to the Fiesta Bowl.

First to 24 wins

2009-11-30T00:00:00.000-08:00

Noticed a trend in USC games where the first team to score 24 points usually won the game. So looking back at the Pete Carroll era, I listed the score of the game when a team scored 24 points, then the outcome of the game. In 97 games where at least one team scored more than 24 points, only 3 times they did not win. In honor of Ralph Lawler's Law, the voice of the Los Angeles Clippers, here's Caesar's Law, the first to 24 wins, it's the law:

09/13/01 - Oregon 24, USC 22 (final score)
10/06/01 - Washington 24, USC 17 (Washington 27, USC 24)
10/13/01 - USC 28, Arizona State 10 (USC 48, Arizona State 17)
10/20/01 - Notre Dame 27, USC 16 (final score)
10/27/01 - USC 24, Arizona 10 (USC 41, Arizona 34)
11/10/01 - USC 28, California 10 (USC 55, California 14)
11/17/01 - USC 24, UCLA 0 (USC 27, UCLA 0)
09/02/02 - USC 24, Auburn 17 (final score)
09/14/02 - USC 27, Colorado 3 (USC 40, Colorado 3)
09/21/02 - Kansas State 27, USC 6 (Kansas State 27, USC 20)
10/05/02 - Washington State 24, USC 14 (Washington State 30, USC 27, O/T)
10/12/02 - USC 24, California 21 (USC 30, California 28)
10/19/02 - USC 24, Washington 7 (USC 41, Washington 21)
10/26/02 - USC 27, Oregon 19 (USC 44, Oregon 33)
11/09/02 - USC 28, Stanford 10 (USC 49, Stanford 17)
11/16/02 - USC 27, Arizona State 13 (USC 34, Arizona State 13)
11/23/02 - USC 28, UCLA 7 (USC 52, UCLA 21)
11/30/02 - USC 24, Notre Dame 13 (USC 44, Notre Dame 13)
01/02/03 - USC 24, Iowa 10 (USC 38, Iowa 17)
09/06/03 - USC 28, Brigham Young 18 (USC 35, Brigham Young 18)
09/13/03 - USC 24, Hawaii 6 (USC 61, Hawaii 32)
09/27/03 - California 24, USC 21 (California 34, USC 31, 3 O/T)
10/04/03 - USC 24, Arizona State 17 (USC 37, Arizona State 17)
10/11/03 - USC 27, Stanford 0 (USC 44. Stanford 21)
10/18/03 - USC 28, Notre Dame 14 (USC 45, Notre Dame 14)
10/25/03 - USC 26, Washington 14 (USC 43, Washington 23)
11/01/03 - USC 29, Washington State 10 (USC 43, Washington State 16)
11/15/03 - USC 28, Arizona 0 (USC 45, Arizona 0)
11/22/03 - USC 24, UCLA 0 (USC 47, UCLA 22)
12/06/03 - USC 28, Oregon State 7 (USC 52, Oregon State 28)
01/01/04 - USC 28, Michigan 7 (USC 28, Michigan 14)
08/28/04 - USC 24, Virginia Tech 13 (final score)
09/11/04 - USC 28, Colorado State 0 (USC 49, Colorado State 0)
09/18/04 - USC 28, Brigham Young 10 (USC 42, Brigham Young 10)
09/25/04 - Stanford 28, USC 17 (USC 31, Stanford 28)
10/16/04 - USC 28, Arizona State 7 (USC 45, Arizona State 7)
10/23/04 - USC 24, Washington 0 (USC 38, Washington 0)
10/30/04 - USC 28, Washington State 0 (USC 42, Washington State 12)
11/06/04 - USC 28, Oregon State 13 (USC 28, Oregon State 20)
11/13/04 - USC 28, Arizona 9 (USC 49, Arizona 9)
11/27/04 - USC 27, Notre Dame 10 (USC 41, Notre Dame 10)
12/04/04 - USC 26, UCLA 17 (USC 29, UCLA 24)
01/04/05 - USC 28, Oklahoma 7 (USC 55, Oklahoma 19)
09/03/05 - USC 28, Hawaii 3 (USC 63, Hawaii 17)
09/17/05 - USC 28, Arkansas 7 (USC 70, Arkansas 17)
09/24/05 - USC 24, Oregon 13 (USC 45, Oregon 13)
10/01/05 - USC 24, Arizona State 21 (USC 38, Arizona State 28)
10/08/05 - USC 28, Arizona 14 (USC 42, Arizona 21)
10/15/05 - Notre Dame 24, USC 21 (USC 34, Notre Dame 31)
10/22/05 - USC 27, Washington 10 (USC 51, Washington 24)
10/29/05 - USC 28, Washington State 6 (USC 55, Washington State 13)
11/05/05 - USC 24, Stanford 0 (USC 51, Stanford 21)
11/12/05 - USC 28, California 3 (USC 35, California 10)
11/19/05 - USC 27, Fresno State 21 (USC 50, Fresno State 42)
12/03/05 - USC 24, UCLA 0 (USC 66, UCLA 19)
01/04/06 - USC 24, Texas 23 (Texas 41, USC 38)
09/02/06 - USC 30, Arkansas 7 (USC 50, Arkansas 14)
09/16/06 - USC 28, Nebraska 10 (final score)
09/30/06 - USC 28, Washington State 15 (USC 28, Washington State 22)
10/07/06 - USC 26, Washington 20 (final score)
10/14/06 - USC 28, Arizona State 21 (final score)
10/28/06 - Oregon State 30, USC 10 (Oregon State 33, USC 31)
11/04/06 - USC 28, Stanford 0 (USC 42, Stanford 0)
11/11/06 - USC 28, Oregon 3 (USC 35, Oregon 10)
11/25/06 - USC 28, Notre Dame 10 (USC 44, Notre Dame 24)
01/01/07 - USC 25, Michigan 11 (USC 32, Michigan 18)
09/01/07 - USC 28, Idaho 3 (USC 38, Idaho 10)
09/15/07 - USC 28, Nebraska 10 (USC 49, Nebraska 31)
09/22/07 - USC 27, Washington State 7 (USC 47, Washington State 14)
09/29/07 - USC 24, Washington 17 (USC 27, Washington 24)
10/06/07 - Stanford 24, USC 23 (final score)
10/20/07 - USC 24, Notre Dame 0 (USC 38, Notre Dame 0)
10/27/07 - Oregon 24, USC 10 (Oregon 24, USC 17)
11/03/07 - USC 24, Oregon State 3 (final score)
11/10/07 - USC 24, Cal 17 (final score)
11/22/07 - USC 27, Arizona State 17 (USC 44, Arizona State 24)
12/01/07 - USC 24, UCLA 7 (final score)
01/01/08 - USC 28, Illinois 10 (USC 49, Illinois 17)
08/30/08 - USC 24, Virginia 7 (USC 52, Virginia 7)
09/13/08 - USC 28, Ohio State 3 (USC 35, Ohio State 3)
09/25/08 - Oregon State 27, USC 14 (Oregon State 27, USC 21)
10/04/08 - USC 27, Oregon 10 (USC 44, Oregon 10)
10/11/08 - USC 28, Arizona State 0 (final score)
10/18/08 - USC 27, Washington State 0 (USC 69, Washington State 0)
11/01/08 - USC 28, Washington 0 (USC 56, Washington 0)
11/15/08 - USC 24, Stanford 17 (USC 45, Stanford 23)
11/29/08 - USC 24, Notre Dame 0 (USC 38, Notre Dame 3)
12/06/08 - USC 28, UCLA 7 (final score)
01/01/09 - USC 24, Penn State 7 (USC 38, Penn State 24)
09/05/09 - USC 28, San Jose State 3 (USC 56, San Jose State 3)
09/26/09 - USC 27, Washington State 0 (USC 27, Washington State 6)
10/03/09 - USC 30, California 3 (final score)
10/17/09 - USC 27, Notre Dame 14 (USC 34, Notre Dame 27)
10/24/09 - USC 28, Oregon State 16 (USC 42, Oregon State 36)
10/31/09 - Oregon 24, USC 17 (Oregon 47, USC 20)
11/14/09 - Stanford 28, USC 14 (Stanford 55, USC 21)
11/28/09 - USC 28, UCLA 7 (final score)

Record - 94-3 (96.9%)

Ding-dong the Witch is Dead: Ducks end Trojans' Pac-10 Reign

2009-11-01T00:56:00.000-07:00

Well no more excuses. The Trojans got beat, and they were beat badly. In the past, USC could look at one stat or point to a key injury to explain their loss. Here? The lack of coaching adjustments, especially on defense (understatement of the year) led to USC's demise and likely end of the Trojans' reign of terror over the Pac-10. Although not mathematically eliminated, USC would need to win out and have Oregon to lose three of their final four games to return to Pasadena. No sugarcoating 392 rushing yards allowed. No pointing to turnovers (only one late Barkley INT) or excessive penalties (6 false starts, the Autzen Stadium didn't get to Barkley, but it sure got to his O-line). Maybe point to injuries (TE Anthony McCoy, WRs David Ausberry and Travon Patterson, FB Stanley Havili, RB Stafon Johnson, C Kris O'Dowd missed action), but how the hell do we suffer so many injuries? It seems like we always have a rash of injuries with bite USC at the wrong time, but you don't hear the elite teams having the same problems. Maybe it's our training regiment:

But unlike USC's other losses, I'm not upset over this one. In fact, I saw this coming: from my season preview:

"USC will probably split the Oregon/Cal road games, both of which could decide the Pac-10 crown this year. Cal is a dangerous team with prolific runner Jahvid Best, and the Oregon schools always give USC trouble in the state of Oregon:

October 24, 1998 - L @ Oregon State (17-13)
September 25, 1999 - L @ Oregon (33-30, 3 O/T)
September 30, 2000 - L @ Oregon State (31-21)
September 22, 2001 - L @ Oregon (24-22, Oregon made field goal with 12 seconds left)
October 26, 2002 - W @ Oregon (44-33, trailed 19-14 at the half)
November 6, 2004 - W @ Oregon State (28-20, fell behind 13-0 to start game)
September 24, 2005 - W @ Oregon (45-13, fell behind 13-0 to start game)
October 28, 2006 - L @ Oregon State (33-31, trailed 33-10 midway through third)
October 27, 2007 - L @ Oregon (24-17)
September 25, 2008 - L @ Oregon State (27-21, trailed 21-0 at halftime)

3-7 in the last 10 games in the state of Oregon, and trailed in every game? Not good..."

I also said USC would most likely finish 10-2 (8-1) with losses to Ohio State and Oregon. And right now? I would trade losing to Washington to lose to Ohio State in a heartbeat, as that extra loss to the Huskies will keep us out of the Rose Bowl. But maybe this is a good thing long term for the program. Having a change of pace; no longer being the king of the conference. No longer having the target on their back. No longer being favored to win every game by 20+ points. Then again, I hoped we would have the same change after the 2007 Stanford game, but no dice there.

Back to the game, what happened to the defense? Is there one thing we can point to that occurred after USC jumped up 34-14 on Notre Dame? From that point on, the Trojans have allowed an astonishing 96 points in 9 quarters. USC allowed 93 points in 12 regular season games last year. But in a span of 9 quarters, I've gone from feeling comfortable with the defense on the field to having the offense on the field. I went from knowing the Trojans would hold the opposition to less than 20 points on a gamely basis to hoping the defense can hold to a field goal. Oregon marched the ball down the field, with the USC defenders just being pesky on their way to the end zone. It seems that teams have made adjustments to USC's defensive scheme and USC hasn't made changes to what they've done. Maybe because Pete Carroll was content with winning shootouts. But that's not USC football. And that's not how you win big games on the road.

I remember back to the 2004 Rose Bowl game, when USC made it's mark on the football world. The defense was spectacular that day, with their takeaways and sacks on Michigan QB John Navarre. Especially on those sneaky corner blitzes. And their dominance over Oklahoma in the 2005 Orange Bowl. The Wolverine and Sooner offenses were so basic and simple compared to what Oregon ran today. It seems Pete Carroll has stayed the same while everything around him has changed. Teams are going to spread offenses with quarterbacks that can run and throw. We saw seeds of doubt of our defense sown against Washington State, when freshman QB Jeff Tuel, pushed into relief, moved the Cougars down the field on what was a stout defense. The Cal game aside, USC has allowed at least 27 points in their last three games. Not good.

But again Oregon was the much better team on the field. They were more prepared, made the correct adjustments, and deserved this win. This is why I'm not too upset with this loss. USC didn't give this game away. Oregon won it on the field. On to the Pac-10 Rankings:

Oregon (7-1 overall, 5-0 Pac-10) - Have fun in Pasadena Duck fans. Keep up the Pac-10 dominance over the Big Ten please. Just don't shit the bed. I'm pulling for you guys to either finish 8-4 or 11-1. The latter is more likely and more deserving.
Arizona (5-2, 3-1) - Scary offense will give fits to teams down the road, led by QB Nick Foles. Then again, you don't really need a good QB to give Washington State a hard time.
USC (6-2, 3-2) - With the Rose Bowl berth out of reach, will the Trojans finish strong the rest of the season to play for a BCS at large berth, maybe the Fiesta Bowl? All USC needs is 9 wins and a top 14 BCS rankings, not out of the question, depending on how far the Trojans fall after the blowout.
Oregon State (5-3, 3-2) - Almost let UCLA hang around too long. Then again, how did the Beavers defense allow two Bruin offensive touchdowns and two-point conversions? Washington State still remains on the schedule, so Oregon State should easily make another bowl game. Just no more 3-0 classics...
California (6-2, 3-2) - Screwed around after taking a 14-0 lead over Arizona State before needed a field goal in the final minutes to pull out the win in Tempe. Can't fool around with Oregon State, as this game may help round out the bowl pecking order.
Stanford (5-3, 4-2) - Finishes with a brutal stretch of Oregon, @ USC, Arizona, Notre Dame. Not sure where win #6 lies in that schedule.
Arizona State (4-4, 2-3) - Their reward for coming close to upsetting Cal? A visit from a banged up Trojan squad, who will either be demoralized after being embarrassed on prime-time national TV, or be looking to bounce back to make a trip back to, ironically, Tempe for the Fiesta Bowl. The Sun Devils needs to steal one from USC, Oregon, or Arizona to become bowl-eligible.
Washington (3-5, 2-3) - After all the rebuilding Sark has done in Seattle, a loss to UCLA next week will put the Huskies in the 9-hole where they spent most of last year, except for the last few weeks they were #10 after losing in last year's Apple Cup.
UCLA (3-5, 0-5) - Shows how much respect Prime Ticket is showing UCLA this year, as their game against Oregon State was shown on a tape-delay in L.A., which is unheard of in this day and age. Even the USC/UCLA soccer game was on live on Prime Ticket Friday night. Last gasp to become bowl eligible starts with a win over Washington next week.
Washington State (1-7, 0-5) - Poor Cougs. I hope that paycheck they got for being the sacrificial lamb to Notre Dame on national TV (NBC) was pretty hefty. Side note: ESPN was making fun about how New Mexico State had to take a game against Ohio State late in the season to help pay for food for the team during summer camp. They were made light of it, but the truth hurts for the Aggies. Almost as bad as the University of Hawaii showers not having soap in them.

And the top 10:

Florida (8-0) - Alabama's struggles against Tennessee last week and their bye this week along with Florida's dominance over Georgia put the Gators back at #1. Rankings #1-3 don't matter unless one of Florida/Alabama/Texas loses, which won't happen unless something really bizarre happens.
Texas (8-0) - Early season struggles, but they've put it together in all three areas of the game and look ready to make it back to the BCS championship game. Just no Heisman for Colt McCoy in my opinion.
Alabama (8-0) - Byes shouldn't cause teams to fall, but Texas looked really good on the road against a decent Oklahoma State team. But it won't matter as long as an undefeated Florida meet an undefeated Alabama in the SEC Championship game.
Cincinnati (8-0) - Even with a backup QB, the Bearcats are taking care of business. Couldn't say the same about, oh, USC about 6 weeks ago. Still have to get past a very good Pittsburgh team, but I don't see them having a problem getting to 12-0.
Oregon (7-1) - Still impressed with how they demolished the Trojans. Which makes me wonder if they had played Boise State later in the season... Best one loss team, hands down. If something happens to #1-2-3, Oregon is more deserving than Boise or TCU to make the national championship. I'm just saying.
Texas Christian (8-0) - 12-0 TCU goes in over 13-0 Boise. Period. Even if Oregon goes 11-1, the Horned Frogs would have defeated Clemson (ACC Atlantic leader), Virginia, and BYU, and gotten past a very good Utah team. Boise?
Boise State (8-0) - Just that win over Oregon, which continues to be more impressive by the day. But if the Broncos had to play the Ducks' schedule, where would they be? Hard to answer.
Iowa (9-0) - Yeah, I dropped them after playing sloppy games, but an even an undefeated Iowa does not deserve to be in anything greater than the Rose Bowl, which they should be content with. But please, Terrelle Pryor, please show up for a big game. As much as the college football universe loves to see upsets, I'm a traditionalist and like to see the big name schools (Texas, Ohio State, Florida, USC....) be in the BCS bowl games.
Georgia Tech (8-1) - Triple option, triple option, triple option. Love to see it in play, would have a heart attack if the team I rooted for ran it every down. Knowing USC, the Trojans would fumble one out of every five laterals. Just saying.
Louisiana State (7-1) - Can rock the world by knocking off Alabama in Tuscaloosa next weekend. Would make the season more interesting when we can say the #4 and #5 teams have a shot of being in the national championship game. But it would lead to a boring slugfest in the SEC championship game. Oh well.

Trojans jump to big lead, hold on against Irish

2009-10-19T17:28:00.000-07:00

USC freshman QB Matt Barkley went 19-29 for a career-high 380 yards, 2 TD, and an INT as the Trojans held on against Notre Dame, 34-27. The Trojans needed three incompletitions from Irish QB Jimmy Clausen from the USC 4 in the final 9 seconds to preserve the win. Anthony McCoy added 5 receptions for 153 yards, and Damian Williams had 4 catches for 108 yards and 2 TDs. Joe McKnight ran for 79 yards and a score, while Everson Griffen led the defense with three sacks. In a polar opposite from their past games, the offense was on a roll while the defense struggled to hold the scrambling Irish offense, desperate to overcome a 20 point fourth quarter deflict.

After McKnight ran in a score from one yard out, it looked like another Trojan blowout in this series. But instead of fading away like Irish teams from the past, Clausen and Notre Dame WR Golden Tate did their best to turn the tide in their favor. Tate was in beast mode all game, with 8 receptions for 115 yards and 2 TD, including a sick 45 yard pass from Clausen midway through the third. With the aid of several bone-headed Trojan personal foul penalties, Clausen led the Irish methodically down the field into scoring range. But after falling asleep in the previous two drives, the Trojan defense held their ground. On first and goal from the USC 4 with nine seconds remaining, Irish TE Kyle Rudolph juggled a Clausen pass before gaining control of the ball out of bounds. On second and goal, Clausen missed on a slant on what appeared to be the game's final play. The USC sideline rushed the field before replay officials determined that one second remained for the Irish to pull off another miracle (see: Notre Dame vs. Michigan State; 2009, Notre Dame vs. Purdue; 2009, Notre Dame vs. Washington; 2009). But on third and goal, Clausen's 43rd pass of the day also fell incomplete and the Trojans were able to leave South Bend with another breath-taking victory.

The offense made plays all day. Barkley, playing in front of a third ranked road opponent, made key third down plays and limited his mistakes. His interception which led to Notre Dame's last score was partly on the Trojan playcalling; if there was EVER a time to call a safe draw play, it was there, up 14 on 3rd and 14 in your own territory. Punt the ball away there, as the defense, up to that point, was holding its own, or at least to the point where another Irish score would have eaten up the clock. But it seemed McCoy was coming up with big plays all day. The passing game was so brilliant, but don't forget about the running game, which produced a respectible 4.8 yards per carry (minus Barkley's numbers).

The defense kept pressure on Clausen all day, until the final drive. It seemed like the Golden Boy had all day to throw, and he did make some big plays, including his fourth down pass to Robby Parris which set up a first and goal from the 4. I didn't keep track, but it seemed like a majority of the Trojans' 8 penalties for 70 yards came from defensive personal foul penalties, which kept an Irish scoring drive alive. That lack of discipline has to stop sometime, right? And special teams... an average of 14 yards on kick returns, one punt return for 4 yards... you guys are saved by a HUGE blocked PAT. Why so big? I would have bet my life that Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis would have gone for 2 had they scored a touchdown, going for the win instead of overtime. Without the blocked point after attempt, Charlie was a TD and PAT away from the biggest win of his coaching career. But he goes for two in that situation. Even if I had lost that bet, I would be content with that.

Pac-10 rankings. Randomness again. There are three tiers in the Pac-10: The contenders (Oregon and USC), the bowl hopefuls (Arizona, Arizona State, California, Oregon State, Stanford, UCLA, Washington), and the Cougs (Washington State).

Oregon (5-1) - I don't think they overlook Washington (more on them later...) before USC comes into town on Halloween. But the Ducks only 5 point favorites? Geez.
USC (5-1) - Revenge game! Pete doesn't lose two in a row to anyone, right? Though Quizz remains a big question mark (no pun intended) for the Trojan D. Can they stop him? Then again, the Beavs have struggled in the Coliseum. Rose Bowl play-in game on Halloween should be fun (or not...)
Arizona (4-2) - A fluke away (pick-6 off a receivers foot which may have hit the ground) from being a legit contender to the Pac-10. Offense is scary good (two shootouts), and should get win number 5 hosting UCLA this weekend. That Iowa loss? Not so bad, eh?
Oregon State (4-2) - Can they overtake the angry Trojans? The Rodgers brothers will have something to say about that before the end of the day, but USC has too much depth to be worried about the Beavs.
California (4-2) - Look who's back? 45 points against UCLA's defense was really impressive. Not sure if anyone else will top that. Or top Jahvid Best's 93 yard run. Wazzu should help the Bears get back in the top 3 in the conference.
Arizona State (4-2) - A wowzer after the finish against the Huskies, but Oregon and USC shouldn't really worry about the Sun Devils. Stanford comes next for a game in bowl seeding.
Stanford (4-3) - No Toby Gerhart? A lot of problems for the Cardinal, even with Andrew Luck playing out of his mind.
Washington (3-4) - You douchebags. 1-3 since the USC game? Assholes. What a pathetic display on the ASU game winner too (50 yard TD pass in a tied game? Really Nick Holt? I guess it was Pete's call to play the bend but don't break D. Jackass).
UCLA (3-3) - An 0-3 start in conference play doesn't help, especially with a trip to Tuscon this weekend. May not be favored again until the Washington game, but a bowl seems out of reach at this point.
Washington State (1-5) - Poor Cougs...

And my national top 10 (cause ranking 25 teams takes too long) (rankings are BCS rankings):

Alabama (7-0) - Most impressive team in CFB right now. Good wins over #14 Virginia Tech and #24 South Carolina, as well as trouncing a good Ole Miss team. I would be shocked to see them lose or struggle until the SEC championship game against:
Florida (6-0) - I had Bama ranked #1 before the Gators struggled against Arkansas, needed a field goal with 11 seconds left to put the Razorbacks away. They will struggle, but should still make it to 12-0.
Texas (6-0) - I've always liked Oklahoma, but even without Sam Bradford, they had a chance to steal a game in this series. Now? Sun Bowl looks to be their destination.
Iowa (7-0) - Yeah they win ugly, but how many Trojan fans would want a ugly win over Washington now? Get past Ohio State, and they're in the running for the national championship conversation.
Cincinnati (6-0) - Run the table through the Big East, even if it is the Big East, and I don't mind them waiting to play in the national championship. As long as Bama/Florida and Texas don't screw around.
USC (5-1) - I still think this is too high, but three road wins against top 25 teams (the teams were ranked when they played) has to count for something, right? Maybe, maybe if they win a fourth against Oregon on Halloween (assuming they don't over look Oregon State)...
Boise State (6-0) - Can't take away the Oregon win, but can't ignore the rest of their schedule either.
Texas Christian (6-0) - Win at BYU this week, and they'll be ahead of Boise in most polls. A stronger schedule (with two OCC games against ACC teams) helps a lot when you have multiple undefeated non-BCS teams.
Miami (Florida) - Got punished quite a bit for losing to a not-so-bad Virginia Tech team (they were #4 entering last week's games), though the Florida State and Oklahoma wins lose some luster. Just have to keep winning, and taking the ACC crown will help.
Oregon (5-1) - Maybe the Ducks and Broncos should play each other later in the year... Hopefully (or maybe hopefully) Oregon doesn't over look Washington this week.

USC rolls over Wazzu and Cal

2009-10-05T17:10:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago, freshman QB Matt Barkley returned from a sprained shoulder to throw 13-22 for 247 yards and 2 TDs to as USC jumped out to a 20-0 first quarter lead and sputtered to a 27-6 win. Joe McKnight opened the scoring on a 3 yard run to cap a very efficient Trojan drive. Barkley finally targeted Damian Williams as his #1 receiver, connecting on a 57 yard TD pass one play after the Trojan special teams recovered an onside kick. Nine seconds earler, Barkley connected on a beautiful 31 pass to Brice Butler, showing no ill effects from his sore shoulder. The game started to look like the 69-0 rout in Pullman from last year, but the Trojan offense couldn't get anything going after their fast start, failing to score until Stafon Johnson scooted in from 6 yards out.

The third stringers gave up a touchdown to Washington State in the closing seconds, but all day the defense had trouble containing freshman QB Jeff Tuel, as starting QB Marshall Lobbestael was getting sacked left and right. The defense allowed only a few completitions by Tuel until the Coug's final drive, but it seemed like the Wazzu running backs were gaining 6-8 yards on every first down carry. But when Tuel did drop back and pass, he was either sacked or hurried into a poor pass. The defense had problems getting the Cougar offense off the field as well, as they had possession of the ball for over 36 minutes, or 60% of the game.

And a lot of the problems that reared their ugly head against Washington reappeared against Washington State, as Joe McKnight lost a fumble and Aaron Corp fumbled on the only play where he didn't just turn and hand the ball to Curtis McNeal. The Trojans also committed 13 penalties for 115 yards, with 75 of those yards coming in the first quarter. This was not the bounce back performance that the Trojans needed after a sloppy loss to the Huskies. It looked like a long game ahead of us in Berkeley against Jahvid Best.

One positive, even though it was against the Washington State special teams, was Damian Williams' punt returns, as he had 6 for 80 yards, production we haven't had since Reggie Bush graduated. But despite the effort by Washington State to not get embarrased again this season, USC needed to make a point in this game that they were healthy and righted the ship. Instead, they floundered, scoring 0 points on two drives that got inside the Cougs' 2 yard line and Jordan Congdon proved reliable in missing a 43 yard field goal.

Despite the Trojans' struggles against Washington State, USC moved up from #12 to #7 in the AP poll thanks to upsets suffered by then-#4 Mississippi, #5 Penn State, #6 Cal, and #9 Miami, as well as #10 Oklahoma having a bye week. Not only did the Golden Bears lose, they were embarassed, 42-3, by Oregon, resulting in a huge loss of confidence by Cal. The game between USC and Cal two weeks ago looked to be one between two top five teams; now, it was a game to keep Rose Bowl dreams alive.

And the Trojans did just that. Joe McKnight ran for 119 yards and 2 TDs, and Damian Williams had 100 yards receiving and scored USC's first punt return touchdown since 2005 as the Trojans romped to a 30-3 win. The fragile mind set Cal was in after their shellacking against the Ducks shattered after they moved the ball down the field on the opening drive against USC, only for Cal QB Kevin Riley to throw an interception to S Taylor Mays from the USC 5 yard line. The offense did the rest, moving the ball quickly down the field and scoring on Joe McKnight's 38 yard run, aided by a poor tackle attempt by CB Syd'Quan Thompson. After Cal's next drive stalled, USC tacked on a short field goal by Jordan Congdon. The second quarter opened with Cal punting to Damian Williams, who broke free on a 66 yard punt return for a touchdown. It was the Trojans' first punt return for a touchdown since Reggie Bush did it against Washington in 2005. The stifiling defense, led by Mays' interception and 10 tackle performance, and Chris Gallippo's three pass breakups, held Cal scoreless until Vince D'Amato kicked a meaningless field goal to cut the USC lead to 23-3. Carroll's troops marched back down field and scored an "F-U" touchdown in response to Cal's field goal to close the scoring at 30-3. Cal tumbled from #6 in the nation to out of the polls on the heels of being outscored 72-6 in their last two games, which included a 65 point unanswered streak.

Well, this was the first game was pleased with the team's performance since the Rose Bowl against Penn State. The San Jose State game was a blowout, but it was still San Jose State. Ohio State showed the real problems we have on offense. Washington, well, you know. Washington State should have been San Jose State part deux, but le fail on that one. But Cal, even after being blown out by Oregon the week before, is still a good team. Jahvid Best could have broken off a touchdown on any touch, but the Trojan defense held him in check, to 47 yards on 14 carries, with about a third of those coming from the Wildcat formation. Riley missed a lot of receivers, including Shane Vereen on a trick play that he sailed over Vereen's head. The Cal defense gave up a lot of yards in between the 20s, but a better offense would have turned Congdan's three field goals into touchdowns. Blame it on the playcalling or on the young QB, but against Oregon, trips inside the opponent's 10 yard line need to be touchdowns. I guess with this defense, which has made leaps since the first quarter against San Jose State, field goals may be good enough. And good offensive balance, we haven't had a 100 yard receiver and rusher since the Washington game last year.

But one huge, HUGE positive from the last time I posted has been the stark improvement in special teams. I ragged on coach Brian Schneider after the loss to Washington, but he had proved me wrong since. Starting with the Wazzu game, getting 80 punt return yards from Williams, and the onside kick after they noticed that the Cougar blockers turned their backs to the ball a few moments too soon. Some people were critical of the onside kick, but I loved it, and it will make teams down the road prepare for it and not turn too early to set up the blocking for the return. And other teams like Cal, Notre Dame, or Oregon did not have the same vunerability as Wazzu, so this was maybe the only time to unleash it. And Williams' 66 yard punt return. Putting D-Will back there has paid off, both in his catching (no more fumbles from McKnight) and elusiveness (McKnight is fast, but he cannot break tackles). It helps having two blockers on the opposing team's lead gunner, and there was at least once when we sent a man for a block attempt, a welcome sight. Now if we can only find a long distance kicker. Didn't we used to do that? In 2006? David Buehler 49 yard field goal against Cal to tie the game? Anyone? Buehler ~= Jacob Harfman? No? Ok...

Pac-10 rankings. Might as well put the 10 teams, er 9 teams (Wazzu at the bottom) in a bag and pull them out at random. Oh well.

Oregon (4-1) - That Boise State game feels like such a long time ago. Hopefully QB Jeremiah Masoli can be healthy for the game at UCLA this weekend, as them Bruins are always scrappy under Rick Neuheisel.
USC (4-1) - A much needed bye week before heading to Notre Dame with WR Ronald Johnson and DE Armond Armstead returning from injuries. The Irish have eeked out their last few games, but will this be another blowout? Jimmy Claussen needs to overcome his turf toe while Josh Pinkard vs. Golden Tate will be a matchup to watch.
Stanford (4-1) - Wait, Stanford? 3-0 in conference play? Stanford? Well, they still have to play Oregon and at USC, but a win at Oregon State will push them into the top 25. RB Toby Gerhart has been in beast mode all year, and if QB Andrew Luck can find his touch, watch out.
Arizona (3-1) - Lost to a good Iowa team but upset Oregon State two weeks ago. Game at Washington will tell a lot for the two teams. Too bad they won't have TE Rob Gronkowski at all this year.
Oregon State (3-2) - Acutally off to a decent start compared to years past, and got a huge road win at Arizona State. Best matchup of running backs in the Pac-10 this weekend: 2008 Offensive Player of the Year Jacquizz Rodgers against 2009 (probably) Offensive Player of the Year, Toby Gerhart. Should be an exciting game.
UCLA (3-1) - Kai Forbath is tied for first in the nation in field goals made with 12. Not a good stat to be leading. Offensive woes will continue against Oregon, who unveiled a sneaky good defense in the past few weeks. Can the UCLA defense and special teams keep the Bruins in the game? Hard to tell against the explosive Ducks defense.
Washington (2-3) - Will they have a USC hangover all season long? Blown out by Stanford two weeks ago, and lost a heartbreaker to Notre Dame this past weekend. They have to regroup quickly for a trip to Arizona to keep their shots at a bowl game alive, or their win over USC will mean nothing.
Arizona State (2-2) - Haven't shown much, but that's good in terms of being ranked ahead of Cal and Washington State. After a win over the Cougars (come on), they have a tough stretch to finish the season: Washington, @ Stanford, Cal, USC, @ Oregon, @ UCLA, Arizona. No sure things there, with the toss ups being against the Huskies, UCLA, and Arizona to get to six wins.
California (3-2) - Dang, how could we have been so wrong about this Cal team? Not the best time to have a bye week, mulling on two blowout losses, even though they were against the class of the Pac-10, but they have to get ready for a trip to UCLA in two weeks in a game that will define both team's bowl hopes.
Washington State (1-4) - Don't see a win for the rest of the season on their schedule. Rebuilding this team will take a while for Paul Wulff. But I miss (and still heart) Bill Doba.

And the top 10 for this week:

Florida (4-0) - Tim Tebow or no Tim Tebow, the Gators should beat LSU. But don't count the Tigers out of the game is close in the fourth quarter, as this season has shown.
Texas (4-0) - Wake me up when they play Oklahoma... oh wait. The Sooners can make their season by runing the Longhorns one, but I wouldn't count on it. We can only hope for K-State to upset Texas this year like in 2006 and 2007. Oh wait they don't play each other this year. Crap.
Alabama (5-0) - Ole Miss should prove to be a minor road block in the Tide's path to the SEC championship.
Louisiana State (5-0) - crept up after the upsets, but it will be for naught if they can't knock off Florida.
Virginia Tech (4-1) - Hey! Look who's back. Struggled with Duke, but if they can stay focused, they should be on the doorstep for the BCS if any team ahead of them loses.
USC (4-1) - Trojans haven't lost to a ranked opponent who was ranked lower than them since the 2005 Rose Bowl. ag24ta3abahuaq3y24arnahG21@!#%U)*
Boise State (5-0) - That Oregon win keeps on looking better and better for them. Too bad eggs like they laid against UC Davis will hurt their cred.
Ohio State (4-1) - Defense has been solid, but they still have to play Iowa and Penn State down the road. Can't read too much into blowing out weak teams.
Cincinnati (5-0) - Big East street cred? Maybe...
TCU (4-0) - Will they pull a Houston and lose in their MWC opener? I think the Frogs are used to the attention and should be in good shape until BYU game.

Dodgers Baseball!

2009-09-22T10:14:00.000-07:00

So I got to go to a few more Dodgers games this year, probably due to having a car and a little more money to spend on baseball tickets, not to mention a couple of free box seats from NGC. Quick rundown of the games I've attended:

April 18, 2009 - Dodgers 9, Rockies 5. Notable: My buddy Kenny's first trip to the all-you-can-eat bleachers in right field. Andre Ethier went 2-5 with 2 HR and 4 RBI on his way to a 30-100 season. Manny Ramirez went 2-3 with 2 HR and 2 RBI about three weeks before he was suspended for 50 games for a fertility drug.
June 28, 2009 - Mariners 4, Dodgers 2. Notable: First of three games this year where Hiroki Kuroda was the starting pitcher. Pretty average game otherwise as the Dodgers were cooling off from their hot start.
August 5, 2009 - Brewers 4, Dodgers 1. Notable: First of two games sitting in the Baseline Box Seats at Dodger Stadium, which included all you can eat food at the Baseline Restaurant and preferred parking. Came day after Prince Fielder tried to enter the Dodger locker room after he was hit by a pitch in a 17-4 L.A. win. Crowd was hot for Fielder throughout the game. Trevor Hoffman picked up the save, first of two future Hall of Fame closers I saw this year.
August 9, 2009 - Braves 8, Dodgers 2. Notable: Braves are 2-0 in games I've seen in person. Atlanta won the series 3-1. Jeff Weaver pitched three innings of perfect ball. Manny Ramirez hit a bloop double over Adam LaRoche. Braves scored 5 in the ninth to put the game away.
August 20, 2009 - Dodgers 7, Cubs 2. Notable: Second game sitting in Baseline Box Seats. Jeff Weaver was the starting pitcher, but did not figure in the decision. Russell Martin, in a slump all season, hit a grand slam in the sixth inning to break open a 2-2 tie.
September 6, 2009 - Padres 4, Dodgers 3. Notable: Picked up the first Manny Ramirez bobblehead after the game. Kuroda started and got the loss, Weaver pitched two innings of shutout ball in relief. Other than that, nothing too interesting.
September 16, 2009 - Dodgers 3, Pirates 1. Notable: Picked up the second Manny Ramirez bobblehead (Curtain Call) at the game. Kuroda started and got the win, Broxton with the save. Matt Kemp homered to lead the Dodgers "B-team" (Orlando Hudson, Rafael Furcal, Casey Blake, Manny Ramirez, Russell Martin all got the day off).
September 18, 2009 - Mariners 3, Yankees 2. Notable: First game saw out of state of California (Dodgers, Angels, Padres). Mariner fans still despise Alex Rodriguez. Mariano Rivera with a rare blown save as Ichiro hit a walk-off home run to end the game. Felix Hernandez pitched a complete game for the win.
September 20, 2009 - Dodgers 6, Giants 2. Notable: Bizarre game as we arrived in the bottom of the fifth due to traffic and late arrival from Seattle, missing Tim Lincecum, who was pulled after four innings. Ethier eclipsed the 30-100 mark with a home run in the 3rd.

Maybe I'll get to go to more baseball games next year. Looking forward to the Clippers starting at the end of October!

Air Corp grounded, Locker drives Huskies to upset

2009-09-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

QB Jake Locker drove the Huskies on a 10 play, 63 yard drive over the final four minutes of the game, leading to a Erik Folk 22 yard field goal with three seconds remaining as Washington upset #3 USC, 16-13. Not much went right for the Trojans, as QB Aaron Corp, in his first career start, went 13-22 for 110 yards and an interception, though he was lucky not to throw more as Corp consistently locked on to his first option, and RB Joe McKnight had 11 rushes for 100 yards and USC's lone touchdown, but also fumbled twice. USC committed 8 penalties for 75 yards and fumbled the ball four times, with FB Stanley Havili and RB Stafon Johnson losing one each. The 110 yards passing by Corp was the lowest total in the Pete Carroll era.

I guess I'll look at the good before diving into the ugly. The defense, save for the final drive, did well without its leader, S Taylor Mays, holding the Huskies to 56 yards rushing. DE Nick Perry was the player of the game, with four tackles and two sacks. MLB Chris Gallippo continues his steady play, as he had 8 tackles and one pass breakup. And the other bright spot? K Jordan Congdon, who hit a 42-yarder to put USC up 10-0 early in the game and tied the game late with a 25 yard field goal. He also had the range on the field goal after time expired in the first half. But other than that? Ugh.

So what went wrong? Let's start with the QB, Air Corp. 13-22 for 110 yards is unacceptable for a USC QB. Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart, John David Booty, and Mark Sanchez were rolling in their graves. Probably didn't help that he had to step into freshman Matt Barkley's shoes after his game winning drive at Ohio State with a sprained shoulder. But no more second guessing on my part. Carroll was right on in naming Barkley the starter to start the season, as Barkley showed that he could lead a team, while Corp puttered around against a Washington team that gave up 349 yards passing to Idaho. IDAHO! But the guy named starter out of spring camp could only muster 110 yards against the same defense. Unreal. Can't really put much on the receivers, as Corp would force the ball to his first option, even if the receiver was covered well, but Damian Williams has to step up and be a leader on offense, because Steve Smith, Mike Williams, Dwayne Jarrett, and Fred Davis aren't walking through those doors.

But all can't fall on Corp's shoulders. At least he wasn't a heralded group of running backs who combined for four fumbles. Fumble McGee McKnight had two fumbles, at least one of them he was stripped on, including on the Trojans' final drive, but USC recovered both. But the usually reliable Johnson fumbled on a 4th-and-1 run that he converted, which was a scoring drive, and Havili tried to make a play which he fumbled on as well. The most damaging thing about these turnovers, including Corp's turnover, was that they were all committed inside the UW 35 yard line, meaning those are points we fumbled away. I guess that would lead to the team scoring only 13 points against a Husky defense that was giving up 27 per game.

Penalties were killer as well, committing 8 for 75 yards. Remember last week when after the Ohio State win that I was happy with the fact that USC did not have too many penalties and only one turnover? Well BANG BANG, those things really came back to bite us in this game, and some of that has to go on the coaches, especially the minus-3 turnover ratio. What happened to the ball hawking defense? It seems we've gone vanilla on defense, the bend but don't break mentality leads to no big plays (only one play of more than 20 yards by Washington on offense), but no turnovers, and giving up a 3rd and 15 which would have given USC the ball back with a chance to win the game (or at least go to overtime). USC is minus-3 on the season in turnovers, a number which has to improve. But why the lack of takeaways? Is it the coaching? Is it the lack of ballhawking players on defense? Even the great Taylor Mays doesn't do much in the turnover game. Was it Nick Holt who took his strip play on defense with him to Washington? How could we not force one fumble, or turnover in this game?

But I guess in the long run, this game goes on the coaching. Carroll for not naming Corp the starter during the week. Brian Schneider for not improving the special teams, as it seemed on every single return, we would get a blocking in the back penalty, and our punter, Billy O'Malley, fails to punt the damn ball longer than 40 yards, I guess because it would hurt our punt coverage, which is terrible anyway. Not to mention our non-existant punt return game, outside of Williams' Reggie Bush-like return in the fourth quarter to set up Congdon's game tying field goal. Hey Pete Carroll, can I get paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to coach special teams? Or even just a $100,000, as I have only one thing to coach the special teams units on: If you can see the opposing player's name on his jersey, DO NOT TOUCH HIM, DO NOT BLOCK HIM, JUST RUN AWAY. You already fucked up by letting him get past you on the return game. Good lord, these players may have talent, but not much for knowledge of the game. And having Jake Harfman just focus on kickoffs, when he hasn't had one touchback this season? Oh yeah, Schneider now has a chance to fuck up Mitch Mustain's future by having him punt as well. Fuck you guys.

Oh, but I haven't got to Jeremy Bates yet. I think I could have got more than 110 yards passing out of Air Corp. After three games, I've got Bates' offensive strategy down pat. Game one, find something that works, go with it, then dump it for the rest of the season (boot slide with a full back or tight end as the QB's safety valve). Game two, go with a QB sneak on every single 3rd- or 4th-and-1, then go with a HB dive with your FB on 3rd-and-1 with time running out in the first half with no timeouts left. WHERE THE FUCK WAS THE QB SNEAK THERE!?! Or even better, Pete, why not kick the field goal on third down? We lost yards anyway, and Congdon nailed the field goal that didn't count as time expired. On a play that was so successful against a more stout Ohio State defense, why not do it once? On a play that is deemed safe for our young QBs, why not call the boot slide more often? The boot slide is so safe because you have the FB or TE short, and if he gets open, the WR deep. But I think we've called that play twice in the past two games. For game 4, I don't know what Bates can neglect, as nothing went right on offense. Even the run game, which did net 250 yards, most of it in the first quarter, was nullified by the crafty Holt putting eight in the box, daring the shaky Corp to throw deep on them.

But even with all my complaining, I can't take away from the coaching performance put on by Coach Steve Sarkisian. He did a tremendous job getting his guys ready, and has transformed Jake Locker into a perfect dual threat QB. They deserved this win, and too bad he had to get his first marquee win over us. I will "Bark for Sark" the rest of the season. Though I will be thoroughly pissed if they shit the bed at Stanford next weekend. Just saying.

Oh well, here's the top 10:

Florida (3-0) - Tennessee did all it could to not get blown out by the Gators, always dangerous
Texas (3-0) - a win is a win in revenge games, even over an average Tech team
Alabama (3-0) - Arkansas showed spunk against Georgia, but won't be able to hang with Bama
California (3-0) - finally took care of those road woes, though they have to travel to Eugene next, always a tough place to play, just ask Utah
Penn State (3-0) - revenge game part deux! Lions should roll to a 21-3 win...
Mississippi (2-0) - good test at South Carolina in a short week
Louisiana State (3-0) - creeping up the polls, scrappy Bulldog team next
Boise State (3-0) - lone BCS buster team remaining, fun shootout against Fresno
Miami (Florida) (2-0) - astronomic rise up the polls, top 5 material if they beat Va Tech and:
Oklahoma (2-1) - next week, should be the game of the week (enough of College Gameday going to revenge games, unless they go to Oregon State/USC later)

And the Pac-10 rankings (yeah, no continunity, whatever):

California (3-0) - don't mess this up Bear fans, this is your year to make the Rose Bowl, especially with USC limping up to Berkeley next weekend
UCLA (3-0) - the defense is super scary, and I see more special teams touchdowns in their future
Oregon (2-1) - recovered from the Boise game, can make some waves with win over Cal
USC (2-1) - offense has shown nothing: "USC made Jay Leno's monologue last night when he said it stands for Unable to Score Consistently." Ugh
Washington (2-1) - please don't have a USC hangover and lose to Stanford
Oregon State (2-1) - P.S. to unranked Pac-10 teams who knock off USC, please do SOMETHING in OOC play, like beat Cincinnati at home.
Arizona State (2-0) - Georgia rolls here
Arizona (2-1) - Fun fact: QB Willie Tuitama is now a waiter at a Buffalo Wild Wings in Tuscon
Stanford (2-1) - can they catch the Huskies snoozing? I think Sark is too good of a coach
Washington State (1-2) - nice comeback against SMU, and my lock of the week: they will cover the 44 spread at USC this week.

One final note, other than the loss to the Huskies, had a wonderful time in Seattle. People are so nice there, as we were wearing our USC gear and received nothing but well wishes for the game. Even walking back from the stadium to where we parked our car, we didn't get much hecklers or any fans trying to instigate anything. And the day we arrived was a beautiful day, sun shining and temperature in the 80s. Of course it had to rain on gameday, but that was expected. Good experience, hopefully I'll be able to go back and spend more time there, without the stress of a football game attached to it. And also got to strike a few things off my MLB list: see the Yankees, see Mariano Rivera pitch, and see a walkoff home run (Ichiro!). But I think the loss will make the Cal trip a little better, as we don't have to stress about losing anymore, since a national championship is no longer in reach, and Cal is the better team this year. And it's always nice travelling to the Bay Area.

Barkley, McKnight drive USC to comeback win against Ohio State

2009-09-14T22:47:00.000-07:00

USC freshman QB Matt Barkley went 15-31 for 195 yards, including going 6-8 for 97 yards in drives that ended the first and second half, RB Joe McKnight had 105 all-purpose yards, including 54 in the game-winning drive and catching a 2-point conversion swing pass, and RB Stafon Johnson scored the game's first and last touchdowns as the Trojans overcame an sputtering offense for a come from behind win, 18-15. The offense was so bad, in fact, that when USC fell behind 12-10 on a high snap that sailed through the end zone, a lot of Trojan faithful felt like that could be the deciding margin.

I guess look at the bad first. Barkley didn't show much of an arm against San Jose State, rarely throwing down field. In this game, he didn't show off his arm either, and even then he only went 15-31. Not sure if it was the play calling, as a lot of the "safe" rollout plays that QB Coach Jeremy Bates called for against the Spartans were not seen against Ohio State. And there were no sustained drives either, other than the ones to end each half. USC's first touchdown was gift wrapped by MLB Chris Gallippo, who returned a Terrell Pryor pass 51 yards to the OSU 2, but even then it took the offense 4 plays to punch it home. In the second half, the Trojans had a miserable time trying to turn the field around, as it seemed the Buckeyes were always starting their drives in USC territory. But part of that could be on the dismal punting unit. P Billy O'Malley averaged 37.6 yards per punt with a long of 41, which was actually a touchback. So we have a punter who can't get distance and who can't coffin corner a team from 40 yards away? If he only has a 35 yard punt in his leg, why can't we have the punt unit get down there in time? And that's the second problem. The punt coverage and return units were terrible as well. They only allowed 14 punt returns, but that's back to O'Malley's weak leg. But the more telling stat was USC getting 0 punt return yards on 6 chances. There were several times where OSU P Jon Thoma "pooched" his kicks inside the 20, landing four of his punts there and still ending up with a higher average than O'Malley, who found himself trying to kick the stuffing out of the ball from his own endzone. But on every OSU punt, there were several Buckeyes surrounding Damian Williams before he could catch the ball, leaving him no choice but to signal for a fair catch. And staying with special teams... how can the #3 team in the nation not get a kicker that can kick a field goal from 44 yards straight away? And even if we did know that Jordan Congdon doesn't have a leg outside of 40, we do have a long distance kicker in Jake Harfman... where was he? We need to hire a special teams coach... oh wait...

But now for the positives... the defense, save to two long pass plays in the first quarter, we solid all game long. In fact, outside of a 54 yard pass to Dane Sanzenbacher and a 36 yarder to DeVier Posey, Pryor threw for only 87 yards. Both teams struggled to run the ball, due to the dominant defensive lines of both teams, as the longest run by an Ohio State running back was an 8 yard run by Dan Herron. But the defense had to play with a short field throughout the second half and gave up only 3 second half points. Another positive was that despite the struggles of the offense, the unit wasn't sloppy. Aside from Barkley being picked off in the second half, the offense stayed (relatively) penalty free, with 4 penalties for 30 yards, and no fumbles. That's a big plus, as in past games the Trojans have struggled in, it was due to numerous turnovers and penalties, so seeing USC not shoot themselves in the foot was nice to see, especially with a freshman quarterback in a hostile environment. Hmm, another positive... oh yeah, how 'bout those two drives to end each half? Nothing flashy, yet both were still things of beauty. It was part Barkley managing the game, part the running backs taking over, and part the offensive line parting the Buckeye defensive line. Barkley made a couple of throws to start the drive, but USC rode the back of McKnight, and Barkley snuck his way to two first downs behind Kris O'Dowd, and Johnson finished the drive from two yards out.

There has been a lot of criticism of Ohio State coach Jim Tressel, who many said he was too conservative and called bad plays on offense. First, I agreed with him punting before USC's final drive, as the Trojan offense showed nothing all game, and pinning them on the 14 yard line was better than going for a 53 yard field goal. But I can't agree with his choice to kick a field goal on 4th-and-goal from the 1 to start the second quarter. That's the game right there. The Buckeyes convert, they win. If they don't, well, they lose anyway. Tressel had to answer Big Balls Pete, instead he let his shrivel up as he sent out his kicker for an 18 yard field goal. And on offense, having Pryor pass the ball at all in the fourth quarter when they should have been trying to run out the clock instead of trying for the knockout punch. I cringed every time Ohio State ran the ball because of the precious time we lost on each run.

So even with the negatives about a sputtering offense and a horrific special teams (who wouldn't trade USC's special teams unit for UCLA's in a heartbeat?) I love this win. USC did not give away the game as much as yanked it away from Ohio State's grip. Barkley managed the final drive so beautifully. As much as the 14 play, 86 yard drive over 6:10 of the fourth quarter played with my heart, watching it again and again makes me smile:

But now on to Washington, or USC Northwest. Another tricky game with another mobile quarterback, this time with a better arm in another hostile environment. Another Pac-10 road opener... ugh I don't even want to relive that, but I guess I should:

09/25/08 - Oregon State 27, USC 21 (Oregon State led 21-0 at the half)
09/29/07 - USC 27, Washington 24 (3 turnovers, 16 penalties)
09/23/06 - USC 20, Arizona 3 (game was 10-3 to start fourth quarter)
09/24/05 - USC 45, Oregon 13 (Oregon jumped out to 13-0 lead)
09/25/04 - USC 31, Stanford 28 (Stanford led 28-17 at the half)
09/27/03 - California 34, USC 31, 3 O/T (Cal led 21-7 at the half, USC had 4 turnovers)
10/05/02 - Washington State 30, USC 27, O/T (10 penalties)
09/22/01 - Oregon 24, USC 22 (10 penalties, 4 fumbles, 3 interceptions)
09/30/00 - Oregon State 31, USC 21 (snapped USC's 26 game win streak over OrSt)
09/25/99 - Oregon 33, USC 30, 3 O/T (21! penalties)

Ugh. Oh well, here's my top 10:

Florida (2-0) - won't have a test until Alabama/Ole Miss in the SEC CCG
Texas (2-0) - had the USC memorial slow start against Wyoming
Alabama (2-0) - cruising until Ole Miss game for chance to play Florida
USC (2-0) - still too many questions on offense and special teams
California (2-0) - I'm terrified of Jahvid Best
Penn State (2-0) - now the solid (if unspectacular) face of the Big Ten
Mississippi (1-0) - weak OOC schedule
Brigham Young (2-0) - another big test in first home game against Florida State
Boise State (2-0) - can we get BYU and Boise to schedule a home-and-home already?
Louisiana State (2-0) - by default, ugh

And the Pac-10 rankings

USC (2-0) - has Washington and Washington State to get ready for Cal
California (2-0) - can they finally win on the road? Minnesota will be a good test
Oregon State (2-0) - big test against Big East favorite Cincinnati
UCLA (2-0) - huge win over Tennessee, could be 3-0 entering Pac-10 play
Oregon (1-1) - rebounded against Purdue, Utah will be a test
Arizona State (1-0) - bye week hurt, but can't snooze on La-Monroe before Georgia
Arizona (2-0) - Iowa will show if Arizona will return to a bowl this year
Stanford (1-1) - blew 14 point lead at Wake, must recover against San Jose State
Washington (1-1) - finally broke that 15 game losing streak, but USC comes into town
Washington State (0-2) - 0-12 may loom for Pullman...

Freshman Barkley leads Trojans to romp

2009-09-06T00:26:00.000-07:00

USC true freshman QB Matt Barkley went 15-19 for 233 yards and a TD as the Trojans relied on a heavy but balanced running attack to blowout the San Jose State Spartans 56-3. USC slept-walked through the first quarter, as RB Joe McKnight and TE Anthony McCoy both lost fumbles, and P Billy O'Malley shanked a punt 24 yards, which led to a Spartan field goal to give them a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Barkley struggled with his reads, though to his credit, did not make any bad decisions out there.

The offense exploded behind the ground game, as RB Stafon Johnson scored on two short touchdown runs and RB Allen Bradford exploded for a 43 yard scoring run as well. McKnight redeemed himself with a short score to extend USC's lead to 28-3 at the half as the rout was on. McKnight added a 54-yard touchdown run two plays into the second half, and Barkley tossed his first touchdown pass to TE Rhett Ellison midway though the third at the Trojans led 42-3 after three quarters. RB Marc Tyler scored from one yard out after ripping off a 63 yard run, and backup QB Aaron Corp converted a late fourth-and-goal with a 13 yard scoring pass to D.J. Shoemate to end the scoring at 56-3.

Besides the first quarter, could not really find a fault with the play-calling, which included a heavy emphasis on the run game with McKnight, Johnson, and Bradford getting most of the early reps, and safe passing plays, which meant a lot of boot slide plays where Barkley was moved out of the pocket as the outlet receiver, whether it be a fullback or tight end, would slide into the open area. The defense, with a lot of new faces, was suffocating, though that probably was partially due to the playcalling by the Spartans. The Trojan D held the Spartans to 121 yards of offense, including a paltry 9 yards rushing, for an average of 2.0 yards per play. San Jose State called a lot of QB read plays, where the running back would run in front of the QB, who had the option to hand off or keep the ball for a run. But the QB always would hand off to the RB, and the defense picked up on that right away.

Nice to see a solid win by the Trojans, but there were a lot of intriguing stories in the first week of the 2009 college football season.

#14 Boise State defended their home turf by defeating a sloppy #16 Oregon team, 19-8, in a game that will be remembered more for LeGarrette Blount's antics after the game, where he sucker-punched a Boise State player and got into an altercation with some Boise fans. Blount's defenders will say he was provoked, but those same people will also say the punch was an overreaction, and I applaud the University of Oregon for acting quickly and swiftly, suspending Blount for the rest of the year. I hope USC would do the same if any of our players behaved in a similar fashion, as it reflects poorly on the university, and Oregon will have to do a lot to reverse the perception that the nation has of the school for a long time.
In the game of the week, #5 Alabama flexed its SEC muscle over #7 Virginia Tech, 34-24, in a game that the Tide dominated in offensive yards. A valiant effort by the Hokies, but it was just another black eye for the ACC in a poor showing by the conference. One game remains on the week 1 ACC schedule, but the damage has been done. A quick look at what has happened:

#5 Alabama defeated #7 Virginia Tech 34-24 in Atlanta.
Baylor, the perennial basement dweller of the Big 12, defeated Wake Forest on the road, 24-21.
Division 1-AA (FCS) William & Mary defeated Virginia in Charlottsville, 26-14.
Another FCS school, Richmond, defeated Duke in Durham, 24-16.
Maryland failed to showup to Berkeley as the Golden Bears rolled, 52-13.
#15 Georgia Tech, #21 North Carolina, and Boston College defeated their FCS opponents, meaning the ACC went 3-2 against FCS competition, worse than Pac-10's 0-4 banner day against the Mountain West last season.
South Carolina defeated North Carolina State on the road, 7-3 in the first game of the 2009 college football season.
Clemson holds the ACC's lone win over FBS competition, a 37-14 victory over something called Middle Tennessee State.

Speaking of those pesky FCS teams, remember when scheduling an FCS team meant an automatic win? Not so fast my friend:

@ #22 Iowa 17, Northern Iowa 16 (Iowa blocked two UNI field goals in the last seven seconds)
@ Central Florida 28, Samford 24
Richmond 24, @ Duke 16
@ East Carolina 29, Appalachian State 24
@ Hawaii 25, Central Arkansas 20
@ Indiana 19, Eastern Kentucky 13
@ Kansas State 21, UMass 17
@ Marshall 31, Southern Illinois 28
@ Southern Methodist 31, Stephen F. Austin 23
Villanova 27, @ Temple 24
William & Mary 26, @ Virginia 14
@ West Virginia 33, Liberty 20
@ Wyoming 29, Weber State 22
@ Air Force 72, Nicholls State 0 (ok, maybe not...)

#20 Brigham Young pulled off the upset of the week, rallying for a 14-13 win over a shell-shocked #3 Oklahoma in the gorgeous Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, TX. The Sooners lost the reigning Heisman Trophy winner QB Sam Bradford with a shoulder at the end of the second quarter, and lost all of the swagger they had entering the game. Another early season blunder by coach Bob Stoops, and it will take a lot of repairing by Oklahoma for them to return to the Big XII title game.
Washington gave #11 LSU all it could handle in Seattle in coach Steve Sarkisian's coaching debut. The Tigers won 31-23 after the Huskies scored a touchdown as time expiried, but LSU looks far from being a national title contender.
#6 Ohio State almost got caught looking ahead to their date with USC, as Navy almost pulled off the shocker, instead they fell 31-27 after the Midshipmen's attempt to tie the game on a two point conversion was intercepted and returned for a safety. But despite Navy's heroics in closing the game to a two point game, their playcalling on the conversion was terrible, calling for a drop back pass instead of running from their base triple option offense. Ugh, the Buckeyes knew that was pass all the way. But Ohio State, who needed a late punt return to pull away from Ohio last year, 26-14, again struggled with their opponent before the USC game. And USC looked terrific against San Jose State. That said, I still give the slight edge to Terrell Pryor, who made some big legs with his arm and legs today.

And my top 10 (too early to know how to rank 25 teams...)

Florida (1-0) - failed to cover that 73 point spread, but Urban Meyer knows there are bigger fish to fry down the road, say Tennessee in two weeks
Texas (1-0) - giving up 20 points to Louisiana-Monroe probably not a good sign for the defense, and McCoy only converted 72% of his passes. Weaksauce.
Alabama (1-0) - give them credit for showing up huge in a big game in the first week of the season. The defense, despite the score, shut down the Hokies all day.
USC (1-0) - looks more like the #4 team than before today's romp. I had them slightly lower.
Oklahoma State (1-0) - the best team in Oklahoma? Gasp. But shut up those SEC supporters, so they get some extra points.
California (1-0) - are they the real deal this year? They looked like it in a romp over Maryland today
Ohio State (1-0) - very shaky against Navy, but could get back on track with a huge win over USC next week
Penn State (1-0) - jumped out 31-0 and went on cruise control, though may have to start impressing voters with their weak schedule
Mississippi (0-0) - ditto here, a blowout over Memphis on Sunday will keep them in top 10, if not, other teams will come knocking, like
Brigham Young (1-0) - Has a much bigger win on their resume than Boise State, and could be in the national championship hunt with their formidable schedule (Florida State, Utah, TCU remaining)

And the Pac-10 rankings

USC (1-0)
California (1-0) - though more like 1a. Very impressed with them. October 3rd can't get here fast enough for them.
Oregon State (1-0)
Arizona State (1-0)
Stanford (1-0) - finally get to a bowl?
UCLA (1-0) - looked promising when they fell behind 14-3, but proved to be too much for the Aztecs by scoring the game's final 30 points
Oregon (0-1) - ugly offense, uglier post game antics
Washington (1-0) - great effort should translate into a win against Idaho
Arizona (1-0) - struggled to score against Central Michigan
Washington State (0-1) - not expected to leave this spot all year

NCAA Football Week 1

2009-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

A look to the opening week of the college football season (with picks! though they are poor ones...) (lines taken on Tuesday, September 1):

Thursday, September 3
#16 Oregon (+4) 42, #14 Boise State 38
#19 Utah (-22.5) 35, Utah State 10

Saturday, September 5
#1 Florida (OFF) 76, Charleston Southern 0
#2 Texas (-41.5) 66, Louisiana-Monroe 14
#3 Oklahoma (-22.5) 56, #20 Brigham Young 31
#4 USC (-34) 31, San Jose State 6
#5 Alabama (-6) 20, #7 Virginia Tech 16
#6 Ohio State (-22) 31, Navy 10
#9 Penn State (-27) 45, Akron 3
#11 Louisiana State (-17.5) 42, Washington 17
#12 California (-21.5) 31, Maryland 17
#13 Georgia (+5.5) 21, #9 Oklahoma State 19
#15 Georgia Tech (OFF) 56, Jacksonville State 7
#21 North Carolina (OFF) 49, The Citadel 7
#22 Iowa (OFF) 42, Northern Iowa 14
#23 Notre Dame (-14.5) 24, Nevada 14
#24 Nebraska (-22.5) 38, Florida Atlantic 13
#25 Kansas (OFF) 52, Northern Colorado 21
Arizona (-13.5) 45, Central Michigan 35
Arizona State (OFF) 31, Idaho State 13
Oregon State (OFF) 45, Portland State 0
Stanford (-16.5) 42, Washington State 17
UCLA (-20) 31, San Diego State 14

Sunday, September 6
#8 Mississippi (-16.5) 38, Memphis 10

Monday, September 7
#18 Florida State (-6) 10, Miami (Florida) 7

Against the Spread: 5-11 (this is why I don't bet on sports...)

And my prediction for the Pac-10 standings:

USC
California
Oregon
Oregon State
UCLA
Arizona State
Stanford
Arizona
Washington
Washington State

Yes, it's a slow day at work...

2009 USC Football Preview

2009-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Less than a week away from the start of the 2009 college football season! With the return of the NFL a week later, and the NBA at the end of October, the dog days of summer and baseball are nearing an end. What better time for a quick look to the reigning 7-time Pacific-10 conference and 3-time Rose Bowl champions, the USC Trojans? Hopefully I'll keep up with the Pac-10 ratings week in and week out like last year, baring another Stanford-like collapse. The Trojans have one of the toughest road schedules in the nation, travelling twice to the midwest to take on The Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus, OH and the resurgent Notre Dame Fighting Irish in South Bend, IN in out of conference action, not to mention going to Berkeley, CA to take on the California Golden Bears, the chic pick for the Pac-10 crown this year, and Eugene, OR to face the Oregon Ducks, a state where USC has not won since 2005. A weak finish to the season means that for USC to win their eighth straight Pac-10 championship and make another appearance in the Rose Bowl game, they need to take care of business against Cal and Oregon.

Quick look back at last season, where the Trojans finished 12-1 (8-1 Pac-10) to win their seventh straight Pac-10 championship and third straight Rose Bowl game. The season started with high expectations behind a defense returning 10 of 11 starters and the start of the Mark Sanchez era. Things started off well for USC, going all the way to Charlottesville, VA to take on the Virginia Cavaliers, where the Trojans scored early and often en route to a 52-7 romp. Mark Sanchez went 26-35 for 338 yards, 3 TD, and an INT while seven different players scored a touchdown.

After a bye, the class of the Big Ten, the Ohio State Buckeyes made a rare trip west to play the Trojans. The Buckeyes struck first with a short field goal after marching down the field under the direction of both senior QB Todd Boeckman and true freshman QB Terrell Pryor. But after that it was all USC, as Sanchez went 17-28 for 172 yards, 4 TD, and an INT, Damian Williams hauled in two third quarter touchdowns, and Rey Maualuga had a game-changing 48 yard interception return for TD. USC would go on to win 35-3 as things looked promising for USC, having passed their biggest test of the year.

But the Trojans' fast start was quickly derailed in Corvalis, OR by the Oregon State Beavers, who came into the game with a 1-2 record. USC struggled to move the ball in the first half and sustain any drives, while Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year Jacquizz Rodgers ripped the defense for 186 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. The Trojans found themselves down 21-0 at the half, but was able to cut it to a seven point game before a Sanchez interception was returned to the two yard line, which was quickly cashed in by Rodgers to put the game out of reach, which the Beavs won 27-21. While this loss did not look as bad the rest of the season as Oregon State finished the season with 9 wins, USC could not recover from this loss and were never really considered for the BCS National Championship the rest of the season. In fact, their string of conference championships were in doubt as Oregon State continued to defeat other teams in Pac-10 play.

USC did not have much time to lick their wounds as the always dangerous Oregon Ducks made their way down to Los Angeles. A quick start by the Ducks, down to their third string QB, Jeremiah Masoli, jumped out to a 10-3 lead, silencing the home crowd. But the Trojans were able to regroup, scoring 24 unanswered points heading into halftime to send the stunned Oregon team down 27-10 at the half. USC scored 17 more points in the second half to win 44-10 and start an unprecedented streak of unanswered points scored over the course of three games. Sanchez recovered from his poor game in Corvalis, going 19-28 with 332 yards and 3 TD while David Buehler scored 14 points and kept the Ducks with poor field position with his booming kickoffs.

The downtrodden Arizona State Sun Devils next came to the Coliseum, not having recovered from their upset at the hands of the UNLV Rebels and the spanking they received from the Georgia Bulldogs. USC rushed out to a comfortable 21-0 lead after Kevin Thomas returned a Rudy Carpenter pass 46 yards for a touchdown, but sloppy play dominated the rest of the game, as the Trojan special teams blocked two Thomas Weber field goals, USC committed five turnovers, including four on four consecutive possessions, Sanchez threw three interceptions, and both teams struggled to sustain any drives. At the end of the day, a shutout (28-0) is nice, but lack of consistency with the offense would rear its ugly head in future games.

But nothing the Washington State Cougars could do would prevent their demise, a 69-0 shellacking in Pullman, WA. Sanchez carved through the porous Coug defense, throwing 15-20 for 253 yards and 5 TD in the first half before coach Pete Carroll decided to pull back a bit. C.J. Gable had 16 rushed for 104 yards and 3 TD and Broderick Green rumbled for 126 yards on 18 carries and 2 touchdowns before he decided to transfer to Arkansas. That impressive streak of unanswered points mentioned in the Oregon paragraph? Add the 41 points to close the Oregon game, the 28 points in the ASU game, and 69 more against Wazzu, and that streak was up to 138-0. Not to shabby.

But also remember the lack of consistency in the offense from the ASU paragraph? It happened in Tuscon against the Arizona Wildcats, as they again came oh-so-close to knocking USC off its Pac-10 throne. Sanchez went 21-36 for 216 yards, a TD, an INT, and a fumble which led to Arizona tying the game at 10 midway through the third quarter. USC did just enough to win, though, as Sanchez found fullback Stanley Havili for a 30 yard bomb for the final margin of 17-10, and the defense held the prolific Wildcat offense to 188 yards and made a key fourth-and-1 stop late in the final quarter to hold on for the win. By the way, that unanswered scores streak ended at 141 after Jason Bondzio kicked a field goal in the second quarter.

The Washington Huskies would be the cureall for the Trojans' offensive woes, as they were in the midst of sleepwalking through a 0-12 season, which showed in a 56-0 USC win. USC jumped out to a 42-0 halftime lead behind Patrick Turner's 6 catches for 100 yards and 2 TDs and Gable's 10 carries for 108 yards and 2 TDs. The final true test of the season would be against the Cal Bears, knocking on the door for the lead in the Pac-10 after defeating Oregon the week before.

The defense would hold its own again in Los Angeles as the Trojans held off the California Golden Bears 17-3, the eighth time USC held their opponents to 10 points or less. USC milked their 10-3 halftime lead until a late score by Ronald Johnson in a game mired by Trojan penalties (10 for 105 yards), but allowed only 165 yards of offense, including a paltry 27 rushing yards to a team that featured Jahvid Best, the "best" running back in the conference. While the Trojans passed their final test of the season, they still had to wait for Oregon State, the team who started the season 2-3, to lose to another Pac-10 foe, as they held the slim lead in the conference by virtue of their win over USC.

But USC almost overlooked the team that made them human in 2007, the Stanford Cardinal. Sanchez had trouble passing against the second worst pass defense in the Pac-10 (Wazzu was last), and the Trojans needed a 93 yard kickoff return by Gable to tie the game heading into halftime. USC went to the ground game to wear out the Cardinal behind Stafon Johnson's 14 carries for 115 yards and 2 TDs, and Sanchez hit Havili for a 50 yard bomb to blow the game open. Stanford scored as time expired for the final margin of 45-24.

The weekend of November 29th was a perfect one for USC, as their archrivals UCLA lost to Arizona State 34-9 after the Sun Devils scored four defensive touchdowns, USC won their seventh straight against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and Oregon knocked off Oregon State in the Civil War, meaning USC was a victory over UCLA away from returning to the Rose Bowl game. But to the game itself, USC flexed its muscle against the Irish, downtrodden after their upset to lowly Syracuse in South Bend the week before. Joe McKnight ripped off a 55 yard run to blow the game open as the defense held the Irish to without a first down until the end of the third quarter and allowed 91 yards of total offense on the way to a 38-3 win.

The feisty UCLA Bruins, under new coach Rick Neuheisel, was the only thing standing between USC and the Rose Bowl, a similar scenario to 2006, when the Bruins upset then #2 USC 13-9, keeping the Trojans out of the BCS National Championship and starting Florida's reign of terror. And it looked like history would repeat itself, as UCLA turned a Gable fumble into a reverse pass from Dominique Johnson to Kahlil Bell for a quick 7-0 lead. But this time, the Trojans responded quick and often. Wearing their home cardinal in the Rose Bowl as a visitor for the first time in decades, USC scored three times to take a 21-7 lead into the half. By then, UCLA's offensive woes combined with USC's suffocating defense meant little the Bruins could do would change the outcome of the game. The Trojans held on to the ball for over 36 minutes as they won 28-7, clinching their fourth straight Rose Bowl berth and seventh Pac-10 conference championship, fourth outright.

Waiting for USC would be the Big Ten champion Penn State Nittany Lions, coming off a strong 11-1 campaign where they fell 24-23 at Iowa for their only set back. Featuring their HD offense, Penn State hoped to end the Big Ten's failure to appear in big games. But after trading first quarter touchdowns, USC scored 24 second quarter points to take a commanding 31-7 lead. Sanchez went 28-35 (setting a Rose Bowl completion record) for 413 yards and 4 TD and rushed for another score as the slow Penn State defense could not keep up with the speedy Trojan receivers, especially Williams, who had 10 catches for 162 yards and a TD. Penn State showed some fight late as USC was sloppy at the end of the game, making the final score a respectable 38-24. USC finished the season ranked #2 behind BCS champion Florida.

Ok, so maybe not so quick look back at the season. In the offseason, Sanchez declared early for the draft, offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian took the head coaching job at Washington and took defensive coordinator Nick Holt with him, causing a lot of shuffling in the coaching ranks. Taylor Mays opted to stay in college, hoping to have some continuity in the defense. Matt Barkley headlined another top 10 recruiting class that made more news for the players who signed elsewhere than the actual haul made by Carroll. So a look at the team that will take the field on Saturdays this year:

Offense

Quarterback
#7 Matt Barkley - Barkley will be the first true freshman to start the season opener in USC history. At least he will have a game to get his feet wet before the test against Ohio State. Checked him out at the mock game on Saturday, and I would give him an average grade. He obviously has the tools to be a four year starter here, but his decision making must improve quickly. There were several time he tried to force a pass when the obvious choice was to throw the ball away. Carroll had a quote saying that Barkley has the same problem that Sanchez had last year, trying always to make the big play, which led in part to John David Booty being a two year starter at USC, since Booty played smarter, even if he didn't have the big play ability of Sanchez. Aaron Corp was the save choice here, as he made better decisions with the ball and has the ability to scramble for yards when no receivers are open. Hopefully Corp will be able to get some reps in against San Jose State in case he is needed for Ohio State. Mitch Mustain and Garrett Green round out the depth chart.

Running Back
#4 Joe McKnight OR #2 C.J. Gable OR #13 Stafon Johnson OR #21 Allen Bradford - McKnight starts because he has that big play ability, as in he can break away for a touchdown on any run. But there are sometimes that a hole is open for a 5-7 yard gain that McKnight declines in hopes for a big play that just isn't there and runs in the wrong direction. Oh and there's that fumble issue that needs to be resolved pronto if he wants to be the next Reggie Bush. Gable should be the every down back along with Johnson (since we must insist on a stable of running backs), as Gable can block and catch out of the backfield. Johnson is the workhorse, especially near the goal line as he has a nose for the endzone. Bradford will most likely be in on kickoff coverage and as a fullback on those bootleg plays where he leaks out for a catch, but he showed his ability in the scrimmage, when he was in beast mode. If I had my wish, Johnson would bet 20+ carries a game and the rest would just take it, but it's awfully hard to keep such talented backs on the bench. Marc Tyler and Curtis McNeal should see mop-up time in blowouts.

Fullback
#31 Stanley Havili - Was academically ineligible for the Rose Bowl game against Penn State, but we need him back there, as a threat to catch the ball, and for those fullback dive plays which almost always seem to work. The only problems with him are to stay eligible for the season and stay healthy. D.J. Shoemate should share some time with Havili.

Flanker
#18 Damian Williams - Note to Barkley, look for D-Will early and often. Williams has the chance to be one of the best receivers in the conference, if not the nation, as long as Barkley uses him as a security blanket out there. Williams looked really smooth at the scrimmage, both as a receiver and punt returner. Barkley definitely has a lot of options at receiver out there, as will be noted soon enough, and if the offensive line can gel in front of him, all he would need to do is improve his decision making. Back to Williams, as he led the team in receptions (58) and yards (871) and scored 9 times last year. Travon Patterson and true freshman De'Von Flournoy should see time at flanker as well.

Split End
~~#8 Ronald Johnson~~ #9 David Ausberry - Well this one hurt, as RoJo broke his clavicle in the mock game, which will keep him out of action for at least two months. Gone is Barkley's deep play threat and probably the fastest receiver on the team. Oh well. Ausberry is in the Mike Williams mold: big, physical receiver, and should be able to show his skills with ample playing time. Brice Butler is his backup, but should see a lot of time in three receiver sets.

Tight End
#86 Anthony McCoy - Quite the reverse from 2007, when Mackey Award winner Fred Davis led the Trojans in receptions, yards, and TDs, on a team that lacked depths at receiver, as in 2008, McCoy finished fifth in receptions and yards with only one TD. Could have been due to the QB too, or the drop off in talent from Davis to McCoy. Regardless, McCoy, now a senior, should provide a short range target for Barkley and another set of reliable hands for the true freshman. Looking at the set of receivers the Trojans do have, Williams, Havili, McCoy, and even Ausberry all can catch the ball and should help Barkley's transition to D-1 football.

Offensive Line
#71 Charles Brown (LT), #68 Butch Lewis (LG), #53 Jeff Byers (C), #56 Alex Parsons (RG), #70 Tyron Smith (RT) - A lot of experience, except at RT on this line. The O-line took a slight hit when USC lost C Kris O'Dowd with a knee injury for about a month, but Byers, on his Hershel Dennis memorial sixth year of eligibility, should hold down the center position until O'Dowd's return. This group should give Barkley ample time in the pocket, hopefully not long enough to make a bad decision out there...(yeah, still not feeling the Barkley decision...). Zack Heberer and Nick Howell are fifth year seniors who should be able to plug any holes on the line when needed.

Defense

Left Defensive End
#96 Wes Horton OR #97 Malik Jackson OR #8 Nick Perry - These three should do a decent job filling in for the injured Armond Armstead, who is out a couple of months with a broken foot. Shouldn't take a huge dropoff here, but big things were planned for Armstead.

Nose Tackle
#44 Christian Tupou - I guess Carroll saw a lot in Tupou to burn his redshirt to play him on a handful of downs in his freshman year. His wild hair flowing out of his helmet reminds me of Rey Maualuga, in that he will be a tenacious force on the D-line, but I also envision a couple of personal foul penalties on the opposing QB which may hurt us down the road. Another beast mode player, Hebron Fangupo, should cause trouble in the backfield as well.

Defensive Tackle
#91 Jurrell Casey OR #99 Averell Spicer - Man it seems like Spicer has been at SC forever. Casey made several plays in the scrimmage, and paired with Tupou in the middle, should keep pressure on opposing QBs all season.

Right Defensive End
#93 Everson Griffen - Is this the year Griffen makes the transition to LoJack like DE? Not sure, as his backup, freshman Devon Kennard, looks to be the most touted DE since, well, Griffen. Griffen made a splash in 2007 when he had 3.5 sacks against Oregon State, but hasn't made much noise since. Maybe Carroll should make Griffen read the Inner Game of Tennis like he made Jackson read. Or maybe he can just start another true freshman...

Strong Linebacker
#17 Mike Morgan - Wow, when I saw we signed Morgan a few years back out of Texas, I never saw him becoming a starter. I think this group of 'backers have a combined 0 starts between them (I could be wrong). But apparently what they lack in experience, they make up in speed. And hopefully intelligence. Because speed minus football smarts will lead to a lot of running past the guy with the ball, especially against those shifty running backs (seems like there's a shifty running back at Arizona, Oregon State, California, and a power back at Stanford and Oregon... ugh). Not much depth behind Morgan, as there are two more true freshman ready to step up, including Jarvis Jones.

Middle Linebacker
#54 Chris Galippo - Another highly regarded recruit who has come in and done nothing but get hurt... two back surgeries later, ladies and gentlemen, your starting middle linebacker for the USC Trojans, Mr. Chris Galippo! Well, I guess it's better than his backups, who don't look to be ready either. But these guys are fast! Maybe this team can tackle Jacquizz Rodgers this year!

Weakside Linebacker
#6 Malcolm Smith - Gets extra points for being former WR Steve Smith's ~~little~~ younger brother. Steve is my favorite receiver of the time I've been following USC football (2003-present), narrowly edging Keary Colbert, since I was able to follow all four years he was a Trojan. As for Malcolm? He looks to be ready to step up into Keith Rivers and Kaluka Maiava's shoes. Jordan Campbell, another member of the Beast Mode team, is one of Smith's backups.

Cornerbacks
#15 Kevin Thomas and ~~#24 Shareece Wright~~ #36 Josh Pinkard - All I remember when I see Kevin Thomas is that ball he tipped in the end zone that was caught by James Rodgers at the end of the first half of the Oregon State game. And now he's our number one CB. And Shareece Wright fell half a grade short of being academically eligible for the fall. Ugh. Not saying I don't like Josh Pinkard... I LOVE Josh Pinkard. But I heart him even more as a safety than cornerback. Too bad he won't be able to show his stuff in his Hershel Dennis memorial sixth year of eligibility at safety. Thank you Shareece Wright, you can go back to getting into more fights... T.J. Bryant and Brian Baucham should also see some time at corner.

Strong Safety
#26 Will Harris - The only good thing about Wright being lost for the year is that Harris will be able to play a lot more. I was thinking that we could even go with three safties (Harris and Pinkard deep, Mays playing much closer to the line, almost like the third linebacker the safety would replace).

Free Safety
#2 Taylor Mays - Saved the best for last. By the end of the season, may be my favorite Trojan defender of the Pete Carroll era. Could be hampered a bit by the new rule that prohibits big hits on "defenseless" receivers, but if Carroll allows him to be more of a playmaker (like Troy Polamalu) instead of being the safety net on defense, Mays could have a monster year. Or get hurt (shudders at the thought)...

Special Teams

Coach
Brian Schneider - The biggest move of the offseason was the hiring of a dedicated special teams coach, probably due to all of the loses the Trojans suffered when Sarkisian took half the staff up north to UW. Still some problems in the return game, as one play in the scrimmage, two blockers failed to block the gunners, Brandon Carswell decided to take a kickoff from deep in the end zone and took it out to the five yard line, and our newly minted kicker, Jordan Congdon, missed a PAT, and "Big Balls" Pete decided to not try any field goals in the scrimmage, so we were not able to see Congdon's range (limited to 40 yards) nor JC transfer Jake Harfman's big leg. Sigh.

Place Kicker
#38 Jordan Congdon - Beat out Joe Houston and Harfman to be the kicker. Seems like a safe, solid pick (a la Booty of Sanchez), as Harfman has the bigger leg (like David Buehler), but Congdon seems very reliable inside 40 yards and on PATs (hopefully). Harfman will handle the kickoff duties, and was thought to be the punter too, as he had some booming kicks at the scrimmage, until Carroll named

Punter
#39 Billy O'Malley - the punter. Ugh. I'm having flashbacks of Greg Woidneck here. Does Tom Malone still have any eligibility left?

Punt Returner
#18 Damian Williams - I'm over joyed by this one. Just stay healthy out there D-Will.

Kick Returners
#2 C.J. Gable and #6 Curtis McNeal - Gable was solid on returns last season, and McNeal should be a Darren Sprolles type out there. Ronald Johnson would have been here sans his broken collarbone...

As for the season outlook? 10 wins may be below the standard for USC these days, but it could happen this year. A tough second week game in Columbus with an outstanding duel threat quarterback at the helm for Ohio State could end the Trojan's reign over the Big Ten, which looks like this:

September 7, 1996 - W @ Illinois (55-3)
August 30, 1998 - W vs. Purdue (27-17)
August 27, 2000 - W vs. Penn State (29-5)
January 2, 2003 (Orange Bowl) - W vs. #3 Iowa (38-17)
January 1, 2004 (Rose Bowl) - W vs. #4 Michigan (28-14)
January 1, 2007 (Rose Bowl) - W vs. #3 Michigan (32-18)
January 1, 2008 (Rose Bowl) - W vs. #13 Illinois (49-17)
September 13, 2008 - W vs. #5 Ohio State (35-3)
January 1, 2009 (Rose Bowl) - W vs. #8 Penn State (38-24)

USC will probably split the Oregon/Cal road games, both of which could decide the Pac-10 crown this year. Cal is a dangerous team with prolific runner Jahvid Best, and the Oregon schools always give USC trouble in the state of Oregon:

October 24, 1998 - L @ Oregon State (17-13)
September 25, 1999 - L @ Oregon (33-30, 3 O/T)
September 30, 2000 - L @ Oregon State (31-21, snapped USC's 26 game win streak over OSU)
September 22, 2001 - L @ Oregon (24-22, Oregon made field goal with 12 seconds left)
October 26, 2002 - W @ Oregon (44-33, trailed 19-14 at the half)
November 6, 2004 - W @ Oregon State (28-20, fell behind 13-0 to start game)
September 24, 2005 - W @ Oregon (45-13, fell behind 13-0 to start game)
October 28, 2006 - L @ Oregon State (33-31, trailed 33-10 midway through third)
October 27, 2007 - L @ Oregon (24-17)
September 25, 2008 - L @ Oregon State (27-21, trailed 21-0 at halftime)

3-7 in the last 10 games in the state of Oregon, and trailed in every game? Not good...

What do I expect? Always expect great (ew, WNBA motto for the year...). This is truly a rebuilding year for the Trojans, replacing 10 of 11 starters on defense and Sanchez on offense, as well as the entire kicking and punting units. The forgotten loss would also be the loss of the coaching staff that went up to Washington, as the Trojans have unproven offensive and defensive coordinators, though Carroll should stay in charge of the defense, and former Denver Broncos OC Jeremy Bates will be calling the plays. And the biggest question will be how Barkley will react in a game scenario? Will he be smart enough to either hit the dump off pass or throw it out of bounds rather than go for the big play? A Trojan QB has not had more than 10 interceptions in a year since Carson Palmer's sophomore season... will Barkley change that? Will he still be at the helm if it comes to that point? Will Aaron Corp become healthy enough to take the starting spot back? So many questions, and less than a week away from them being answered.

The different scenarios for the season: What should happen: A close set back in Columbus to Ohio State as Terrell Pryor scampers on 4th and goal from six yards out for the winning score with 19 seconds remaining as the Buckeyes win 31-28 and a loss to Oregon as Barkley throws a pick-6 as the Ducks win 24-17, with USC finishing 10-2, 8-1 Pac-10. The dream season would be 12-0, 9-0 Pac-10 with an upset over Florida in the BCS Championship game at the Rose Bowl. The worst that could happen? USC loses to Ohio State in a blowout, falls short at California and at Oregon, Notre Dame pulls a major upset en route to a 12-0 season and a spot in the BCS Championship, and UCLA pulls some trickery to shock USC as the Trojans finish 7-5, 6-3 Pac-10, then fall to Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl. Ugh. I've been thinking about the latter scenario waaay too much... Anyway, regardless of what happens to the team, it should be a great college football season, and I'll back the Trojans all the way. Fight on!

2009 College Football Out of Conference Schedules

2009-06-14T17:08:00.001-07:00

Less than 3 months away from the start of the NCAA College Football season! Can you find your favorite team's schedule? How does it rank to other schools? Does your school go out and schedule the big boys or shy away and find them cupcakes? Will your team only need two conference wins to make a bowl game? Let's find out (rankings from ESPN.com bloggers...)

Atlantic Coast Conference

Virginia Tech - Alabama (@ Atlanta), Marshall, Nebraska, @ East Carolina
Florida State - Jacksonville State (FCS), @ Brigham Young, South Florida, @ Florida
Miami - Oklahoma, Florida A&M (FCS), @ Central Florida, @ South Florida
Georgia Tech - Jacksonville State (FCS), @ Mississippi State, @ Vanderbilt, Georgia
Maryland - @ California, James Madison (FCS), Middle Tennessee, Rutgers
Clemson - Middle Tennessee, Texas Christian, Coastal Carolina (FCS), @ South Carolina
Virginia - William & Mary (FCS), Texas Christian, @ Southern Mississippi, Indiana
North Carolina State - South Carolina, Murray State (FCS), Gardner-Webb (FCS), Pittsburgh
Boston College - Northeastern (FCS), Kent State, @ Notre Dame, Central Michigan
Duke - Richmond (FCS), @ Army, @ Kansas, North Carolina Central (FCS)
Wake Forest - Baylor, Stanford, Elon (FCS), @ Navy
North Carolina - The Citadel (FCS), @ Connecticut, East Carolina, Georgia Southern (FCS)

Percentage of FCS Teams - 14/48 (29.2%)
15 road games (8 against BCS teams, 1 @ Notre Dame)

Big 12 Conference

Oklahoma - Brigham Young (@ Arlington, TX), Idaho State (FCS), Tulsa, @ Miami (Florida)
Colorado - Colorado State, @ Toledo, Wyoming, @ West Virginia
Missouri - Illinois (@ St. Louis), Bowling Green, Furman (FCS), @ Nevada
Nebraska - Florida Atlantic, Arkansas State, @ Virginia Tech, Louisiana
Oklahoma State - Georiga, Houston, Rice, Grambling State (FCS)
Baylor - @ Wake Forest, Connecticut, Northwestern State (FCS), Kent State
Kansas - Northern Colorado (FCS), @ Texas-El Paso, Duke, Southern Mississippi
Texas A&M - New Mexico, Utah State, Alabama-Birmingham, Arkansas (@ Arlington, TX)
Texas Tech - North Dakota (FCS), Rice, @ Houston, New Mexico
Texas - Louisiana-Monroe, @ Wyoming, Texas-El Paso, Central Florida
Iowa State - North Dakota State (FCS), Iowa, @ Kent State, Army
Kansas State - Massachusetts (FCS), @ Louisiana, @ UCLA, Tennessee Tech (FCS)

Percentage of FCS Teams - 9/48 (18.8%)
12 road games (5 against BCS teams)

Big East Conference

Syracuse - Minnesota, @ Penn State, Northwestern, Maine (FCS), Akron
Connecticut - @ Ohio, North Carolina, @ Baylor, Rhode Island (FCS), @ Notre Dame
Pittsburgh - Youngstown State (FCS), @ Buffalo, Navy, North Carolina State, Notre Dame
West Virginia - Liberty (FCS), East Carolina, @ Auburn, Colorado, Marshall
Cincinnati - Southeast Missouri State (FCS), @ Oregon State, Fresno State, @ Miami (Ohio), Illinois
South Florida - Wofford (FCS), @ Western Kentucky, Charleston Southern (FCS), @ Florida State, Miami (Florida)
Louisville - Indiana State (FCS), @ Kentucky, @ Utah, Southern Mississippi, Arkansas State
Rutgers - Howard (FCS), Florida International, @ Maryland, Texas Southern (FCS), @ Army

Percentage of FCS Teams - 10/40 (25.0%)
14 road games (7 against BCS teams, 1 @ Notre Dame)

Big Ten Conference

Illinois - Missouri (@ St. Louis), Illinois State (FCS), Fresno State, @ Cincinnati
Purdue - Toledo, @ Oregon, Northern Illinois, Notre Dame
Minnesota - @ Syracuse, Air Force, California, South Dakota State (FCS)
Ohio State - Navy, USC, Toledo (@ Cleveland), New Mexico State
Iowa - Northern Iowa (FCS), @ Iowa State, Arizona, Arkansas State
Michigan State - Montana State (FCS), Central Michigan, @ Notre Dame, Western Michigan
Indiana - Eastern Kentucky (FCS), Western Michigan, @ Akron, @ Virginia
Michigan - Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan, Delaware State (FCS)
Wisconsin - Northern Illinois, Fresno State, Wofford (FCS), @ Hawaii
Northwestern - Towson (FCS), Eastern Michigan, @ Syracuse, Miami (Ohio)
Penn State - Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois (FCS)

Percentage of FCS Teams - 9/44 (20.5%)
9 road games (6 against BCS teams, 1 @ Notre Dame)

Pacific-10 Conference

Oregon - @ Boise State, Purdue, Utah
USC - San Jose State, @ Ohio State, @ Notre Dame
Washington - Louisiana State, Idaho, @ Notre Dame
UCLA - San Diego State, @ Tennessee, Kansas State
Stanford - @ Wake Forest, San Jose State, Notre Dame
California - Maryland, Eastern Washington (FCS), @ Minnesota
Arizona - Central Michigan, Northern Arizona (FCS), @ Iowa
Arizona State - Idaho State (FCS), Louisiana-Monroe, @ Georgia
Oregon State - Portland State (FCS), @ Nevada-Las Vegas, Cincinnati
Washington State - Hawaii (@ Seattle), Southern Methodist, Notre Dame (@ San Antonio)

Percentage of FCS Teams - 4/30 (13.3%)
10 road games (6 against BCS teams, 2 @ Notre Dame)

Southeastern Conference

Georgia - @ Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Tennessee Tech (FCS), @ Georgia Tech
South Carolina - @ North Carolina State, Florida Atlantic, South Carolina State (FCS), Clemson
Alabama - Virginia Tech (@ Atlanta), Florida International, North Texas, Chattanooga (FCS)
Mississippi State - Jackson State (FCS), Georgia Tech, Houston, @ Middle Tennessee
Florida - Charleston Southern (FCS), Troy, Florida International, Florida State
Auburn - Louisiana Tech, West Virginia, Ball State, Furman (FCS)
Vanderbilt - Western Carolina (FCS), @ Rice, @ Army, Georgia Tech
Arkansas - Missouri State (FCS), Texas A&M (@ Arlington), Eastern Michigan, Troy
Louisiana State - @ Washington, Louisiana, Tulane, Louisiana Tech
Tennessee - Western Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio, Memphis
Kentucky - Miami (Ohio) (@ Cincinnati), Louisville, Louisiana-Monroe, Eastern Kentucky (FCS)
Mississippi - @ Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana (FCS), Alabama-Birmingham, Northern Arizona (FCS)

Percentage of FCS Teams - 10/48 (20.8%)
8 road games (3 against BCS teams)

Top 10 Games

USC @ Ohio State
Virginia Tech vs. Alabama (@ Atlanta)
Georgia @ Oklahoma State
USC @ Notre Dame
Oregon @ Boise State
Oklahoma @ Miami (Florida)
Utah @ Oregon
Georgia @ Georgia Tech
Nebraska @ Virginia Tech
Brigham Young vs. Oklahoma (@ Arlington)

The state of USC basketball

2009-02-16T10:34:00.000-08:00

Even after a third trip to the NCAA tournament in three years, I've been meaning to post this for a while. This being a look into the recruiting classes during the Tim Floyd era. I'll leave the next paragraph in to show what prompted me to post this in the first place, the frustration I had during the season, before the run the Pac-10 tournament and the win over BC and playing Michigan State close in the NCAA tournament. And yes, this on the heels of this Rivals article that has USC ranked #7 entering next season (and UCLA not even ranked!):

http://collegebasketball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=933183

I've been meaning to this for a while, but after a Sweet 16 run in 2007 and another trip to the NCAA Tourney in 2008, the USC basketball team may be in some trouble of reaching the field of 65 this year. Right now, the Trojans are 15-9 (6-6) and in the midst of a three game losing streak, an RPI of 44 but only 3-7 (wins vs. Arizona, Arizona State, and Cal) against the top 50 RPI teams. Quality wins include victories over the three teams mentioned in the RPI top 50. Bad losses include games against Seton Hall and Oregon State, though it could be argued that the Trojans' other losses were to very good teams (#2 Oklahoma, #10 Missouri, #11 Arizona State, #15 UCLA (twice), #19 Washington, and a red-hot Arizona team).

But what's the problem? Coach Tim Floyd has been pulling in quality recruiting classes ever since he's been at USC, but in this past weekend's games, only six players saw quality playing time, though one (Leonard Washington) saw sparce minutes on Sunday. So where's the depth? Where are all of the scholarships going? Let's take a look at the classes that Floyd has signed while at the helm of USC (rankings from Rivals.com).

2005

Jeremy Barr (6-7, PF, 3 stars) - Played in 23 games (started 3) as a freshman in 2005-06, averaging 12.1 minutes, 3.1 points, and 1.5 rebounds per game while shooting 26.9% from the free throw line. Transferred after his freshman year to Louisiana-Lafayette, though was offered to play for the Trojan football team before deciding to leave USC. Was the #118 ranked player by Rivals.
RouSean Cromwell (6-8, PF, 3 stars) - Played in 15 games (started 5) as a freshman in 2005-06, averaging 18.5 minutes, 4.2 points, and 4.5 rebounds per game. Played in 33 games (started 5) as a sophomre in 2006-07, averaging 13.1 minutes, 2.3 points, and 2.2 rebounds per game. Played in 21 games (started 1) as a junior in 2007-08, averaging 7.9 minutes, 0.7 points and 1.0 rebounds per game. Decided to sit out this season, and maybe the rest of his career, due to personal reasons. Was the #130 ranked player by Rivals.
Ryan Francis (5-11, PG) - Played in 30 games (started all 30) as a freshman in 2005-06, averaging 32.3 minutes, 7.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds per game. Was murdered in his hometown of Baton Rouge, LA.
Abdoulaye Ndiaye (6-11, C) - Played in 30 games (started 24) as a junior (JC transfer) in 2005-06, averaging 22.2 minutes, 5.3 points, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Played in 32 games (started 14) as a senior in 2006-07, averaging 12.3 minutes, 3.1 points, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Finished his eligibility at USC.
Sead Odzic (6-3, SG, 3 stars) - Played in 30 games (started 5) as a freshman in 2005-06, averaging 15.4 minutes, 3.2 points, and 1.2 rebounds per game. Transferred to Illinois State.
Collin Robinson (6-2, SG) - Played in 9 games as a freshman in 2005-06, averaging 3.9 minutes, 1.4 points, and 0.l7 rebounds per game. Transferred to Cornell, but quit the team before the start Ivy League play in 2007-08, and returned to USC to continue his studies.
Keith Wilkinson (6-9, PF) - Played in 19 games as a freshman in 2005-06, averaging 8.7 minutes, 1.1 points, and 1.4 rebounds per game. Played in 33 games (started 5) as a sophomore in 2006-07, averaging 11.9 minutes, 1.7 points, and 2.2 rebounds per game. Played in 30 games (started 3) as a junior in 2007-08, averaging 13.5 minutes, 2.5 points, and 2.8 rebounds per game. Has played in 31 games (starting 12) as a senior 2008-09, averaging 18.5 minutes, 2.7 points, and 2.5 rebounds per game. Finished his eligibilty at USC.
Class analysis: Francis was the real bright spot of the class, making an immediate impact as a reliable ball handler and being the best defender on the team, but his untimely death has made a real impact on the program. With a true point guard on this year's team, Daniel Hackett would be able to play his natural position at swingman, and also add a much needed depth to this team. The void at point guard can also be put on Angelo Johnson's departure. USC still has a hole at center, but Ndiaye, Cromwell, and Wilkinson (despite playing major minutes this year) have failed to fill that void. Departures of Odzic and Robinson don't hurt as much. Barr was a bust from the start. Who knew Wilkinson would be the one from this class playing crunch time minutes as a senior, though he lost a lot of PT when Leonard Washington returned from injury.

2006

Kyle Austin (6-6, PF, 3 stars) - Played in 17 games as a freshman in 2006-07, averaging 7.3 minutes, 1.4 points, and 1.6 rebounds per game. Transfered to UC-Riverside.
Kasey Cunningham (6-7, SF, 3 stars) - Redshirted in 2006-07. Played in 9 games (starting 3) as a redshirt freshman in 2007-08, averaging 14.6 minutes, 2.7 points, and 2.6 rebounds per game before a season ending knee injury. Played 4 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2008-09, averaging 10.3 minutes, 2.8 points, and 2.8 rebounds per game before another season ending knee injury.
Kevin Galloway (6-6, SF, 3 stars) - Played in 13 games (started 1) as a freshman in 2006-07, averaging 12.1 minutes, 2.8 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Tried to transfer to Fresno State, but did not qualify academically, so played at College of Southern Idaho. Transferred to Kentucky was a JUCO player.
Taj Gibson (6-8, PF, 4 stars) - Played in 37 games (started all) as a freshman in 2006-07, averaging 32.4 minutes, 12.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game and was named to the Pac-10 All Freshman team. Played in 33 games (started 32) as a sophomore in 2007-08, averaging 32.1 minutes, 10.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game and was named to the All-Pac-10 Third team and the Pac-10 All-Defensive team. Played in 35 games (started all) as a junior in 2008-09, averaging 33.7 minutes, 14.3 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game and was named the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and to the All-Pac-10 Second team. Was the #32 ranked player by Rivals in his class.
Daniel Hackett (6-5, SG, 4 stars) - Played in 37 games (started 16) as a freshman (entered school a year early to play point guard) in 2006-07, averaging 21.9 minutes, 5.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Played in 29 games (started 26) as a sophomre in 2007-08, averaging 30.8 minutes, 8.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Played in 35 games (started all) as a junior in 2008-09, averaging 37.3 minutes, 12.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game and was named to the All-Pac-10 Second team and Pac-10 All-Defensive team. Was the #67 ranked player by Rivals in the 2007 class.
Dwight Lewis (6-5, SG, 3 stars) - Played in 37 games (started 11) as a freshman in 2006-07, averaging 19.8 minutes, 5.8 points, and 2.1 rebounds per game. Played in 33 games (started 32) as a sophomore in 2007-08, averaging 32.7 minutes, 10.8 points, and 2.4 rebounds per game. Played in 33 games (started 32) as a junior in 2008-09, averaging 36.1 minutes, 14.4 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.
Jordan Cameron (6-5, SG, N/A) - Decided to play for the football team as a wide receiver, though played in 3 games as a redshirt sophomore in 2008-09, playing a total of 4 minutes with one rebound.
Class analysis: The trio of Gibson, Lewis, and Hackett have been the core of the USC program for the past three seasons, with Lewis being the leading scorer, Hackett the floor general, and Gibson the defensive stalwart. Austin and Galloway transferred, but they were swingman, and the Trojans have a stockpile of those. Cunningham has shown flashes, but he has been injury riddled and may never be at full strength. Cameron should stick to either football or basketball, as he's not great at either sport. But Gibson, Lewis, and Hackett are arugably the most important recruits of Floyd's tenure, with Gibson and Hackett fighting it out (not literally Italion Stallion...) for the top spot. More on that later.

2007

Mamadou Diarra (6-10, PF, 4 stars) - Played in 3 games as a freshman in 2007-08, averaging 3.3 minutes per game, scoring two points and grabbing 1 rebound before taking a redshirt. Played in 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2008-09, averaging 2.8 minutes, 0.7 points, and 0.4 rebounds per game. Was the #70 ranked player by Rivals in his class.
Davon Jefferson (6-7, SF, 5 stars) - Played in 29 games (started 25) as a freshman in 2007-08, averaging 27.8 minutes, 12.1 points, and 6.3 rebounds per game. Declared for the NBA draft after his freshman season, but was not drafted and currently playing pro ball overseas. Was the #15 ranked player by Rivals in the 2006 class, but did not qualify for USC until 2007.
Angelo Johnson (5-10, PG, 3 stars) - Played in 33 games (started 11) as a freshman in 2007-08, averaging 22.6 minutes, 4.5 points, and 2.1 assists while shooting 40.3% from 3 point range. Was academically disqualified after the season and transferred to Southern Mississippi. Was the #120 ranked player by Rivals in his class.
O.J. Mayo (6-5, PG, 5 stars) - Played in 33 games (started 32) as a freshman in 2007-08, averaging 36.8 minutes, 20.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while making 88 3-pointers. Declared for the NBA draft after his freshman season and was drafted #3 by Minnesota, then traded to Memphis. Was the #4 ranked player by Rivals in his class.
Marcus Simmons (6-4, SF, 3 stars) - Played in 15 games as a freshman in 2007-08, averaging 6.7 minutes, 0.5 points, and 1.5 rebounds per game. Played in 27 games (started 6) as a sophomore in 2008-09, averaging 11.7 minutes, 1.9 points, and 1.2 rebounds per game.
Class analysis: What an empty class. With Mayo and Jefferson, we got a year of frustration (loss to Kansas State in the NCAA tournament), inconsistency (finished fourth in the Pac-10), and turmoil (Jefferson was a locker room cancer, Mayo probably left USC with a bunch of infractions). All that's left is a stiff Nigerian (what? he's not Nigerian? whatever...) and a defensive stopper (Simmons) who Floyd used as his ace up his sleeve during the Pac-10 and NCAA tournaments this year. Johnson was promising in his only year here, as a solid sixth man and the point guard of the future, but he likely killed USC's APR score for 2007. Ugh. At least the 2005 class gave us Keith Wilkinson...

2008

Demar DeRozan (6-5, SG, 5 stars) - Played 35 games (started all) as a freshman in 2008-09, averaging 33.4 minutes, 13.9 points, and 5.7 rebounds per game. Was the #3 ranked player by Rivals in his class.
Percy Miller (5-10, PG, 2 stars) - Played 6 games as a freshman in 2008-09, logging 12 minutes, 3 points, and 2 rebounds.
Donte Smith (5-11, SG, 2 stars) - Played 24 games (started 3) as a freshman in 2008-09, averaging 9.7 minutes, 2.3 points, and 0.9 assists per game.
Nikola Vucevic (6-10, PF, 3 stars) - Played 23 games (started 3) as a freshman in 2008-09, averaging 11.0 minutes, 2.6 points, and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Leonard Washington (6-6, SF, 3 stars) - Played 30 games (started 13) as a freshman in 2008-09, averaging 17.9 minutes, 6.1 points, and 4.2 rebounds per game. Took a year to become academically eligible to enroll at USC.
Class analysis: DeRozan never lived up to the Mayo hype, as he could not take over games like O.J. could. Miller was a throw in to get DeRozan, but he lived up to his hype of being a player not worthy of a D-I basketball scholarship. Smith and Vucevic showed promise as role players, but Floyd showed little faith in him. Washington gave the post some depth, let's see how he will do next season.

And a quick look at 2009's class:

Solomon Hill (6-6, SF, 4 stars) Not yet signed. Ranked #28 by Rivals
Noel Johnson (6-7, SF, 4 stars) Ranked #38 by Rivals
Renardo Sidney (6-10, PF, 5 stars) Not yet signed. Ranked #10 by Rivals
Evan Smith (6-6, SF, N/A) Not yet signed
Alex Stepheson (6-10, PF) Transfer from North Carolina
Derrick Williams (6-7, PF, 3 stars)

All that's missing is a point guard, aargawrgafhay4a... Anyway, this could be a very, very solid team if everyone returns. Even if DeRozan leaves, a strong group remains. A starting lineup of Hackett, Lewis, Johnson, Gibson, and Sidney/Stepheson with Sidney/Stepheson, Washington, Marcus Johnson, and Donte Smith off the bench. Very intriguing team there. Maybe a #7 preseason ranking isn't too high...

And the five most important recruits of the Tim Floyd era...

5. O.J. Mayo, he led the way for big name recuits to come to USC, showing that we are not just a football school. Even though he didn't do anything in his year as a Trojan, him playing here probably paved the way for DeRozan and Sidney and Johnson this year to come to USC.
4. Dwight Lewis, who knew he would be the leading scorer as a junior? Not the flashiest player, but always solid and can hit the jumper. Part of the 2006 class which has helped put USC back on the college basketball map.
3. Ryan Francis, probably my favorite player of the Tim Floyd era, played with so much heart in his only year here. He may have played one year for USC, but he will always be a Trojan (yes, that's corny, but it's true).
2. Daniel Hackett, second of the 2006 trio, but he was only a role player in his first year and struggled to get out of Mayo's shadow as a sophomore. But no one could question who was the general on the court this year.
1. Taj Gibson, a star of the team in all three years here. Most consistent player of the Floyd era, teetering on a double-double each year.

Anyway, a lot of the recruits Floyd has been pulling in have either dropped out of the program altogether, or have just not lived up to their billing. There have only been three gems that he has found, them being Gibson, Lewis, and Hackett. He has filled the lineup with one-and-dones, which would hurt team chemistry if it weren't for Gibson, Lewis, Hackett. Next season's team looks really good, especially if DeRozan stays, but on paper, USC should have been a top 25 team for the past two years but failed to live up to expectations. Here's to hoping that the Trojans have a successful run in 2009-10.

Trojans come up Roses... again...

2009-01-08T22:17:00.000-08:00

And in the beauty pageant called College Football, roses won't win you the crown. USC jumped out to a 31-7 halftime lead against Penn State and coasted to a 38-24 win. Mark Sanchez was almost perfect, going 28-35 for 413 yards and 4 TD, and also rushed for another touchdown. But with the other contenders winning, Utah defeating Alabama, Texas edging Ohio State, and Florida winning the BCS national championship over Oklahoma, the Trojans again fall short in their quest to return to the championship pedistal. In the past two years, it seemed like USC's late losses hurt their chances to make the BCS title game; a loss to UCLA in the season finale in 2006 and being upset by Stanford in 2007. But even finishing the season on a ten game win streak, tied for second with Florida behind Utah, it wasn't enough for USC to climb over the Big 12 South and SEC schools due to the perceived weakness of the Pac-10. Oh well. Real quick look at my final top 25 of the 2008 college football season:

Florida (13-1); beat Oklahoma in BCS Championship Game
Utah (13-0); beat Alabama in Sugar Bowl
USC (12-1); beat Penn State in Rose Bowl
Texas (12-1); beat Ohio State in Fiesta Bowl
Oklahoma (12-2); lost to Florida in BCS Championship Game
TCU (11-2); beat Boise State in Poinsettia Bowl
Alabama (12-2); lost to Utah in Sugar Bowl
Georgia (10-3); beat Michigan State in Capitol One Bowl
Oregon (10-3); beat Oklahoma State in Holiday Bowl
Penn State (11-2); lost to USC in Rose Bowl
Ohio State (10-3); lost to Texas in Fiesta Bowl
Boise State (12-1); lost to TCU in Poinsettia Bowl
Mississippi (9-4); beat Texas Tech in Cotton Bowl
Texas Tech (11-2); lost to Mississippi in Cotton Bowl
Virginia Tech (10-4); beat Cincinnati in Orange Bowl
Oregon State (9-4); beat Pittsburgh in Sun Bowl
Iowa (9-4); beat South Carolina in Outback Bowl
Missouri (10-4); beat Northwestern in Alamo Bowl
Cincinnati (11-3); lost to Virginia Tech in Orange Bowl
Oklahoma State (9-4); lost to Oregon in Holiday Bowl
Pittsburgh (9-4); lost to Oregon State in Sun Bowl
BYU (10-3); lost to Arizona in Las Vegas Bowl
Florida State (9-4); beat Wisconsin in Champs Sports Bowl
West Virginia (9-4); beat North Carolina in Meineke Car Care Bowl
California (9-4); beat Miami (Florida) in Emerald Bowl

The Rose Bowl.... again....

2008-12-07T19:00:00.000-08:00

With a dominant defense and sputtering offense, USC dominated UCLA to clinch their seventh straight Pacific-10 conference title and fourth consecutive trip to the Granddaddy of them All, the Rose Bowl game. The Trojans were able to conquer the demons from 2006, when the 13.5 point underdog Bruins shocked the then-#2 Trojans 13-9, keeping USC out of the BCS National Championship game. This year, the only thing in doubt was if USC would be able to cover that astronomical 33 point spread, but USC Coach Pete Carroll seemed content on getting out of dodge (Pasadena) with a comfortable win, maybe a good gesture after UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel called a timeout after the opening kickoff to offset USC's penalty for wearing their home uniforms in the Rose Bowl. All was seemed lost, like it was last year, for the Trojans to return to a BCS game. It took a monumental upset last year (Arizona over #2 Oregon) and a fired up Oregon squad this year wearing out a beatup Oregon State team for USC to clinch the Pac-10 BCS berth.

But there was some doubt early in the game, after C.J. Gable fumbled on USC's first touch, the defense gave up only their 11th touchdown of the year, when UCLA QB Kevin Craft lateralled to WR Dominique Johnson, who threw to RB Kalil Bell, making a tremendous catch, and USC K David Buehler missed the first of his three field goals on the day. But the Trojan defense gave the offense time to catch up, which they did on their next drive, when RB Joe McKnight found the end zone for the second time in as many games. Another defensive stop, and USC found the end zone again, when a QB Mark Sanchez screen pass to WR Damian Williams led to another Trojan score. While the defense gave the offense the ball, the offense would give it right back, as Sanchez threw a pick on USC's next possession. But UCLA kept on shooting themselves in the foot, as evidenced by 11 penalties for over 100 yards, which included three late hits on Sanchez, and a roughing the punter penalty which led to a RB Stafon Johnson score. The Trojans tried to take advantage of a blocked punt, but Buehler missed another field goal before halftime, which had USC leading 21-7.

The Trojans took the opening drive of the second half into the end zone, with Sanchez finding WR Patrick Turner on a slant, and it was all the defense needed. While UCLA crossed midfield only once, the Trojans were content on running out the ball, especially with the new mopup man, RB Marc Tyler. Neither team threatened to score again, aside from another Buehler missed field goal, and the final score was 28-7. All that was left was for Sanchez and co. to lead the band in Conquest and for the SC fans to sing and dance along to Tusk.

And now on to the Rose Bowl game, which will match the #5 USC Trojans against the #8 Penn State Nittany Lions. At least the Rose Bowl committee gets their wish of a traditional Pac-10/Big Ten matchup, which hasn't happened since 2004 (USC vs. Michigan), as in 2005 it was Texas (BCS at large)/Michigan, 2006 it was USC/Texas (BCS #2), 2007 it was USC/Michigan (Big Ten runner-up), and 2008 USC/Illinois (Big Ten runner-up). The Trojans did not play in the 2005 Rose Bowl as they were playing for the BCS National Championship in the Orange Bowl.

A quick look at Penn State's season: The Nittany Lions started off the season ranked #22 in the preseason AP poll. Penn State opened up by dominated Coastal Carolina, a FCS school, 66-10. They jumped three spots before hosting Oregon State, which ended 45-14 and led to a lot of debate between USC and Penn State as being the better team. The Lions hit the road for the first time, ranked #17, and juiced the Orange 55-13. Penn State returned home to play Temple and rolled them 45-3. In week 5, Penn State hosted a primetime game with a whited-out home crowd against Illinois, winning a 38-24 shootout. Even though the Illini have had a down year, they were coming off a Rose Bowl berth and were ranked #20 at the time, and this win really had the Penn State faithful believeing about a special season. They entered the top 10 at #6 with the upsets of the week before, and held on to a 20-6 win against a scrappy Purdue team on the road. A trip to Camp Randall and Wisconsin seemed like an insurmountable task entering the season, but Penn State got Wisconsin in their midseason spiral and took them to the woodshed, 48-7. With more upsets the week before, Penn State was ranked #3, but fell behind a down Michigan team 17-10 early before routing them late for a 46-17 win. College Gameday travelled to Columbus for #3 Penn State's game at #10 Ohio State. The Buckeyes held a 6-3 late in this barnburner, but it seemed like JoePa's squad would not let their special season end, surging for a 13-6 win in the Horseshoe. But a bye seemed to untrack the Lions, as a last second field goal led to Iowa's 24-23 upset and ended their national championship aspirations. Falling behind the SEC and Big 12 schools and USC, Penn State got back to work, beating Indiana 34-7. And in their season finale, Penn State blew out Michigan State 49-18 to clinch their first Rose Bowl game since 1994.

And the bowl games were announced today. Here are some highlights (outside of the BCS, of course...):

SDCCU Poinsettia Bowl - #11 TCU vs. #9 Boise State. At least the Mountain West wanted to schedule this blockbuster matchup. Methinks Ball State falling in the MAC championship game was karma for avoiding Boise State in the Humanitarian or Motor City Bowl. But this is one spectcular matchup. This is what a bowl game should be. Boise State is undefeated for the second time in three season, though other than a game in Eugene, they have not been challenged all year. TCU lost a heartbreaker to Utah and held Oklahoma to their lowest point output, 35 points, in a loss. It's all about the Horned Frog defense against the Broncos' bag of tricks.
Sheraton Hawaii Bowl - Notre Dame vs. Hawaii. I WANT TICKETS TO THIS GAME!!! This isn't a homer pick, as I think the Irish should be favored in this game, but this is the first time that Hawaii's played in the Hawaii bowl that they are playing a team that I hate. And it will also be fun to see Notre Dame coach Charlie Weis sweat his ass off in the humidity in Aiea.
Pacific Life Holiday Bowl - #13 Oklahoma State vs. #17 Oregon. Over/under on this one should reach about 200 points. Seriously. The Big 12 does not play defense. Oregon and Oklahoma State can put points up on the board. And yes, Mike Gundy is a man! He's 41 (now)...
Texas Bowl - Rice vs. Central Michigan. One of these teams will get to 10 wins this season. Seriously. Notre Dame, Nebraska, Miami (Florida), Florida State, West Virginia, Wisconsin, LSU, Tennessee, Michigan, and Auburn all can't say that. Geez.
Chick-fil-A Bowl - #14 Georgia Tech vs. LSU. Speaking of those damned Tigers, I would love to see them fall to 7-6 this year. Only two time BCS champs. Psh. And Paul Johnson's triple option attack is a joy to watch.
GMAC Bowl - Tulsa vs. #22 Ball State. Ball State can go 13-1 this year. 13-1! Though the karma police tracked them down in the MAC championship. And Tulsa can go 11-3, but if you couldn't beat Arkansas this year, and give up 70 points to Houston (the Cougars, not the Texans), you should be happy to be 10-3.

No Pac-10 rankings (the standings speak for themselves), but some quick notes on the 2008 Pac-10 campaign. The Trojans should be disappointed with another Rose Bowl berth, though this was the first time a team beat them instead of beating themselves, as the Beavers dominated USC in that Thursday in September. Oregon had problems finding a reliable quarterback with all of their injuries, and had to throw Jeremiah Masoli into the fire against USC, and he struggled against UCLA, but Masoli came into his own down the stretch and looked unstoppable against Oregon State and will look to finish strong in the Holiday Bowl. Speaking of those Beavers, they struggled early against Stanford and Penn State, and blew a late lead to Utah, but Oregon State still had a solid campaign with surprise true freshman RB Jacquizz Rodgers to finish 8-4 with a Sun Bowl berth. California overgame their late season struggle last year, when they lost 6 of 7 after being ranked #2, by finishing 8-4 on the back of Jahvid Best, and will look to continue to ride him into the Emerald Bowl. Arizona finally overcame (recent) big brother Arizona State and were able to clinch their first bowl game since 1998, though QB Willie Tuitama and the Wildcats will have to play BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl. Arizona State couldn't overcome their six game losing streak, which began with its upset loss to UNLV, and finished a disappointing 5-7. Stanford also finished 5-7, and aside from laying an egg against Cal, they have a lot to build on, though the Cardinal were a few seconds away against UCLA from heading to a bowl game. UCLA ended 4-8 in Rick Neuheisel's first year, and for QB Kevin Craft, things can only get better, after finishing with 13 interceptions (and 0 TDs) in his final five games. Washington State has a win over rival Washington to hang its hat on, but injuries and a lack of talent attributed to a 2-11 season. And it can only get better for Washington, who finished 0-12 and will bring in USC OC Steve Sarkisian as their new head coach.

Get pumped for bowl season! Though I would prefer a playoff. Speaking of playoffs, the ESPN crew brought up the problem of logicstics for selling tickets. Look, if the FCS, NCAA Tourney, NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, etc don't have problems selling tickets, why would college football? Yes, most fans are students, but rich alumni and the universities should send their share of fans to the playoff games. Oh well. I do agree with something Lou Holtz said, though my version was a bit different, as you would make 10 conferences with 12 teams, have the 12 conference championships and 4 at large teams make a 16 team playoff, and ta da! Oh well...

Trojans respond to punch to the mouth

2008-11-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

Well unlike their trip to Corvalis in September, USC responded to Stanford landing the first punch. Against Oregon State, the Trojans could not muster any response to the Beavers, but last night against the Cardinal, after giving up a touchdown on Stanford's opening drive, USC answered with a scoring drive of their own. But even with that, it was a sloppy first half for the Trojans, who came in wanting to attack the weak Cardinal pass defense, and eventually turned to their potent run game to take control. Stanford controlled both side of the ball at the start of the game, rushing for over 140 yards in the first half while pressuring USC QB Mark Sanchez. The turning point in the game was when C.J. Gable returned a kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown after Stanford had pulled ahead 17-10. That sparked a 35-0 scoring run that put the game away for the Trojans. It was nice to see the adjustments the coaching staff made, notably running the ball and bringing up a safety to stop the Cardinal rushing attack. Now that this has been settled, the two rivalry games remain against Notre Dame and UCLA. But for now, a bye to regroup. By the way, no real indepth analysis of this game... too busy having fun at a wine party... Anyway, the Pac-10 rankings...

USC (9-1 overall, 7-1 Pac-10) - So much for that impenetrable defense... but still a nice come from behind win, even if it was only against Stanford. And 8.3 points per game allowed is still nothing to be ashamed of. Next up is a matchup against Notre Dame after a bye. The Irish are floundering right now and almost blew their game against Navy.
Oregon State (7-3, 6-1) - Can't see them losing the rest of the way, as they're clicking on all cylinders. Arizona and Oregon won't be cakewalks, but the Beavers should win out and make it to the Rose Bowl, for a rematch with Penn State... ugh...
Oregon (8-3, 6-2) - Now that's a Pac-10 game! The Ducks won a 55-45 shootout with the Wildcats, where Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli finally showed that he can throw the ball. Now can they win the big one? After a bye, and assuming Oregon State beats Arizona, the Ducks could be playing for second place in the Pac-10 and a trip to the Holiday Bowl.
Arizona (6-4, 4-3) - Just fell too far behind Oregon in a hostile environment. But they can still do things down the stretch, by ruining Oregon State's Rose Bowl hopes and preventing rival Arizona State from making a bowl game, something coach Mike Stoops would love.
California (6-4, 4-3) - Well so much for finishing strong. Though they will get to 7 wins (Cal plays Washington in the season finale) but other than a win over Michigan State in the season opener, they really haven't done much this season. The only thing left to do this season is not screw up by losing to Stanford again.
Stanford (5-6, 4-4) - Showed a lot of spirit again this week against USC, but the Trojans were able to flip this switch this year and pull away late. Now they need to upset Cal again if they want to become bowl eligible, which will be a tall task.
Arizona State (4-6, 3-4) - Two game winning streak!!! Too bad it was against Washington and Washington State... Now they can get some momentum going into the season finale against Arizona by taking care of UCLA, which they should do. Should. Like how they should have beat UNLV.
UCLA (4-6, 3-4) - Keep those fans dreams alive for a bowl game! Lol. Seriously. If they make it to a bowl game, I will buy any UCLA fan four tickets to that game, cause making it to a bowl means they have to beat Arizona State in Tempe (questionable) and USC in the Rose Bowl (doubtful).
Washington (0-10, 0-7) - The Huskies should be favored against the Cougars.
Washington State (1-10, 0-8) - Other than that, I got nothing. Though at least Washington State gets to go to Hawaii in the season finale!

And the top 25, though not much changes after not many upsets:

Alabama (11-0)
Texas Tech (10-0)
Florida (9-1)
Texas (10-1)
Oklahoma (9-1)
USC (9-1)
Utah (11-0)
Penn State (10-1)
Boise State (10-0)
Ohio State (9-2)
Missouri (9-2)
Oklahoma State (9-2)
Texas Christian (9-2)
Brigham Young (10-1)
Ball State (10-0)
Michigan State (9-2)
Georgia (9-2)
Pittsburgh (7-2)
Oregon State (7-3)
Louisiana State (7-3)
Cincinnati (8-2)
Western Michigan (9-2)
Oregon (8-3)
Miami (Florida) (7-3)
Northwestern (8-3)

And BCS bowl predictions!

BCS National Championship - Florida (SEC Champ) vs. Texas Tech (Big 12 Champ)

Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - Texas (BCS at large) vs. Utah (BCS at large)

Allstate Sugar Bowl - Alabama (BCS at large) vs. Ohio State (BCS at large)

FedEx Orange Bowl - Miami (Florida) (ACC Champ) vs. Cincinnati (Big East Champ)

Rose Bowl Game - Penn State (Big Ten Champ) vs. USC (Pac-10 Champ)

Does defense really win championships?

2008-11-09T19:01:00.000-08:00

I guess USC will find out the answer this year. Another impressive performance for the Trojan defense, which had pitched shutouts in 3 of the last 4 games, and probably would have if two penalties had not wiped out two interceptions. Four gripes about the game (save for the offense, thats for the next paragraph...) Penalties started to rack up again, with SC being flagged 10 times for 105 yards. Josh Pinkard showing that the Trojans do not know how to play the game, trying to return an interception 5 yards deep in the end zone instead of downing it for a touchback, which ended up in him being tackled at the 3 yard line. And apparently, if you can average 27 yards on your punts, you too can be USC's punter next season. Ugh Greg Woidneck. We need another Tom Malone type punter... There has been a lot of flack given to UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel saying punting is winning, but in this game, where the offense had a hard time sustaining drives and the defense failing to stop Cal's drives early, special teams would have really helped turn the field around and maybe given the offense good field position to get into field goal range. And what happened to Big Balls Pete? Punting from the 39 on 4th-and-5? What the hell!!! And worse, Woidneck kicked the ball only 20 yards!!!! FUCK!!!!

As good as the defense was, the offense had a hard time sustaining drives in the second half, especially in the third quarter. Hard to tell what the problem really was, but in the Mark Sanchez era, the Trojans have failed to score 20 points 3 times, something that didn't happen very often. One thing that has to go is Joe McKnight. He has been spectacular at times, but his fumbles, including one in the fourth quarter, have come at the worst of times and killed promising drives. He also only has one touchdown on the year, which came in the Virginia game. Please, keep the ball in C.J. Gable and Stafon Johnson's hands Sark. Geez looks like we've already lost another tailback, Broderick Green, due to lack of playing time. One thing that did improve was Sanchez going to the underneath receivers, be it the tight end or the fullback, and those were open most of the night. Also have to give credit to the Cal defense, which kept the Bears in the game.

But if the Trojan offense can score 10 points, it looks like USC should be in good shape all year. The defense has allowed 60 points all year, and if you take out the Oregon State game, USC has allowed a mere 33 points in eight games. Whoa. USC has only allowed one touchdown at home, and only two touchdowns all year in the second half, both on drives that started in the red zone.

Hmm, weekender next week...will SC exact revenge against the Cardinal? Will Pete Carroll extend his streak to 26 games in november? Will the Trojans score more than 20 points? If they don't, there goes the cover, which SC has done a decent job of doing this season... here's a quick look:

W @ Virginia (-20.5) 52-7
W vs. Ohio State (-12) 35-3
L @ Oregon State (-24) 21-27
W vs. Oregon (-16) 44-10
T vs. Arizona State (-28) 28-0
W @ Washington State (-42) 69-0
L @ Arizona (-15.5) 17-10
W vs. Washington (-45) 59-0
L vs. California 17-3
Record: 5-3-1

Oh well. Here's a look at the Pac-10 rankings:

USC (8-1 overall, 6-1 Pac-10) - Remember that key three game stretch two years ago, when SC hosted a top 25 Oregon team, top 10 Cal team, and top 6 Notre Dame team? Everyone was saying how if they got through that brutal stretch, the Trojans would be in the National Championship game. But we all forgot about the UCLA game. Darn. Anyway, this year's game should be fun, with the vaunted Bruin offense going up against the Trojan defense allowing 6.7 points per game. LOL. But first things first, revenge against Stanford, who has a physical running game which could cause trouble for the USC defense, and shutting down Tavita Pritchard, who burned USC for the game winning TD.
Oregon State (6-3, 5-1) - Mike Riley finally got a win over UCLA after 9 tries. Now, the Beavers enter a brutal stretch against Cal, Arizona, and Oregon. Lose one game and their Rose Bowl shots go down the drain. After the Trojans took care of Cal, Oregon State is the only team remaining that controls their Rose Bowl chances. And you know what, I'm kinda half rooting for them to win out, cause that makes the Trojans' loss to them seem not so bad. I mean look at their resume, outside of the egg they laid against Stanford, the Beavs have played relatively well. They got blown out to a Penn State team that is 9-1 in Happy Valley, always a tough place to play, and got screwed in their loss at Utah, who is 10-0, but other than that, just a string of solid wins. Look for them to finish down the stretch strong, as they have done in the past few years.
California (6-3, 4-2) - A season of what could have been for the Bears after a loss to Maryland and giving up a huge third quarter to Arizona. They can do SC a favor and do something USC has not done since 2004 and win in Corvalis, which would open up the chance for SC to make it to the Rose Bowl. Nate Longshore actually played well, especially when penalties wiped out two interceptions. But the Bears need to prove that they can finish strong after their poor finish last year, and can do so with a win over Oregon State.
Arizona (6-3, 4-2) - Finally became bowl eligible, and with 7 spots for 5 bowl teams (lol), save to say the Wildcats will go bowling for the first time in a while. Now to climb the bowl ladder to head to the Sun Bowl or even the Holiday Bowl, as the Cats still have to play Oregon and Oregon State, and holds any tiebreaker with Cal. And their climb up the ladder starts at Oregon next week, against a Ducks team that had problems putting away Stanford.
Oregon (7-3, 5-2) - Maybe they weren't who we thought they were? Really had problems with the Cardinal playing at home. And they need to pass the ball if they have any hope of finishing strong against Arizona and Oregon State.
Stanford (5-5, 4-3) - Will lightning strike twice for Stanford? USC fans certainly hope not. The Cardinal were thisclose to getting win number 6 and heading to a bowl game, but will have to beat either the Trojans (25-0 in November + 24-23 loss last year = motivated Trojans, hopefully) or the Bears, which after last year's upset in the Big Game, doesn't seem too far fetched.
Arizona State (3-6, 2-4) - Finally ended that six game losing steak, even if it take playing Washington. The Sun Devils still have a chance to make a bowl game, as they could potentially be riding a 3 game win streak heading into the season finale against Arizona, and those games the last few years have gone down to the wire, so anything can happen there. But first things first, oh well, who am I kidding, take care of UCLA after Thanksgiving (Wazzu is a lock for the Devils) and they could be playing for their bowl lives and a return trip to Honolulu against the Wildcats.
UCLA (3-6, 2-4) - Not only because they lost, but how they lost. Just completely shut down by the Beavers in the second half. But they should take care of business against Washington in Rick Neuheisel's homecoming (lol) to keep their long shot chances of a bowl game alive, but it may be hard for the Bruins, as they still host a hungry Arizona State team looking for their own bowl game shots, and a USC team, which frankly, has to stop overlooking teams, and will probably not overlook UCLA. Hopefully.
Washington (0-9, 0-6) - It would be hilarious if the Huskies could beat the Bruins. Other than that I got nothing for Washington and
Washington State (1-9, 0-7) - Washington State, but they did show some spunk in their blowouts this week. Baring any upsets, this should be how the Pac-10 should settle out at the end of the season...

And for the top 25...

Alabama (10-0) - Dammit LSU!!! I just started to like you guys again. Oh well, nice win in a hostile Death Valley for the Tide, who should roll into Atlanta to get blown out by Florida in the SEC championship game.
Texas Tech (10-0) - Solid win over Okie State quelled my doubts about this team, but their game in two weeks at Oklahoma might be a quarterfinal game for the national championship.
Florida (8-1) - Smacked around a helpless Vandy team. Maybe Pete Carroll needs to take a page out of cum, er, Coach Urban Meyer's book and run up the score on some teams, as it seems like something Meyer loves to do. What a jackass. And unfortunately, it looks like this asshole will be playing for another national championship, unless Florida State or Alabama (and another asshole Nick Saban) beats him in the next few weeks.
Texas (9-1) - Looks like that loss to Texas Tech might not be too damning, especially if the Sooners can beat the Raiders in a couple of weeks. I had something witty here with Mark Mangino and Vince Gill, er, Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, but I got too frustrated with blogspot's picture attachments...
Oklahoma (9-1) - Huge game against Texas Tech in two weeks. But seriously, no defense in the Big 12!?! 94 points combined between them and Texas A&M!!! Seriously!?!
USC (7-1) - So when the Trojans play defense instead of blowing out teams with offense like the old days, USC is struggling? Gay. And speaking of defense, what happened to the SEC? I mean we don't want 3-2 barnburners, and shootouts are fun, but I thought the SEC was built on defense. Just saying.
Utah (10-0) - Played some close games recently, but still has big wins over Oregon State (who saw that coming?) and TCU, with the season finale against BYU in a couple of weeks. Still has the inside track on making another BCS game, as long as they take care of business.
Penn State (9-1) - Iowa is a good team, but Penn State was sooo close to making it to the national championship. Now? A loss to Michigan State and no Rose Bowl...
Boise State (9-0)
Ohio State (8-2)
Missouri (8-2)
Oklahoma State (8-2)
Texas Christian (9-2)
Brigham Young (9-1)
Ball State (9-0)
Georgia (8-2)
North Carolina (8-2)
Michigan State (9-2)
Louisiana State (6-3)
Pittsburgh (7-2)
Florida State (7-2)
Oregon State (6-3)
Tulsa (8-1)
South Carolina (7-3)
Western Michigan (8-2)

Another shutout...

2008-11-01T23:03:00.000-07:00

but was it really that impressive? USC shutout 56-0 for the Trojans' third shutout in four games, but it was against the only remaining winless team in FBS. So much for losing early being a good thing for USC, as the weak Pac-10 slate is really taking centerstage as the Big 12 and SEC have top ten matchups week in and week out. Like the Washington State game, can't really say much about this one. USC again tried to run out the clock in the second half after jumping out to a 42-0 lead at the half by calling simple run plays. The defense did earn the shutout by collecting interceptions on two long Washington drives that made it deep into USC territory. Oh well. Can't really do anything about the national championship picture, as there really is nothing USC can do to control their destiny. After all the chaos at the top in recent years down the stretch, I can't really see that repeating. Or maybe... hmm. Penn State should win out and make the BCS National Championship game, even with people trying to build up Iowa and Michigan State. Alabama still has to travel to LSU next week and play Florida (probably) in the SEC championship. Texas Tech still hosts Oklahoma State and travels to Oklahoma. Florida looks to play their way back into the National Title picture after blowing out Georgia, as they should be favored in their remaining games until the SEC championship. But for now, all USC has to worry about is a dangerous Cal team coming in to take the perch atop the Pac-10 standings away from the Trojans. Here's the Pac-10 rankings:

USC (7-1 overall, 5-1 Pac-10) - Pac-10 game of the year (so far anyway) when Cal travels to the Coliseum next week. USC took care of business against the Huskies, but the Trojans will face a stiff test from the Bears, who almost always seem to give USC their A-game. Mark Sanchez must show that he can make the correct decisions in a big game, as this one could go down to the fourth quarter, where Sanchez is only 2-2 in games decided by 7 points or less (W vs. Arizona, L @ Oregon in 2007, L @ Oregon State, W @ Arizona in 2008).
California (6-2, 4-1) - I'll admit that I had them a little low last week, but a very impressive win over Oregon in terrible weather. After a terrible third quarter against Arizona, the Bears have bounced back with solid wins over UCLA and Oregon and bring some momentum with them into the Coliseum. If they can get solid play out of either Kevin Riley or Nate Longshore, and Jahvid Best holds up all game, they have a shot at the upset. But again, this is November, where Pete Carroll hasn't lost while at USC.
Oregon State (5-3, 4-1) - Survived a scare against Arizona State, but they still face a tough stretch to finish off the season. UCLA may not be a scary team on paper, but if the Beavers let the Bruins hang around like they let the Sun Devils today, the Bruins are capable of putting a coherent offensive drive together for a game winning touchdown. Not looking ahead, but after UCLA, Oregon State still has to play Arizona, Cal, and Oregon. Dang. But that all said, they still control their Rose Bowl destiny (as does Cal, which even I failed to see).
Arizona (5-3, 3-2) - They should become bowl eligible next week against Washington State, which makes the rest of the schedule a breeze without the pressure of making a bowl game.
Oregon (6-3, 4-2) - Quite a drop, but that's how the cookie crumbles... Tough loss at Cal today, and they need to rebound against a scrappy Stanford squad, who might be desperate in finding their sixth win to become bowl eligible...
Stanford (5-4, 4-2) - Cause there aren't a lot of chances for win number six. It's always tough winning in Autzen, USC will be determined not to have a repeat of 2007, and Cal looks to have found their groove.
UCLA (3-5, 2-3) - The Bruins have a real shot against Oregon State next week in the Rose Bowl, as long as Kevin Craft keeps his interception count under four (seriously, he only has 11 interceptions!?!). A loss here makes the road to a bowl game really tough for UCLA, as it means they would have to win out... meaning beating USC.
Arizona State (2-6, 1-4) - Just dug a hole too deep to climb out of, and now have a six game losing streak. Though it should end next week when they travel to Seattle for the Pillow Fight of the week.
Washington (0-8, 0-5) - How can the only winless team left in FBS not be last place in any conference rankings?
Washington State (1-8, 0-6) - When they're in the same conference as Washington State.

A lot of great finishes this week. What a game between Texas and Texas Tech, with Graham Harrell connecting with Michael Crabtree for the game winning touchdown with one second left for the upset. Missouri needing a late field goal to hold of Baylor. Michigan State beating Wisconsin with a late field goal. Northwestern using a pick-six for the game winning score against Minnesota. Pittsburgh edging Notre Dame in four overtimes. Oregon State intercepting Rudy Carpenter's two point attempt to hold off Arizona State. Solid day overall for college football. A lot of changes in the top 25...

Alabama (8-0) - Yeah I know, I've had Penn State ranked higher than Bama in the past few weeks, but I can't move the Nittany Lions to #1 after a bye, even if the Tide only beat up a Sun Belt team. Though they still have a tough road left, as they travel to LSU next week, and if they get there, a date with Florida (most likely) in the SEC championship.
Penn State (9-0) - But #2 is what counts these days. All you can hope for is a shot in playing in the BCS national championship game. I don't know why everyone is building up Iowa so much, this isn't like Iowa of the early 2000's, where they averaged 10 wins a season. Right now, the Nittany Lions are a lock for the BCS title game, much to the delight of the nation (just joking....)
Texas Tech (9-0) - Still not buying into them, as they still have to play Oklahoma State, at Oklahoma, and if they make it, Missouri in the Big 12 championship. But nonetheless, very impressive win against Texas.
Florida (7-1) - Unless Georgia isn't the team we thought they were... Other than the head scratcher against Mississippi, Florida has been really dominant, racking up gaudy numbers against decent competition.
Texas (8-1) - Even though it wasn't a bad loss, Florida looks terrific today, and the Longhorns have to drop behind the three big undefeated teams.
Oklahoma (8-1) - Hey, USC isn't the only team that can fall in the polls while playing weak competition, though the defense really does need to clamp down. They combined with Nebraska for 90 points today. Geez. But Florida was dominant against Georgia, and Tech deserves to be in the top 3.
USC (7-1) - Seems to be cockblocked from the top of the polls by the Big 12 South, but wiht good reason. All of the teams in the Big 12 South are really solid. Can't take anything away from them, weak out of conference schedule or not. And the Pac-10 is really weak. All USC should worry about is getting back to the Rose Bowl. If major upsets happen ahead of them, great. If not, oh well, stop losing to weaker teams.
Oklahoma State (8-1) - Solid bounce back win against... Iowa State. Oh nevermind. Quick aside, Iowa State sure did pick the right team to copy their uniform design from, heh.
Utah (9-0) - First big showdown in the MWC against TCU on Thursday (wow, the Mtn. really blew a shot there...). Winner (even TCU with one loss) has the inside track to a BCS game, as its unlikely two of Utah, TCU, or BYU will make it there, as the Cougars have looked unimpressive since their loss to TCU, a second loss would end things for the Frogs, and Utah stil has to play BYU in their season finale.
Boise State (8-0)
Texas Christian (9-1)
Ohio State (7-2)
Missouri (7-2)
Louisiana State (6-2)
Brigham Young (8-1)
Ball State (8-0)
Georgia (7-2)
North Carolina (6-2)
Michigan State (8-2)
West Virginia (6-2)
California (6-2)
Georgia Tech (7-2)
Northwestern (7-2)
Maryland (6-2)
Tulsa (7-1)

Shootout in the desert....

2008-10-25T23:07:00.000-07:00

Oh wait, nevermind. Defense took centerstage as USC held off Arizona 17-10, though the Wildcats never really threatened to score after they tied the game at 10. UoA came in averaging over 40 points per game, ranked top 10 in the nation, while the Trojans were coming off hanging 69 on Washington State, but neither team was able to crack 20 points. It seems like Arizona coach Mike Stoops has figured out USC, but hasn't flipped the right switch to push the Wildcats over the top. In 2006, the Wildcats held close until a late touchdown pushed the Trojans to a 20-3 win. Last year, in Mark Sanchez's first start, USC rallied past Arizona 20-13 in the Coliseum. This year, the Trojans dominated the second half, especially on the defensive end, but the offense was not able to sustain any drives and make the fourth quarter less stressful.

Problems? After committing only 2 penalties against the Cougars, the Trojans were flagged 10 times for 68 yards, including two holding calls on big plays that really changed the momentum of the play. Ugh, so much for that problem being solved. Special teams continues to plague USC. Stafon Johnson had a couple of good punt returns, including a 54 yarder to set up the Trojan's first points, but some were nullified by blocking in the back penalties, as well as Johnson catching a punt in the endzone, a huge no-no. Greg Woidneck had a 15 yard punt. I think I can punt the ball 15 yards. Is it too much to ask to recruit a kicker? We've been lucky in the past with finding gems with Ryan Killeen, Mario Danelo, and David Buehler, but now Buehler has been really shaky in close games (Washington in 2007 and Arizona this year), and Woidneck is just ugh. Does Tom Malone have any eligibility left? Please? And that last punt return could have been a disaster... The offensive play calling was spotty down the stretch too, with passes being called while we were clinging to that seven point lead and trying to bleed some clock. Nice to see Johnson get 19 carries, but he should have had waaay more, especially in the fourth quarter. Oh well. Sanchez does need to improve on his decision making, scramble for the first when no receivers are open, or hit the underneath receiver instead of forcing the bigger gain.

The offense can thank the defense though. Huge stop on the QB sneak on 4th and 1 at midfield on the fourth quarter, but the defense can also thank Willie Tuitama for being so off the mark, as he completed only two passes in the second half, and Taylor Mays for knocking Keola Antolin out of the game, as the defense were having flashes of Oregon State RB Jacquizz Rodgers. At this point of the season, with the lack of upsets ahead of USC, the best I can hope for is another trip to the Rose Bowl, but the Trojans will need some help getting there. Assuming USC wins out in Pac-10 play, they need the Beavers to lose once, with the best chance of that happening being against Cal, Arizona, or Oregon to close the season. Then again, the Trojans needed much more help last year to make the Rose Bowl after losing to Oregon late last season, but the pieces fell into place (notably, Oregon QB Dennis Dixon's knee exploding) and USC made their third consecutive trip to Pasadena. On to the Pac-10 rankings:

USC (6-1 overall, 4-1 Pac-10) - Didn't avoid penalties and turnovers, which lead to a slow start against Arizona, but the defense saved the day this week. Washington limps into the Coliseum for Homecoming next week, but honestly haven't seen any spark from the Huskies since they lost to BYU. The Trojans do not leave California for the rest of the season, and guess what next Saturday is.... November 1st!!!! 24 straight in November, and I don't see that streak ending next week.
Oregon (6-2, 4-1) - Solid performance against Arizona State this week in Tempe, but that Sun Devil team is falling apart at the seams. Big game next week at Cal, which should help clear up the top of the Pac-10 standings, with four teams having one loss in conference play.
Oregon State (4-3, 3-1) - Licking their chops as a hobbled and downtrodden Arizona State team arrives in Corvalis. The Beavers are the only team in the Pac-10 that controls their Rose Bowl destiny, but they close the season with a brutal stretch of Cal, at Arizona, and Oregon. No room for error, as the Trojans look to have bounced back from their loss to the Beavers, and Cal and Oregon also standing at one loss in conference play. But first things first, take care of Arizona State.
Arizona (5-3, 3-2) - Valiant effort by the Wildcats, but their offense really let them down in this game. The defense kept giving the offense chances to tie the game, but no go. Arizona heads into a bye, where coach Stoops should keep his team focused for their visit to Pullman in two weeks (seriously), as it would make them bowl eligible for the first time this decade (I think).
California (5-2, 3-1) - Sloppy game against UCLA until the Bruins failed on their fake punt, which really turned the game around for the Bears. After losing to Arizona the week before where they were outscored in the third quarter 28-3, Cal outscored UCLA 24-7 in the fourth to put UCLA away. Strange concept though, a team making the Bruins pay for Kevin Craft's turnovers. Tennessee and Stanford couldn't do it. Maybe, just maybe, teams from here on out will convert on those turnovers by Craft so UCLA won't be in striking distance in the fourth quarter, when they are oh so dangerous. Cal hosts Oregon next week, hoping to get some momentum before travelling to the Coliseum to play the Trojans.
Stanford (4-4, 3-2) - Spent their bye week trying to find their sixth win in their remaining scheudle. The Cardinal should take care of business against Wazzu, but a trip to Oregon looks daunting, the Trojans will be looking for revenge after last year's game, and the Big Game against Cal is no gimme. But it will be all for naught if Stanford doesn't beat Wazzu.
UCLA (3-5, 2-3) - MAKE THEM PAY FOR KEVIN CRAFT'S BONEHEADED THROWS!!!! Seriously. Good job Cal, turning Craf't's four interceptions into 17 points. If you don't make him pay, Craft keeps his confidence, especially if the game is close. He is capable of scoring drives at the end of halves (seemes like UCLA always tacks on a field goal at the end of the first half). Oh well. After a bye, Oregon State should smack the Bruins around in the Rose Bowl. By the way, I will always question Slick Rick's special teams gambles (haha) at terrible times until one of them pays off (or he gets fired. Get it? nevermind...). Anyway, he was about a yard short on his gamble, which still failed, and on the next play, Cal scored on a flea flicker and a 17-13 game turned into a rout.
Arizona State (2-5, 1-3) - A team that's lost 5 straight and has no hope of winning until the Washington schools show up on the schedule should be ranked last in the conference. Unless of course you're in the same conference as
Washington (0-7, 0-4) - and
Washington State (1-7, 0-5). Ugh indeed.

Top 25 rankings (assuming Tulsa wins tomorrow (STOP PLAYING ON DAYS OTHER THAN SATURDAY!!!):

Texas (8-0) - Over/under of their game next week against Texas Tech: 100. Has an over/under even been that high before? Would anyone even flinch at that number when the lines open on Monday? Does the Big 12 play defense anymore?
Penn State (9-0) - Gutty win against Ohio State in the Horseshoe. Can't really see them losing the rest of the way. They should be a lock to make the BCS Championship game because:
Alabama (8-0) - still has to play LSU, then Georgia/Florida in the SEC championship game. At least they outscored Tennessee in the second half of this game, but the Vols looked terrible. It's one thing to be just bad, but penalties and missed field goals are just marks of a poorly coached team.
Oklahoma (7-1) - Seriously. When did they outlaw playing defense in the Big 12. OU and K-State combined for 93 points. 93!!!
Florida (6-1) - I'm just saying, but Florida beats Kentucky 63-5, and it's a quality win in the SEC, but USC beats Washington State 69-0, and the Trojans are running up the score? Works for me this week, but HUGE game against Georgia next week.
Texas Tech (8-0) - Just setting them up for their epic fail next week against Texas. By the way, are not making a big enough deal of the Longhorns playing four straight teams ranked in the top 11? Has any other team done this before? Does anyone care that the Red Raiders has not played anyone of relevance this season and will fall flat on their faces against Texas? That they too run up the score?
Georgia (7-1) - Impressive win over the defending champs this week in Baton Rouge. Can vault themselves back in the title picture with a win over Florida next week at the World's Largest Cocktail Party, but it will be hard to crack Texas and Penn State's resumes. I still think Florida and Georgia are better than Alabama and either team will beat the Tide in the SEC championship.
USC (6-1) - Only because Oklahoma State, LSU, and Ohio State all lost, though the Pokes and Buckeyes looked more solid in their losses than the Trojans did in their win. The good news? If they beat the Huskies next week, Georgia/Florida will fall, as will Texas Tech, so they should move up back into the top 6. Bad news? Thanks to a weak schedule, the Trojans will probably be left out of the BCS Championship game. But you'll hear no complaining from me.
Oklahoma State (7-1) - Gave Texas a run for their money, so no change from last week's ranking. They did show that they are the real deal though, and should finish the season with a solid mark.
Utah (6-0) - We might have two BCS busters this season. Here's the breakdown: the 6 champions from the BCS conferences are locks. The Pac-10, Big Ten, ACC, and Big East are not going to be sending a second team to a BCS bowl, unless both Oregon State and USC win out and the Beavers go to the Rose Bowl while the Trojans earn an at-large berth. Assuming that does not happen, the Big 12 and SEC will also send another rep to a BCS game, whether by the automatic bid (too complicated to explain), or by reputation (ala Oklahoma, Florida, etc). This leaves 2 spots open for Utah and
Boise State (7-0) - to earn automatic bids under the non-BCS clause (top 12 ranking). Complicated indeed.
Texas Christian (8-1)
Ohio State (6-2)
Missouri (6-2)
Brigham Young (7-1)
Tulsa (8-0)
Louisiana State (5-2)
Ball State (8-0)
South Florida (6-2)
Minnesota (7-1)
Florida State (6-1)
Oregon (6-2) - Just plug and chug for the bottom 4 spots...
Michigan State (7-2)
North Carolina (6-2)
Maryland (6-2)

138-0

2008-10-19T02:05:00.000-07:00

Stat of the day: USC is on a 138-0 scoring run since falling behind 10-3 vs. Oregon three weeks ago. Geez. I have a feeling the scoreless streak will end when the Trojans travel to Tuscon next week to take on the Arizona Wildcats, but it is fun while it lasts. The outcome of the game at Pullman was never in question when Wazzu ran the ball three straight times on their opening posession. Mark Sanchez was almost perfect, throwing for 5 touchdowns in the first half, while the run game produced three 100+ yard rushers in Stafon Johnson, C.J. Gable (with 3 TDs), and Broderick Green (2 TDs) as Joe McKnight and Marc Tyler sat out with injuries. The defense posted its second straight shutout, blanking the Cougars for the first time in 280 games, which was the second longest active streak behind Michigan. If anything, it was nice to see the Trojans get off to a fast start, allowing Coach Pete Carroll to rest most of the regulars while getting some guys lower on the depth chart some valuable experience, including walkon Daniel Harper, who had an interception in the fourth quarter. On to this week's Pac-10 rankings:

USC (5-1 overall, 3-1 Pac-10) - ... and the Trojans are back atop the conference standings after Cal lost to Arizona (again). Four teams are tied for the lead (USC, Arizona, Oregon, Oregon State), and USC travels to Arizona next week. Nice win by the Wildcats today, but if the Trojans avoid turnovers and costly penalties, that game can also get out of hand quickly. This game has upset potential for USC, and after last year's 20-13 game at the Coliseum, Arizona and Coach Mike Stoops has a lot to build upon.
Oregon (5-2, 3-1) - Hopefully used their bye week to get their QBs healthy and ready to go. They must travel to Tempe, where the Sun Devils will have a hard time ending their 4 game losing streak. Tough stretch after next week's game for the Ducks, as they have to travel to Berkeley, host Stanford and Arizona before the Civil War game. No more gimmies for Oregon til the end of the season.
Oregon State (4-3, 3-1) - The Beavers should be pretty satisfied going into the bye week having won 4 of 5 games. But like the Ducks, Oregon State still has to face the better teams in the conference. Solid win against Washington today, and will look to hand Arizona State their sixth straight loss (probably) in two weeks.
Arizona (5-2, 3-1) - Again, the Wildcats could very well be 7-0, save for unbelieveable losses to New Mexico and Stanford. Arizona looks well on their way to a bowl game (Wazzu still looms on the schedule) after upsetting Cal today, thought it was more the Bears imploding than UoA doing anything special. The 'Cats will look to become bowl eligible next week against the Trojans, though USC looks to be so suffocating on defense (allowing 7.8 points per game) that Arizona may have to force some turnovers out of the Trojans' offense.
California (4-2, 2-1) - Ready for that late season collapse again? Cal was in control of Arizona before that third quarter, when the Bears were outscored 28-3. Things do not get easier from here on out for Cal, as after hosting UCLA next weekend, they play Oregon and travel to USC and Oregon State before the Big Game. If the QBs have trouble as they did today, watch out. And again, if you let the Bruins stay close into the fourth quarter, they are very dangerous, as Stanford found out today.
UCLA (3-4, 2-2) - Hate to see them be so scrappy. And all of a sudden, the Bruins game next week against Cal doesn't look so daunting. Kevin Craft is the definition of Jekyll/Hyde. Geez. If Cal an make UCLA pay for Craft's miscues and go for the jugglar, Cal should have their time with the Bruins. Coach Rick Neuheisel will win my Coach of the Year vote for the Pac-10 if he gets to a bowl (hopefully the Hawaii Bowl so I can see them in action.... false).
Stanford (4-4, 3-2) - The Bruins were unable to move the ball consistently all game, until, of course, the game's final drive, where UCLA travelled 88 yards for the game winning score. It may be hard for the Cardinal to become bowl eligible, as this was the game that would have mostly likely locked up a bowl bid. Instead, they head to their bye week looking to regroup before win #5 (Wazzu), then will have to look for their sixth win against Oregon, USC, or Cal. Good luck with that.
Arizona State (2-4, 1-2) - So when does Dennis Erickson's name come up fo the job openings around the NFL and NCAA? The Sun Devils could very well have dropped six straight before they visit Washington. Hard to see Oregon losing to Arizona State next week, but stranger things have happened. Hopefully Rudy Carpenter has recovered from his injuries so he can make the start.
Washington (0-4, 0-6) - At least they're more competitive than:
Washington State (1-7, 0-5) - I think Hershel Dennis just ran for a 7 yard gain. Seriously. I know USC is good, but you can't let teams score on you on fourth-down, and if you know USC is just going to run the ball down your throat, put 8 or 9 in the box to stop the run. At least they won't give up 60+ points this week, though when they return to play Stanford in two weeks, the Cardinal may have a sour taste in their mouth after the UCLA loss.

And the top 25, without too much shakeups with not too many upsets this week:

Texas (7-0)
Penn State (8-0)
Alabama (7-0)
Oklahoma (6-1)
USC (5-1)
Florida (5-1)
Texas Tech (7-0)
Georgia (6-1)
Oklahoma State (7-0)
Ohio State (7-1)
Louisiana State (5-1)
Utah (8-0)
Boise State (6-0)
South Florida (6-1)
Tulsa (7-0)
Texas Christian (7-1)
Brigham Young (6-1)
Ball State (7-0)
Missouri (5-2)
Pittsburgh (5-1)
Kansas (5-2)
Minnesota (6-1)
Georgia Tech (6-1)
Northwestern (6-1)
Vanderbilt (5-2)

Nice shutout, but...

2008-10-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

the offense took some major steps back today. Nice to see the defense really step up today, pitching a shutout, forcing four turnovers, collecting three sacks, blocking two field goals, and a partridge in a pear tree (points after interception, PAINT, lol). But the offense was very anemic, especially in the third quarter, where the Trojans started off with four possessions that ended in fumble, interception, interception, interception. Arizona State took full advantage of those turnovers, going blocked field goal, blocked field goal (going -20 yards in three plays), punt, and punt. Ugh. Mark Sanchez reverted, to, um, really Sanchez? Can't blame the lost fumble after being blindsided, but the interception on the screen play was terrible. The receivers are not helping Sanchez out with all of the drops, especially Damian Williams on Sanchez's third pick, as well as Ronald Johnson and Williams dropping bombs as well. Oh well. CB Kevin Thomas had a career game, with a sack and an interception returned for a touchdown, USC's second defensive touchdown after not having one since 2005. Woot for the defense indeed. But I guess when you complain about a 28 points loss, things can't be going too bad. As for the Pac-10 rankings...

USC (4-1, 2-1) - Two straight wins ties for the longest win streak in the conference (seriously...). Another dominant perfomance on the defensive side; always nice to see a shutout, but questions on the offense arise as the Trojans make the trek up to play Washington State. Over/under on the spread for this one: 37, though USC will probably have trouble covering this one (a la Stanford?).
California (4-1, 2-0) - Bye week should have helped settle the QB controversy between Kevin Riley and Nate Longshore, and hopefully gave RB Jahvid Best some extra time to recover from his elbow injury. The Golden Bears play Arizona next week in Tuscon, but the matchup lost some luster when the Wildcats were upset by Stanford. Cal is the only remaining undefeated team in Pac-10 play, and would be in serious contention for the top spot had they not lost to Maryland.
Oregon (5-2, 3-1) - Oregon showed that if you let UCLA hang close, they will bite you, and the Bruins almost took a chunk out of the Ducks. The Ducks passed for only 40 yards, but ran for over 300 in holding off UCLA. They were able to bounce back after being trounced by USC, and now have a bye week to settle their own QB controversy with Justin Roper coming back from a concussion. After the bye, they travel to Tempe to face a reeling Arizona State squad.
Stanford (4-3, 3-1) - Is the Pac-10 really this weak? Ugh. Arizona blew a chance to take a huge step to becoming bowl eligible while the Cardinal took a giant leap in their bowl chances. Stanford now has a really winable game against UCLA in the Rose Bowl next week, and if they are able to beat the Bruins, they are a lock to make a bowl game, with Wazzu still on their schedule. Nice win for Stanford.
Oregon State (3-3, 2-1) - Washington State is the cureall for reeling Pac-10 teams. Dominant 66-13 win, with the Beavers taking care of business. Tough loss against Utah last week, but they have a favorable stretch of games coming up (@ Washington, vs. Arizona State, @ UCLA) which should get them to being bowl eligible. Oregon State is very dangerous down the stretch, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them win 5 of their last 6 games
Arizona (4-2, 2-1) - The Wildcats should very well be 6-0 right now, but instead have only themselves to blame. Three field goals from inside the 10 yard line won't get it done. And they could not stop Stanford's run game either. Arizona hosts Cal next week, and will need to get the kinks out before USC arrives in Tuscon the following week. With only one gimme left on the schedule (Wazzu...), the Wildcats need to have another late season upset to make a bowl game.
UCLA (2-4, 1-2) - The Gutty Little Bruins showed some spunk in Eugene, maybe with Oregon letting UCLA hang in the game too long. Teams need to put UCLA away quickly, because the Bruins are a very dangerous team when they are in striking distance. Good to see that UCLA did not just roll over, but coaching mistakes (poor clock management at the end of the first half, going for an onside kick in the third quarter, not going for an onside kick down 24-17 late in the game) may have cost UCLA a chance to steal the game. They host an upstart Stanford team looking to continue their nice little hot streak.
Arizona State (2-4, 1-2) - The preseason pick to finish second in the conference is on a nasty four game losing streak, starting with the terrible loss to UNLV, then being dominated by Georgia, beaten by Cal, then shutout by the Trojans. At least Arizona State won't lose next week (bye), but the following week, they get to host an Oregon team looking to establish their spot as #2 in the Pac-10 pecking order.
Washington (0-5, 0-3) - At least they didn't lose by 53. Though Oregon State is in the home stretch of their schedule, a time when the Beavers are almost unbeatable.
Washington State (1-5, 0-4) - If I could put the Cougs lower, I would. At least they won't be playing a team coming off a loss, as it seems like Washington State is the cureall for struggling teams. But then again, the Trojans may look to sharpen their offense against a team allowing 55.8 points per game in conference play. Even that game in Hawaii doesn't look like a gimme anymore. 1-12 anyone?

And more shuffling in the top 25, with no teams in the top 4 winning (Alabama had a bye). Whoa.

Texas (6-0)
Alabama (6-0)
Penn State (7-0)
Oklahoma (5-1)
USC (4-1)
Brigham Young (6-0)
Texas Tech (6-0)
Florida (5-1)
Georgia (5-1)
Missouri (5-1)
Louisiana State (4-1)
Utah (7-0)
Ohio State (6-1)
Oklahoma State (6-0)
Boise State (5-0)
South Florida (5-1)
Kansas (5-1)
Tulsa (6-0)
Ball State (7-0)
Michigan State (6-1)
Wake Forest (4-1)
Vanderbilt (5-1)
Virginia Tech (5-1)
North Carolina (5-1)
Texas Christian (6-1)

Rebounding like Dwight Howard...

2008-10-05T00:10:00.000-07:00

USC again started off slow this week at home against Oregon, but the game changed after Mark Sanchez found Damian Willaims on 4th-and-2 for a 34 yard touchdown pass to tie the game as the Trojans rebounded from being upset by Oregon State, 44-10. The USC defense had trouble getting the Duck offense off the field while having their first offensive drive stall at the 4 yard line and Sanchez fumbling a snap, which led to an Matt Evensen field goal. Penalties, penalties, penalties. I don't know if it's a lack of focus or what, but 13 penalties is waaaay too much for any team, especially and elite team like the Trojans.

But after flipping a switch, USC scored the game's final 41 points, including the final 24 of the first half to kill the will of Oregon. A fumble by Oregon late in the first half led to a Sanchez 11 yard TD pass to Patrick Turner which essentally put the game out of reach. Nice to see Mitch Mustain get an extensive look in the second half, as he threw for 111 yards and a 59 yard pass to David Ausberry, who also got some nice playing time in. The defense followed suit of the offense, as they forced 7 punts and 2 turnovers on Oregon's final 11 drives (the other drives ended at the half and on downs). Special teams play was led by David Buehler, who nailed 3 field goals, 5 point after attempts, and booted 6 touchbacks on kickoffs. On to the Pac-10 rankings:

USC (3-1 overall, 1-1 Pac-10) - Please, please, please no more Oregon State games. Please. No more games to look ahead to until maybe the Notre Dame matchup. Arizona State may have lost three straight games, but SC needs to stay the course, as going up against Dennis Erickson is always dangerous, and Rudy Carpenter has the skill to lead the Sun Devils to the upset. But the only way the Trojans lose is if they are looking ahead to.... Washington State.
California (4-1, 2-0) - That Maryland loss didn't look that bad after the Terps upset Clemson last week... until they got shut out by Virginia. Ouch. Second place in the Pac-10 should be decided by the matchup between the Golden Bears and Arizona. Cal got lucky this week by finding that Nate Longshore provided the hot hand, but they really need Jahvid Best to be healthy for the game against Arizona. The Bears have a bye to get healthy and find out if Longshore or Kevin Riley will provide Cal's best chance to keep the ball moving towards a Pac-10 championship.
Arizona (4-1, 2-0) - The other undefeated team in conference play. They took care of business against Washington, and now head to Palo Alto to see if they can continue their hot start. The Wildcats need to get their wins in now, as after their game against the Cardinal, they host Cal and USC in back-to-back weeks. Not saying they need to win both games, but if they are embarrassed in both, watch out for a collapse down the stretch. But right now, things are looking up for Mike Stoops and co.
Oregon (4-2, 2-1) - The Ducks can thank Oregon State for this ass-kicking. No way the Trojans were going to lose two games in a row, and Pete Carroll and co. made sure of that. Oregon got off to a fast start, but collapsed at the end of the first half as USC scored 10 points in the final minute of the second quarter. The Ducks should be able to rebound next week against UCLA at home before their bye week, which will hopefully help them get back one of their quarterbacks.
Oregon State (2-3, 1-1) - Called the Utah game, kinda/sorta, though the Utes received a gift on their two-point conversion. But the Beavers also had terrible clock/game management on their final drive, which left waaaaay too much time on the clock for Utah to drive into field goal range for the win. I have a feeling with the weaker bottom half of the conference, the Beavers win over the Trojans will keep them in the 4-6 range for the rest of the year. The Utah game was not a bad loss, as the Utes should remain undefeated until their game against BYU. The Beavers host Washington State next week, which will get them back to .500 on the year, before travelling to Washington to get over .500 on the season (please, please, please Mike Riley...)
Stanford (3-3, 2-1) - Tavita Prichard is not the answer at QB, but then again, the Cardinal may not have their answer at QB on their roster this season. Terrible performance against Notre Dame overshadowed by the fact that Stanford only lost by a touchdown. All of these crappy teams giving the Irish hope; please stop now. Thanks. Big test against Arizona next week before a game at UCLA to determine which of those two teams enters the bottom part of the rankings.
Arizona State (2-3, 1-1) - The Sun Devils are limping into their game at USC next week. Hard to see Arizona State beating the Trojans in the Coliseum, but also, um, nevermind (Stanford ugh). Four game losing streaks are great ways to free fall on any rankings. All started from the UNLV game, which took a lot of the confidence from the Sun Devils.
UCLA (2-3, 1-1) - Closed their 3 game homestand strong, but should fall flat next week in Eugene, where the Ducks won't be happy after being destroyed by the Trojans. A win's a win, but Tennessee has not looked good since their loss on Labor Day, and Washington State is, well, Washington State.
Aw screw it....
Washington (0-5, 0-3), and Washington State (1-5, 0-3). Both teams are waiting for the Apple Cup for their next win. Until one of these teams shows signs of life, they will both be #10 in the rankings (tied for last, not tied for 9th, get it right....) Washington was terrible against Arizona, and will continue to struggle with Jake Locker out. And Wazzu is, well, Wazzu. Ugh.

And for the top 25:

Oklahoma (5-0)
Louisiana State (4-0)
Texas (5-0)
Alabama (6-0)
Missouri (5-0)
Penn State (6-0)
Brigham Young (5-0)
Texas Tech (5-0)
USC (3-1)
Georgia (4-1)
Florida (4-1)
Vanderbilt (5-0)
Ohio State (5-1)
Utah (6-0)
Kansas (4-1)
Boise State (4-0)
South Florida (5-1)
Auburn (4-2)
Tulsa (5-0)
Ball State (6-0)
Northwestern (5-0)
Oklahoma State (5-0)
Virginia Tech (5-1)
Michigan State (5-1)
Wake Forest (3-1)

Sleep walking in Corvalis

2008-09-28T02:15:00.000-07:00

So this isn't the first time that USC has lost. But this was the most shocking. A lot of people have said that the only team the Trojans would lose to is themselves. But on Thursday night, Oregon State took USC to the woodshed in a way that no team has since Pete Carroll's first year. The Beavers dominated both sides of the ball, creating huge holes for Jacquizz Rodgers to run through while forcing Mark Sanchez to throw under pressure and prevent USC from getting any momentum going with the run game. Usually USC loses because of turnovers and dumb penalties. This time, it was just being outcoached. The Trojans made no adjustments on defense to stop the Beavers' run game and could not get pressure on Oregon State QB Lyle Moevao all night. Oh well, so much for National Championship aspirations. There's no way a one loss USC team (best case scenario, mind you) goes to Miami over even a two loss SEC or Big 12 team. Those leagues are stacked right now. Anyway, here's thand e weekly Pac-10 rankings:

USC (2-1, 0-1) - They are still the best team in the conference, talentwise. There's no way the Trojans should have been pushed around like they were in Corvalis. Hopefully they can get back on track against Oregon and their 11th string QB. Carroll always says the Rose Bowl is USC's goal every year, but this seemed like the year like the Trojans were going to run the table.
California (3-1, 1-0) - Cal rebounded well against Colorado State and looks to be back on the right track. If they beat Arizona State next week, they should be back in the driver's seat for the conference title.
Oregon (4-1, 2-0) - Yeah, they beat up Wazzu today, but USC should be fired up for the game next week in the Coliseum. Oregon should be ranked after all of the upsets today, and having their 5th string QB in there should help them as the Trojans will probably be a little more relaxed and not able to gameplan for him as much. Seriously, the Ducks do have a good chance of being the first team in a while to knock off USC in two consecutive years.
Arizona (3-1, 1-0) - Drops a spot due to the bye and Oregon dominating Wazzu. But they should get win #4 next week against Washington and will be well on their way to being bowl bound.
Stanford (3-2, 2-1) - Riding high into their game against Notre Dame next week. Good win over a Washington team that desperately needed to get one.
Oregon State (2-2, 1-1) - Hopefully the Beavers can carry the momentum of the upset to finish strong again this year. Though huge letdown game against Utah looms on Thursday again.
Arizona State (2-2, 1-0) - Two game losing streak doesn't bode well, and neither does a road trip to Berekely.
UCLA (1-3, 0-1) - Fresno State made the Bruins pay for their fumble in the red zone, as after recovering the fumble, the Bulldogs never gave the ball back.UCLA continues to look scrappy, and if they are within striking distance in the fourth quarter, they are a very dangerous team. UCLA should close their three game homestand with a win over Wazzu, but the Bruins also shouldn't have beaten Tennessee or lost by 59 to BYU, so we'll see what happens.
Washington (0-4, 0-2) - The Cougs may have a win, but at least the Huskies are, for the most part, competitive in all of their games. Though it is hard to find a game where Washington will be favored to win the rest of the season.
Washington State (1-4, 0-2) - The Portland State game got them in the win column, but Wazzu has lost their four games by an average of 41.2 points per game, with the big ones coming in Pac-10 play. Ouch.

And the reshuffled top 25...

Oklahoma (4-0)
Louisiana State (4-0)
Alabama (5-0)
Texas (4-0)
Missouri (4-0)
Penn State (5-0)
Brigham Young (4-0)
South Florida (5-0)
Texas Tech (4-0)
Georgia (4-1)
Florida (3-1)
USC (2-1)
Auburn (4-1)
Ohio State (4-1)
Utah (5-0)
Kansas (3-1)
Vanderbilt (4-0)
Wisconsin (3-1)
Connecticut (5-0)
Boise State (3-0)
Oregon (4-1)
Tulsa (4-0)
Ball State (5-0)
Northwestern (5-0)
Wake Forest (3-1)

Pac-10 Ratings - Week 4

2008-09-21T01:49:00.000-07:00

Another banner week for the Pac-10 (ugh). At least we weren't swept by the WAC this week (thank you Stanford....), and no one was expecting much from Arizona State after the egg they laid against UNLV. Oregon's loss was unexpected, only because the Ducks rarely lose in Autzen Stadium. Anyway, here are the rankings:

USC (2-0 overall, 0-0 Pac-10) - The Trojans had a bye this week, but they need to stay focused as they enter Pac-10 play on Thursday at Oregon State. USC does not have a good history of Pac-10 road openers (2002: L @ Wazzu, 2003: L @ Cal, 2004: W @ Stanford 31-28, 2005: W @ Oregon 45 13, but trailed 13-0, 2006: W @ Wazzu 28-22, 2007: W @ Washington 27-24). USC may be the only team from the Pac-10 ranked when the polls are released tomorrow.
California (2-1, 1-0) - Why the jump over Oregon? The Ducks showed that they will struggle with their top QBs being injured. Cal had a misstep at Maryland last week, but they should regroup against Colorado State this week, then host a downtrodden Sun Devil squad. THe Golden Bears look to be the second best team in the Pac-10, which isn't saying much...
Arizona (3-1, 1-0) - A misstep by Arizona on Black Saturday (last Saturday...) prevents them from being #2 in the conference, though beating UCLA isn't something to write home about these days. The Wildcats are in good shape to be 5-1 heading into a key matchup against Cal on October 18th before hosting USC the following weekend. A split of these games would be huge for the program, but becoming bowl-eligible, which they should, would be a giant leap for Arizona and provide some job security for Mike Stoops.
Oregon (3-1, 1-0) - Leaky defense against Boise State. Down to fourth string QB. Things aren't looking good for the Ducks right now. At least they made the game against the Broncos respectable, but they must avoid any injuries against Washington State next week if they want to have any hope against USC, unless the Trojans are looking ahead to Miami, which they shouldn't, especially after Oregon toppled USC in Eugene last year.
Arizona State (2-2, 1-0) - The Sun Devils should still compete for the Pac-10 Championship. It's just that right now, they do not look like the 10 win team from a year ago. Big game at Cal in a couple of weeks to help ASU get back on track, but after losing two straight and unable to live up to the hype, the Sun Devils need to refocus, as things get harder (Cal, USC, Oregon) before they get easier.
Stanford (2-2, 1-1) - Stanford really is the 6th best team in this conference... Ugh. Oregon State is probably better than the Cardinal, but the Beavers need to show something before they can be bumped up here. Sluggish win over San Jose State keeps the Farm in the six spot, but its more by default than anything that they are ranked this high. If Stanford can beat Notre Dame next week, the momentum will be huge for them the rest of the way.
Oregon State (1-2, 0-1) - Only because UCLA is looking worse by the week. Though the Beavers have two tough tests in the next two weeks against USC and Utah, both Thursday games.
UCLA (1-2, 0-1) - That Tennessee game is becoming a distant memory. And also a bookmark for the last time UCLA scored an offensive touchdown. Ouch. Good news is that you can get tickets to the next Bruin game for only $10. Odds are the next game will be against their fourth straight ranked OOC opponent (BYU in Las Vegas Bowl, Tennessee, BYU, Fresno State). After a heartbreaking loss to Wisconsin, and a brawl against Toledo tonight, the Bulldogs will probably look to work some kinks out against the poor Bruins. 4-8 looks like the best case scenario for Rick Neuheisel right about now.
Washington State (1-3, 0-1) - Took care of business against Portland State. Now look for their second win to come somewhere between Hawaii and the end of next year.
Washington (0-3, 0-1) - The Dawgs need a win over Stanford, cause wins are going to be hard to come by for Washington the rest of the way.

And for the top 25...

USC (2-0)
Oklahoma (3-0)
Florida (3-0)
Georgia (4-0)
Louisiana State (3-0)
Missouri (4-0)
Texas (3-0)
Alabama (4-0)
Wisconsin (3-0)
Brigham Young (4-0)
South Florida (4-0)
Texas Tech (4-0)
Penn State (4-0)
Auburn (3-1)
Ohio State (3-1)
Wake Forest (3-0)
Utah (4-0)
Kansas (3-1)
Vanderbilt (4-0)
Texas Christian (4-0)
Clemson (3-1)
Boise State (3-0)
Connecticut (4-0)
Tulsa (3-0)
Oregon (3-1)

3 SEC teams in the Top 5? Whoa...

Pac-10 Ratings/Rumblings

2008-09-14T17:24:00.000-07:00

Whoa, the Pac-10 can thank USC (and Oregon to some extent) for defending the pride of the conference. After a decent start in out of conference play, the Pac-10 got blistered by the Mountain West conference. Ugh. Here's the rundown of the conference ratings (not standings since 3 teams still haven't played their first conference game yet:

USC (2-0 overall, 0-0 Pac-10) - Obviously. Ohio State may not be an elite team when playing outside of the Big Ten, but they are still a big time opponent. And the Trojans' 35-3 drubbing of a team that played in the last two BCS championship games and returned over 20 starters from last year's team is quite a statement. You can say the Buckeyes play in a "weak" conference but remember, USC's losses in the past two years have been to teams that were double digit underdogs. Saturday's win, coupled with a blowout on the road of Virginia keeps the Trojans at the top. The Trojans play Oregon State in a Thursday game, and USC always seems to have trouble in Pac-10 road openers, so they must remain focused, even against a down Oregon State squad.
Oregon (3-0, 1-0) - The only other undefeated team after the dust settled in Week 3, though it took two overtimes for the Ducks to hold off a mid-level Big Ten team. And now, Oregon is on their third starting quarterback heading into a home game against the tricky Broncos of Boise State. After facing their only test of the season so far, it's safe to say to jury's still out on the Ducks, even after blowout wins over Washington and Utah State. If they get past the Broncos, the Ducks will likely be 5-0 heading into their game at USC.
California (2-1, 1-0) - Here's where it gets tough in the rankings. The Golden Bears started off the season with a solid win over Michigan State and a 66-3 drubbing of Washington State. RB Jahvid Best was creating Heisman hype. Then Maryland happened. The Terps were in the opposite direction of Cal, with a 7 point win over FCS Delaware and a loss to Middle Tennessee State from the Sun Belt. But the Terps jumped on the Bears, and Cal tried valiantly to make a comeback, but fell short. It goes to show that it's always tough to win on the road, especially on the East Coast, and Maryland is technically a BCS team, so I expect the Golden Bears to rebound against Colorado State in a couple of weeks before hosting Arizona State in a game which looked promising before Saturday.
Arizona (2-1, 0-0) - Well it was between the Wildcats and Sun Devils. Arizona State is the better team, but had a much worse loss, even though losing to New Mexico isn't something to be proud of either. One of four teams to lose to a MWC foe this week, Arizona clearly could not break the glass ceiling of being a bowl-worthy team. The Wildcats smacked Idaho 70-0 in week one, then beat Toledo 41-16, and was looking to avenge last season's loss to the Lobos to become 3-0 heading into conference play. But no dice. Arizona couldn't live up to the expectations of being the chic pick to win the Pac-10, as a win against New Mexico likely would have put them at #2 in the standings this week. They open Pac-10 play against UCLA next week and could still be 5-1 entering their game against California.
Arizona State (2-1, 1-0) - Ugh, they looked flat the entire game. A lot of times when a ranked opponent plays sluggish against an inferior opponent, you always expect the ranked team to pull it out. But UNLV made the big plays late against Arizona State, and took a lot of luster from the Sun Devils' game against Georgia next week. But Arizona State has no one to blame but themselves. The Devils did not look sharp against Northern Arizona in week 1, and took a while to put a scrappy Stanford squad away. But this week, they allowed the Rebels to stay close late in the game, keeping the door open for the upset, and that's exactly what happened. After this tough loss, hard to see the Sun Devils' defending Pac-10 pride against Georgia next week. Things get slightly easier at Cal two weeks after that, then a visit to the Coliseum. Watch out for a 2-4 start for the Devils...
Stanford (1-2, 1-1) - At least they haven't lost by 59 points this season.... yet. Though they had no business beating Oregon State in week 1, and they were expected to lose to Arizona State and TCU. A win next week over San Jose State (please Stanford...), and if they can beat the Huskies, the Cardinal should be in good shape for their game against Notre Dame, who still isn't impressing me.
UCLA (1-1, 0-0) - That win over Tennessee got wiped out and forgotten about after a 59-0 blowout to BYU. Not saying that the Cougars are a bad team, just saying that UCLA played the worst game possible... and I didn't even watch the game! (Versus...) No one was expecting UCLA to win this game, but no one expected Neuheisel, Walker, and Chow to produce the worst loss in almost 80 years for UCLA either. The best thing the Bruins can do is forget about this game and move on, as they host an Arizona team looking to rebound from a tough loss as well, then they host the scrappy Fresno State Bulldogs, who are always looking for a fight...
Oregon State (1-2, 0-1) - The Beavers should have taken care of business against Stanford to open the season. Now they're staring down a 1-5 start to the season, which would make their trademark strong finishes to the season null and void. Back to back Thursday games against ranked teams (USC and Utah) do not bode well, but at least they handled Hawaii to avoid a potential 0-6 start heading into a game against the Washington schools. Hopefully they can catch the Trojans and Utes looking ahead. That's the only chance they have.
Washington (0-3, 0-1) - Well both Washington schools are 0-3. But at least the Huskies have something to complain about. Or excuses. Oregon is right now the second best team in the conference. The referees prevented Washington from at least a shot in overtime against BYU. Oklahoma is that good. Wazzu lost to Oklahoma State (< Oklahoma), California (< Oregon), and Baylor (<< BYU). The Huskies might have a chance against Stanford in two weeks, and they avoid the big boys in the Pac-1o til the tail end of the season, so UW might have a chance to string together some wins before Notre Dame, USC, Arizona State, and UCLA in a four game stretch.
Washington State (0-3, 0-1) - This was easy. At least the Huskies were close against BYU. But the Cougs have been outmatched and outclassed in all of their games this season. Losing by 63 points doesn't help either. If Washington State does not beat Portland State next week, they may not win a game til the Apple Cup or the season finale at Hawaii.

Ugh... My Top 25 after Week 3 (I told myself I was going to wait after Week 4, but oh well...):

USC (2-0)
Oklahoma (3-0)
Missouri (3-0)
Georgia (3-0)
Florida (2-0)
Texas (2-0)
Wisconsin (3-0)
Louisiana State (2-0)
Alabama (3-0)
South Florida (3-0)
Auburn (3-0)
Texas Tech (3-0)
Brigham Young (3-0)
East Carolina (3-0)
Ohio State (2-1)
Penn State (3-0)
Oregon (3-0)
Utah (3-0)
Wake Forest (2-0)
Kansas (2-1)
Vanderbilt (3-0)
Texas Christian (3-0)
Clemson (2-1)
West Virginia (1-1)
Fresno State (1-1)

Stuck between a rock and a hard place...

2008-05-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

No one reads these right?

*Crickets...

Hello?

Nobody?

Good. Cause I don't know who to talk to about this. Maybe if someone wants to step up and offer some help, that'd be great. Can't be anyone though, as I'm really conflicted right now... I can't even say what it's about. I've never been in this situation before, and I feel like I need to seek an outside opinion on it. Bleh. Argh. awdfawrgafasd. I mean its a pretty messed up situation, and I'm the only one who knows how really complicated it is. I haven't told anyone this, I haven't even spoken aloud to myself about it, but it's lingering around like a stale fart. So I guess this is sort of a cry for help (don't worry, I'm not in any danger or anything...) but there's so much on my mind right now that I need to rehash/debrief/unwind with someone else...

I need a hug...

There can only be one...

2008-05-08T21:57:00.000-07:00

The NBA Playoffs! Where amazing happens... sure.

Western Conference 1st Round
Los Angeles Lakers 4, Denver Nuggets 0

Derek Fisher (Lakers) and Marcus Camby (Nuggets)

New Orleans Hornets 4, Dallas Mavericks 1

Jason Kidd (Mavericks) and Chris Paul (Hornets)

San Antonio Spurs 4, Phoenix Suns 1

Manu Ginobili (Spurs) and Steve Nash (Suns)

Utah Jazz 4, Houston Rockets 2

Tracy McGrady (Rockets) and Carlos Boozer (Jazz)

Eastern Conference 1st Round
Boston Celtics 4, Atlanta Hawks 3

Paul Pierce (Celtics) and Mike Bibby (Hawks)

Detroit Pistons 4, Philadelphia 76ers 2

Andre Iguodala (76ers) and Richard Hamilton (Pistons)

Orlando Magic 4, Toronto Raptors 1

Dwight Howard (Magic) and Chris Bosh (Raptors)

Cleveland Cavaliers 4, Washington Wizards 2

Antwan Jamison (Wizards) and Ben Wallace (Cavaliers)

Western Conference Semi-Finals
Los Angeles Lakers 4, Utah Jazz 2

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) and Carlos Boozer (Jazz)

San Antonio Spurs 4, New Orleans Hornets 3

Tony Parker (Spurs) and Peja Stojakovic (Hornets)

Eastern Conference Semi-Finals
Boston Celtics 4, Cleveland Cavaliers 3

Kevin Garnett (Celtics) and LeBron James (Cavaliers)

Detroit Pistons 4, Orlando Magic 1

Dwight Howard (Magic) and Chauncey Billups (Pistons)

Western Conference Finals
Los Angeles Lakers 1, San Antonio Spurs 0

Kobe Bryant (Lakers) and Tim Duncan (Spurs)

Eastern Conference Finals
Boston Celtics 1, Detroit Pistons 1

Kevin Garnett (Celtics) and Chauncey Billups (Pistons)

...all building up to:

You Don't Mess with the Zohan vs. Baron Davis

This weekend by the numbers

2008-05-04T21:38:00.000-07:00

423 - times Brett and Brandon tried to get me in an accident on the way to the Block at Orange
$23.99 - money spent on dinner and $20 on a Dave and Busters card
1 - epic games of Skeeball played (see below)
1 - orange friendship bracelet redeemed from the ticket store (not gay at all...)
$12.50 - money spent on Iron Man, well worth it
1:00am - time arrived back home after the movie
$23 - money spent on a ticket to Six Flags Magic Mountain
6 - roller coasters rode at Six Flags
1 - set of cat ears won for finishing third in a carnival game
1 - awesome lemur won for winning a whack-a-mole game
100 - top speed hit on the 405 on the way back home
2:30am - time arrived back home after Six Flags
10:00am - time met up for the Society of Aerospace Professionals (SOAP) Pub Crawl
10:30am - time started the crawl
$16 - money spent to register for the crawl (to receive and awesome shirt, badge holder, and sharpie...)
4 - number of pubs we made it to (out of 6)
4 - number of people who started off in our group
2 - number of people who failed to make it to the end
542 - number of times Brett called someone a communist while drunk
1 - number of times one of us threw up in a urinal
6 - number of drinks I had (not including beer)
0 - number of drinks I had before this weekend (not including beer)
4 - games of flip-cup played
0 - games of flip-cup played before this weekend....
1 - long, but awesome weekend all around...

Oh, and that game of Skeeball, where Brandon, Brett, and I played, with second place having to consume one drink and third drinking two. We were going at our own pace until Brandon and I had rolled 8 out of 9 balls, each with a score of 200. Brett was far behind after 7 balls, with a score of 130. On his seventh, Brett rolled a 10, giving him 140 after 8 balls. In this skeeball setup, you could score 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, or 100 on any roll, meaning Brett had to roll a 100 to put pressure on Brandon and me. And what do you know, he got to the 100 point hole in the left corner, giving him a total of 240.

Brandon rolled his 9th ball first, scoring 40 points to tie with Brett. But on my final roll, I hit the 50 point hole at the top to claim first! The final scores were:

Shawn 250, Brandon 240, Brett 240

Booya! Brandon and Brett had a roll off to see who finished second, which Brett did. Yeah, it may seem like a lame story, but if you were there, it was totally an epic game.

A question....

2008-04-11T22:58:00.000-07:00

well, what do you do when you want something that you can't have? Whether its a new computer, a video game, a girl... what do you do? I think I'm kind of stuck in that situation... and it sucks. A lot.

Finally got that car though... and hopefully moving out of my roach infested apartment soon. Maybe some pictures of the car and all the sporting events I've been to since February 29th. Here's the list:

New Orleans Voodoo vs. Los Angeles Avengers (AFL)
UCLA Bruins vs. USC Trojans (NCAA Baseball)
Stanford Cardinal vs. USC Trojans (NCAA Basketball)
UCLA Bruins vs. USC Trojans (Pac-10 Tournament Semi-Finals)
Boston Red Sox vs. Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB Exhibition @ Los Angeles Coliseum)
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)

It's March Madness!

2008-03-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

And the Trojans are matched up against the Kansas State Wildcats of the Big 12 Conference. What happened to the BCS schools being matched up against mid-majors in the first round of the NCAA tourney? Two years running, though it's hard to argue with the results from last year, where USC played three BCS schools, including Texas and player of the year Kevin Durant and top seeded North Carolina. This year, the Trojans open up with player of the year candidate, freshman Michael Beasley:

One of his teammates, redshirt freshman Bill Walker, shown below, is one of O.J. Mayo's good friends.

Here are the Wildcat team stats from ESPN.com:
Name - Position - Points - Rebounds - Assists

Michael Beasley	F	26.5	12.4	1.2
Bill Walker	F	15.8	6.4	2.0
Jacob Pullen	G	9.8	1.4	3.2
Clent Stewart	G	7.0	3.1	3.2
Blake Young	G	6.1	3.5	1.9
Fred Brown	G	4.2	1.3	0.7
Andre Gilbert	F	4.2	2.6	1.7
Dominique Sutton	F	3.2	2.5	0.6
Ron Anderson	F	3.1	3.5	0.5
Darren Kent	F	2.5	2.4	1.3
Luis Colon	F	1.2	1.1	0.2
James Franklin	G	0.6	0.7	0.6
Chris Merriewether	G	0.6	0.9	0.8

which knowing USC Coach Tim Floyd, we'll be seeing a lot of triangle & 2 defense on Thursday, with G Daniel Hackett probably getting the tougher draw in Beasley with Mayo defending Walker. Hackett had a similar assignment last year against Texas, where he "held" Durant to a "quiet" 30 points, but Beasley may be a harder matchup for the Italian Stallion, who is only 6-5 whereas Beasley checks in at 6-10. If Hackett can do the same job against Beasley as he did on Durant, SC should have a lot of success, especially since Kansas State doesn't have a lot of options outside of Beasley and Walker. Beasley is adept from 3-point range, shooting at a 39% clip, and he also leads the team in rebounding. This should be the most obvious use of the triangle & 2 for Floyd, so he might change up the defense considering that the Wildcats have a few days to prepare for it.

On offense, it's all about balance. Mayo can't score over 30 points if the Trojans want to be successful, as USC needs contributions from Davon Jefferson, Taj Gibson, Dwight Lewis, and any effort off the bench. Gibson can't lay an egg in this one, he needs at least 15 points and 8 rebounds to be a force, though he should expect double teams down low. Here's where Jefferson steps in. He can't hang out at the three point line, instead he needs to establish himself down low to give USC two options in the post and keep the double teams off of Gibson. If Lewis can continue his drives into the paint and hit the occasional jumper, he'll be doing his part. Hackett should concentrate on defending Beasley. And any effort off the bench, whether it be key minutes from Angelo Johnson spelling Hackett or Lewis, and Keith Wilkinson giving Gibson and Jefferson a quick breather while hitting outside shots and grabbing defensive rebounds, will be a plus. USC can't win if only four guys are contributing, no matter how Mayo is performing. If all seven guys can help out, SC should win this one and move on to the second round.

It's all about how the teams finished. USC finished the season winning 6 of their last 7 before their loss to UCLA in the Pac-10 tourney, and went 12-5 in their last 17 games. Kansas State finished 3-6 to end the regular season. All season long, the Wildcats were pretty inconsistent, going from a high of upsetting Kansas on January 30th to dropping the next game to lowly Missouri. Here's a comparison of the two teams:

Kansas State (20-11, 10-6 Big 12)
Key wins: Oklahoma, Kansas (Big 12 Champs), Texas A&M
Key losses: George Mason (Colonial Champs), Oregon, Notre Dame, Xavier, Missouri, Texas

USC (21-11, 11-7 Pac-10)
Key wins: San Diego (WCC Champs), Oklahoma, UCLA (Pac-10 Champs, #1 seed), Stanford
Key losses: Mercer, Kansas (Big 12 Champs, #1 seed), Memphis (C-USA Champs, #1 seed), UCLA (Pac-10 Champs, #1 seed)

Anyway... maybe more later... but my pick to win it all? UCLA, ugh...

USC fans suck...

2008-03-15T23:09:00.000-07:00

First time at a USC-UCLA basketball game yesterday for the Pac-10 tournament semi-finals at Staples Center. Have to say, USC fans are TERRIBLE compared to UCLA fans. I first noticed this trend at a USC-UCLA baseball game a couple of weeks back, where their fans were fired up for the game, which was even more impressive since the game was at Dedeaux Field, the Trojans home field. Anyway, at a "neutral" Staples Center, USC fans were outnumbered 65-30, with the last 5 probably being Wazzu or Stanford fans for the following game. But even with the modest number of fans, it was hard to tell we were even there. UCLA fans, I'll give it up to you guys, you were into the game. Even in the first half, where USC dominated, you still did the eight-clap and UCLA spellout while the band played Sons of Westwood and the other song you stole from Cal. Meanwhile, we Trojan fans sat on our hands, cheering once for big plays while our band refused to play Fight On. It sucked.

SoCal Spellout

We Are SC!

Now I'm no spirit leader, but a response to the Bruin eight-clap would have been more SoCal spellouts or a We Are SC chant, even though that's supposed to be reserved for when we're leading at the end of games, but in an environment like last night, in a neutral arena, we needed to be heard. Every time UCLA fans finished their eight-clap, USC fans should have been right there with a Socal spellout or We Are SC chants. Instead, our lame ass response is to add "sucks" whenever the Bruin fans yelled UCLA. Pretty embarrassing. I think we did the SoCal spellout twice all night. Brutal. Screw saving "We are SC" for the end of games, if the team needs a rallying cry, that's it! The band yells "Go SC" all game long, and "U-S-C" is too short, but "We are SC" is perfect. That's what the SC faithful should have done instead of saying "sucks" after Bruin fans said UCLA. I hate Trojan fans...

It's not completely our fault though, as the USC band needs to play Fight On more often. I think they played it three times all game, once when the team came onto the court before the game, once when they came back from halftime, and when there were a few minutes left in the game. Weak sauce. I think the Bruin band played the Cal fight song several times, especially during their key 15-2 run to start the second half, The Trojan band response to our eight point lead in the first half? "All Right Now"? WEAK. If the band can play Fight On over 30 times during a football game, why can't we hear it more than 3 times during a basketball game? And what happened to playing Conquest? It's our freaking battle cry, and we don't get it before basketball games? That's the best part of the pregame routine in football, yet its nowhere to be heard in basketball? What the heck?

While I hate UCLA in general, I do like their fans. They care about ALL of their sports teams, not just the successful ones. They show up to baseball, basketball, football, volleyball in decent numbers compared to SC fans, who are truly bandwagoners. At least most are. I don't really consider myself a bandwagon fan, even though I did start enjoying USC when the football team won the national championship in 2003. Which, coincidently, was my freshman year here. Now while I haven't been to a whole lot of other USC sporting events, I do root for USC when I get a chance to. Freshman year, I went to the USC-Arizona basketball game when Desmon Farmar scored 40 as the Trojans upset a top-10 Wildcat team. I was there the following game when SC lost to lowly Arizona State, but I was there, even though it was quite a trek to get to the Sports Arena. My sophomore year, I went to two road football games. The first was a close one, where the Trojans rallied from a 11 point halftime deficient to win 31-28 against Stanford. The second was another close one, a 29-24 win over UCLA for a trip to the Orange Bowl, where USC won their second national championship in football. When I was in Hawaii for Winter Break, I went to the Rainbow Classic championship, where USC fell to Hawaii 81-78 under interim coach Jim Saia. I also went to a volleyball game between Hawaii and USC that year, though skipped out on basketball cause I lived sooo far away from the Sports Arena that year. Junior year, I went to the epic Rose Bowl game between USC and Texas. Senior year, I was there for the 13-9 debacle against UCLA at the Rose Bowl, as well as going to a handful of basketball games at the Galen Center. And this year, I traveled to Berkeley for the weekender game against Cal, and have gone to several basketball games and my first USC baseball game. This is on top of being at 30 consecutive home football games during my 5 years at USC. So me a bandwagoner? Hardly...

Sports Guy (Bill Simmons) Cartoon

2008-03-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

Should be studying, but instead, here's a bunch of Sports Guy cartoons to hold me(you) over...

The Christies

The Big Unit

21 Under

Tailgate

Cell Phone

The Dragon Lady

Smells Like Team Spirit

Gang Tackle

Train Wreck

Hay Fever

Lottery Ticket

Face Off

Halftime Show

Never Happened

The Shoe

Down Goes Brady

Christmas Day

Sunday Morning

The Juice

Tennis Ball

Videos courtesy of uva3021 on youtube: http://youtube.com/profile?user=uva3021

Paul Ogata

2008-02-17T14:48:00.000-08:00

Comedian from Hawaii living in LA these days...

Russell Peters

2008-02-17T13:02:00.000-08:00

Great show last night, he went a strong 2+ hours at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. Here are some clips of his on youtube...

The 45 minutes that made him famous

Some highlights from his Outsourced DVD...

More later?

Kina Grannis, the new Michelle Branch?

2008-02-08T12:37:00.000-08:00

You decide... I hope Kina doesn't mind, though go to her Myspace page for more info on her:

http://www.myspace.com/kinagrannis

Message From Your Heart

Good Day LA Appearance

Cambridge

Gotta Digg

Down and Gone (The Blue Song)

Ours to Keep

Bubbly (Colbie Caillat cover)

People

Strong Enough

Breathe Honesty

Stay Just a Little

These Magnet Hearts

After an Afternoon (Jason Mraz Cover)

I'll Be (Edwin McCain Cover)

Too Soon

20,000 Seconds (K's Choice Cover)

Memory

Try

Goodnight

There's a lot more out there... check her out. Fight on Kina!

Giants upset Pats in Super Bowl XLII

2008-02-03T21:04:00.000-08:00

Well, after combining for 10 points through three quarters, New England and Jersey/A put on a hell of a fourth quarter. Giants QB Eli Manning, the MVP, threw for two touchdowns in the final frame as the New York defense held Patriots QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss in check all game. Giants rookie WR Steve Smith had a huge game, with 5 catches for 50 yards, though he did have a drop which led to a Pats interception. Here's Steve's game in pictures...

Former USC QB Matt Cassel warming up before the game.

Smith with a catch in the first quarter.

Smith making a key reception on the game's final drive.

Smith being showered with confetti after the game.

Smith celebrating with fans after the game.

But the best part of the big game is the commercials, right? Here are the ones I enjoyed/remembered:

USC '07 grad Kina Grannis won a Doritos competition to have her music featured between the first and second quarters of the game, and boy she didn't disappoint. Probably didn't hurt that she's really cute too. Fight on Kina!

Diet Pepsi Max ad featuring "What is Love" by Haddaway. Great to still see Chris Kattan getting some work in...

I kinda enjoyed this one too...lol Tony Romo and Justin Timberlake hitting on some high school girl ("Hey." "Hey you...").

The worst? Probably those Sales Genie ones. Those weren't totally racist...

Time for some reflection...

2008-01-28T18:11:00.000-08:00

January 28th... its the day that my grandfather and one of my closest friends died. Not saying that I wasn't close to my grandpa, but the death of my friend probably hit me harder because of the circumstances around his passing. My grandpa was always in and out of the hospital for various bypasses and other stuff, plus he had lived a long life. He had a stroke on January 21st, 2003, which put him in a week long coma from which he would never wake from. He was removed from live support on January 28th, 2003, and that time of my life was really hard. College applications, recruiting trips, band rehearsals, and varsity basketball were all on my plate, not to mention finishing up my senior year, then that had to happen. But the worse part was that I had a feeling he would pass on the 28th, even as machines were keeping him alive for about a week. See, the year before, we got terrible news that I think changed all of my classmates lives forever.

January 27th, 2002, in the middle of basketball season, running around preparing for college entrance exams, sectionals for band, and of course basketball. It was probably the last day I lived without a feeling of regret. Before that, Greg Gaines had become a pretty close friend of mine. We shared a lot of common interests, the biggest probably being professional wrestling. He was one of the few people I could talk to about wrestling with out getting weird reactions from. He also enjoyed playing Pokemon, something I would pick up at the waaayy too old age of 17 and still played somewhat in college. We were both in band, he played the clarinet, while I was on the trombone. I believe 2001-02 was the first year that he was in Symphonic Band, the A-band of our school, which mean grueling 6-8pm rehearsals, which really put a grind on some of us who just had sports practices from 4-6pm. I remember helping him with his bow tie, it was such a struggle to put on, as his dress shirt collar didn't flip up, rather there were loops in the collar to thread the tie through. But we used to ride the bus home together. Sure, I would take a side track on the same bus he rode just to have someone to talk to, and funny, he was probably the last constant companion I've had on the bus. But we'd talk and enjoy the 20 minute ride from UH Manoa to Ala Moana, where I'd get off and continue on to Waikiki from there while he'd stay on until the bus reached Downtown. I remember he wanted to go to Wake Forest to golf, which many of us thought was a weird choice of school, if only because most of us had not made up our minds on what school to attend, me included. But that day, the 27th, I was late for basketball practice for some reason, probably because I was on the yearbook committee, and I was in such a rush, that I had noticed Greg returning to campus as I was headed for the gym, but did not acknowledge him or say hi or anything. I figured I'd see him the next day. Oh boy...

One of the girls came running into our class the next day, crying about something. The guys figured she was having some kind of boy problems. Well in a way, she was, and so were we. Death is a hard time to handle, whether you are 17 to 70. It's probably easier to face death when it's expected, like in the case with my grandpa, as it seemed to finally be his time to go. But death is unexpected when it happens to a high school junior. It was even more shocking to hear that he had jumped out of his apartment window. To this day, I don't know the entire story of why he did it. It's still hard for me to wrap my mind around that. He didn't seem like the type of person to do that. And I still think, maybe if I had said hi to him the day before. If I had given him a hug once in his life. If I could have been nicer to him. If I could have helped him. Maybe he'd still be here today, maybe playing golf, which was his passion. Maybe he would have went to Wake Forest or another great university and have a great job. Maybe he would be living a great, happy life with someone who he loves and loves him in return.

I don't think I handled his death properly. Then again, I hadn't faced death with a person so close to me yet. Sure, older relatives had passed away, but I always figured it was their time. But at the time, he was probably the closest thing I had to a best friend. And now, I don't know if there's anyone I know who I can call a best friend or who could do the same in return. I remember we used to do Secret Santa for Christmas gifts, and by some luck, we drew each other and he gave me a wrestling calendar while I gave him a couple of wrestling figurines. But I like to remember that I hung out with him a lot at the university Campus Center and the arcade. I didn't go to his home or anything, don't get me wrong, I hadn't been to many of my friend's homes at all. But ever since, I don't think I ever really got close with one or two people, rather I have a lot of acquaintances that I know and can talk to. But there isn't that one person I can really trust with my feelings and I can be really truthful with.

I've been thinking about this question for a while as I see some of my high school classmates having children while others are married. If you had to choose, would you rather be wealthy and have a great job or be with someone who unconditionally loves you? I'm not saying in either position, but I do enjoy my job, probably for the people that I work over the kind of work I do, while I still haven't found a girl in the right situation. Every time I think I'm close, something comes in the way, work, other commitments, etc. Two people on my project are not married and they seem fairly old. I know I'm only 23, but I do not want to end up like them. They may live wonderful lives, but me, I feel like I need to share my life with someone else. Even right now, I feel pretty lonely in my apartment, with no one I know within a 10 mile radius of me. Sometimes I wonder if I'll ever find the right one. I felt like I have several times, but it has never panned out. Maybe I need to change my life, and do it fast. Then again, I don't know how to go out and meet people outside of work and school. I've never figured it out, like how all of the girls in high school had a boyfriend not in our class, yet the guys were stuck out of luck. Hmm, maybe I need to have a conversation with someone about this. But again, who do I go to with questions like this? It's a vicious cycle that can't seem to be broken.

I also need to stop building up some girls only to be shot down. Well, not really shot down, just either I run out of time or something better comes along (to them, not to me). I admit, I was intimidated by girls before. Now, not so much, but the more I talk to one, the closer I feel to them, and soon I get attached. Then all I think about is spending more time with the girl, though now if that thought pops into my mind, I try to quickly squash it, knowing its not going to pan out into anything that I imagine. I try to be around the girl as much as possible, but now again, I've learned to stop obsessing with being around her and try to just let things happen. I don't want to go into the specifics, but my mind has not been on work at work recently, just on someone else. It's hard to concentrate sometimes, and I have to go for a walk just to clear my mind.

Well, that was quite a sidetrack. I just needed to vent/release some stress, and I feel like writing is the best way to do it. Blogging allows me to see and reflect from wherever I have internet access, as I can't write by hand, my penmanship is terrible. It doesn't matter, no one reads this anyway. What do I need? I need a nice long hug...

Lindsay Soto!

2008-01-28T00:16:00.000-08:00

Um, yeah, my (unhealthy) obsession with Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket anchor/reporter Lindsay Soto...

Just like football!

2008-01-27T22:51:00.000-08:00

Well, USC can say that in all sports against UCLA so far this year. In fact, USC has either won or split the season series with UCLA in all head-to-head sports so far this year. USC is also the first school to have won a Women's national championship in soccer, reach the final four in Women's volleyball, and for the football team to play in a BCS game. The Trojans have a dominating 37.5-10 lead over the Westwood Bruins after sweeping them in basketball last weekend. It was a great win by the men's team, who somehow pulled away from UCLA in the final minutes with a 9-0 run, capped by Davon Jefferson posterizing Kevin Love for a three point play:

Here's the clip:

USC has rolled off four straight wins after a dismal 0-3 start in conference play. The team looks a lot more confident, with O.J. Mayo not jacking up wild shots, Daniel Hackett as the glue of the offense, Taj Gibson staying out of foul trouble, Dwight Lewis stepping up on the offensive end, and Davon Jefferson growing out of Mayo's shadow. The only worry about the team is the same that I had last year, the lack of depth, which really shone bright in the North Carolina game, when Gibson picked up his fourth foul, the Tar Heels took the game over. This year, Coach Tim Floyd is constantly using 7-8 players per game, with the starters playing at least 30 minutes per game, with Mayo closer to 36. It's not really Floyd's fault; Kyle Austin started the season opener before transferring, Kasey Cunningham played with some promise before going down for the season with an injury, Mamadou Diarra looks like another stiff, or a homeless man's Abdoulaye N'diaye, Keith Wilkinson is a poor man's Rory O'Neill, and RouSean Cromwell scoring 0.7 points per game. Angelo Johnson is the only one off the bench that has played in every game and is in for more than 20 minutes per game. Wilkinson is the only reliable post player off the bench, but that's not saying much. It didn't help that Nick Young and Gabe Pruitt left for the draft last year. I can't really blame Nick, but Gabe is slumming in the NBDL right now instead of leading the team as our lone senior. Then again, Pruitt still wouldn't be the solution to our big man problems. One answer would have been this guy:

Here's a clip of the big man in action:

7-7, 360 pound Kenny George. I'm sure he can only play for a few minutes at a time, but anything is better than Cromwell roaming the floor, right? And wouldn't he be giving Kevin Love, Brook/Robin Lopez, and Ryan Anderson fits for years? Oh well.

The Trojans' win streak is at risk this week against the sizzling Chase Buddinger and the Arizona Wildcats and the frisky Jeff Pendergrapf and the Arizona State Sun Devils. Hmm, if these winning ways continue, look for some basketball previews...

Back to the title of the post, "Just like football!" I have a feeling the USC fans started the chant after the end of basketball wins when the team wasn't very good. Now, it's starting to backfire, starting with our loss to Stanford in football. At the end of a thrilling (...) 52-46 loss to the Cardinal, their fans (deservingly) started a "Just like football!" chant, which I'm sure hurt a lot of USC fans. We do deserve that, as I've found we have used that chant when the basketball team beat a weaker team instead of pulling off an upset. I have thought of a few rules to use this chant to not make the fans sound like assholes:

The football team pulled off an upset, regardless of the rankings during the basketball season. (E.g., UCLA beat #2 USC 13-9 in football then swept them in basketball last year.)
The basketball team pulled off an upset, regardless of the rankings during the football season. (E.g., Arizona beat Washington State 48-20 in football then upset them in basketball 76-64 this year.)
The football team won in a National Championship game, regardless of the rankings during the basketball season, with a lasting life of 5 years. (E.g. USC beat Oklahoma 55-19 in the 2005 Orange Bowl then beat them in basketball in December 2007.)

If there's more I'll post them later. But I like the "We are SC!" chant much better. I get chills when I hear it at the end of huge wins, like in the NCAA Tournament against Arkansas and Texas, as well as the Cal and UCLA wins in football this year. Here's a sample of it:

Anyway... time to do some homework... ugh. Is it even worth it anymore?

Yes please...

2008-01-16T08:11:00.000-08:00

Early look at next season's OCC schedules

2008-01-09T20:41:00.001-08:00

...of the BCS schools (teams in bold do not have complete schedules, more on that later):

Atlantic Coast Conference
Boston College - vs. Kent State (@ Cleveland), vs. Rhode Island (FCS), vs. Notre Dame, Central Florida
Clemson - vs. Alabama (@ Atlanta), vs. Citadel (FCS), vs. South Carolina State (FCS), vs. South Carolina
Florida State - vs. Colorado, vs. Florida, vs. Western Carolina (FCS), vs. Tennessee-Chattanooga (FCS)
Maryland - vs. Delaware (FCS), @ Middle Tennessee, vs. California, vs. Eastern Michigan
North Carolina State - @ South Carolina, vs. South Florida, vs. William & Mary (FCS), vs. East Carolina
Wake Forest - @ Baylor, vs. Mississippi, vs. Navy, vs. Vanderbilt
Duke - vs. James Madison (FCS), Northwestern, Navy, @ Vanderbilt
Georgia Tech - vs. Jacksonville State (FCS), Mississippi State, @ Georgia, TBA
Miami (Florida) - Charleston Southern (FCS), @ Florida, @ Texas A&M, vs. Central Florida
North Carolina - vs. McNeese State (FCS), @ Rutgers, vs. Connecticut, vs. Notre Dame
Virginia - vs. Southern California, @ Connecticut, vs. East Carolina, vs. Richmond (FCS)
Virginia Tech - vs. East Carolina @ Charlotte, vs. Furman (FCS), @ Nebraska, TBA
Percentage of FCS teams - 13/46 (28.3%)

Big East Conference
Cincinnati - vs. Eastern Kentucky (FCS), @ Oklahoma, vs. Miami (Ohio), @ Akron, @ Marshall, @ Hawaii (6 games!)
Connecticut - vs. Hofstra (FCS), @ Temple, vs. Virginia, vs. Baylor, @ North Carolina
Louisville - vs. Kentucky, vs. Kansas State, vs. Middle Tennessee, vs. Tennessee Tech (FCS), TBA
Pittsburgh - vs. Bowling Green, vs. Iowa, @ Navy, @ Notre Dame, vs. Buffalo
Rutgers - @ Navy, vs. North Carolina, vs. Army, TBA, TBA
South Florida - vs. Tennessee-Martin (FCS), @ Central Florida, vs. Kansas, @ Florida International, @ North Carolina State
Syracuse - @ Northwestern, vs. Akron, vs. Penn State, @ Notre Dame, TBA
West Virginia - vs. Auburn, vs. Marshall, @ Colorado, vs. Villanova (FCS), @ East Carolina
Percentage of FCS teams - 5/37 (13.5%)

Big Ten Conference
Illinois - vs. Missouri (@ St. Louis), vs. Eastern Illinois (FCS), vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, TBA
Indiana - vs. Ball State, vs. Murray State (FCS), vs. Western Kentucky (FCS trans.), Central Michigan
Iowa - vs. Maine (FCS), vs. Florida International, vs. Iowa State, @ Pittsburgh
Michigan - vs. Utah, vs. Miami (Ohio), @ Notre dame, vs. Toledo
Michigan State - @ California, vs. Eastern Michigan, vs. Florida Atlantic, vs. Notre Dame
Minnesota - vs. Northern Illinois, @ Bowling Green, vs. Montana State (FCS), vs. Florida Atlantic
Northwestern - vs. Syracuse, @ Duke, vs. Southern Illinois (FCS), vs. Ohio
Ohio State - vs. Youngstown State (FCS), vs. Ohio, @ Southern California, vs. Troy
Penn State - vs. Coastal Carolina (FCS), vs. Oregon State, @ Syracuse, vs. Temple
Purdue - vs. Northern Colorado (FCS), vs. Oregon, vs. Central Michigan, @ Notre Dame
Wisconsin - vs. Akron, vs. Marshall, @ Fresno State, TBA
Percentage of FCS teams - 8/42 (19.0%)

Big 12 Conference
Colorado - vs. Colorado State @ Denver, vs. Eastern Washington, @ Florida State, vs. West Virginia
Iowa State - vs. South Dakota State (FCS), vs. Kent State, @ Iowa, @ Nevada-Las Vegas
Kansas - vs. Florida International, vs. Louisiana Tech, @ South Florida, vs. Sam Houston State (FCS)
Kansas State - vs. Louisiana-Lafayette, vs. Fresno State, @ Louisville, vs. North Texas
Missouri - vs. Illinois (@ St. Louis), vs. SE Missouri State (FCS), vs. Nevada, vs. Buffalo
Nebraska - vs. Western Michigan, vs. San Jose State, vs. New Mexico State, vs. Virginia Tech
Baylor - vs. Wake Forest, vs. Northwestern State (FCS), vs. Washington State, @ Connecticut
Oklahoma - vs. Tennessee-Chattanooga (FCS), vs. Cincinnati, @ Washington, vs. Texas Christian
Oklahoma State - vs. Washington State (@ Seattle), vs. Houston, vs. Missouri State (FCS), vs. Troy
Texas - vs. Florida Atlantic, @ Texas-El Paso, vs. Arkansas, vs. Rice
Texas A&M - vs. Arkansas State, @ New Mexico, vs. Miami (Florida), vs. Army
Texas Tech - vs. Tulsa, @ Nevada, vs. Southern Methodist, vs. Massachusetts (FCS)
Percentage of FCS teams - 7/48 (14.6%)

Pacific 10 Conference
Arizona - vs. Idaho, vs. Toledo, @ New Mexico
Arizona State - vs. Northern Arizona (FCS), vs. Nevada-Las Vegas, vs. Georgia
California - vs. Michigan State, @ Maryland, vs. Colorado State
Oregon - vs. Utah State, @ Purdue, vs. Boise State
Oregon State - @ Penn State, vs. Hawaii, @ Utah
USC - @ Virginia, vs. Ohio State, vs. Notre Dame
Stanford - @ Texas Christian, vs. San Jose State, @ Notre Dame
UCLA - vs. Fresno State, vs. Tennessee, @ Brigham Young
Washington - vs. Brigham Young, vs. Oklahoma, vs. Notre Dame
Washington State - vs. Oklahoma State (@ Seattle), @ Baylor, vs. Portland State (FCS), @ Hawaii
Percentage of FCS teams - 2/31 (6.4%)

Southeastern Conference
Florida - vs. Hawaii, vs. Miami (Florida), vs. The Citadel (FCS), @ Florida State
Georgia - vs. Georgia Southern (FCS), vs. Central Michigan, @ Arizona State, vs. Georgia Tech
Kentucky - @ Louisville, vs. Norfolk State (FCS), vs. Akron, vs. Temple
South Carolina - vs. North Carolina State, @ Vanderbilt, vs. Wofford (FCS), vs. Alabama-Birmingham
Tennessee - vs. Alabama-Birmingham, @ UCLA, vs. Northern Illinois, vs. Wyoming
Vanderbilt - @ Miami (Ohio), vs. Duke, vs. Rice, @ Wake Forest
Alabama - vs. Clemson (@ Atlanta), vs. Tulane, vs. Western Kentucky (FCS trans), vs. Arkansas State
Arkansas - vs. Western Illinois (FCS), @ Texas, vs. Utah State, TBA
Auburn - vs. Louisiana-Monroe, @ West Virginia, vs. Southern Mississippi, vs. Tennessee-Martin (FCS)
Louisiana State - vs. North Texas, vs. Troy, vs. Tulane, TBA
Mississippi - vs. Memphis, @ Wake Forest, vs. Samford (FCS), vs. Louisiana-Monroe
Mississippi State - @ Louisiana Tech - vs. Southeast Louisiana (FCS), @ Georgia Tech, vs. Middle Tennessee
Percentage of FBS teams - 8/42 (19.0%)

And for help with filling out those TBAs without the use of FBS teams...maybe later when the ACC and Big East regular season schedules are finalized...

And for ten OOC games to watch for...

9/13 - Ohio State @ USC
9/6 - Auburn @ West Virginia
9/20 - Georgia @ Arizona State
9/6 - Cincinnati @ Oklahoma
9/6 - Tennessee @ UCLA
9/13 - Arkansas @ Texas
8/30 - USC @ Virginia
8/30 - Alabama vs. Clemson @ Atlanta
8/30 - Illinois vs. Missouri @ St. Louis
9/27 - Virginia Tech @ Nebraska

Smelling like Roses...

2008-01-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm glad I was wrong again. USC demolished Illinois, 49-17, after the Fighting Illini had a costly fumble in the red zone while down 21-10. The Trojans benefited from 4 Illinois turnovers, which they converted into 28 points. USC scored early and often, opening with an impressive drive capped off by a QB John David Booty touchdown pass to RB Chauncey Washington. After a Rey Maualuga interception, Booty lateraled to WR Garrett Green who lobbed a pass to RB Desmond Reed for Reed's first touchdown since 2005. The Illini defense solidified, though, picking off Booty, but the offense was no match for the Trojan defense, as they were held to a field goal in the first half. USC added a Washington run for a 21-3 halftime lead. In the second half, true to form, the USC offense sputtered and punted to Illinois, who vaulted back into the game on a 79 yard TD run by Rashard Mendenhall. The Fighting Illini again forced USC to punt and reached the red zone before LB Kaluka Maiava punched the ball out of the Illinois receiver's hands, and LB Brian Cushing recovered the fumble in the end zone. USC marched right down the field after a fortunate fumble bouncing right into RB Joe McKnight's hands, who ran it 63 yards. A few plays later, Booty found his favorite target, TE Fred Davis for the touchdown and the route was on. McKnight, WR David Ausberry, and RB Hershel Dennis all found the endzone for the Trojans. Here's the pictures of the scoring recap:

Chauncey Washington 8 yard pass from John David Booty (David Buehler kick) - USC 7-0

Desmond Reed 34 yard pass from Garrett Green (David Buehler kick) - USC 14-0

Chauncey Washington 3 yard run (David Buehler kick) - USC 21-3

Fred Davis 2 yard pass from John David Booty (David Buehler kick) - USC 28-10

Joe McKnight 6 yard run (David Buehler kick) - USC 35-10

David Ausberry 15 yard pass from John David Booty (David Buehler kick) - USC 42-10

Hershel Dennis 3 yard run (David Buehler kick) - USC 49-10

And for the game balls:
Offense: John David Booty

In his final game as a Trojan, he played pretty efficiently, throwing three TDs, with his lone interception being due to a receiver slipping. Many have called for his head (I might have as well...), but with the receivers not growing into a new Dwayne Jarrett or Steve Smith, Booty really used the weapons he did have, the Mackey award winner in Fred Davis, and FB Stanley Havili, who needs to work on his hands in the offseason. But best wishes to Booty on his NFL future.

Defense: Rey Maualuga

Three sacks, all in the second quarter, and a interception will win you honors. Maualuga really played well, staying in his lanes and position. The entire defense played good, as forcing 4 turnovers will lead to a lot of praise from the public.

Special Teams: David Buehler

(Yeah, the pic is not from the Rose Bowl, but if I find one, I'll put one here...) 7-7 on PATs and several touchbacks on kickoffs in a stellar performance on the anniversary of Mario Danelo's final game. Buehler played well all year in his first year as the kicker.

Other thoughts from the Bowl Season:

Sugar Bowl, sorry to see Hawaii get blown out by Georgia, but coach Mark Richt really had his team focused. The Warriors didn't have a chance after Boise shocked Oklahoma last year, and it seemed Hawaii was a step slow the entire game. QB Colt Brennan was sacked eight times and failed to throw a touchdown while tossing three picks and fumbling twice. And I'm even more sorry to see coach June Jones to leave Hawaii, but I can't really blame him, with the sorry state of the facilities there and AD Herman Frasier dragging his feet on offering Jones an extension. Sad to see while being in Hawaii for the last two weeks. All the best to Jones at SMU or wherever he ends up.
Orange Bowl, not too surprised to see Kansas winning, and it does prove that they did belong in the BCS. The Hokies looked uncomfortable the entire time, even if they did lose by only 3 points. And this guy:

does deserve credit for leading the Jayhawks to a great 12-1 season. With a lot of pieces returning, Kansas looks to be the favorite to win the Big 12 North and maybe the Fiesta Bowl next year. Speaking of which,
Fiesta Bowl, wow Oklahoma, you did it again. It seems like when the Sooners lose in the BCS, they lose on the big stage, being blitzed by LSU in 2003 in the National Championship, blown out by USC a year later, tricked by Boise last year, and losing to a coachless West Virginia team. Damn.

For now, my top 25, with the top 2 teams being safe. For now. All I can say, the LSU-tOSU winner may not be #1 after the BCS National Championship... Basically, double digit win teams in top tier, then remaining nine loss teams.

Louisiana State (11-2)
Georgia (11-2)
Southern California (11-2)
Missouri (12-2)
Kansas (12-1)
Ohio State (11-1)
West Virginia (11-2)
Virginia Tech (11-3)
Oklahoma (11-3)
Texas (10-3)
Boston College (11-3)
Brigham Young (11-2)
Tennessee (10-4)
Arizona State (10-3)
Cincinnati (10-3)
Hawaii (12-1)
Michigan (9-4)
Auburn (9-4)
Florida (9-4)
Oregon State (9-4)
Oregon (9-4)
Illinois (9-4)
Texas Tech (9-4)
Wisconsin (9-4)
Clemson (9-4)

It's been a while

2007-12-20T22:16:00.000-08:00

...and it's time for my bowl preview, albeit one game into the bowl season. Good game between Navy and Utah tonight in San Diego, with the Utes surviving the scrappy Midshipmen, 35-32. Before I go into the actual matchups, here's the BCS games that I predicted/wanted to see:

BCS National Championship: LSU vs. Ohio State
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Arizona State
Sugar Bowl: Georgia vs. Hawaii
Rose Bowl: Southern California vs. Missouri

That's a little better... Now it's time for some lists:

Top 5 Non-BCS games:

Capital One Bowl - Florida vs. Michigan
Cotton Bowl - Arkansas vs. Missouri
Holiday Bowl - Arizona State vs. Texas
Chick-fil-A Bowl - Clemson vs. Auburn
Outback Bowl - Tennessee vs. Wisconsin

Worse 5 Bowl Matchups

International Bowl - Rutgers vs. Ball State
New Mexico Bowl - New Mexico vs. Nevada
Motor City Bowl - Purdue vs. Central Michigan
Armed Forces Bowl - Air Force vs. California
Independence Bowl - Alabama vs. Colorado

BCS Games to Watch For:

BCS National Championship - LSU vs. Ohio State: Can the Buckeyes avoid a blowout like last year's 41-14 loss to Florida in the championship? A less spectacular offense will have trouble scoring on the Tiger defense, but Ohio State's D is their strength. LSU coach Les Miles gambled so many times this year, but will a fourth down gamble swing the game into the Buckeyes' favor? The winner becomes the first two-time BCS champion. I think the Tigers pull it out after Miles goes for the win late on fourth down. LSU (-4) 35, Ohio State 28
Allstate Sugar Bowl - Hawaii vs. Georgia: Will we have Boise State/Oklahoma part deux? The Warriors have the offensive firepower, but let's be honest, no defense they played this year can hold the Bulldog defense's jock. Georgia also features a solid running game which Hawaii has struggled to contain in the past. It will be another fun game, but even in a season full of upsets, Georgia will restore some order to the college football scene. Georgia (-7.5) 45, Hawaii 42
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - Oklahoma vs. West Virginia: Probably the best team not playing in the national championship, the Sooners look to beat up on a Mountaineer team that went from being four quarters away from New Orleans to losing coach Rich Rodriguez to Michigan after a disappointing loss to Pittsburgh. Pat White has to do his best Vince Young impression, and Steve Slaton has to do his best Steve Slaton impression just to keep this one close. The balanced Oklahoma offensive attack and defense will keep West Virginia at bay. This would be lower, but even the Rose and Orange Bowls are less intriguing. Oklahoma (-6.5) 49, West Virginia 28
Rose Bowl - USC vs. Illinois: This game isn't higher than the Orange Bowl just because the Trojans are playing in it; I really don't see much in the VT/Kansas matchup. Also, the the Rose Bowl committee trying to preserve the Pac-10/Big-10 matchup, well what the hell happened in 2004, when Texas played Michigan as Cal watched from the sideline. The Rose Bowl had the first pick that year (USC played in the Orange Bowl for the national championship) and instead of tradition, they picked Texas. Ugh. And in 2002? They had the first pick (Ohio State played in the Fiesta Bowl for the national championship) and again, instead of taking Iowa, who tied for first in the Big Ten, to play Washington State, they took Oklahoma, while the traditional matchup took place in the Orange Bowl. Fuck man. I would have enjoyed a USC/Missouri matchup (it seems like the Rose Bowl likes having the Big 12 as the at large replacement), especially after the Tigers beat the Illini earlier in the year. At least stay consistent with your decisions. A three loss Illinois team over the Big East champion West Virginia? Undefeated WAC champion Hawaii? The hottest team in the land Georgia? Two loss Missouri, who beat Illinois? Geez, no logic at all.
Back to the game, USC is the biggest favorite of this bowl season at 14 points, but I have this weird feeling that Illinois will show up while the Trojans start sluggish. Then again, coach Pete Carroll coaches his team for this game every year. And Vince Young isn't playing for the Illini, though they do have a similar spread offense and a running QB in Juice Williams. It's always hard to figure out which USC team will come and play; the focused ones running on all cylinders like the one who played Nebraska, Washington State, and Arizona State, or the one that played Stanford, Arizona, and Washington. Here? First to 24 wins. USC (-13.5) 27, Illinois 17
FedEx Orange Bowl - Virginia Tech vs. Kansas: A picture is worth a thousand words? Here's mine...

Kansas played well all year, but who have they played and beat? Central Michigan, I guess, who won the MAC championship. Texas A&M? Please. The Hokies, other than that 48-7 showing against LSU, played well, though their offensive struggles will have even more problems against the Jayhawks' solid defense. Virginia Tech (-3.5) 17, Kansas 13

Ugh, it's bowl season...

2007-12-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

Well, the dust has settled and it's Ohio State against LSU in the BCS National Championship game. Fine. Sure, you could have made an argument that Oklahoma or Virginia Tech could have been in there, but as it is, I'm all right with the Buckeyes taking on the Tigers in New Orleans. Beats Kansas or Missouri against West Virginia. But the rest of the bowl games are pretty suspect. Other than the BCS conference champions and Hawaii, the three other BCS at large bids were literally up for grabs. The Sugar Bowl was the only one to get it right, probably because it used its last pick to select Hawaii and kept Georgia from the SEC, leading to another David/Goliath showdown like last year's Fiesta Bowl between Oklahoma and Boise State. Speaking of Oklahoma, they return to Tempe as Big 12 Champions to play the Big East champions, West Virginia, who choked their season away USC-style (circa 2006). That is also fine, but this is due to the fact that the Rose Bowl chose tradition over a great game. Sure, Illinois played out of their minds this year and handed Ohio State their only loss of the season. But it was a very down year in the Big Ten, where Michigan lost to Appalachian State, Illinois was the second best team ahead of a bunch of 7-5 or 6-6 teams, and Minnesota went 1-11. The Big Ten is a joke, as out of the FBS conferences, it is the only one where either the teams don't play each other nor do they have a conference championship. What a joke. That's how you got two 11-1 teams and a 12-0 team last year, as Wisconsin lost to Michigan, who lost to Ohio State. They did not deserve two BCS bids. Screw tradition Rose Bowl. Missouri says thanks for sending them to the Cotton Bowl, which I will get to next. Georgia is stuck in a no-win situation against Hawaii. And West Virginia plays a hot Oklahoma team. Again, thanks Rose Bowl committee, though we may be crashing in Pasadena next year for home games, which is another issue. And Kansas? With this guy:

somehow made it to a BCS game. So both Illinois and Kansas get into BCS games while Missouri, who beat both on neutral fields, gets the shaft and plays against a coachless Arkansas team in the Cotton Bowl. Bullshit! I know they got blown out by Oklahoma, but still, they were #1 last week, ranked higher than Illinois and Kansas this week, and won their division in the Big 12, and were left out of the BCS. Bullshit! And they were penalized heavily for losing a game most figured (including Vegas, where gambling is legal) that they would lose. Yet LSU, who lost last week to an unranked Arkansas team at home makes the leap from #7 to #2 in the BCS for beating a subpar Tennessee team that feasted on the weaker teams in the SEC. Bullshit! If anything, the Sooners deserved to be in the national championship over LSU. But I digress. How in the world did the Orange Bowl take Kansas over Missouri? I am dumbfounded. What else is bullshit? Hawaii started the season off ranked #23 in the AP, while Kansas was not on anyone's radars. Both teams got to 11-0, the difference is that Kansas was #2 in the polls; Hawaii was #12. Bullshit! You can't say Kansas played a tougher schedule than Hawaii. In fact, here's a comparison of the teams both played:

Kansas--------------------------------Hawaii
Missouri (11-2) - LOSS----------------Boise State (10-2)
Central Michigan (8-5, MAC Champs)--Fresno State (8-4)
Texas A&M (7-5)----------------------Nevada (6-6)
Oklahoma State (6-6)------------------Louisiana Tech (5-7)
Colorado (6-6)-------------------------San Jose State (5-7)
Nebraska (5-7)------------------------Washington (4-9)
Kansas State (5-7)----------------------New Mexico State (4-9)
Toledo (5-7)----------------------------UNLV (2-10)
Iowa State (3-9)------------------------Utah State (2-10)
Baylor (3-9)----------------------------Idaho (1-11)
Florida International (1-11)------------Charleston Southern (5-6, FCS)
SE Louisiana (3-8, FCS)----------------Northern Colorado (1-11, FCS)

Kansas' schedule was better, but not by much. And they lost to the best team they played. Plus, the records of the WAC teams are lower than the Big 12 teams because a lot of the WAC teams were scheduled as cupcakes for other teams, like Utah State against Oklahoma, Idaho against USC, Louisiana Tech against LSU, and Fresno State against Kansas State (oops! forgot about the highest ranked team that Kansas beat was beat by Fresno. Sorry about that.).

Other screwy bowls, Boise leaving the smurf turf and the Humanitarian Bowl to play in the Hawaii bowl, the highly anticipated UCLA/BYU rematch in the Vegas Bowl, and the best non-BCS game is not the Capital One Bowl between Florida and Michigan (Gators win big) but the Holiday Bowl, where the Fiesta Bowl snubbed Arizona State Sun Devils play the second best (oops, fourth best) team in the Big 12, Texas.

Also, the Pac-10 All-Conference team was named, and in the first time since before Carson Palmer, no USC QB made either team. In fact, Booty didn't even get honorable mention. But I can name at least two QBs better than Booty this year: Dennis Dixon, Oregon, Rudy Carpenter, Arizona State, Alex Brink, Washington State, Jake Locker, Washington, Tavita Prichard, Stanford (oh sorry, the QB who directed the biggest upset in college football history doesn't get any love here...). Here's the complete list of the All-Conference team:

Offensive Player of the Year: QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon
Defensive Player of the Year: DT Sedrick Ellis, USC
Freshman of the Year: QB Jake Locker, Washington
Coach of the Year: Dennis Erickson, Arizona State

First Team
QB Dennis Dixon, Oregon
RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
RB Justin Forsett, California
WR Mike Thomas, Arizona
WR Brandon Gibson, Washington State
TE Fred Davis, USC
OL Alex Mack, California
OL Max Unger, Oregon
OL Chilo Rachal, USC
OL Roy Schuening, Oregon State
OL Sam Baker, USC
OL Mike Pollack, Arizona State
DL Sedrick Ellis, USC
DL Lawrence Jackson, USC
DL Nick Reed, Oregon
DL Dorian Smith, Oregon State
LB Spencer Lawson, Arizona
LB Keith Rivers, USC
LB Robert James, Arizona State
LB Rey Maualuga, USC
DB Antoine Cason, Arizona
DB Patrick Chung, Oregon
DB Kevin Ellison, USC
DB Chris Horton, UCLA
PK Thomas Weber, Arizona State
P Keenyn Crier, Arizona
KR Matthew Slater, UCLA
PR Kyle Williams, Arizona State
ST Jahvid Best, California

Second Team
QB Alex Brink, Washington State
RB Yvenson Bernard, Oregon State
RB Louis Rankin, Washington
WR DeSean Jackson, California
WR Lavelle Hawkins, California
TE Jed Collins, Washington State
OL Geoff Schwartz, Oregon
OL Juan Garcia, Washington
OL Andy Levitre, Oregon State
OL Ebon Britton, Arizona
OL Alex Fletcher, Stanford
OL Fenuki Tupou, Oregon
DL Bruce Davis, UCLA
DL Dexter Davis, Arizona State
DL Lionel Dotson, Arizona
DL Jeff Van Orsow, Oregon State
LB Joey LaRocque, Oregon State
LB Alan Darlin, Oregon State
LB Derrick Doggett, Oregon State
LB Zach Follett, California
DB Terrell Thomas, USC
DB Justin Tryon, Arizona State
DB Brandon Hughes, Oregon State
DB Troy Nolan, Arizona State
PK Alexis Serna, Oregon State
P Jay Ottovegio, Stanford
KR Jonathan Stewart, Oregon
PR DeSean Jackson, California
ST Wopamo Osaisai, Stanford

Honorable Mention, USC: LB Brian Cushing, DE Everson Griffen, DB Cary Harris, DB Taylor Mays, RB/PR Joe McKnight, OL Drew Radovich, OL Matt Spanos, RB Chauncey Washington, LB Thomas Williams.

Few observations, I think that Thomas and Ellison should switch teams. Griffen was solid late, probably sealing his fate as an honorable mention. Tough for Chauncey to not make the second team, but those four RBs ahead of them were solid and were not stuck in a rotation. Nice to see Spanos and T-Will get some love as honorable mentions. Obvious picks for Dixon, Ellis, Locker, and Erickson. Ranking the coaches in order: Erickson, Riley, Bellotti, Harbaugh, Carroll, Stoops, Doba, Dorrell, Willingham, Tedford.

Oh well, maybe more ranting later. Beat the Illini!

Aw hamburgers...

2007-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

What now? #1 Missouri lost (no surprise), as did #2 West Virginia (wha-wha-what?), leaving a huge mess in the BCS. It seems like #3 Ohio State should move up to #1 and into the national championship game, while #2 is up in the air? Me? I guess I have to go with LSU for now... And USC back in the national championship picture? Bleh... My top 25...

Ohio State (11-1)
Louisiana State (11-2)
Oklahoma (11-2)
Virginia Tech (11-2)
Georgia (10-2)
Southern California (10-2)
Hawaii (12-0)
Missouri (11-2)
Kansas (11-1)
Arizona State (10-2)
Florida (9-3)
West Virginia (10-2)
Illinois (9-3)
Wisconsin (9-3)
Brigham Young (10-2)
Texas (9-3)
Clemson (9-3)
Boston College (10-3)
Tennessee (9-4)
Boise State (10-2)
South Florida (9-3)
Cincinnati (9-3)
Central Florida (10-3)
Arkansas (8-4)
Auburn (8-4)

It's Senior Day...

2007-12-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

#35 Joey Adewale, FB

#78 Sam Baker, OT

#10 John David Booty, QB

#50 Will Collins, SNP

#83 Fred Davis, TE

#34 Hershel Dennis, RB

#49 Sedrick Ellis, DT

#96 Lawrence Jackson, DE

#70 Alatini Malu, OG

#16 Michael McDonald, QB

#16 Chase McWhorter, S

#97 Alex Morrow, DE

#60 Drew Radovich, OG

#22 Desmond Reed, RB

#55 Keith Rivers, LB

#45 Brad Smith, PK

#69 Matt Spanos, C

#28 Terrell Thomas, CB

#89 Dale Thompson, TE

#48 Brad Walker, WR

#23 Chauncey Washington, RB

#41 Thomas Williams, LB

#29 Brent Yoshida, S

And don't forget the ones we've lost...

#54 Drean Rucker, LB

#19 Mario Danelo, PK

Its UCLA week...

2007-11-28T22:14:00.000-08:00

Huge hit by Mualaga, er, Mooga, uh, Mawalaga, um, Maualawa, Moalega....

1999-2003 dominance of UCLA

Jimmy V

2007-11-28T22:10:00.000-08:00

Beautiful...

Wow, the crazy season continues

2007-11-24T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Trojans pull off their first upset since beating Michigan in last year's Rose Bowl, 44-24, over Arizona State on Thanksgiving Day. Here's a huge hit on Sun Devil QB Rudy Carpenter:

And then UCLA gave the Trojans an early Christmas present, a 16-0 shocker over the Oregon Ducks, putting the Trojans in the driver's seat for the Pac-10 championship and a Rose Bowl berth. To think, after losing to Stanford in October, the Rose Bowl never crossed my mind. Vegas would be fun I said, San Diego is still close to home. But a crazy series of results has left the Trojans one Bruin slaughter away from returning to the Rose Bowl for the 4th time in 5 years. I can't imagine how Pete could let the boys lose focus on this game. This is what they play for all year. After the Oregon loss, we needed the Ducks to lose twice and for Arizona State to lose a game not to us. Well, after Dennis Dixon went down with a gruesome knee injury, Arizona took down Oregon last week, then after Brady Leaf was injured today, UCLA (!) shut out (!) Oregon (!) to open the door for us. And before Dixon's injury, the Ducks beat Arizona State a couple of weeks back. It helps to have Cal lose 5 of their last 6 to fall out of the Pac-10 race.

As for the game itself, we haven't seen the passing game that fluent and successful since the Washington State and Notre Dame games. Of course, our running game suffered, but the way UCLA's offense is playing, all we need is to tack on 14 points and Pasadena here we come! John David Booty hasn't looked this sharp since dissecting the Cougars in September, and the defense showed up as well, knocking Sun Devils' QB Rudy Carpenter around. Special teams remains a problem, but when hasn't it been a problem at USC? Didn't get to watch the entire game, it was during Thanksgiving dinner, but will try to watch the complete game later. Great win, and one more to go to get to the Rose Bowl.

Missouri looked impressive against Kansas. That said, I still think that Oklahoma will beat the Tigers next week in the Big 12 Championship. A lot of talk up of Missouri, but Kansas really hadn't played anyone all year, and Oklahoma is still a tough team. And LSU dropping a second triple overtime game, knocking them out of the national championship picture. It was a great game, but Big Ball Les and the Tigers have finally run out of lives after winning so many close games. They will still be playing in New Orleans, though, just in the Sugar Bowl, unless Tennessee beats them in the SEC Championship, which I don't see happening with a pissed off Tigers squad. And with the crazy college football season, look who stands alone in the ranks of the undefeated: Hawaii, though a tough test stands in front of them, Jake Locker. I talked him up before the USC-UW game, and the Warriors should be ready for a hell of a game. Great win over Boise State, but it will be all for naught if they can't beat the Huskies next week.

Here's my top 25:

West Virginia (10-1)
Missouri (11-1)
Ohio State (11-1)
Louisiana State (10-2)
Georgia (10-2)
Virginia Tech (10-2)
Oklahoma (10-2)
Southern California (9-2)
Hawaii (11-0)
Kansas (11-1)
Florida (9-3)
Boston College (10-2)
Tennessee (9-3)
Arizona State (9-2)
Illinois (9-3)
Wisconsin (9-3)
Oregon (8-3)
Texas (9-3)
Clemson (9-3)
Brigham Young (9-3)
South Florida (9-3)
Boise State (10-2)
Cincinnati (9-3)
Auburn (8-4)
Arkansas (8-4)

BCS Bowl Predictions:
BCS Championship; New Orleans, Louisiana - BCS #1 vs. BCS #2
#1 Missouri vs. #2 West Virginia
Orange Bowl; Miami, Florida - ACC #1 vs. BCS at large
#6 Virginia Tech vs. #4 Georgia
Fiesta Bowl; Tempe, Arizona - Big 12 #1 vs. BCS at large
#5 Kansas vs. #11 Boston College
Sugar Bowl; New Orleans, Louisiana - SEC #1 vs. BCS at large
#7 Louisiana State vs. #12 Hawaii
Rose Bowl; Pasadena, California - Big 10 #1 vs. Pac-10 #1
#3 Ohio State vs. #8 Southern California

Not f****** Kansas!

2007-11-18T09:11:00.000-08:00

Okay, last week I was like, cool, Ohio State isn't going to be in the National Championship again, where they would be throttled by LSU or Oregon or Oklahoma. Then Oregon lost to Arizona. Fine, now USC has a chance for the Pac-10 championship, and a Sugar Bowl rematch between Oklahoma and LSU for the National Championship would be fine by me. Then Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech. Fuck this shit. Not Kansas. Not fucking Kansas. Not with this guy:

No, not with Kansas as the Cinderella story. Hell, not even with Missouri as a potential Cinderella story. I wouldn't mind West Virginia being there, but it looks like the winner of next week's Kansas/Missouri game has the inside track to the BCS National Championship game. WTF!!! I like parity and upsets like the next guy, but see what happens when you root for too many upsets! You get fucked up shit like Kansas/Missouri in the title game. I just hope that LSU wins out, cause there is no way that Kansas/Missouri beats the Tigers in New Orleans. Damn, who knew, the game of the year is Kansas vs. Missouri. And coaching the Jayhawks is this guy:

Aw shit.

And even the best of teams fall when they lose their leader, the quarterback. USC lost to Oregon (that Stanford loss was inexcusable) with their backup Mark Sanchez at the helm. It happened twice this week. Oklahoma lost to Texas Tech after Sam Bradford went out with a concussion, as the Sooners fell behind 34-13 and couldn't climb out of that hole. Oregon lost to Arizona (again) after Dennis Dixon went down with a gruesome knee injury. Speaking of Arizona, third straight year the Wildcats have been mediocre to average in the season but pulls of a monumental upset. Here's Mike Stoops' work in recent years:

11/26/04 - Arizona (3-8) 34, #20 Arizona State (8-3) 27

11/05/05 - Arizona (3-6) 52, #7 UCLA (9-1) 14

11/11/06 - Arizona (5-5) 24, #8 California (8-2) 20

11/15/07 - Arizona (5-6) 34, #2 Oregon (8-2) 27

And in the last two wins, Arizona has helped USC win a share of the Pac-10 championship (assuming USC wins out this year). With Thanksgiving coming up, the Trojans should be very thankful that the Fighting Stoops beat Cal last year and Oregon this year, keeping USC's Rose Bowl hopes alive. Oh well. Here's my top 25 for the Thanksgiving weekend...

Louisiana State (10-1)
West Virginia (9-1)
Kansas (11-0)
Missouri (10-1)
Ohio State (11-1)
Georgia (9-2)
Virginia Tech (9-2)
Oregon (8-2)
Arizona State (9-1)
Oklahoma (9-2)
Southern California (8-2)
Boise State (10-1)
Texas (9-2)
Hawaii (10-0)
Florida (8-3)
Virginia (9-2)
Boston College (9-2)
Illinois (9-3)
Tennessee (8-3)
Wisconsin (9-3)
Clemson (8-3)
Connecticut (9-2)
Brigham Young (8-2)
South Florida (8-3)
Air Force (9-3)

The Rose Bowl Streak

2007-11-13T17:06:00.001-08:00

The streak of teams that wear white, or road uniforms, to the Rose Bowl game:

2007 - USC 32, Michigan 18

2006 - Texas 41, USC 38

2005 - Texas 39, Michigan 38

2004 - USC 28, Michigan 14

2003 - Oklahoma 34, Washington State 14

2002 - Miami (Florida) 37, Nebraska 14

Trojans win Rain Bowl

2007-11-12T08:51:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful night for a football game, but the Trojans prevailed in terrible conditions on the back of Chauncey Washington to win 24-17. Here's the highlights:

Maybe more on the game later, but as always, my top 25 (tOSU, Michigan losses before their big game open the door for Hawaii...)

Louisiana State (9-1)
Oregon (8-1)
Oklahoma (9-1)
West Virginia (8-1)
Kansas (10-0)
Missouri (9-1)
Ohio State (10-1)
Georgia (8-2)
Arizona State (9-1)
Virginia Tech (8-2)
Southern California (8-2)
Hawaii (9-0)
Boise State (9-1)
Texas (8-2)
Florida (7-3)
Clemson (8-2)
Virginia (9-2)
Boston College (8-2)
Illinois (8-3)
Tennessee (7-3)
Cincinnati (8-2)
Penn State (8-3)
Wisconsin (8-3)
Michigan (8-3)
Kentucky (7-3)

BCS Bowl Projections (based on current BCS standings)
BCS National Championship - #1 Louisiana State (SEC Champ) vs. #2 Oregon (Pac-10 Champ)
AllState Sugar Bowl - #9 Georgia (BCS at large) vs. #14 Virginia (BCS at large)
FedEx Orange Bowl - #10 Virginia Tech (ACC Champ) vs. #6 West Virginia (Big East Champ)
Tostitos Fiesta Bowl - #3 Kansas (Big 12 Champ) vs. #8 Arizona State (BCS at large)
Rose Bowl Presented by Citi - #7 Ohio State (Big Ten Champ) vs. #4 Oklahoma (BCS at large)

EDIT (1/28/08): Looking back at the game, it was probably the most fun I've ever had at a football game. First, it wasn't at home, meaning we were in hostile territory where the fans didn't take it too lightly when we were cheering Chauncey's running on the final scoring drive. Second, it was a great game overall, regardless of the rain, though the conditions did lead to it being such a memorable game. Third, after the game, we were singing along to Conquest and Tusk as the student section was walking by, and they were not pleased with the results as well as being soaking wet. And finally, the rain. Wow. Usually, you don't know how the players feel when they are playing. But watching the game in the same downpour that the players were experiencing really was a great feeling. The funny part, the day before and day after the game were nice and sunny. Oh well, had to do it once. I had been to rain games before, 2004 Notre Dame and 2007 Washington State, but the rain was not as relentless as it was that night. I'm not sure if that game will leave me for a while. Even though it wasn't the game of the year that it was billed to be before the season, all of the conditions surrounding the game makes it the best I've been to.

So that's how our defense is supposed to be

2007-11-04T01:22:00.000-07:00

Damn, the offense still sucks, but the defense showed their true colors today in a 24-3 win over Oregon State. The offense was playing not to turn the ball over in the second half while the defense took the 21 point run from the offense and stifled the Beavers, holding them to only 3 points, which resulted from bad position after a turnover. Nice to see the shotgun being integrated into the offense, but overall, we still need more momentum on the offensive side, more fluidity, more consistency. A reeling Cal team awaits the Trojans for USC's weekender, as the final stretch of USC's season starts. Nice way to start off November

Ohio State (10-0)
Oregon (8-1)
Louisiana State (8-1)
Oklahoma (8-1)
West Virginia (7-1)
Kansas (9-0)
Missouri (8-1)
Arizona State (8-1)
Boston College (8-1)
Michigan (8-2)
Georgia (7-2)
Virginia Tech (7-2)
Southern California (7-2)
Connecticut (8-1)
Hawaii (8-0)
Boise State (8-1)
Texas (7-2)
Auburn (7-3)
Florida (6-3)
Alabama (6-3)
Clemson (7-2)
Tennessee (6-3)
Kentucky (6-3)
Virginia (8-2)
Penn State (7-3)

Dennis Dixon and the Ducks are good

2007-10-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Trojans reign in the Pac-10 appears to be over. Even though Cal and USC shared the Pac-10 championship with 2 losses last year, Arizona State looks great, and the winner of next week's game between the Sun Devils and Ducks looks to be for a berth in the Rose Bowl, if not to have the better track to the National Championship. As for USC, they appear to be on track for another loss on Thanksgiving and finish 9-3 at best, and that's with us winning on the road against Cal and the Jekyll/Hyde known as UCLA (ugh, wtf, losing to Wazzu...). Anyway, assuming Arizona State and Hawaii win the late games, here's my top 25...

Ohio State (9-0)
Oregon (7-1)
Boston College (8-0)
Arizona State (8-0)
Louisiana State (7-1)
Oklahoma (7-1)
West Virginia (7-1)
Missouri (7-1)
Kansas (8-0)
Georgia (6-2)
Michigan (7-2)
Virginia Tech (6-2)
Hawaii (8-0)
Boise State (7-1)
Connecticut (7-1)
Southern California (6-2)
Texas (6-2)
Alabama (6-2)
Auburn (6-3)
Florida (5-3)
Wake Forest (6-2)
South Florida (6-2)
Troy (6-2)
Wisconsin (7-2)
Kentucky (6-3)

Irish no match for Trojans

2007-10-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

Wow, I guess Notre Dame is really that bad. The Trojans haven't mishandled a team like this all season. I know the Irish offense was bad, but damn, their defense looked slow when we got our position players into open space, especially with Joe McKnight on his first career touchdown run. But a really great game by the Trojans on all fronts, gaining 462 to 165 yards on offense, winning the turnover battle (3-1) and of course, pitching the shutout. Other thoughts from the weekend:

Big Balls Les at it again. What a call on third down with time running out, a timeout in his pocket, and in field goal range while trailing by one at home to go to the air for the touchdown. And like in the Florida game, his gamble paid off with a huge play to down Auburn 30-24. A second loss would have been devastating to the Tigers; now with a season of upsets, they are still alive.
Cal dropped another Pac-10 game, with UCLA returning a pick-6 to seal the game and win 30-21. Now, Cal looks like the fourth best team in the Pac-10 behind Oregon, Arizona State, and USC/UCLA.
I called the Rutgers win over South Florida, but was pretty shocked by South Carolina's loss to Vandy.

And here's USC still haunting Brady Quinn...

And my top 25...

Ohio State (8-0)
Louisiana State (6-1)
Oregon (6-1)
Oklahoma (6-1)
Boston College (7-0)
Arizona State (7-0)
West Virginia (6-1)
Virginia Tech (6-1)
Missouri (6-1)
South Florida (6-1)
Florida (5-2)
Southern California (6-1)
Kansas (7-0)
Kentucky (6-2)
Hawaii (7-0)
Michigan (6-2)
Alabama (6-2)
California (6-2)
Boise State (6-1)
Georgia (5-2)
Virginia (7-1)
Texas (6-2)
South Carolina (6-2)
Penn State (6-2)
Connecticut (6-1)