#fighton — Public Fediverse posts

USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out

Most former USC players are not happy with the cancellation of the Notre Dame series.

Among those who have spoken out is radio host Sean Salisbury: “Both universities should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m not cutting my university any slack on this. We should never have been to this point.”

That’s a much stronger take than another former USC QB (Matt Leinart).

• The Sparks announced they will honor former USC basketball player Lisa Leslie with a statue outside Crypto.com arena It will be unveiled Sept. 20.

• Here is the rest of my offensive depth chart. There could still be some movement in training camp or flipping of positions but these are the core players.

And I still think the offensive line is a question mark although most media view it favorably.

LT/Elijah Paige/Sr../Keenyi Pepe, Fr.

LG/Tobias Raymond/Jr./Kaylon Miller, So.

C/Kilian O’Connor/Jr./Tobias Raymond, Sr.

RG/Alani Noa/Sr./Breck Kolojay, Fr.

RT/Justin Tauanuu/So./Elijah Vaikona, Fr.

PK/Ryon Sayeri/So./Caden Chittenden, So. 

P/Lachlan Carrigan, So./ William Weisberg, Fr. 

USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out

Most former USC players are not happy with the cancellation of the Notre Dame series.

Among those who have spoken out is radio host Sean Salisbury: “Both universities should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m not cutting my university any slack on this. We should never have been to this point.”

That’s a much stronger take than another former USC QB (Matt Leinart).

• The Sparks announced they will honor former USC basketball player Lisa Leslie with a statue outside Crypto.com arena It will be unveiled Sept. 20.

• Here is the rest of my offensive depth chart. There could still be some movement in training camp or flipping of positions but these are the core players.

And I still think the offensive line is a question mark although most media view it favorably.

LT/Elijah Paige/Sr../Keenyi Pepe, Fr.

LG/Tobias Raymond/Jr./Kaylon Miller, So.

C/Kilian O’Connor/Jr./Tobias Raymond, Sr.

RG/Alani Noa/Sr./Breck Kolojay, Fr.

RT/Justin Tauanuu/So./Elijah Vaikona, Fr.

PK/Ryon Sayeri/So./Caden Chittenden, So. 

P/Lachlan Carrigan, So./ William Weisberg, Fr. 

USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out

Most former USC players are not happy with the cancellation of the Notre Dame series.

Among those who have spoken out is radio host Sean Salisbury: “Both universities should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m not cutting my university any slack on this. We should never have been to this point.”

That’s a much stronger take than another former USC QB (Matt Leinart).

• The Sparks announced they will honor former USC basketball player Lisa Leslie with a statue outside Crypto.com arena It will be unveiled Sept. 20.

• Here is the rest of my offensive depth chart. There could still be some movement in training camp or flipping of positions but these are the core players.

And I still think the offensive line is a question mark although most media view it favorably.

LT/Elijah Paige/Sr../Keenyi Pepe, Fr.

LG/Tobias Raymond/Jr./Kaylon Miller, So.

C/Kilian O’Connor/Jr./Tobias Raymond, Sr.

RG/Alani Noa/Sr./Breck Kolojay, Fr.

RT/Justin Tauanuu/So./Elijah Vaikona, Fr.

PK/Ryon Sayeri/So./Caden Chittenden, So. 

P/Lachlan Carrigan, So./ William Weisberg, Fr. 

USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out

Most former USC players are not happy with the cancellation of the Notre Dame series.

Among those who have spoken out is radio host Sean Salisbury: “Both universities should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m not cutting my university any slack on this. We should never have been to this point.”

That’s a much stronger take than another former USC QB (Matt Leinart).

• The Sparks announced they will honor former USC basketball player Lisa Leslie with a statue outside Crypto.com arena It will be unveiled Sept. 20.

• Here is the rest of my offensive depth chart. There could still be some movement in training camp or flipping of positions but these are the core players.

And I still think the offensive line is a question mark although most media view it favorably.

LT/Elijah Paige/Sr../Keenyi Pepe, Fr.

LG/Tobias Raymond/Jr./Kaylon Miller, So.

C/Kilian O’Connor/Jr./Tobias Raymond, Sr.

RG/Alani Noa/Sr./Breck Kolojay, Fr.

RT/Justin Tauanuu/So./Elijah Vaikona, Fr.

PK/Ryon Sayeri/So./Caden Chittenden, So. 

P/Lachlan Carrigan, So./ William Weisberg, Fr. 

USC Morning Buzz: It’s Always Good When Former Players Speak Out

Most former USC players are not happy with the cancellation of the Notre Dame series.

Among those who have spoken out is radio host Sean Salisbury: “Both universities should be ashamed of themselves. I don’t care whose fault it is. I’m not cutting my university any slack on this. We should never have been to this point.”

That’s a much stronger take than another former USC QB (Matt Leinart).

• The Sparks announced they will honor former USC basketball player Lisa Leslie with a statue outside Crypto.com arena It will be unveiled Sept. 20.

• Here is the rest of my offensive depth chart. There could still be some movement in training camp or flipping of positions but these are the core players.

And I still think the offensive line is a question mark although most media view it favorably.

LT/Elijah Paige/Sr../Keenyi Pepe, Fr.

LG/Tobias Raymond/Jr./Kaylon Miller, So.

C/Kilian O’Connor/Jr./Tobias Raymond, Sr.

RG/Alani Noa/Sr./Breck Kolojay, Fr.

RT/Justin Tauanuu/So./Elijah Vaikona, Fr.

PK/Ryon Sayeri/So./Caden Chittenden, So. 

P/Lachlan Carrigan, So./ William Weisberg, Fr. 

USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled

Here is my USC depth chart for the skill positions on offense.

The key here will be how the freshmen receivers develop along with North Carolina-transfer Terrell Anderson. And will freshman tight end Mark Bowman live up to the hype?

QB/Jayden Maiava/Sr../Jonas Williams, Fr.

RB/King Miller/So./Waymond Jordan, Sr.

WR/Tanook Hines/So./Corey Simms, So.

WR/Trent Mosley/Fr../Zacharyus Williams, So.

WR/Terrell Anderson/Jr./Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Fr.

TE/Mark Bowman/Fr./ Tucker Ashcraft, Jr.

USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled

Here is my USC depth chart for the skill positions on offense.

The key here will be how the freshmen receivers develop along with North Carolina-transfer Terrell Anderson. And will freshman tight end Mark Bowman live up to the hype?

QB/Jayden Maiava/Sr../Jonas Williams, Fr.

RB/King Miller/So./Waymond Jordan, Sr.

WR/Tanook Hines/So./Corey Simms, So.

WR/Trent Mosley/Fr../Zacharyus Williams, So.

WR/Terrell Anderson/Jr./Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Fr.

TE/Mark Bowman/Fr./ Tucker Ashcraft, Jr.

USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled

Here is my USC depth chart for the skill positions on offense.

The key here will be how the freshmen receivers develop along with North Carolina-transfer Terrell Anderson. And will freshman tight end Mark Bowman live up to the hype?

QB/Jayden Maiava/Sr../Jonas Williams, Fr.

RB/King Miller/So./Waymond Jordan, Sr.

WR/Tanook Hines/So./Corey Simms, So.

WR/Trent Mosley/Fr../Zacharyus Williams, So.

WR/Terrell Anderson/Jr./Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Fr.

TE/Mark Bowman/Fr./ Tucker Ashcraft, Jr.

USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled

Here is my USC depth chart for the skill positions on offense.

The key here will be how the freshmen receivers develop along with North Carolina-transfer Terrell Anderson. And will freshman tight end Mark Bowman live up to the hype?

QB/Jayden Maiava/Sr../Jonas Williams, Fr.

RB/King Miller/So./Waymond Jordan, Sr.

WR/Tanook Hines/So./Corey Simms, So.

WR/Trent Mosley/Fr../Zacharyus Williams, So.

WR/Terrell Anderson/Jr./Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Fr.

TE/Mark Bowman/Fr./ Tucker Ashcraft, Jr.

USC Morning Buzz: Skill Positions Depth Chart Unveiled

Here is my USC depth chart for the skill positions on offense.

The key here will be how the freshmen receivers develop along with North Carolina-transfer Terrell Anderson. And will freshman tight end Mark Bowman live up to the hype?

QB/Jayden Maiava/Sr../Jonas Williams, Fr.

RB/King Miller/So./Waymond Jordan, Sr.

WR/Tanook Hines/So./Corey Simms, So.

WR/Trent Mosley/Fr../Zacharyus Williams, So.

WR/Terrell Anderson/Jr./Kayden Dixon-Wyatt, Fr.

TE/Mark Bowman/Fr./ Tucker Ashcraft, Jr.

USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team

One thing to keep in mind as USC talks to Notre Dame about possibly resuming the series in 2030.

One can assume it’s being done with the idea Lincoln Riley will not be the coach at USC. Riley’s reps put out feelers for other jobs after the season according to Andy Staples. And I don’t think USC would be too unhappy if he left.

• I ran my depth chart of the linebackers and secondary yesterday. Now here’s a team strength: the defensive line. USC has depth and athleticism here.

I make a big call by putting true freshman Luke Wafle in the starting lineup. Wafle night not start right away but I think he will sooner or later.

DE/Kameryn Crawford*Jr./Zuriah Fisher, So.

NT/Jide Abasiri/Jr./Alex VanSumeren, Sr.

DT/Jahkeem Stewart/So../Floyd Boucard, So.

DE/ Luke Wafle/Fr./Braylan Shelby, Sr.

USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team

One thing to keep in mind as USC talks to Notre Dame about possibly resuming the series in 2030.

One can assume it’s being done with the idea Lincoln Riley will not be the coach at USC. Riley’s reps put out feelers for other jobs after the season according to Andy Staples. And I don’t think USC would be too unhappy if he left.

• I ran my depth chart of the linebackers and secondary yesterday. Now here’s a team strength: the defensive line. USC has depth and athleticism here.

I make a big call by putting true freshman Luke Wafle in the starting lineup. Wafle night not start right away but I think he will sooner or later.

DE/Kameryn Crawford*Jr./Zuriah Fisher, So.

NT/Jide Abasiri/Jr./Alex VanSumeren, Sr.

DT/Jahkeem Stewart/So../Floyd Boucard, So.

DE/ Luke Wafle/Fr./Braylan Shelby, Sr.

USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team

One thing to keep in mind as USC talks to Notre Dame about possibly resuming the series in 2030.

One can assume it’s being done with the idea Lincoln Riley will not be the coach at USC. Riley’s reps put out feelers for other jobs after the season according to Andy Staples. And I don’t think USC would be too unhappy if he left.

• I ran my depth chart of the linebackers and secondary yesterday. Now here’s a team strength: the defensive line. USC has depth and athleticism here.

I make a big call by putting true freshman Luke Wafle in the starting lineup. Wafle night not start right away but I think he will sooner or later.

DE/Kameryn Crawford*Jr./Zuriah Fisher, So.

NT/Jide Abasiri/Jr./Alex VanSumeren, Sr.

DT/Jahkeem Stewart/So../Floyd Boucard, So.

DE/ Luke Wafle/Fr./Braylan Shelby, Sr.

USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team

One thing to keep in mind as USC talks to Notre Dame about possibly resuming the series in 2030.

One can assume it’s being done with the idea Lincoln Riley will not be the coach at USC. Riley’s reps put out feelers for other jobs after the season according to Andy Staples. And I don’t think USC would be too unhappy if he left.

• I ran my depth chart of the linebackers and secondary yesterday. Now here’s a team strength: the defensive line. USC has depth and athleticism here.

I make a big call by putting true freshman Luke Wafle in the starting lineup. Wafle night not start right away but I think he will sooner or later.

DE/Kameryn Crawford*Jr./Zuriah Fisher, So.

NT/Jide Abasiri/Jr./Alex VanSumeren, Sr.

DT/Jahkeem Stewart/So../Floyd Boucard, So.

DE/ Luke Wafle/Fr./Braylan Shelby, Sr.

USC Morning Buzz: Let’s Look At Perhaps The Best Position On Team

One thing to keep in mind as USC talks to Notre Dame about possibly resuming the series in 2030.

One can assume it’s being done with the idea Lincoln Riley will not be the coach at USC. Riley’s reps put out feelers for other jobs after the season according to Andy Staples. And I don’t think USC would be too unhappy if he left.

• I ran my depth chart of the linebackers and secondary yesterday. Now here’s a team strength: the defensive line. USC has depth and athleticism here.

I make a big call by putting true freshman Luke Wafle in the starting lineup. Wafle night not start right away but I think he will sooner or later.

DE/Kameryn Crawford*Jr./Zuriah Fisher, So.

NT/Jide Abasiri/Jr./Alex VanSumeren, Sr.

DT/Jahkeem Stewart/So../Floyd Boucard, So.

DE/ Luke Wafle/Fr./Braylan Shelby, Sr.

A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse

The USC-Fresno State has been moved to Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. PT.

That is a Friday night. So what was previously just a bad game is now a bad game on a Friday night.

How will the Trojans manage with a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs?

At this moment, I’m not in the mood to watch USC play Louisiana, San Jose State or Fresno State. Especially on a Friday night.

A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse

The USC-Fresno State has been moved to Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. PT.

That is a Friday night. So what was previously just a bad game is now a bad game on a Friday night.

How will the Trojans manage with a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs?

At this moment, I’m not in the mood to watch USC play Louisiana, San Jose State or Fresno State. Especially on a Friday night.

A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse

The USC-Fresno State has been moved to Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. PT.

That is a Friday night. So what was previously just a bad game is now a bad game on a Friday night.

How will the Trojans manage with a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs?

At this moment, I’m not in the mood to watch USC play Louisiana, San Jose State or Fresno State. Especially on a Friday night.

A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse

The USC-Fresno State has been moved to Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. PT.

That is a Friday night. So what was previously just a bad game is now a bad game on a Friday night.

How will the Trojans manage with a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs?

At this moment, I’m not in the mood to watch USC play Louisiana, San Jose State or Fresno State. Especially on a Friday night.

A Bad USC Game Just Got Worse

The USC-Fresno State has been moved to Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. PT.

That is a Friday night. So what was previously just a bad game is now a bad game on a Friday night.

How will the Trojans manage with a short week to prepare for the Bulldogs?

At this moment, I’m not in the mood to watch USC play Louisiana, San Jose State or Fresno State. Especially on a Friday night.

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC assistant coach Paul Gonzales posted a video of him and other staffers taking a helicopter from downtown L.A, to La Verne to see Damien safety Gavin Williams.

This reeks of Chad “Charmin” Bowden. But I’m not sure why USC went to the trouble when they are strong favorites to land Williams.

I think a much more interesting video would be to show the guy who chaffeurs Lincoln Riley to-and-from Palos Verdes to USC every day. What does he do the rest of the day hanging out at the McKay Center?

• Eric Musselman finally found a 3-phadoint shooter! Guard Isaac Bruns of South Dakota has committed to the Trojans. He shot 39 percent on 3-pointers last season. The question now is how often he will get on the court?

• USC ace Mason Edwards leads the nation in strikeouts with 142 in 78.1 innings. He is 8- 0 with a 1.61 ERA after the Trojans beat Nevada, 8-0, on Thursday night. For what it’s worth, a mock draft of the first round released yesterday did not include Edwards.
• It’s hard to feel like USC’s incessant “The pLAce to be” campaign is working when UCLA has won three national titles and is ranked No. 1 in baseball.
• With Pete Carroll teaching a class at USC in the fall, will he visit football practice? It didn’t happen the last time Carroll taught. If he goes to a practice, it is more likely he will want to see Gary Patterson than Lincoln Riley.

• And now for some history:

• A week after USC’s huge 24-14 victory over Alabama in 1978, the Trojans hosted Michigan State and the game was considered to be fairly flat with the expected letdown after defeating the Crimson Tide.The Trojans won, 30-9, but no one was celebrating.

“Hell, the horse (Traveler) didn’t even come out after the first quarter,” USC coach John Robinson said.

But whether USC’s performance was top-notch or not, check out these defensive performances: Defensive tackle Rich Dimler had 11 tackles including nine solo. Defensive tackle Ty Sperling had 10 tackles. Freshmen linebackers Chip Banks and Riki Gray had 10 and nine tackles, respectively.

Just in case you think this defense was just stopping the run, it had 13 interceptions in the first four games of the season. The starting safeties, naturally, were Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith. The corners were Larry Braziel and Tim Lavender.

• Dennis Thurman was an All-American defensive back at USC just prior to Lott and Smith.

“There was never a time in my four-year college career where we were not ranked No. 1 or No. 2,” Thurman said. “We won one national championship and if they had the system they have today, we would have gotten to play Pitt in the national championship game my junior year, and I think we would have handled Pitt, so we would have won two national championships.”

• Here is the ubiquitous USC president John Hubbard, on the sideline of course, during the Trojans’ game at Arizona State in 1978. This was the famous game where USC had four centers injured and linebacker Ray Peters was forced to play the spot.

In the photo, Hubbard comforts Brad Green, who started at center but reinjured his knee on the first series.

One interesting item I came across this week was that Hubbard and a group of trustees met with USC students in 1970 to answer their questions, at the behest of the students. Among the trustees who agreed to meet with the students was movie mogul Jack Warner.

That would be unheard of today. A few years ago, Rick Caruso held some meetings on campus but that was because USC was in full damage control from the George Tyndall scandal.

• Who remembers defensive lineman John Grant, who played at USC from 1970-72. Grant came to USC from Boise, Idaho, where he was a tight end. USC moved him to defensiv line.

Grant got his first start in 1970 against Iowa, when Tody Smith of Wild Bunch fame injured his ankle.

How did Grant play? “John Grant played the best single game as a defensive interior lineman that I’ve ever seen,” John McKay said.

Marv Goux called it “the best performance we’ve ever had from an individual starting his first game.”

How do you avoid going downhill from there? Grant only flourished, becoming an All-American in 1972 and then spent seven seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he played in Super Bowl XII.

Actress Juli Reding speaks to Dodger outfielder Elmer Valo at the first home game in Los Angeles in 1958 at the Coliseum.

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Marianna Hill

Rita Moreno

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC assistant coach Paul Gonzales posted a video of him and other staffers taking a helicopter from downtown L.A, to La Verne to see Damien safety Gavin Williams.

This reeks of Chad “Charmin” Bowden. But I’m not sure why USC went to the trouble when they are strong favorites to land Williams.

I think a much more interesting video would be to show the guy who chaffeurs Lincoln Riley to-and-from Palos Verdes to USC every day. What does he do the rest of the day hanging out at the McKay Center?

• Eric Musselman finally found a 3-phadoint shooter! Guard Isaac Bruns of South Dakota has committed to the Trojans. He shot 39 percent on 3-pointers last season. The question now is how often he will get on the court?

• USC ace Mason Edwards leads the nation in strikeouts with 142 in 78.1 innings. He is 8- 0 with a 1.61 ERA after the Trojans beat Nevada, 8-0, on Thursday night. For what it’s worth, a mock draft of the first round released yesterday did not include Edwards.
• It’s hard to feel like USC’s incessant “The pLAce to be” campaign is working when UCLA has won three national titles and is ranked No. 1 in baseball.
• With Pete Carroll teaching a class at USC in the fall, will he visit football practice? It didn’t happen the last time Carroll taught. If he goes to a practice, it is more likely he will want to see Gary Patterson than Lincoln Riley.

• And now for some history:

• A week after USC’s huge 24-14 victory over Alabama in 1978, the Trojans hosted Michigan State and the game was considered to be fairly flat with the expected letdown after defeating the Crimson Tide.The Trojans won, 30-9, but no one was celebrating.

“Hell, the horse (Traveler) didn’t even come out after the first quarter,” USC coach John Robinson said.

But whether USC’s performance was top-notch or not, check out these defensive performances: Defensive tackle Rich Dimler had 11 tackles including nine solo. Defensive tackle Ty Sperling had 10 tackles. Freshmen linebackers Chip Banks and Riki Gray had 10 and nine tackles, respectively.

Just in case you think this defense was just stopping the run, it had 13 interceptions in the first four games of the season. The starting safeties, naturally, were Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith. The corners were Larry Braziel and Tim Lavender.

• Dennis Thurman was an All-American defensive back at USC just prior to Lott and Smith.

“There was never a time in my four-year college career where we were not ranked No. 1 or No. 2,” Thurman said. “We won one national championship and if they had the system they have today, we would have gotten to play Pitt in the national championship game my junior year, and I think we would have handled Pitt, so we would have won two national championships.”

• Here is the ubiquitous USC president John Hubbard, on the sideline of course, during the Trojans’ game at Arizona State in 1978. This was the famous game where USC had four centers injured and linebacker Ray Peters was forced to play the spot.

In the photo, Hubbard comforts Brad Green, who started at center but reinjured his knee on the first series.

One interesting item I came across this week was that Hubbard and a group of trustees met with USC students in 1970 to answer their questions, at the behest of the students. Among the trustees who agreed to meet with the students was movie mogul Jack Warner.

That would be unheard of today. A few years ago, Rick Caruso held some meetings on campus but that was because USC was in full damage control from the George Tyndall scandal.

• Who remembers defensive lineman John Grant, who played at USC from 1970-72. Grant came to USC from Boise, Idaho, where he was a tight end. USC moved him to defensiv line.

Grant got his first start in 1970 against Iowa, when Tody Smith of Wild Bunch fame injured his ankle.

How did Grant play? “John Grant played the best single game as a defensive interior lineman that I’ve ever seen,” John McKay said.

Marv Goux called it “the best performance we’ve ever had from an individual starting his first game.”

How do you avoid going downhill from there? Grant only flourished, becoming an All-American in 1972 and then spent seven seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he played in Super Bowl XII.

Actress Juli Reding speaks to Dodger outfielder Elmer Valo at the first home game in Los Angeles in 1958 at the Coliseum.

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Marianna Hill

Rita Moreno

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC assistant coach Paul Gonzales posted a video of him and other staffers taking a helicopter from downtown L.A, to La Verne to see Damien safety Gavin Williams.

This reeks of Chad “Charmin” Bowden. But I’m not sure why USC went to the trouble when they are strong favorites to land Williams.

I think a much more interesting video would be to show the guy who chaffeurs Lincoln Riley to-and-from Palos Verdes to USC every day. What does he do the rest of the day hanging out at the McKay Center?

• Eric Musselman finally found a 3-phadoint shooter! Guard Isaac Bruns of South Dakota has committed to the Trojans. He shot 39 percent on 3-pointers last season. The question now is how often he will get on the court?

• USC ace Mason Edwards leads the nation in strikeouts with 142 in 78.1 innings. He is 8- 0 with a 1.61 ERA after the Trojans beat Nevada, 8-0, on Thursday night. For what it’s worth, a mock draft of the first round released yesterday did not include Edwards.
• It’s hard to feel like USC’s incessant “The pLAce to be” campaign is working when UCLA has won three national titles and is ranked No. 1 in baseball.
• With Pete Carroll teaching a class at USC in the fall, will he visit football practice? It didn’t happen the last time Carroll taught. If he goes to a practice, it is more likely he will want to see Gary Patterson than Lincoln Riley.

• And now for some history:

• A week after USC’s huge 24-14 victory over Alabama in 1978, the Trojans hosted Michigan State and the game was considered to be fairly flat with the expected letdown after defeating the Crimson Tide.The Trojans won, 30-9, but no one was celebrating.

“Hell, the horse (Traveler) didn’t even come out after the first quarter,” USC coach John Robinson said.

But whether USC’s performance was top-notch or not, check out these defensive performances: Defensive tackle Rich Dimler had 11 tackles including nine solo. Defensive tackle Ty Sperling had 10 tackles. Freshmen linebackers Chip Banks and Riki Gray had 10 and nine tackles, respectively.

Just in case you think this defense was just stopping the run, it had 13 interceptions in the first four games of the season. The starting safeties, naturally, were Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith. The corners were Larry Braziel and Tim Lavender.

• Dennis Thurman was an All-American defensive back at USC just prior to Lott and Smith.

“There was never a time in my four-year college career where we were not ranked No. 1 or No. 2,” Thurman said. “We won one national championship and if they had the system they have today, we would have gotten to play Pitt in the national championship game my junior year, and I think we would have handled Pitt, so we would have won two national championships.”

• Here is the ubiquitous USC president John Hubbard, on the sideline of course, during the Trojans’ game at Arizona State in 1978. This was the famous game where USC had four centers injured and linebacker Ray Peters was forced to play the spot.

In the photo, Hubbard comforts Brad Green, who started at center but reinjured his knee on the first series.

One interesting item I came across this week was that Hubbard and a group of trustees met with USC students in 1970 to answer their questions, at the behest of the students. Among the trustees who agreed to meet with the students was movie mogul Jack Warner.

That would be unheard of today. A few years ago, Rick Caruso held some meetings on campus but that was because USC was in full damage control from the George Tyndall scandal.

• Who remembers defensive lineman John Grant, who played at USC from 1970-72. Grant came to USC from Boise, Idaho, where he was a tight end. USC moved him to defensiv line.

Grant got his first start in 1970 against Iowa, when Tody Smith of Wild Bunch fame injured his ankle.

How did Grant play? “John Grant played the best single game as a defensive interior lineman that I’ve ever seen,” John McKay said.

Marv Goux called it “the best performance we’ve ever had from an individual starting his first game.”

How do you avoid going downhill from there? Grant only flourished, becoming an All-American in 1972 and then spent seven seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he played in Super Bowl XII.

Actress Juli Reding speaks to Dodger outfielder Elmer Valo at the first home game in Los Angeles in 1958 at the Coliseum.

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Marianna Hill

Rita Moreno

If It’s Friday, It’s Time For A USC Notes Column

USC assistant coach Paul Gonzales posted a video of him and other staffers taking a helicopter from downtown L.A, to La Verne to see Damien safety Gavin Williams.

This reeks of Chad “Charmin” Bowden. But I’m not sure why USC went to the trouble when they are strong favorites to land Williams.

I think a much more interesting video would be to show the guy who chaffeurs Lincoln Riley to-and-from Palos Verdes to USC every day. What does he do the rest of the day hanging out at the McKay Center?

• Eric Musselman finally found a 3-phadoint shooter! Guard Isaac Bruns of South Dakota has committed to the Trojans. He shot 39 percent on 3-pointers last season. The question now is how often he will get on the court?

• USC ace Mason Edwards leads the nation in strikeouts with 142 in 78.1 innings. He is 8- 0 with a 1.61 ERA after the Trojans beat Nevada, 8-0, on Thursday night. For what it’s worth, a mock draft of the first round released yesterday did not include Edwards.
• It’s hard to feel like USC’s incessant “The pLAce to be” campaign is working when UCLA has won three national titles and is ranked No. 1 in baseball.
• With Pete Carroll teaching a class at USC in the fall, will he visit football practice? It didn’t happen the last time Carroll taught. If he goes to a practice, it is more likely he will want to see Gary Patterson than Lincoln Riley.

• And now for some history:

• A week after USC’s huge 24-14 victory over Alabama in 1978, the Trojans hosted Michigan State and the game was considered to be fairly flat with the expected letdown after defeating the Crimson Tide.The Trojans won, 30-9, but no one was celebrating.

“Hell, the horse (Traveler) didn’t even come out after the first quarter,” USC coach John Robinson said.

But whether USC’s performance was top-notch or not, check out these defensive performances: Defensive tackle Rich Dimler had 11 tackles including nine solo. Defensive tackle Ty Sperling had 10 tackles. Freshmen linebackers Chip Banks and Riki Gray had 10 and nine tackles, respectively.

Just in case you think this defense was just stopping the run, it had 13 interceptions in the first four games of the season. The starting safeties, naturally, were Ronnie Lott and Dennis Smith. The corners were Larry Braziel and Tim Lavender.

• Dennis Thurman was an All-American defensive back at USC just prior to Lott and Smith.

“There was never a time in my four-year college career where we were not ranked No. 1 or No. 2,” Thurman said. “We won one national championship and if they had the system they have today, we would have gotten to play Pitt in the national championship game my junior year, and I think we would have handled Pitt, so we would have won two national championships.”

• Here is the ubiquitous USC president John Hubbard, on the sideline of course, during the Trojans’ game at Arizona State in 1978. This was the famous game where USC had four centers injured and linebacker Ray Peters was forced to play the spot.

In the photo, Hubbard comforts Brad Green, who started at center but reinjured his knee on the first series.

One interesting item I came across this week was that Hubbard and a group of trustees met with USC students in 1970 to answer their questions, at the behest of the students. Among the trustees who agreed to meet with the students was movie mogul Jack Warner.

That would be unheard of today. A few years ago, Rick Caruso held some meetings on campus but that was because USC was in full damage control from the George Tyndall scandal.

• Who remembers defensive lineman John Grant, who played at USC from 1970-72. Grant came to USC from Boise, Idaho, where he was a tight end. USC moved him to defensiv line.

Grant got his first start in 1970 against Iowa, when Tody Smith of Wild Bunch fame injured his ankle.

How did Grant play? “John Grant played the best single game as a defensive interior lineman that I’ve ever seen,” John McKay said.

Marv Goux called it “the best performance we’ve ever had from an individual starting his first game.”

How do you avoid going downhill from there? Grant only flourished, becoming an All-American in 1972 and then spent seven seasons with the Denver Broncos, where he played in Super Bowl XII.

Actress Juli Reding speaks to Dodger outfielder Elmer Valo at the first home game in Los Angeles in 1958 at the Coliseum.

PICTURES OF THE WEEK

Marianna Hill

Rita Moreno

Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall

Pete Carroll said in an interview with 247 that he intends to teach a class at USC for the fall semester.

“I’m done coaching,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to the class we’ll do at USC in the fall. I’m finished (coaching). I should have done it the year before.

“Unfortunately, I had to wind up as the oldest coach in the history of the NFL. That’s not something I’m real proud of. That’s not one of my favorite stats.”

Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall

Pete Carroll said in an interview with 247 that he intends to teach a class at USC for the fall semester.

“I’m done coaching,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to the class we’ll do at USC in the fall. I’m finished (coaching). I should have done it the year before.

“Unfortunately, I had to wind up as the oldest coach in the history of the NFL. That’s not something I’m real proud of. That’s not one of my favorite stats.”

Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall

Pete Carroll said in an interview with 247 that he intends to teach a class at USC for the fall semester.

“I’m done coaching,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to the class we’ll do at USC in the fall. I’m finished (coaching). I should have done it the year before.

“Unfortunately, I had to wind up as the oldest coach in the history of the NFL. That’s not something I’m real proud of. That’s not one of my favorite stats.”

Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall

Pete Carroll said in an interview with 247 that he intends to teach a class at USC for the fall semester.

“I’m done coaching,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to the class we’ll do at USC in the fall. I’m finished (coaching). I should have done it the year before.

“Unfortunately, I had to wind up as the oldest coach in the history of the NFL. That’s not something I’m real proud of. That’s not one of my favorite stats.”

Pete Carroll Will Be Hanging Around USC In Fall

Pete Carroll said in an interview with 247 that he intends to teach a class at USC for the fall semester.

“I’m done coaching,” Carroll said. “I’m looking forward to the class we’ll do at USC in the fall. I’m finished (coaching). I should have done it the year before.

“Unfortunately, I had to wind up as the oldest coach in the history of the NFL. That’s not something I’m real proud of. That’s not one of my favorite stats.”

USC Morning Buzz: Pete Carroll-Mack Brown Rematch Scheduled

Pete Carroll and Mack Brown have been named coaches of the 2027 Polynesian Bowl, a rematch of their legendary national title game at the Rose Bowl.

Does Carroll promise to have Reggue Bush on the field on fourth down this time around?

Carroll probably loved the idea of going to Hawaii for a football since he’s had a home there for years.

• Here’s a note on new USC guard Jadis Jones, a transfer from Lindenwood. He is really adept at driving to the basket. That’s good because he did not make a 3-point last season. He made two 3-point shots two years ago.

Someone is going to need to make 3-point shots for USC. Maybe Alijah Arenas will improve on his 21 percent 3-point shooting.

USC Morning Buzz: Pete Carroll-Mack Brown Rematch Scheduled

Pete Carroll and Mack Brown have been named coaches of the 2027 Polynesian Bowl, a rematch of their legendary national title game at the Rose Bowl.

Does Carroll promise to have Reggue Bush on the field on fourth down this time around?

Carroll probably loved the idea of going to Hawaii for a football since he’s had a home there for years.

• Here’s a note on new USC guard Jadis Jones, a transfer from Lindenwood. He is really adept at driving to the basket. That’s good because he did not make a 3-point last season. He made two 3-point shots two years ago.

Someone is going to need to make 3-point shots for USC. Maybe Alijah Arenas will improve on his 21 percent 3-point shooting.

USC Morning Buzz: Pete Carroll-Mack Brown Rematch Scheduled

Pete Carroll and Mack Brown have been named coaches of the 2027 Polynesian Bowl, a rematch of their legendary national title game at the Rose Bowl.

Does Carroll promise to have Reggue Bush on the field on fourth down this time around?

Carroll probably loved the idea of going to Hawaii for a football since he’s had a home there for years.

• Here’s a note on new USC guard Jadis Jones, a transfer from Lindenwood. He is really adept at driving to the basket. That’s good because he did not make a 3-point last season. He made two 3-point shots two years ago.

Someone is going to need to make 3-point shots for USC. Maybe Alijah Arenas will improve on his 21 percent 3-point shooting.

USC Morning Buzz: Pete Carroll-Mack Brown Rematch Scheduled

Pete Carroll and Mack Brown have been named coaches of the 2027 Polynesian Bowl, a rematch of their legendary national title game at the Rose Bowl.

Does Carroll promise to have Reggue Bush on the field on fourth down this time around?

Carroll probably loved the idea of going to Hawaii for a football since he’s had a home there for years.

• Here’s a note on new USC guard Jadis Jones, a transfer from Lindenwood. He is really adept at driving to the basket. That’s good because he did not make a 3-point last season. He made two 3-point shots two years ago.

Someone is going to need to make 3-point shots for USC. Maybe Alijah Arenas will improve on his 21 percent 3-point shooting.

USC Notes: Basketball Adds Another Scorer, For Better Or Worse

Just to follow-up on this morning’s post where I noted how coaches do not want to compete.

One reason Lincoln Riley took the USC job was because he did not want to go to the SEC with Oklahoma. And he took the USC job before the Trojans moved to the Big Ten. So he gets no credit for playing a Big Ten schedule.

He also tried to get out of the LSU game last year but Fox refused. So spare me any defenses of Riley regarding competing or playing Notre Dame.

• Lindenwood transfer guard Jadis Jones has committed to USC. He averaged 15.3 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game last season.

So I see at least four guards (Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas, Jalen Cox, Jones) who probably think they are scorers for USC. That’s going to be quite a balancing act for Eric Musselman.

• Former USC safety Will Harris has been promoted to secondary coach at the University of Miami.

USC Morning Buzz: A Smaller Recruiting Class On Horizon

Did you catch that USC expects to sign only 16 recruits for the Class of 2027 because it determined the class lack the quality to sign more players per On3?

No doubt this comes via general manager Charmin Bowden.

On its face, I don’t have a problem with signing fewer players if the class isn’t good enough.

But here is my concern: USC is bringing its largest class ever this year (35 freshmen). Followed by a small class. That creates a lopsided roster. Now maybe USC will bring in more transfers next year but if you need to bring in more than usual, you end up lowering your standards.

Do you think Curt Cignetti would do this?

Is it a good move or just another example of Bowden’s arrogance? Time will tell.

USC critics claim a smaller class means there is less NIL money. Who knows?

I think I side with whatever Gary Patterson wants and something tells me he would want more than 16 recruits, especially if his defense gets shortchanged.

Sunday Buzz: What Might Have Been At USC?

Here is a tweet I stumbled across that I wrote in 2010 after Pete Carroll resigned from USC.

Imagine how much better off USC would have been if they took my advice.

USC should offer $4 million a year to Mike Riley, Jim Harbaugh, Gary Patterson and Kyle Whittingham and see who takes it

— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) January 10, 2010

• USC baseball is in the process of getting swept by Nebraska. Look how yesterday’s game ended.

RUN-RULE WALKOFF!

HUSKERS WIN! 🌽 pic.twitter.com/ypJXSX6GEH

— Nebraska Baseball (@HuskerBaseball) April 18, 2026

USC Gets Cornerback Commitment

Danny Lang, a cornerback from Mater Dei, committed to USC tonight over Oregon.

He is a Class of 2027 prospect. USC’s 2027 recruiting class is currently ranked No. 6 in the nation by Rivals.

Morning Buzz: Over/Under Win Total For USC

The over/under for regular season wins for USC is 8.5 according to MGM Grand. Imagine that number if USC still played Notre Dame.

• Cornerback Danny Lang of Mater Dei is expected to commit to USC today.

• Former long-time USC assistant coach Jason Hart has been hired as associate head coach at SMU, where he will be reunited with Andy Enfield. He has been an assistant coach at Kentucky.

• Jazzy Davidson has been named USBWA National Freshman of the Year.
• USC baseball lost to Oregon State, 12-4, Tuesday. The Trojans didn’t use their top pitchers but also finally had a to play a top 2tcornerback Danny Lang

USC Notes: Nice Turnout At Dedeaux

UCLA will hold its spring football game May 2 at the Rose Bowl. And it will be free.

USC has finally announced something for the fans. On April 11, the players will be available for photos and autographs for an hour before the annual Swim with Mike fundraiser. Wow!

• There is a decent turnout today at Dedeaux Field for the weekday baseball game.

Unfortunately for the Trojans, they trail Oregon State, 9-0, in the fourth inning.

USC Monday Buzz: As Spring Practice Resumes, A Spot To Keep Focus On

Spring break is over and USC resumes practice Tuesday.

A pretty quiet position has been linebacker, which is not a surprise because it remains a spot where the roster is not exactly stacked.

It’s going to be interesting to see if USC can add another linebacker in the transfer portal. I can tell you that the multiple linebacker coaches would like some kind of roster upgrade there. This is why a public scrimmage would be good because it would show people that USC does need at least one more linebacker.

But will there be a top linebacker available? Or just another guy who will plug into the lineup?

It’s not really important in spring to see another wide receiver or tailback highlight. It’s better to see some linebacker or defensive line highlights.

• USC is ranked No. 12 in the nation in the Baseball America and D1 baseball polls.

• USC women’s water polo upset No. 1-ranked Stanford, 11-10, over the weekend.
• Makai Lemon is one of 14 players from the NFL Class of 2026 signed by Adidas. Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is also among the group.

RE: https://twitter.com/uscfb/status/1999235630258356672

Very well deserved! #FightOn

RE: https://twitter.com/uscfb/status/1992050728823931229

#FightOn

I love to see a big man score #usc #FightOn

This fuckin' weasel cunt! #NZPol #UpTheUnions #FightOn #WeAreWithYou

Doctors' rejection of binding ...

This #USC fan is very concerned about Rob Ryan's giant gut. #FightOn

Avery Howell with the three, but it's too little too late IMO for USC.

#MarchMadnessWBB #Elite8 #UCONNvsUSC #WBB #NCAAWBB #CollegeHoops #Sports #Huskies #FightOn #MastodonState @marchmadness

Rayah Marshall with the jumper, and hold on, USC is not done yet.

Back to 10 point game.

#MarchMadnessWBB #Elite8 #UCONNvsUSC #WBB #NCAAWBB #CollegeHoops #Sports #FightOn #MastodonState @marchmadness

Paige Bueckers, to Azzi Fudd, for the layup.

And hope for the Trojans are slowly slipping away......

#MarchMadnessWBB #Elite8 #UCONNvsUSC #WBB #NCAAWBB #CollegeHoops #Sports #Huskies #FightOn #MastodonState @marchmadness

TALIA VON OELHOFFEN WITH THE JUMPER!!!!!!

AND USC ENDS THE QUARTER ON A HUGE RUN, AND IT'S A NEW GAME ALL OF SUDDEN!!!!!!!

#MarchMadnessWBB #Elite8 #UCONNvsUSC #WBB #NCAAWBB #CollegeHoops #Sports #Huskies #FightOn #MastodonState @marchmadness

Kennedy Smith with the much needed layup for USC.

#MarchMadnessWBB #Elite8 #UCONNvsUSC #WBB #NCAAWBB #CollegeHoops #Sports #FightOn #MastodonState @marchmadness