#fighton — Public Fediverse posts

USC Morning Buzz: A Warning Sign From Louisiana Game

Louisiana rushed for 146 yards, which is more yards against USC than San Jose State and Fresno State combined for in the first two games. Louisiana also finished with 358 total yards and averaged 6.9 yards per play.

That’s a warning for Gary Patterson although some will merely attribute it to the reserves playing. Do those same people point out USC rushed for 84 of its 225 yards in the fourth quarter against Lousiana?

The defense needs to tighten some things before it hits the real part of the schedule.

Also, here’s something to keep in mind: What happens when USC plays a two-dimensional team? One that can pass and run the ball equally well? I suspect Patterson isn’t thrilled at that prospect.

• Florida State fired athletic director Michael Alford today. He was an administrator at USC during the Mike Garrett era.
• This is the line for beer swords at the Coliseum. The wait was 45-60 minutes for some fans. They are obviously a hit because they sold out at multiple locations Saturday night. Did USC order enough? Why did a USC fan tell me they doubled the price of beer swords to $60 while customers waited in line?

USC did not originate the idea of beer swords as the Buffalo Sabres began been selling them in 2025. But they are a hit. As long as no one drinks too much and uses one as a weapon.

My USC-Louisiana Post-Game Analysis

First, let’s just mention that six Big Ten teams lost yesterday.

The best conference in the nation? USC cannot play Notre Dame because it has all those tough Big Ten games? This is why no one should ever listen to Charles Nelson Riley.

Now to the game: I noticed last night people suddenly started saying things I’ve been saying since Game 1.

• Does everyone realize the offensive line is just average? When have they physically dominated a game this season against cupcakes? It amazes me people tried to hype this line in the offseason.

• USC finally had a running back break 100 yards in a game, which was good, but the running game still looks off. Too many running plays look they might become a long play but then fizzle out.

• Is Jayden Maiava really significantly better than he was last season? He hasn’t played a good team yet and already delivered a clunker. He threw an interception on the first possession and tried to throw an interception on a dropped pass in the end zone. He’s already delivered a subpar performance and USC hasn’t even played a good team yet.

• What troubles me is the offense still relies on individual brilliance from its receivers (hello, Trent Mosley and Mark Bowman!) instead of playing with real cohesion and crispness. USC is a team with heroes but doesn’t always look intelligent, especially with some uninspired play calling.

• Now to the defense: I gotta believe Gary Patterson is still in his office today, and never left it since last night watching that game film. He has a defense that gives up big plays, has trouble stopping the run and cannot cover anyone consistently. Patterson knows what is coming later in the season.
  Look I’m a big fan of the defensive linemen (Abasiri, Wafle, etc.) but too often the linebackers, safeties and corners get caught out.

Last week, people were complimenting safety Kennedy Urlacher but he gave up a big pass last night. I mention it because some try to blame bad plays on the reserves. The starters give up plenty of big plays too. Linebacker Deven Bryant also allowed a key completion near the goal line and he is a starter.

QB Lunch Winfield completed 16 of 22 passes for 212 yards. That’s a great stat line for an undermanned team that flew all the way to Los Angeles. He also had 91 yards rushing.

Another bad habit arose last night from last season, as USC had eight penalties fot 78 yards. The personal fouls were a problem, especially when the roughing the kicker led to a TD.

A lot of USC fans were relishing Oregon’s loss yesterday. But by late Saturday night, they should be pondering what would happen if USC had to go to Oklahoma State. Ohio State lost. How would USC do if it went to Texas?

But this is why Riley doesn’t want to play anyone. I got in an argument Saturday with a former USC athlete who said they don’t care if USC ever plays anyone good and just wants to get to the playoff. This is what Charles Nelson Riley has done to some fans. He’s lowered the standards.