Facebook Follies
[ Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:16:58 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
Expect an overdrive campaign by the athletic dept. when school resumes to force all athletes to make their Facebook profiles ''private'' after websites ran photos of the track team, soccer team and song girls outside their official duties. Not that making it private is a fail-safe solution. But all in all, not a great week for USC's image. Depending on your point of view.
More On Special Teams
[ Sat, 26 Jul 2008 12:16:58 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
Just a follow-up on the special teams topic. Some schools decide to employ a full-time special teams coach. Others do not. The conflict arises over the limit on how many coaches you can hire. When Pete Carroll gave the defensive coordinator duties to Nick Holt a couple years ago, he decided to double-up and hire an extra defensive line assistant, Dave Watson, to assist Holt, who is the defensive line coach. Carroll could have hired a special-teams coach with the opening but chose not to. Now with Sam Anno gone, there is no official opening and he needs to scramble to fill the spot. So that meant giving additional duties to Yogi Roth.
Watson Back
[ Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:16:58 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
USC defensive line coach Dave Watson is back from his ''personal leave'' that started in early June.
Moala: Leader of the Line
[ Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:01:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
In 2007, Lawrence Jackson and Sedrick Ellis served as a shining example for USC’s defensive line, guiding the Trojans to a Rose Bowl Championship with their production and steady leadership. With the departure of Ellis and Jackson, who were both selected in the first-round of April’s NFL draft, redshirt senior Fili Moala has taken it upon himself to become the new leader of the line.
Will Obama, McCain aid Carroll’s cause?
[ Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:00:38 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
USC coach Pete Carroll will be a featured speaker at LA Live Peace 08’s “March for Kids” at the Coliseum on Saturday, Aug. 2. And if Carroll gets his way, a couple of other prominent figures will appear at the rally, too. At Thursday’s Pac-10 Media Day, Carroll extended an invitation to the men who would [...]
USC, USC, USC
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:23:39 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
You could almost start a drinking game on the times USC came up with other teams at Pac-10 media day. Here's a sampling. Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh On beating USC last season: "It was a great thrill winning down at the Coliseum. That being said, that is water under the bridge. 2008 is a whole new dynamic, new culture, new team of guys." Stanford center Alex Fletcher On the offensive line: "In terms of the offensive line, when I came in we were the weakness of the team and now we are finally the strength. A lot of guys had to develop and get better. That is one of the best places to have strength, but you are one out of five and you are only as good as the guy next to you. We have worked together for a while now and that is huge because you know the difference between the way OSU runs its defense and the way USC runs its defense. It's a huge advantage." Cal coach Jeff Tedford On Jahvid Best: "Jahvid's health is very good. We held him out of spring drills with a hip injury that he suffered in the USC game. He rehabbed through spring, but has been through the summer program and is 100% healthy." Oregon coach Mike Bellotti On the Conference race: "I think that USC has the best talent coming back, ASU is better, and UCLA will be better. I think its a tremendous Conference, both from a coaching standpoint and a player standpoint. You've got to have support people because the quarterback can't do it on their own. It's a dog fight and you have to protect your players and be healthy." Arizona State QB Rudy Carpenter On last year's game against USC: "I think for one, it was a big game atmosphere, we got the chance to play USC on national TV. We'll take that experience from last season into this season for other big games. We have a tough schedule so we'll need that experience."
O'Hara Hired
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:20:55 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
In case you missed it, the Avengers hired former USC QB Pat O'Hara as head coach.
Spotlight Question
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:25:12 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
Q: Isn't the real reason Lil' Romeo and his father, Master P, insisted that he got a basketball scholarship to USC, as opposed to being a walk on, the fact that he could have only gotten into USC under athletic department admissions but not through the regular admission office process? A: Actually, a walk-on athlete in any sport is able to circumvent the regular admissions process. So if you're a 17-year-old out there and want to go to USC, I suggest you take a sudden interest in crew. And Miller did not need to do much insisting on anything, because it was a package deal with Demar DeRozan.
20 Questions with Anthony McCoy
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 20:03:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
SCPlaybook takes you beyond the stats so you can learn more about your favorite USC players. In the latest installment of 20 Questions, USC tight end Anthony McCoy lets us know his best sports memory, hobbies and much more.
Real Worry
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:19:25 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
One of our readers mentioned in the Open Forum the fact several Internet sites ran some personal pictures of a USC Song Girl this week. I'd like to think this will cause a couple people in the athletic dept. to focus their attention on this more-pressing matter instead of the simple readers' concerns about the Song Girls on this blog. But I doubt it.
Arena Football League commissioner Baker resigns
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:12:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
The former Irvine mayor and the father of ex-USC lineman Sam Baker steps down after 12 years.
Catching Up With Trojan Great And 2008 Olympic Swimmer Larsen Jensen
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:03:29 PDT | USC Press Release ]
Recent Trojan graduate Larsen Jensen, a 2004 Olympic silver medalist in the 1500-meter freestyle and the third fastest man ever in the race, is currently preparing to make his second Olympic appearance at the 2008 Games in Beijing, China. He and the rest of the 2008 U.S. Olympic Swim team had been training at Stanford for the past two weeks prior to departing today to Singapore for a final camp before heading to China. For the second Olympics in a row, Jensen qualified to race in the 400m (he finished fourth in 2004) and 1500m free and currently holds the U.S. records in those events as well as the 800m free (not a men's Olympic event). We caught up with Larsen between practice sessions on July 23.
Curious Decision
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:02:31 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
Pete Carroll decided to have graduate assistant Yogi Roth handle the kickers and snappers following the departure of Sam Anno. It's an interesting move because to my knowledge, he does not have prior experience with the kicking game.
5 unproven Trojans who could make or break 2008 (Part 5)
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:35:54 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
No. 5: CB Shareece Wright Vitals: 6-0, 180, junior, Colton High The skinny: How does a potentially great defense become a dominant unit? What’s the one thing, on the surface, that the 2008 USC defense lacks? Add a shutdown cornerback to what’s already there — seven returning starters, several of whom are projected as high NFL draft picks [...]
Familiar Site
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:25:41 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
The lead photo on the latimes.com front page is from a story on the Governor's move to cut trans fat out of fast food. Any Trojans recognize where it was taken?
More Important Than Sports
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 06:58:43 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
Sad news today in the non-sports world: Randy Pausch died . For the uninitiated, his inspirational tale will rock your world -- an all-around nice guy who turned personal tragedy into a blessing for millions. All great teams need great coaches, and in the game of life Coach Randy is a first ballot hall-of-famer. I encourage you to take a couple hours this weekend to watch his videos and read up. Just Google him. You won't regret a moment -- and that's the whole idea. Photo of Randy at Steelers training camp from ABC. -- Adam Rose
Video: Throwing Sessions Nearing End
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:57:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
The Trojans met for the final Friday throwing session before camp begins on August 5th. Players will continue weight training until next Tuesday, then take a week off before returning for Summer Camp. Video of Friday's workout inside...
Former Trojan QB Pat O'Hara Named L.A. Avenger Head Coach
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:11:26 PDT | USC Press Release ]
Former USC quarterback Pat O'Hara, a 1988 and 1990 Trojan letterman and a three-time ArenaBowl champion who will be entering his 15th season of involvement with the Arena Football League, has been hired as the head coach of the Los Angeles Avengers, owner and chief executive officer Casey Wasserman announced Friday (July 25).
2008 Gameday Promotions Set For Women's Volleyball
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:04:46 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- The USC women's volleyball program has announced its 2008 promotions schedule for home matches at the Galen Center, starting on Thursday (Sept. 4) with All-Time Great Night. USC will honor former players Sue Woodstra and Debbie (Landreth) Brown prior to the home opener against Oklahoma. Permanent banners with Woodstra and Brown's name will be displayed next to the banners of Paula Weishoff and Debbie Green who were honored last season.
5 unproven Trojans who could make or break 2008 (Part 4)
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:38:47 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
No. 4: DEs Everson Griffen/Clay Matthews Vitals: Griffen – 6-3, 265, sophomore, Agua Fria High (Avondale, Ariz.); Matthews – 6-3, 240, senior, Agoura Hills High The skinny: Yeah, I kinda cheated by lumping Griffen and Matthews (right) together, which, by the end of this exercise, will make for six unproven Trojans would could make or break 2008. [...]
Jim Tressel Reacts to Carson Palmer
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:21:03 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
Speaking to reporters at the Big Ten football media day, Ohio State Coach Jim Tressel took a moment to weigh in on the Carson Palmer controversy . It was only a few days ago that the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback talked smack about the Buckeyes. Palmer, a Heisman Trophy winner in his days at USC, said he was sick of hearing about Ohio State and wants to see the Trojans kick butt when the teams play at the Coliseum on Sept. 13. His comments were not well-received in the heart of scarlet-and-gray country. "It just tells you one thing, he's proud of the place he played and he lives with us in Ohio and I'm sure he gets to hear a lot about the Buckeyes," Tressel said. "And I'm sure he's excited about the fact that we get to play against his alma mater and you know Woody used to always say, 'whether they're talking good or talking bad, keep them talking.' " Columbus Dispatch sportswriter Ken Gordon, blogging on his newspaper's website, also came to Palmer's defense, calling him "a great guy." "The guy is a USC alum, and let's face it, it's tough to live in Ohio if you're not an Ohio State fan," Gordon wrote. "The same passion that makes Buckeye fans some of the best around also tends to drive fans of other teams crazy. Nothing wrong with that, it's just the way it is." -- David Wharton
PHOTOS: Friday Passing Workout
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:11:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
Mark Sanchez led the Trojans during a players-only 7-on-7 workout on Friday morning. SCPlaybook’s Kevin Carden was there and brings you images of all the action from the field.
5 unproven Trojans who could make or break 2008 (Part 3)
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 10:36:59 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
No. 3: LT Charles Brown Vitals: 6-6, 295, junior, Diamond Ranch High (Chino Hills) The skinny: Brown is penciled in as the starter at left tackle, replacing the departed Sam Baker – a multiyear starter and first-round pick in the 2008 NFL draft. Left tackle is the most important position on the offensive line in modern football, [...]
Pac-10 football media poll: USC is No. 1
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:02:31 PDT | P-E USC Blog ]
For those of you who may have missed this early Thursday morning ... Here is the Pac-10 poll. USC got 38 of 39 first place votes, with Cal getting the other. 1. USC 2. Arizona State 3. Oregon 4. Cal 5. UCLA 6. Oregon State 7. Arizona 8. Washington 9. Stanford 10. Washington State
Pac-10 Media Day - A photo essay in two parts (Part II)
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:01:10 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
During intermission I had a chance to catch up with my friend and former Register colleague, Cecilia Cuaresma, the self-proclaimed “BOSS of the sports world,” and a producer for ESPNU and aimsports.tv. That’s her, pretending not to know me.
Pac-10 Media Day - A photo essay in two parts (Part I)
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 07:00:33 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
LOS ANGELES — Ah, Pac-10 Media Day. The day we, the media, gather with each of the conference coaches and decide which ones we like. The luncheon, held inside the Hilton LAX hotel, began Thursday at 9:35 a.m. and I’m limping through it with a badly sprained ankle. (Please bear with the pictures, courtesy of [...]
Exception To The Rule
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:15:01 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
Here's a quote from Pete Carroll that was posted earlier today on the running backs: ''It's never been a problem for us. It's a problem for everyone else that they can't figure out why we do it that way. You saw for years that Reggie (Bush) was the poster boy and Heisman Trophy winner. LenDale White set the record for Pac-10 touchdowns.'' Uh, well, there was that famous fourth-down play against Texas when Reggie Bush was not on the field at all and LenDale White got stuffed short of the first down. That goes down as a ''problem'' for USC in our book and one time we couldn't ''figure out why (they) do it that way.''
Ex-USC defensive end Lawrence Jackson signs, practices
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
Seattle Times report: The deal with the Seahawks is believed to be worth a total of $11.25 million for five years.
Pinkard update
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:37:22 PDT | Jill Painter Inside USC ]
Asked if Josh Pinkard was 100 percent, Pete Carroll said: ``he should be.'' ``We want to be careful loading him up too much in fall camp. We don't want to overwork him. He's doing everything in the workout program.'' Carroll said Pinkard would battle for playing time and can start at either corner or safety.
A Pleasant Surprise for Kyle Moore
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:04:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
At the end of the football season, the Ted Hendricks Foundation recognizes the “Defensive End of the Year.” SCPlaybook caught up with Kyle Moore and notified him that he was on the 2008 Pre-season Watch List. Moore was surprised but honored to have been mentioned for the award.
USC still leader of the Pac-10
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
Trojans are the near-unanimous choice to win another conference championship. Pete Carroll is pumped, and Jim Harbaugh is quiet. Ten takes taken from Thursday's Pacific 10 Conference media day, which has basically become USC media day surrounded by nine other tables:
Some summer sizzle for USC-UCLA football rivalry
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
Rick Neuheisel is back at UCLA, and he's brought Norm Chow with him -- and that is making the city rivalry more interesting than it's been in years. Rick Neuheisel skipped to the dais for his first Pac-10 media day on Thursday like a blond surfer who just caught a fresh wave.
USC near-unanimous choice to win Pac-10 football title
[ Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
A roundup of events at the conference's media day: Trojans get 38 of 39 first-place votes in media poll; coaches debate player ejections. USC, which has won or shared the last six Pacific 10 Conference football titles, was a near-unanimous choice to repeat as champion in a vote by West Coast media members released Thursday.
AUDIO: Carroll and Cushing at Media Day
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:56:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
The Trojans are once again a heavy favorite to win the Pac-10 in 2008. Pete Carroll and Brian Cushing talked about the upcoming season and much more at the Pac-10 Media Day on Thursday. Look inside for audio of Carroll and Cushing's remarks.
USC Football Notebook: Carroll checks off his five main concerns
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:54:00 PDT | Press-Enterprise ]
Not USC This Time
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:51:16 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
ESPN's Outside the Lines, which broke the O.J. Mayo story, looks at Penn State coach Joe Paterno, who ''while celebrating his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame, is also facing questions about the spate of criminal charges against some of his players.'' The show examines the crimes, charges, and convictions among Penn State football players, reports on the spike in criminal activity.
More Roth
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:33:35 PDT | Jill Painter Inside USC ]
Yogi Roth, the graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach, has additional duties in the fall as he'll work with kickers and snappers.
Open Forum
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:49:18 PDT | Scott Wolf Inside USC ]
It's time for questions. Barack Obama drew 200,000 for a speech in Berlin today. If USC did the count, it would have been 300,000.
USC's a constant favorite
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | Press-Enterprise ]
Better than Bush
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:45:07 PDT | Jill Painter Inside USC ]
Reggie who? Pete Carroll praised Joe McKnight for having the ability to do it all out of the backfield. And he does something even better than Bush. ``Joe McKnight has gained 20 pounds since he showed up a year ago,'' Carroll said. ``He's a big-play tailback who can catch the ball out of the backfield and line up as a receiver. He runs routes as a receiver better than Reggie did.''
Playing for second
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:15:03 PDT | Jill Painter Inside USC ]
ASU coach Dennis Erickson seemingly already conceded the Pac-10 title to USC, even though the Sun Devils shared the conference title with the Trojans last year. ``You don't pay any attention to that,'' he said. ``One thing about how they rate ya is that it's over the week when we start practice. Our league is so competitive. 'SC has set a high standard. That's the reality of it. Anybody can beat anybody, that's why it's such a great league. To pick who will be second is very difficult.''
USC depth chart: Special teams
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:45:01 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
Here’s how the special teams shape up, according to the 2008 USC media guide: PUNTER Greg Woidneck Billy O’Malley PLACEKICKER David Buehler Joe Houston Jordan Congdon SNAPPER Cooper Stephenson Alex Parsons Christian Putnam HOLDER Garrett Green Greg Woidneck KICKOFF RETURNER C.J. Gable Ronald Johnson Joe McKnight PUNT RETURNER Joe McKnight Stafon Johnson Brandon Carswell See also: Offense, defense.
USC depth chart: Defense
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:15:04 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
Here’s how the defense shapes up, according to the 2008 USC media guide: LEFT DEFENSIVE END Kyle Moore Gerald Washington Trey Henderson NOSE TACKLE Averell Spicer/Christian Tupou DaJohn Harris DEFENSIVE TACKLE Fili Moala Derek Simmons Trey Henderson RIGHT DEFENSIVE END Everson Griffen/Clay Matthews Andrew Weiss
USC depth chart: Offense
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:45:25 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
When it comes to depth charts, we’re going deep. Our goal is to keep you as up-to-date as possible on whatever depth-chart changes Pete Carroll makes at USC. (We’re going only two- or three-deep, depending on the position, to preserve our fingers and sanity.) Here’s how the offense shapes up, according to the 2008 USC media guide:
Pac-10 Media Day Thoughts
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:35:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
Pete Carroll was fired up, and excited about the team in front of him and the possibilities of the future. Brian Cushing represented himself and the university well. More Inside...
Target on USC’s back? ‘It’s a beautiful thing’
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 16:15:42 PDT | OC Register USC Blog ]
LOS ANGELES – After leading USC to six consecutive conference crowns, does Pete Carroll ever get tired of having the proverbial bull’s-eye on his program? “No,” he said. “It’s cool. It’s a good thing. It’s a beautiful thing. It’s absolutely what you hope for.”
Bill Plaschke on Pac-10 Media Day
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:13:28 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
Pac-10: More on the home jersey issue
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:52:14 PDT | P-E USC Blog ]
Evidently, the impetus for allowing both UCLA and USC to wear their home jerseys when the teams meet would have to come from the Pac-10 office. "Mr. Hansen (Pac-10 commissioner Tom Hansen) decides whether or not he wants to let that happen," UCLA's Rick Neuheisel said. "He may ask for permission from the NCAA. I don't know. "Hopefully it isn't far off. It should be that way, both teams wearing their home jerseys, a classic game, like when we were kids. I look forward to having it go back to that." It's an issue on which Neuheisel and USC's Pete Carroll agree.
USC and UCLA home and home jerseys??
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:49:36 PDT | P-E USC Blog ]
Among the topics of conversations for several years has been the possibility of both USC and UCLA wearing its home jerseys in the rivalry game, much like they used to. But the visiting team would be charged a time out in both halves, something that may be too much to risk. Had it just been in the first half, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said he would have called a time-out immediately to even the playing field. But losing one in the second half is too risky, he said, although he wishes the schools could get an exemption so there could be a red vs. blue game. "My guess is it will be turned down," Neuheisel said. "But it should be that way."
Trojans Top Pac-10 Media Poll
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:21:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
With the Trojans overwhelming success under Pete Carroll it came as no surprise to see USC atop the preseason list and Arizona State Head Coach Dennis Erickson certainly agreed with the choice, “To pick who will be second is very difficult,” Erickson said.
Pete for President
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:06:38 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
At Pac-10 media day, Pete Carroll had an obvious plant in the audience. One of his former players-turned-broadcaster asked him to talk about an upcoming charity event. "Yeah!" exclaimed USC's coach, "thanks for asking!" After a very pregnant pause (and a few chuckles from the crowd), Carroll launched into his spiel. As you might have noticed on this blog, we have a soft spot for good causes (we even have a " do gooding " category) -- and we'll happily give a pass on the plant. Carroll and Co. used the media spotlight to bring attention to LA Live Peace , a rally organized through his A Better LA charity. Several members of the media were handed glossy fliers advertising the event at the Coliseum on Aug. 2 (10 a.m.). After describing the march and rally, Carroll upped the ante. "It happens to be the gathering of all the people that do the work in the streets -- the intervention workers, all the community-based organizations and the churches that do such great stuff. I realized what an extraordinary opportunity it would be for our presidential candidates to join hands with our kids that are our future. We tell you that we're having this event -- shoot! We're inviting them too! Maybe they want to come in and connect with their future and make a statement that they do understand the work that's done on our city streets and with our communities is so critical. We need all the help we can get. It's an enormous job and we ain't got much time. Maybe they might want to join in." L.A. Times columnist Bill Plaschke was next in line. "You're inviting the President ... so you going to invite Neuheisel and Chow as well?" "I'm sure they're busy," joked Carroll. "Actually, everybody's invited ... one big happy family." Sure, maybe it was a little goofy -- but it's nice to see somebody in Carroll's position use his spotlight for a good cause. -- Adam Rose
Carroll addresses Pac-10 media
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 15:00:00 PDT | Press-Enterprise ]
Floyd Mum on Mayo
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 07:42:18 PDT | Ben Bolch All Things Trojan ]
Finally caught up with Tim Floyd more than 2 1/2 months after allegations surfaced that O.J. Mayo accepted money from an agent's runner. It wasn't for lack of trying. I had left multiple phone messages and even ventured to a Trojans "Coaches Tour" event in Orange County but never was able to speak with Floyd until now. And as far as the Mayo allegations go, Floyd wasn't saying much. Asked if he had been contacted by NCAA investigators, Floyd said he had not and pretty much left it at that. "Neither our school, nor our coaching staff nor our players will have any comment about that, and I would hope that you would respect that and not ask any questions of our players until the process is over because we won't have any updates for you. That's our university policy." Floyd was more talkative on other fronts. Although incoming freshman DeMar DeRozan has achieved a qualifying ACT score, Floyd said "it's never over until everything goes through the [NCAA] Clearinghouse. He's made the necessary test score and we're hopeful that everything will go through the Clearinghouse." The coach did not venture a guess as to when that might be. Floyd also said that North Carolina transfer Alex Stepheson had not committed to USC, contrary to a recent report. --Ben Bolch
Pac-10: USC (Is Pete Pumped-up?)
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:05:08 PDT | P-E USC Blog ]
Indeed Pete Carroll is -- extremely pumped. It may be Year 8 of the Carroll Coaching Era at USC, but "with all the championship guys gone,'' it seems like it's a whole new scenario. And that has the USC coach, as he said twice, in the first three minutes, "pumped-up.'' The schedule, opening on the East Coast at Virginia, then back home to face Ohio State Sept. 13, and then on to an ESPN Pac-10 opener at another OSU -- Oregon State. "It gives us the opportunity to do everything there is to do in college football,'' Carroll said of what he called "a transition year.'' But not in one respect: "Every game is a championship game.'' "The same expectations as last year,'' senior linebacker Brian Cushing said, "just a younger offense.''
Pac-10: Arizona State (It's Erickson's Show)
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:49:25 PDT | P-E USC Blog ]
Of course he was glad to be at Pac-10 Media Day,'' ASU Head Coach Dennis Erickson said. "It's great for me to be anywhere,'' is how Erickson opened. Then he went to the heart of where he was in Year 2 in Tempe. When he signed his contract to coach at Arizona State, "they didn't show me this year's schedule, just last years.'' That's when ASU opened with "seven or eight'' home games. This year, after getting a start at home against Northern Arizona, Stanford and UNLV, they host Georgia, hit the road to Cal and USC, then face Oregon at home and Oregon State on the road. Then Erickson opened it to questions: "About your offensive line?'' "Next question.'',
Pac-10: Neuheisel's shot across the bow ...
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:44:37 PDT | P-E USC Blog ]
The first thing you have to understand is that USC people hate being referred to as "Southern Cal." Hate it. In fact, a regular segment of their media guide and their media notes is a reminder that the school's preference is USC or SC or, basically, anything but Southern Cal. Which brings us to the windup of UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel's remarks today, in discussing offensive coordinator Norm Chow and defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, both of whom had previously coached across town, and the idea that they'll be working together rather than competing each other, as offensive and defensive coordinators sometimes do: " ... Those two, having a past relationship at BYU and Southern Cal, it's a huge asset. I couldn't be happier about the harmony on our coaching staff." Accidental? I don't think so.
Carroll-Cushing News Conference
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:34:20 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
Here's the audio from Pete Carroll and Brian Cushing's news conference at Pac-10 Media Day. Click play to listen: As a special treat, you can download the whole thing if you want to listen to it on your iPod. Just click here to download the MP3 . -- Adam Rose
Pete Carroll Sparks Debate at Pac-10 Officials Meeting
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:43:16 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
by Gary Klein It was an early morning wake-up call for a 7:30 meeting with the Pacific 10 Conference's coordinator of officials, but that didn't stop USC Coach Pete Carroll from initiating some spirited debate. Dave Cutaia of the Pac-10 covered a variety of topics during his session with all of the head coaches, including chop blocks, clock changes, horse-collar tackles, face-mask violations, targeting an opponent with the crown of helmet and reviewable plays. Carroll got rolling after Cutaia showed a video clip of a helmet-to-helmet hit on a punt return and said the tackler would be ejected. "This stuff just happens and it has nothing to do with the guy's intent," Carroll said of the specific example in the clip. Carroll continued, saying officials should not be looking to eject players for actions that were not intentional. The subdued meeting then turned into a lively series of exchanges with nearly every other coach weighing in on the topic. New UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel even agreed with Carroll. Washington's Tyrone Willingham cautioned that the intent of the rule was to address one of the most unprotected situations in football. Cutaia said he appreciated the feedback and would take the comments into consideration. Later in the meeting, Cutaia said egregious errors such as an incorrect good or no-good call on field goals could now be reviewed. "We don't want to get caught in procedure," he said. "We want to get the darn play right."
Harbaugh Comments on USC Again
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:05:05 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
It wasn't quite what some reporters had hoped for. Stanford Coach Jim Harbaugh was asked at Pac-10 Media Day if he had any remarks about last year's epic upset over USC and whether he would have any more bulletin-board fodder. Last year, he said that the Trojans might be the greatest team in the history of college football -- then the Cardinal came into the Coliseum as a 40+-point underdog and upset its hosts. Not taking the bait, Harbaugh merely said, "It was a great thrill -- winning in the Coliseum last year. That said, I think our players will agree it's water under the bridge." He added, "I didn't know I was a bulletin-board guy!" Yeah, right. -- Adam Rose
Pac-10s top 5 playmakers
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:00:00 PDT | Press-Enterprise ]
Blogging from Pac-10 Media Day
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Adam Rose All Things Trojan ]
We're blogging from the red carpet of Pac-10 football media day, where players from around the west coast have an opportunity to meet their favorite beat writers and radio jocks. OK, not quite ... but there are a lot of big names here today and there will be plenty of coverage over the next few hours. To kick things off, here's this year's pre-season media poll. Remember that the LA Times does not participate, but we do report ... USC (38) - 389 Arizona State - 330 Oregon - 295 California (1) - 274 UCLA - 204 Oregon State - 192 Arizona - 185 Washington - 139 Stanford - 76 Washington State - 61 First place votes are in parenthesis, total votes are listed after the dash. According to the league, the poll has picked the champs 25 of 47 years and the past 8 seasons in a row (a few of those were ties, of course). USC has been on top for six years in a row, the longest streak since an 18-year run from 1965-1982. -- Adam Rose
Pac-10 Media Day: Schedule looks tough to Erickson
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
Arizona State's toughest non-conference foe will be title contender Georgia.
UCLA, USC coaches are rivals of the dais
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
Smith column: When it comes to working the crowd, UCLA's new coach, Rick Neuheisel, can be a match for USC's Pete Carroll
Carroll: Trojans' Sanchez ready to express himself
[ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
USC notes: The USC coach says the Mission Viejo High grad is ready to take charge at quarterback.
Through Cushing's eyes: Pac-10 Media Day
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | PeteCaroll.com ]
Experience Pac-10 Media Day alongside linebacker Brian CushingBy Ben MalcolmsonUSCRipsItPeteCarroll...
Behind the scenes at Pac-10 Media Day
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | PeteCaroll.com ]
See Media Day as the players and coaches see itBy Ben MalcolmsonUSCRipsItPeteCarroll.comCheck out b...
Adam Goodman's Summer Workout
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 18:17:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
Backup fullback, Adam Goodman spends his time in the off-season working out with the team and volunteering with his father-in-law, running a football camp for youth in Orange County.Clay de Leon caught up with Adam Goodman to discuss his summer workouts, the FCA camp and his expectations for the coming season. More inside…
Add Another Olympian: Bibiana Candelas
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 14:20:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
Another Trojan is Olympic Bound. Bibiana Candelas, instrumental to USC Women's Volleyball back-to-back National Championships, will compete for her native Mexico in the Beijing Summer Olympics.
Bibiana Candelas Goes To Beijing For Mexico
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:42:49 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- Former USC middle blocker Bibiana Candelas (Torreon, Mexico/Colegio Ponceno) will compete at the 2008 Olympics in beach volleyball for her home country of Mexico. She becomes USC's third Olympian for women's volleyball to compete in China along with two former Women of Troy players who were selected for their respective indoor volleyball teams: Nicole Davis (U.S.) and Asia Kaczor (Poland). Candelas becomes the 22nd player in USC history to compete in the Olympics.
USC Fall Preview: Quarterbacks
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:21:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
The Trojans have a stable of talented quarterbacks that any coach in the nation would love to have on his roster. In Mark Sanchez, Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp, USC has three quarterbacks that are all capable of leading the team to great success in 2008.
Video: Milton Meeks in Action
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:19:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
Video of Milton Meeks, OLB, Stone Mountain High School (GA). Versatile athlete participated in the recent USC Rising Stars Camp.
No more tickets for USC-Oregon game
[ Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
It becomes the fifth sellout for the 2008 season.
Video: Aaron Corp Learning the Ropes
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 21:50:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
Aaron Corp is third on the depth chart at quarterback for USC. He has a relentless spirit, willingness to learn and help incoming freshmen. Corp is the most versatile of the three quarterbacks currently on the roster.
USC Football 2008 Pre-Season Notes
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 16:14:53 PDT | USC Press Release ]
The 2008 Trojans will be in the hunt to win another national title and to capture their seventh straight Pac-10 title, according to various pre-season prognosticators.
Grant Green, Brad Boxberger Named To Cape Cod All-Star Game
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:23:39 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- USC shortstop Grant Green (Anaheim Hills/Canyon HS) and right-handed pitcher Brad Boxberger (Tustin/Foothill HS) have been named to play in the 2008 Cape Cod Baseball League All-Star Game this Saturday (July 26). The game will start at 7 p.m. (Eastern) and be broadcast live on NESN. Both players will play for the East Division and represent the Chatham A's.
PHOTOS: Tuesday Passing Workout
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 12:20:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
The Trojans were back out on the practice field bright and early on Tuesday morning getting prepared for the start of Fall Camp. SCPlaybook’s Kevin Carden was there and brings you action photos from the 7-on-7 drills.
20 Questions with C.J. Gable
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:07:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
USC Tailback C.J. Gable will return to action in 2008 after suffering a season-ending injury early last season. Look inside to see Gable's answers to 20 questions on a wide range of topics.
Last Remaining Seats: Unprecedented Sales
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:15:00 PDT | SCPlaybook.com ]
In an unprecedented turn, all Trojan home games may sell out. This with an additional 1,607 added to this year's home games.
Four of USC's six home football games sold out
[ Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
Fewer than 1,000 tickets each remain for Oregon and Washington games. USC is expected to have one of the top college football teams in the nation this season, but if you want to pay face value to see the Trojans at home, you'd better act fast.
Exchange student
[ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | PeteCaroll.com ]
Offensive administrative assistant Al Dorsey takes a three-week position with the Raiders through t...
Amanda Fink Shines In ITF Summer Tourneys
[ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 16:07:34 PDT | USC Press Release ]
Fresh off a strong junior season at USC, Amanda Fink has notched a powerful summer for herself playing as an amateur in several distinguished International Tennis Federation Women's Circuit tournaments across the country. A wildcard into the main draw in Allentown, Pa., Fink reached the final of that tournament before recently capturing the title at competition in Atlanta.
Case for USC national championship? Stronger than you think
[ Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:56:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
The Trojans could lose to Ohio State and still play for a BCS title.
Asia Kaczor Heads To Olympics For Poland
[ Sat, 19 Jul 2008 11:12:57 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- Two-time All-American Asia Kaczor has been selected to represent her country of Poland as a member of the women's volleyball team at the 2008 Olympics next month in China. She becomes USC's 21st women's volleyball player to compete in the Olympics, joining former libero Nicole Davis, who earlier this week was named to the United States Olympic Team.
Individual Tickets For 2008 USC Football On Sale Sunday Night
[ Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:38:10 PDT | USC Press Release ]
Individual tickets for the 2008 USC football season will go on sale on Sunday (July 20) at 8 p.m. Tickets for the Sept. 13 game against Ohio State, the Oct. 4 game against Oregon, the Nov. 1 game against Washington and the Nov. 8 game against California are available. The Oct. 11 game against Arizona State and the Nov. 29 game against Notre Dame are already sold out.
Nicole Davis Named To U.S. Olympic Team
[ Wed, 16 Jul 2008 23:30:44 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- Former USC libero Nicole Davis (Stockton, Calif.) has been selected to represent the United States as part of a 12-player squad at the Olympic Games next month in Beijing, China, pending approval by the United States Olympic Committee. She becomes the 20th player in USC history to be selected to an Olympic team and will join another former Women of Troy player, Sue Woodstra, who is an assistant coach for Team USA.
Former USC Player And Coach Bob Zuber Passes Away
[ Wed, 16 Jul 2008 14:02:33 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- Former USC baseball player and assistant coach Bob Zuber passed away last Thursday (July 10) at his home in Encino. He was 79. Zuber was a member of USC's first national championship team in 1948 as a catcher. During the championship game against Yale (against first baseman and future President George H. Bush), he made the first out of a game-ending triple play that clinched the title for the Trojans. He led the Trojans in 1948 with a .407 batting average and was a three-time All-CIBA and Pacific Coast Conference selection (1948-50).
2008 Recruiting Class Ranked Third In The Nation
[ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:37:33 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- The 2008 USC women's volleyball recruiting class has been ranked third in the nation by Volleyball Magazine. It is the second straight year that USC has rated the No. 3 overall class.
DeMar DeRozan is academically eligible to play for USC
[ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
Top recruit from Compton High says university officials have cleared him to immediately begin basketball activities. Top USC basketball recruit DeMar DeRozan said today that university officials have academically cleared him to immediately begin basketball activities with the Trojans.
Cynthia Cooper-Dyke Named To Women's Basketball Hall Of Fame
[ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:37:00 PDT | USC Press Release ]
Former USC and WNBA great Cynthia Cooper-Dyke was elected into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame's 2009 class.
Background on Reggie Bush, O.J. Mayo cases
[ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
A capsulized view of the NCAA investigations involving Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo, regarding their time at USC. * Reggie Bush is suspected of taking money and gifts from would-be sports marketers in San Diego. His parents face similar allegations.
As Reggie Bush and O.J. Mayo cases loom, NCAA answers critics
[ Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
NCAA enforcement officials explain the process of their investigations and why it takes them longer than some want. INDIANAPOLIS -- A few minutes into the interview, the NCAA's head of enforcement pauses to make himself clear.
USC's Amy Rodriguez Tallies Another Winner For USA
[ Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:15:42 PDT | USC Press Release ]
USC senior-to-be Amy Rodriguez punched in her fifth goal in her 22nd appearance with the U.S. National Team. Named to the U.S Olympic Team headed for Beijing, Rodriguez - the first Trojan to be named to women's soccer Olympic roster - tallied the game-winning goal for the United States in a friendly against Brazil on Sunday in Colorado.
Motivation without boundaries
[ Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | PeteCaroll.com ]
Coach Carroll gives a motivational talk to the USA Swimming team on WednesdayBy Ben MalcolmsonUSCRi...
Castillo, O'Neill Named To Northwoods League All-Star Game
[ Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:27:46 PDT | USC Press Release ]
LOS ANGELES -- Junior catcher/designated hitter Keith Castillo was selected for the 2008 Northwoods League All-Star Game this week. Castillo leads the Alexandria Beetles with a .331 batting average and three home runs. He is 39-for-118 for the Beetles with eight doubles, seven RBI and four stolen bases.
Mayo inks multi-year deal with Memphis
[ Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
Former USC basketball star O.J. Mayo finds security with the team that traded for him, hours after the NBA draft.
Trojans at sea
[ Mon, 07 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | PeteCaroll.com ]
Several USC football greats visit the USS Stennis in the Pacific OceanBy Jeremy HogueSpecial contri...
L.A. LivePeace '08
[ Sun, 06 Jul 2008 22:00:00 PDT | PeteCaroll.com ]
A Better LA, in connection with Unity One, will be holding “LA LivePeace ’08” on ...
Trade caps a wild night for O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love
[ Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 PDT | Los Angeles Times ]
Mayo is fine with going to Memphis, calling the turn of events 'crazy.' Love is excited about working with McHale in Minnesota. They passed each other many times on the court in their single season of college basketball. On Thursday, only hours after officially becoming pros, they passed each other again in the night.
The prodding of a little-known former scout results Mayo being traded for Love
[ Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:00:00 PDT | Press-Enterprise ]
Mayo and Love traded for each other after being top-five picks in NBA draft
[ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 03:00:00 PDT | Orange County Register ]
USC's O.J. Mayo is picked third by Minnesota before being traded to Memphis for UCLA's Kevin Love, who was picked fifth.
