I'm back! Apologies to my readers for the long mid-season absence (much like the USC defense)- who would have thought working for the University would take so much out-of-office work during football season? Anyway, here are some observations from finally being able to watch a full game.
Torin Harris? More like Torin Bench Warmer
I don't think I've seen a worse single defensive performance in quite some time. I accept that he is a redshirt freshman. I accept that he was up against arguably the best receiver in the Pac-10 multiple times (statistically of course). I accept that Nick Foles is one of the all-around best qb's in the country. But I do not accept this JV performance by Harris. He was routinely beaten regardless of man or zone coverage. He missed multiple tackles and simply looked confused much of the night. He was not the most heralded prospect coming out of high school by any stretch, but did have a 4-star ranking by Rivals (not that this means much to the USC defensive roster, one that is littered with 4- and 5-star prospects that are under performing) and was recruited by just about every Pac-10 school. Where is Nickell Robbey, who has been tearing it up when on the field this season. Where is the, thus far, nearly-invisible TJ Bryant, a player considered one of the best in the country just two years ago who has performed admirably when given the opportunity? While USC may not have the deepest secondary in the country, there are other viable options. I don't know what Harris' issues are at this juncture, whether he hasn't matured physically or the film room prep isn't there, but one thing is clear- it's time for him to ride the pine and take some notes.
The "best cover corner" in the Pac-10? Really?
Shareece Wright has been tabbed by a number of ESPN sources as the best cover corner in the Pac-10 since the pre-season. Saturday made it clear that while he is talented, best might be a bit of stretch. While he made a couple good plays, his missteps led to numerous big plays for UofA, including Wright tripping on himself after getting a step behind, leading to a touchdown. Wright has 0 interceptions this season despite starting every game. I'm not saying he should be removed as a starter or stripped of his captaincy, although Baucham has looked solid in practice, but the talk seems to have gotten to Wright's head a little bit. Considering physical attributes as well as intangibles (Wright held a secondary-only meeting following the back-to-back losses to UW and Stanford, the results of which can been seen against Cal), Wright is clearly one of the better corners in the Pac-10 and the country. It might be time, though, to shake off the "best" label, maybe even the "cover" part, and just go play some football. And keep the sacks coming.
Coach Kiff can coach
While the second half on Saturday wasn't exactly the most riveting 30 minutes of football ever, when combined with the first half, Kiffin showcased his ability to game plan, make adjustments and simply out coach. The time of possession: 37:37 to 22:33, almost an insane 2-1 ratio. USC on 4th down: 2-3. Kiffin made the right calls when necessary and kept the call out of QB Nick Foles' hands. The first half was impressive offensively, but the 2nd half was all about slowing down the game and playing to strengths. Tyler had the game of his career thus far, fueled by Kiffin altering the game plan to beat a defense geared up to defend the pass (Barkley was 5-15 in the 2nd half, including what should NOT have been an int). Some other stats:
3rd quarter: 9 rushes and 10 passes (only 4 completions)
4th quarter: 17 rushes and 5 passes (only 1 completion)
At one point, USC ran 10 rushes in a row (all on the same drive, mind you)
Clearly, Kiffin understood how to manage the game. Running the ball satisfied 2 goals- running the clock and gaining first downs, not to mention not turning the ball over with Allen Bradfard on the bench (sorry AB, I wish I didn't have to go there. Still pulling for you). USC has been a pass first team all season, yet this adjustment clearly demonstrates a growth on the coaching front. Coach K is on his way to a great 1st season, all things considered, with this blogger ready to put some coin down for 10-3.
In other news...
Nikola Vucevic is a BEAST. The reigning Pac-10 Most Improved Player continued his maturation with 19 points and 14 boards against an outmatched UCI team. Coupled with 13 rebounds from the more logical source of Alex Stephenson, USC showed a presence inside that hasn't been around since the Gibson-Jefferson year. Not that Fontan will become anything OJ Mayo (I hope that's true in a number of ways), but if he can progress to become the player he showed off last year at Fordham, USC has a shot to be very good this season. The team is a bit pieced together, with Fontan becoming eligible at the semester break and a number of players having transferred in. With this said, if the team can come together with Vucevic continuing to develop and Stephenson controlling the paint, watch out come March.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
USC Season Preview
Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends, and in a mere 30 hours, college football will be back upon us with Ohio State and Marshall kicking the season off. While we're all hoping the Herd can thunder past the Buckeyes, Terrell Pryor will be doing the only thundering on that field tomorrow. So let's move on to the future AP national champion University of Southern California Trojans. USC kicks of it's 13 game season at the University of Hawaii at 8:00pm (PST) on Thursday. Let's discuss...
Offense
While USC could be returning 8 starters to an offense that ran on ebbs and flows last year, new coach Lane Kiffin has elected to shake things up a bit, starting heralded recruit yet unproven player Mark Tyler over senior Allen Bradford (see my previous post for my break down of this decision) and freshman Robert Woods over *repeat adjectives* senior David Ausberry. Matt Barkley is back for his 2nd year under center and looks to double his touchdown total (okay, at least repeat and increase) while cutting his interceptions in half (seriously, though). He does this behind a solid but relatively inexperienced offense line whose strength is in its leader- All-American Christopher O'Dowd.
Let's get to the bottom line. USC's strength obviously is not in it's depth (see 67 scholarship players, 10 or so of which are expected to red shirt in some capacity). Their strength comes from varied levels of experience and diversity. Tyron Smith and Matt Kalil are different types of offensive lineman. They're fast, quick and nimble. It takes a lot to get around them. O'Dowd is as cerebral as they come. I've taken classes with Khaled Holmes- dude is smart. USC could field almost an entire offense just with the tight ends on the team, with not-so-arguably the most talented group in the country including the top 3 (yes, top three) tight end recruits in the country last year, with a range of specialties from bruising (Grimble) to pass catching (Ellison). The same can be said for the wide receivers, where USC can get you with hands (Ro Jo), feet (Woods and Ambles) or routes (Butler). The same can be said for the running backs, the almost comical position at USC over the past decade with the ridiculous amount of talent and depth. As I mentioned before, Bradford would be a pre-season all-conference player in any other conference in country, yet he rides the pine behind Marc Tyler and ahead of 5th year senior CJ Gable, this not even mentioning the best spring practice performer from any school in Dillon Baxter. Lastly, QB Matt Barkley was a heralded recruit that shined at times last year and should follow the trend of the sophomore jump, vastly improving after dropping lbs and adding quickness in the offseason. The recipe is there physically and mentally, now it just all needs to come together
Denfense
The offense part was long, so we'll keep this a little shorter. The defense will be measurably less experienced, but still oozing with ability. There's not much debate that the D-line is one of the most talented in the country, even without potential All-American Christian Tupou out for the season. The linebackers are the big question mark, if for no other reason than they are the heart of the defense, especially in a Tampa 2 set. There is no reason this group shouldn't be one of the best linebacking groups in the country, and yet they aren't. Moving Kennard to Middle Linebacker was an interesting choice. Chris Galippo has had a rough go of it, but if you look at the guy, he is a middle linebacker, a play maker, and he is primed for a break through. For this reason, I see USC playing a modified 3-4 in order to get all 4 of these backers on the field at the same time, utilizing the elephant position as they have in the past. I see Kennard and Galippo playing the middle areas with Smith and Morgan on the outsides, possibly both working the elephant position. This will be a sizeable modification to the Tampa 2, but one that will maximize the front 7's utility. Lastly, the secondary, while completely new, looks solid. We'll see how well the look test holds up facing a pass-happy Hawaii team in the opener. They're really young, but there isn't much place to go but up.
Special Teams
Kicking is suspect, seems like it always has been. If USC converts 50% of field goals, I'll be ecstatic. Okay, that's a bit exaggerated. But seriously, expect the Trojans to go for it on fourth down with a moderate frequency.
The return game, on the other hand, should be exciting. Gable is a proven return man, so long as he holds onto the ball, although he's definitely no Fumblin' Joe Mcknight, thank goodness. I'm excited to see what Woods brings to the table back there, a statement I would also make about him at wide receiver. I'd also love to see Baxter back there a time or two to see what the kid can do, a statement I would also make about him at wide receiver. Then there's RoJo returning punts. Good to have the man back. I will say, though, that I would prefer to put Gable or Woods or Ambles or Robbey or Baxter back there, not for the change of pace, but to avoid further injury risk as well as wear and tear.
Coaching
Four words: Going. To. Be. Awesome. Coach Kiff has put together a phenomenal group of gentlemen that will do things the right way and have this team ready to play and compete week in and week out. These abilities balk in comparison to the advantage these coaches give USC in recruiting. The only real thing I'm worried about is the pre-game speech...
Overall
USC has all the components to be stellar, now they just have to put the pieces together. This team has the potential to go 13-0, but it won't be easy. The schedule lines up well for USC with UW, Cal, ASU, Oregon and ND all coming to the Coliseum this year. The bye week before the Oregon game is HUGE, don't let that slip past you. But early travels to Hawaii and Minnesota, although not the most challenging games in the world, are a tough way to start the season and lead to tougher wear and tear down the stretch, not to mention the reality of no bowl game setting in when the player's find are starting to make travel arrangements. But the team looks focused and ready to take the whole system down. I think an 11 win season should be expected, and 12-1 is entirely doable. Then, watch out for next season...
Offense
While USC could be returning 8 starters to an offense that ran on ebbs and flows last year, new coach Lane Kiffin has elected to shake things up a bit, starting heralded recruit yet unproven player Mark Tyler over senior Allen Bradford (see my previous post for my break down of this decision) and freshman Robert Woods over *repeat adjectives* senior David Ausberry. Matt Barkley is back for his 2nd year under center and looks to double his touchdown total (okay, at least repeat and increase) while cutting his interceptions in half (seriously, though). He does this behind a solid but relatively inexperienced offense line whose strength is in its leader- All-American Christopher O'Dowd.
Let's get to the bottom line. USC's strength obviously is not in it's depth (see 67 scholarship players, 10 or so of which are expected to red shirt in some capacity). Their strength comes from varied levels of experience and diversity. Tyron Smith and Matt Kalil are different types of offensive lineman. They're fast, quick and nimble. It takes a lot to get around them. O'Dowd is as cerebral as they come. I've taken classes with Khaled Holmes- dude is smart. USC could field almost an entire offense just with the tight ends on the team, with not-so-arguably the most talented group in the country including the top 3 (yes, top three) tight end recruits in the country last year, with a range of specialties from bruising (Grimble) to pass catching (Ellison). The same can be said for the wide receivers, where USC can get you with hands (Ro Jo), feet (Woods and Ambles) or routes (Butler). The same can be said for the running backs, the almost comical position at USC over the past decade with the ridiculous amount of talent and depth. As I mentioned before, Bradford would be a pre-season all-conference player in any other conference in country, yet he rides the pine behind Marc Tyler and ahead of 5th year senior CJ Gable, this not even mentioning the best spring practice performer from any school in Dillon Baxter. Lastly, QB Matt Barkley was a heralded recruit that shined at times last year and should follow the trend of the sophomore jump, vastly improving after dropping lbs and adding quickness in the offseason. The recipe is there physically and mentally, now it just all needs to come together
Denfense
The offense part was long, so we'll keep this a little shorter. The defense will be measurably less experienced, but still oozing with ability. There's not much debate that the D-line is one of the most talented in the country, even without potential All-American Christian Tupou out for the season. The linebackers are the big question mark, if for no other reason than they are the heart of the defense, especially in a Tampa 2 set. There is no reason this group shouldn't be one of the best linebacking groups in the country, and yet they aren't. Moving Kennard to Middle Linebacker was an interesting choice. Chris Galippo has had a rough go of it, but if you look at the guy, he is a middle linebacker, a play maker, and he is primed for a break through. For this reason, I see USC playing a modified 3-4 in order to get all 4 of these backers on the field at the same time, utilizing the elephant position as they have in the past. I see Kennard and Galippo playing the middle areas with Smith and Morgan on the outsides, possibly both working the elephant position. This will be a sizeable modification to the Tampa 2, but one that will maximize the front 7's utility. Lastly, the secondary, while completely new, looks solid. We'll see how well the look test holds up facing a pass-happy Hawaii team in the opener. They're really young, but there isn't much place to go but up.
Special Teams
Kicking is suspect, seems like it always has been. If USC converts 50% of field goals, I'll be ecstatic. Okay, that's a bit exaggerated. But seriously, expect the Trojans to go for it on fourth down with a moderate frequency.
The return game, on the other hand, should be exciting. Gable is a proven return man, so long as he holds onto the ball, although he's definitely no Fumblin' Joe Mcknight, thank goodness. I'm excited to see what Woods brings to the table back there, a statement I would also make about him at wide receiver. I'd also love to see Baxter back there a time or two to see what the kid can do, a statement I would also make about him at wide receiver. Then there's RoJo returning punts. Good to have the man back. I will say, though, that I would prefer to put Gable or Woods or Ambles or Robbey or Baxter back there, not for the change of pace, but to avoid further injury risk as well as wear and tear.
Coaching
Four words: Going. To. Be. Awesome. Coach Kiff has put together a phenomenal group of gentlemen that will do things the right way and have this team ready to play and compete week in and week out. These abilities balk in comparison to the advantage these coaches give USC in recruiting. The only real thing I'm worried about is the pre-game speech...
Overall
USC has all the components to be stellar, now they just have to put the pieces together. This team has the potential to go 13-0, but it won't be easy. The schedule lines up well for USC with UW, Cal, ASU, Oregon and ND all coming to the Coliseum this year. The bye week before the Oregon game is HUGE, don't let that slip past you. But early travels to Hawaii and Minnesota, although not the most challenging games in the world, are a tough way to start the season and lead to tougher wear and tear down the stretch, not to mention the reality of no bowl game setting in when the player's find are starting to make travel arrangements. But the team looks focused and ready to take the whole system down. I think an 11 win season should be expected, and 12-1 is entirely doable. Then, watch out for next season...
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Marc Tyler, What?
The LA Times recently announced a decision by the coaching staff that I, honestly, found astonishing. Word around Howard Jones Field is that "heralded" red shirt junior Marc Tyler will start the season opener at running back, ahead of the only player on the depth chart with more than 21 carries last year, Allen Bradford. I must be up front- I have not been out watching all of the practices nor writing the practice reports, but I still think this decision is a travesty.
Sure, Bradford came out of high school as the best linebacker, that's right- linebacker, in the nation, while Marc Tyler came out as the number 2 running back in the nation with his recruiting class (ironically, behind Joe McKnight, a position he would become accustomed to)*. Bradford put up a solid senior season in high school while Tyler, albeit quietly, beat out everybody's All-American Jimmy Clausen for the California Gatorade Player of the Year award. But don't be fooled. Bradford rolled up nearly 4500 yards rushing in high school over a three years, including a senior year of nearly 2000 yards and 29 touchdowns. Maybe he should have been rated a running back.
Quite simply, Allen Bradford has earned it. He worked over the practice squads while Tyler nursed a spiral fracture. He took it to the second- and even first-team defenses while Tyler took it to the training room. Bradfard waited patiently behind Pete's golden boy, and when finally given the opportunity, shined with 6.1 yards per rush in 2009 in an anemic offense led by a freshman quarterback. Bradford has all of the tools along with perfect size and surprisingly blazing speed. Don't get me wrong, he's no Noel Devine, but think more Stafon Johnson in 2007 with more power. Or maybe all that Chauncer Washington wanted to be (and all Pete wanted him to be) in 2006. He's a red shirt senior. He's a team leader. He would be a preseason all-conference first- or second-team in any conference that doesn't have two Heisman contenders at the same position. He's worked his butt off to emerge from the dog house to main stage. He should get his chance to really show the rest of the Pac-10 his bark.
Allen Bradford is the starter, in my mind anyway.
*Recruiting information based on Rivals rankings.
Sure, Bradford came out of high school as the best linebacker, that's right- linebacker, in the nation, while Marc Tyler came out as the number 2 running back in the nation with his recruiting class (ironically, behind Joe McKnight, a position he would become accustomed to)*. Bradford put up a solid senior season in high school while Tyler, albeit quietly, beat out everybody's All-American Jimmy Clausen for the California Gatorade Player of the Year award. But don't be fooled. Bradford rolled up nearly 4500 yards rushing in high school over a three years, including a senior year of nearly 2000 yards and 29 touchdowns. Maybe he should have been rated a running back.
Quite simply, Allen Bradford has earned it. He worked over the practice squads while Tyler nursed a spiral fracture. He took it to the second- and even first-team defenses while Tyler took it to the training room. Bradfard waited patiently behind Pete's golden boy, and when finally given the opportunity, shined with 6.1 yards per rush in 2009 in an anemic offense led by a freshman quarterback. Bradford has all of the tools along with perfect size and surprisingly blazing speed. Don't get me wrong, he's no Noel Devine, but think more Stafon Johnson in 2007 with more power. Or maybe all that Chauncer Washington wanted to be (and all Pete wanted him to be) in 2006. He's a red shirt senior. He's a team leader. He would be a preseason all-conference first- or second-team in any conference that doesn't have two Heisman contenders at the same position. He's worked his butt off to emerge from the dog house to main stage. He should get his chance to really show the rest of the Pac-10 his bark.
Allen Bradford is the starter, in my mind anyway.
*Recruiting information based on Rivals rankings.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A New Era of SCompliance
Not only am I a blogger with plenty of opinion, I can also do some first person reporting. The air of compliance that has surfaced around USC is nothing short of miraculous. A program famous for it's open door attitude and anything goes mentality has become essentially silent. I was roaming around campus the other morning with some colleagues when we realized practice was going on. Knowing that all practices are closed now, we took a little initiative to head up the peristyle towards the baseball stadium that overlooks the practice field. Here, a couple observations were made:
- There was not a soul out there that was not a player, coach or athletic department member. Not one. It really is amazing the discrepancy from a crowded, Disneyland-style atmosphere of the past 9 years to no one on the sidelines.
- After about 10 minutes, a gentleman approached from the other side to shoe us away. 10 minutes. Standing on the peristyle. Impressive. On an area that is not overly visible from the field and definitely not in the normal line of vision, Coach Kiff (Coach K is already taken by some guy at Duke apparently...) took seemingly almost immediate notice and sent a minion to take care of it.
A couple of other perceptions between a short view and a lot of reading:
- Where is Coach Kiff anyway? The man that made headlines far and wide just about everyday at Tennessee has become as mild mannered as Bruce Wayne and tight lipped as his mentor's processor Bill Belichick. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, in fact, it is probably the best thing that could have happened and something Pete would never have been able to pull off. Waiting to do the talking on the field is clearly the best thing for the program at this point.
- Know what else USC has avoided? Bryce Brown. If you are not familiar with the name, he is the former Tennessee running back and former #1 high school player in the country (according to rivals.com). That's right, the best player in the nation just a little over a year ago is not on a college football team. You'd think of any team, USC would be a perfect suitor. Ignore the depth and talent at running back, I'm referencing the coaching staff that successful earned a commitment from him once is now mostly at USC-- and not touching him. A brilliant call. Nothing but bad things would come from a player who may have more ties to agents than Bush does now, not to mention all of the other extra baggage he is carrying with him. Let him go off to play at K State with his brother Arthur, another heralded recruit just not living up to the enormous potential.
-Simply put, the upside down shake down the athletic department has experienced, coupled with the compliance expansion and outside firm hired to oversee everything runs properly and smoothly is the most clear symbol anyone could point to. No need for opinion here, the actions speak for themselves.
Like it or not, a new era of compliance is upon us, and it will be for the best. I applaud you all, from the top with President Nikias, AD Haden and Coach Kiff to the new officers moving quickly to get things done. Now, let's just resurrect Auburn '93.
- There was not a soul out there that was not a player, coach or athletic department member. Not one. It really is amazing the discrepancy from a crowded, Disneyland-style atmosphere of the past 9 years to no one on the sidelines.
- After about 10 minutes, a gentleman approached from the other side to shoe us away. 10 minutes. Standing on the peristyle. Impressive. On an area that is not overly visible from the field and definitely not in the normal line of vision, Coach Kiff (Coach K is already taken by some guy at Duke apparently...) took seemingly almost immediate notice and sent a minion to take care of it.
A couple of other perceptions between a short view and a lot of reading:
- Where is Coach Kiff anyway? The man that made headlines far and wide just about everyday at Tennessee has become as mild mannered as Bruce Wayne and tight lipped as his mentor's processor Bill Belichick. I'm not saying this is a bad thing, in fact, it is probably the best thing that could have happened and something Pete would never have been able to pull off. Waiting to do the talking on the field is clearly the best thing for the program at this point.
- Know what else USC has avoided? Bryce Brown. If you are not familiar with the name, he is the former Tennessee running back and former #1 high school player in the country (according to rivals.com). That's right, the best player in the nation just a little over a year ago is not on a college football team. You'd think of any team, USC would be a perfect suitor. Ignore the depth and talent at running back, I'm referencing the coaching staff that successful earned a commitment from him once is now mostly at USC-- and not touching him. A brilliant call. Nothing but bad things would come from a player who may have more ties to agents than Bush does now, not to mention all of the other extra baggage he is carrying with him. Let him go off to play at K State with his brother Arthur, another heralded recruit just not living up to the enormous potential.
-Simply put, the upside down shake down the athletic department has experienced, coupled with the compliance expansion and outside firm hired to oversee everything runs properly and smoothly is the most clear symbol anyone could point to. No need for opinion here, the actions speak for themselves.
Like it or not, a new era of compliance is upon us, and it will be for the best. I applaud you all, from the top with President Nikias, AD Haden and Coach Kiff to the new officers moving quickly to get things done. Now, let's just resurrect Auburn '93.
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