National Signing Day 2012: USC Cleaning Up, LSU Having Up-And-Down Day

USC and LSU are two of the biggest names in college football, and figure to be among a handful of national championship contenders in 2012. But the momentum for the two schools couldn't be much different for the Trojans and Tigers: USC is trending up, while LSU is having some trouble.

More: Let's listen in on a recruitment falling apart, shall we?

USC struck gold on Signing Day in the state of Florida, snagging defensive end Leonard Williams' commitment and big-time athlete Nelson Agholor's pledge and giving Lane Kiffin two more victories on the recruiting trail against the Florida Gators, whom he memorably sparred with during his one season at Tennessee. The Trojans don't have a large class, but are stocking up on premium talent, and well-positioned to weather the NCAA sanctions that have limited their roster.

LSU, on the other hand, has no current shortage of depth or talent, but has to be worried about sentiments about its program. Kwon Alexander is Baton Rouge-bound, but fellow linebacker Torshiro Davis, a long-time LSU commitment, has flipped his commitment to Texas, possibly because of the dark cloud of dissatisfaction that has settled over LSU since its 2012 BCS National Championship Game shutout at the hands of Alabama.

And just think: about a month ago, there were legitimate wonders about whether LSU was on its way to an undefeated season ranking among the finest in college football history that would merely be a prologue to a more impressive 2012. In college football, plenty can change in a blink.

For more on National Signing Day 2012, visit SB Nation's StoryStream and the SB Nation recruiting hub.