SB Nation User Blog: Paragon SC

Stafon Johnson On His Accident

Paragon SC — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:30:26 -0000

Stafon Johnson On His Accident

A quick video from ESPN...

A Conversation with SBN's BC Interruption

Paragon SC — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:15:40 -0000

So, we did a little Q&A with the guys over at BC Interruption for Saturday's game.

Our answers to their questions can be found over on BC Interruption

These are our questions for them...

1.) Boston College has an effective running back in sophomore Montel Harris, who rushed for 1,355 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Eagles. How much success do you anticipate Harris having against a vulnerable USC run defense that was dominated by Oregon and Stanford?

Jeff: Montel Harris is in for a strong game in the bowl. He got worked really hard this season after Josh Haden decided to leave the team. Without much time to rest, you could see the workload taking a toll on Harris. He was unable to break as many big plays and be spectacular as the season wore on. He was still able to mount up 100 yard games, but after the NC State game, he has probably been looking forward to the end of the regular season and some rest. I expect Harris to be a thorn in SC's side but it will still depend on Shinskie and having a balanced offense in order for the Eagles to have a great offensive day and get the victory.

2.) Quarterback Dave Shinskie was relatively inconsistent this year. At times, he looked brilliant in throwing for 3 touchdowns against Wake Forest, but in other games, he struggled (3 and 4 interceptions against Notre Dame and North Carolina respectively). Which player shows up against the Trojans?

Brian: The most honest answer I can give is I just don’t know. It has been a roller-coaster season for Shinskie. After Justin Tuggle and Shinskie stunk up the joint at Clemson back in September, Shinskie turned in two solid performances against Wake Forest and Florida State at home. Those two games were followed by a dud performance at Virginia Tech. Against the Hokies, Shinskie completed only 1 of 12 passing for 4 yards, 2 INTs, and a -22.2 passer rating. I didn’t even know you could have a negative passer rating! Shinskie then returned home for a good performance against NC State, had so-so games at Notre Dame (2 of those 3 interceptions against Notre Dame were late in the fourth when he pressed) and vs. Central Michigan, and a moderate-to-bad game at Virginia. Another terrible performance against UNC was followed by an OK performance against Maryland in the regular season finale. Against the Terps, Shinskie didn’t make any mistakes and was a competent game manager.

During the season, we thought the trend to be gleaned from Shinskie’s performance were that he was just terrible on the road. But then he goes and puts in an OK performance against Maryland. So I think the more appropriate theme from Shinskie this year was that he struggles against teams with good defenses. That’s bad news for the Eagles. The teams the Eagles lost to this year had defenses who ranked 6^th (Virginia Tech), 13^th (North Carolina), 24^th (Clemson) and 80^th (Notre Dame) in pass efficiency defense. Shinskie's performance was good enough to win against Notre Dame. The Eagles simply had a costly goalline fumble that really turned the tide in that game. Meanwhile, his best statistical performance was against a Florida State team that ranks 113^th in pass efficiency defense. Given that ‘SC’s defense ranks 16^th in that category, I would expect to see more of the inconsistent Shinskie than the brilliant Shinskie on Saturday.

3.) Matt Barkley struggled down the stretch, particularly against some of the teams. BC has a pretty solid defense, holding all opponents to just 19.4 points per game. Do you expect the Eagles to have their fair share of success against Barkley and a stagnant 'SC offense.

Jeff: USC has only average 20 points per game in their last five where they went 2-3. I would think the Eagles would be able to hold them to a similar total but without having a very good handle on how good the Pac-10 is this season, little if anything, would surprise me out of USC against BC. I always have trouble measuring expectations for the Pac-10 teams going into bowl games largely because they play 9 conference games and only 3 non-conference games each season. The Pac-10 teams are sometimes overrated after beating up on the conference's bottom feeders throughout the year and other times are underrated because they have no marquee non-conference wins. This year's win against Ohio State seems like a distant memory and like it happened at a time when there was a different level of effort and execution from some aspects the USC team. The win against Notre Dame now has little meaning because of what Notre Dame did this season and the fact that they are not headed to a bowl game. So will the past couple of weeks allow Barkley and the offense to get some things figured out or will Joe McKnight's absense be too much to overcome? We'll find out on Saturday. BC has a very good defense but a lot of their success will depend on what USC brings. Since it's somewhat disappointing for the Trojans to be in this bowl, no one really knows what they'll bring.

4.) Which match-up gives BC the best chance for success? Worst?

Brian: As Montel Harris goes, so will the Eagles. The matchup that gives the Eagles the best chance for success is the Eagles running game vs. the Trojan run defense. Eagles fans are hoping that BC can put up similar performances to Oregon (391 yards rushing) and Stanford (325 yards) on the ground. The Eagles’ offensive line has had a few injuries throughout the year and they have had a month to get healthy. As you would expect, the Eagles are 6-1 when Harris rushes for over 100 yards and 2-3 when he fails to reach the century mark. That being said, Harris will be asked to carry a bulk of the load on the ground and there are very few options outside of Harris. BC’s backup running back Josh Haden decided to transfer after the Notre Dame game, while new backup freshman Rolandan Finch was limited in the second half of the season (134 yards) as he was battling mono. Finally, unlike Oregon’s Jeremiah Masoli and Stanford’s Andrew Luck, Shinskie is not going to beat you with his legs. Shinskie rarely tucks the ball and runs with it. So if the Eagles are going to have any success moving the ball, they will have to rely heavily on Montel Harris.

The matchup I’m most concerned about is the matchup between Dave Shinskie and the Eagles receivers vs. the Trojans pass defense. While Shinskie might be 25, he is still a freshman and may have actually regressed in the second half of the season (1 TD, 4 INTs at home vs. North Carolina). Shinskie did show signs of being a competent game manager in the season-finale win over Maryland, but this matchup still gives me pause. While the USC secondary didn’t have as good a season statistically as they did a year ago, there is still plenty of talent – led by senior Taylor Mays – to quickly capitalize on Shinskie’s mistakes.

5.) So, what is your prediction for this one?

Brian: BC certainly didn't light up the scoreboard in their final three games, only managing a little over 15 points per game against Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. I have a feeling this game will be a sloppy one with both quarterbacks making a few mistakes, which will keep this game in the teens or twenties. I'm hoping the Trojans can't overcome the losses of McCoy, Smith and possibly McKnight ... and the Eagles win 21-17. If McKnight plays though, I'll predict a 'SC 21-17 victory. Either way, I think it will be closer than the 9 points the Eagles are getting.

- - -

Thanks Guys!

Good Luck On Saturday!!

USC Basketball Notes 12/22

Paragon SC — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:46:18 -0000

More photos » by Mark J. Terrill - AP

Browse more photos »

Joey will be along later with a look at Western Michigan but I wanted to put two quick things up...

USC's Alex Stepheson named Pac-10 men's basketball player of the week

USC junior forward Alex Stepheson was today named the Pac-10 men’s basketball player of the week for Dec. 14-20.

It is the first such honor for Stepheson, a transfer from North Carolina and a Harvard Westlake alum who recorded his fourth double-double in the Trojans’ 77-55 upset of Tennessee with 19 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.

Playing 40 minutes for the first time in his career, he shot eight of 11 from the floor and was three of four from the free-throw line.

USC Coach Kevin O’Neill said after the game that Stepheson has greatly improved this season, and a big part of that is that he’s finally getting back in game shape after sitting out last season due to NCAA transfer rules.

"After about 15 minutes in the first game he played, he couldn’t even walk," O’Neill said. "I mean, he was dying. He’s getting better and better. He’s done a lot of extra work. Our trainer and strength guy have done a great job of getting him in there for extra cardio and lifting and stuff. He’s catching the ball better. He’s rebounding the ball. He’s got to keep making strides. He’s obviously not a finished product."

Alex played an awesome game against Tennessee. I am really impressed with how this team has come together with so much controversy surrounding the program.

We still have a long long way to go but Kevin O'Neill is starting to win some of over...

- - -

Weekly Watch: Week 5 - ESPN

The Rest Of The Rotation

Alex Stepheson, F, Jr., USC: Stepheson was hurt for the first two games, including the Trojans' home loss to Loyola Marymount. But the North Carolina transfer has delivered in nearly every game since, save a one-point showing at Texas. Stepheson was the dominant big man in the upset of Tennessee on Saturday, scoring 19 points, grabbing 15 boards and making an efficient 8-of-11 shots. If Stepheson can be a major factor, why not give the Trojans a shot in the Pac-10?

[...]

Major Additions

• Mike Gerrity, Sr., G, USC: USC picked up Gerrity as a transfer from Charlotte by way of Pepperdine. The Trojans desperately needed a point and were lost without one in the first eight games. Gerrity made quite a difference, outplaying his more hyped counterparts on the Vols in 37 minutes. Sure, he was 1-of-7 from the field, but he got to the free throw line, making 10 of 11 and scoring 12 points. He also dished out 10 assists. His savvy veteran play will help the Trojans be a factor in the Pac-10.

The spark that Gerrity supplied the team against UT was incredible. It is still early yet, there is always a newness when a new player rotates in, but you can't deny that it looks like Gerrity has been on this team since day one. He really commanded the floor and you could see how the other players fed off of his energy.

It sure is nice to see a bright a spot on the basketball team after all they have through the past 6-7 months. We are hardly out of the woods on this but at least there are some fun things to watch right now.

USC Football News and Notes 12/22 - Who is in; who is out, no word yet on McKnight, A BIG night for some former Trojans!

Paragon SC — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 12:19:45 -0000

More photos » by Michael Conroy - AP

Is he in or out?

Browse more photos »

So we all patiently await the final status of Joe McKnight being eligible for Saturday's Emerald Bowl Game.

Regardless,if McKnight can't go that will give Allen Bradford the bulk of the carries and I would expect to see a heavy dose of CJ Gable as well.

SC has a chance to finish off the season on a positive note with a win on Saturday. It can be used as a catalyst for a new beginning in 2010. And with some players being deemed ineligible it will give SC a chance to see how some of the youngsters on this team could look in the future.

I am certainly not thrilled with all the negative publicity that SC has been getting over the past week but maybe this is what the program needs to find its way back on track. Be it better coaching, better schemes or simply changing the attitude to take nothing for granted. I have never thought that there was any good to be found in losing but I do think that looking at the reasons as to why a team loses is the road map to rededicate that team to winning. Teams get comfortable and that means complacency...we no what that means.

As I posted yesterday, McKnight did not make the trip with the team but there is still a possibility that he will make it to the bay area for the game...

USC is investigating McKnight's use of a sport utility vehicle that is owned by a Santa Monica businessman. It may constitute a violation of NCAA rules that prohibit student-athletes from accepting benefits from marketing representatives or agents, or "extra benefits" from anyone based on athletic ability.

The Times published a story last week about McKnight's use of the 2006 Land Rover. McKnight said he never drove the vehicle, which a Department of Motor Vehicles official said carried a purchase price of about $27,000. But McKnight has been observed driving the SUV.

[...]

McKnight participated in the workout but was not made available to reporters.

Coach Pete Carroll said afterward that the Trojans were preparing as if their 1,000-yard rusher would be available for the game at AT&T Park.

"We'll just go one day at a time and see where it stands," Carroll said.

Upon arrival in San Francisco, however, Carroll said in statement posted on the school's website that McKnight remained at home to complete "compliance-related" business.

"He has some paperwork he needs to do and it's best for him to stay in L.A. so he can be available to finish it," Carroll said.

Carroll did not provide a timetable for when McKnight might join the Trojans.

It is hard to know just what the "paperwork" really is but SC is doing the right thing by holding him back until this is all cleared up.

I realize that is not a popular opinion in some circles but because the NCAA is already looking at us, SC needs to make the politically correct moves in order to not piss off the draconian NCAA. Currently the NCAA is not involved with this...USC is one doing the investigating and if they don't do it right and the NCAA has to step in then really gets out of hand. Like it or not McKnight does not get the benefit of innocent until proven guilty.

We have read the claims that McKnight submitted the proper paperwork, yet the school didn't seem to have a hard and fast explanation for this and then the statement form the school is that McKnight needs to fill out more paperwork? SC can't close the loop on this until Schenter returns from South Africa as they will ask him some pointed questions and ask Schetner to provide documentation. They will probably do the same with McKnight's girlfriend too.

Don't think the NCAA hasn't already placed a call to review the progress of USC's investigation.

My guess is that the "paperwork" will probably take too long to complete for McKnight to play in the bowl game. This is probably SC's way of sitting him out...

- - -

With three players being ruled academically ineligible that means other players get a chance to step up and show us what they have got.

Replacing McCoy at TE will Rhett Ellison. This is his chance to make a name for himself for next season. With Blake Ayles out due to injury Ellison move to #1 on the depth chart. Ellison came to USC with some high expectations but because of SC's depth ti is not surprising that he would have some difficulty cracking into the starting line up with McCoy and then Ayles there. Ayles has shown us he has hands of stone and with some of his off the field antics it has made many question his dedication to getting better. This is a big deal as the TE spot is pretty important in the USC offensive scheme.

Replacing Tyron Smith will be freshman Matt Kalil. Kalil is a beast.

In a surprise, though, sophomore offensive tackle Tyron Smith was also ruled ineligible. Redshirt freshman Matt Kalil will start the week as Smith's replacement. USC could have chosen to move starting guard Butch Lewis to tackle and insert senior Alex Parsons back into the lineup, but chose to promote Kalil.

"I'm excited," Kalil said. "It's a chance for me to show what I can do and step up. I think I'm ready to play."

Kalil said he was told during a team meeting Monday morning that he would be a starter.

"I've mostly worked with the (second team) during bowl practices," he said. "I can handle it."

We will find out just how well he handles it.

As I noted above, if McKnight is out then that gives Bradford and Gable a chance to shine.

- - -

I found this last night...

There have been rumblings and rumors about USC linebacker Uona Kaveinga transferring to BYU.

Kaveinga, who has been in Las Vegas this weekend, committed to the Cougars before deciding to sign with the Trojans as part of the 2008 recruiting class.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall can't talk publicly about Kaveinga until a transfer is official, but he did have this to say during this morning's Las Vegas Bowl press conference while addressing questions about mid-year transfers and high school early enrollees: "We have young man who is considering transferring from another Division I school. He wouldn't be placed on scholarship right away. When we get back in January, and I can't tell you if he's coming for sure or not, but that would be noteworthy if he chooses to come at that point."

Obviously, if Kaveinga were to transfer to BYU, it would be a coup for the Cougar defense.

I have been reading these rumblings of Kaveinga transferring for a few weeks now. I am not sure as to what the issues are, on or off the field, but it is obvious that there is some frustration with Kaveinga that he can't get on the field. I really don't know what he is capable of but if he isn't seeing a lot of playing time even with our thin depth at LB than that is saying something.

I found the that last sentence intriguing...that is the power of the USC brand. How is it a coup for BYU if they pull a transfer from USC? The kid has not proven that he is the real deal otherwise he would be seeing the field. I have not read, not that I have looked very hard, anything that says how great this player is. I don't recall even reading one of PC's famous "he is doing all the right things in practice, etc. etc." quotes so I am not sure how that translates into a coup for BYU.

I want every player at USC to succeed but if they are not happy, for whatever the reason, then they should seek out a situation that makes them happy.

- - -

On a lighter note, looking at some former Trojans in the NFL I found this...

Observers around the nation continue to question the capacity of this team to deliver when it matters most. Saturday night’s mauling at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, 24-17, has been officially submitted as Exhibit A. The Cowboys drilled the Saints for 145 rushing yards on the ground, nullified the pass rush, and held on to win a game where the final score did not reflect Dallas’ dominance.

I still like the Saints and I believe that those observers would be wise to view that game in its full context. Sure, the Saints played without Jeremy Shockey and Reggie Bush sustained an injury during the game. That’s hardly the point. Dallas won that game between the trenches. They rode a powerful running game that included a defining knock out blow on Jonathan Vilma delivered by Marion Barber (Lights Out!!). And, the trenches are where the fortunes of the Saints have been determined all season.

Consider this:

In games in which Sedrick Ellis (the 2nd year defensive tackle out of USC) has played, the Saints have allowed an average of 94.7 yards rushing per game. That would be good enough for 5th in the league overall. Only Pittsburgh, Green Bay, Cincinnati, and Minnesota rank higher.

In games that Ellis has missed, including Saturday night’s game vs. the Dallas Cowboys, the Saints have allowed a whopping 149.6 yards per game. Over the course of the year, that would tie them at 29th with the Cleveland Browns. Only Tampa Bay, Kansas City and Buffalo have been worse.

Who here doesn't miss Big Sed mauling the middle of opposing offensive lines?!

We have seen it all year...how many former Trojans are performing at the highest level in the NFL? Last night there were three Trojans who scored in the Giants/Redskins game. Steve Smith got a TD pass, Big Fred Davis got a TD pass and Terrell Thomas (T2) had a pick six. Not a bad showing, as it shows once again that if a player puts in a lot of hard work at USC and goes the distance there is a pretty good chance that he will find success in the NFL.

Steve Smith has to be headed to the Pro Bowl! If he isn't I will be stunned.

Anyway, great times for many former Trojans!

USC tailback Joe McKnight did not accompany the team buses to the airport for today's flight to San...

Paragon SC — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:24:52 -0000

USC tailback Joe McKnight did not accompany the team buses to the airport for today's flight to San Francisco. McKnight declined comment.

USC coach Pete Carroll said after practice that McKnight would make the trip. But it certainly appeared otherwise as McKnight left the campus this afternoon.

No McKnight - Inside USC with Scott Wolf

Two bruins academically ineligible, Hasiak done at ucla...

Paragon SC — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 23:57:27 -0000

This is just what I needed to cap off a crappy day!

I got a kick out of this...

UCLA sophomore center Kai Maiava and freshman wide receiver Morrell Presley are academically ineligible for the EagleBank Bowl.

Jake Dean will start at center for the Bruins, with Nick Ekbatani sliding to right guard.

It is a huge bowl for the offensive line, which faces the No. 19 rush defense in the country in the Temple Owls.

Obviously we have our own issues with three knuckleheads of our own not hitting the books...but for the life of me I don't remember anyone on this site ever claiming how superior our academic standards are.

Neuheisel's teams have always been soft and this is evidence of it...just like condoning (wink wink) "going over the wall" when the team so desperately needs the practice.

This is why I am not worried, regardless of how many recruits he picks off from SC they never perform under his coaching.

Heck, even Nestor is wondering if Neuheisel has what it takes to be ucla's coach...

And that is saying something!!

- - -

In other news...

UCLA offensive lineman Stanley Hasiak has been sent home to Hawaii for personal reasons and is not likely to return, according to a source in the Bruins’ football program.

Hasiak, a freshman, was one of the top recruits in the Bruins’ 2009 recruiting class. UCLA Coach Rick Neuheisel would not comment on the situation.

He was ranked fourth nationally as a guard by Rivals.com and was also recruited by USC, California, Michigan and Oregon, among others.

Hasiak, who is 6 feet 5, 318-pounds, has had trouble adjusting since coming to UCLA. He has had a series of confrontations with teammates during practices. He also has had a handful of off-the-field incidents, according to sources familiar with the program, including screaming at doctors and nurses while waiting for an X-ray at a hospital.

I know we discussed this earlier this season, but I thought he made the turn. Man I hope this kid gets it all worked out...

Markazi on USC: How they got here and how they'll get back...

Paragon SC — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:11:09 -0000

Markazi on USC: How they got here and how they'll get back...

Not a bad start for Markazi with his new gig!

He pretty much nails it...

Confirmed : McCoy, Smith, Spicer ruled ineligible for bowl

Paragon SC — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:03:25 -0000

Confirmed : McCoy, Smith, Spicer ruled ineligible for bowl

I didn't even know Smith was in academic peril...

Sheesh, How hard can it be?

ESPN Los Angeles Opens up Shop

Paragon SC — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:20:50 -0000

ESPN Los Angeles Opens up Shop

Looks like they pulled talent from everywhere.

These guys are getting out of control!

USC football News and Notes 12/21/09

Paragon SC — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:36:14 -0000

Just some brief notes to start the day as this week is actually pretty busy as I close out the year...

So while we wait for some form of word on Joe McKnight's status from the athletic department the team continues to get ready for next Saturdays game against BC.

A couple other things popped up on the radar this weekend that we need to make note of...

On the positive side USC recruit Patrick Hall was cleared by the clearinghouse and will enrolling in January.

Patrick Hall, a member of USC’s 2009 recruiting class who did not play this season because of injuries and academic issues, will be eligible to enroll in January, USCFootball.com reported.

Hall, a defensive back/athlete, participated in one practice while waiting for the NCAA Clearinghouse to give him the go-ahead. Just as that practice was getting under way, Hall suffered a season-ending torn ACL.

Assuming he’s healthy, he should be able to participate in spring football.

I would not expect Hall to participate at a very high level in Spring Ball. He will be just on the backside of the window for preliminary recovery so I would expect Hall to do some VERY light work. His true impact will be determined in fall ball in 2010.

- - -

On the negative side it would appear that academics could keep both Anthony McCoy and Averell Spicer from playing in Saturday's game...

USC tight end Anthony McCoy might be academically ineligible to play in this week's Emerald Bowl against Boston College.

McCoy should find out today whether he will accompany the Trojans on their afternoon flight to San Francisco.

"We're waiting to hear," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "Hopefully we will know something (today)."

McCoy, who is a senior, is one of USC's biggest offensive weapons and second-best receiver behind junior Damian Williams.

Grades are due no later than Tuesday at USC but an earlier decision would allow McCoy to travel on the team plane.

Defensive tackle Averell Spicer might also miss the game because of academic issues.

I have no sympathy for these guys if they are not qualified for this game. There is simply no excuse for not having your grades in order. I said the same thing about Wright as well...

SC has enough on its plate right now without having to deal with this

- - -

As for McKnight...

His status for the game on Saturday is up in the air if you believe the LAT.

Joe McKnight's status is uncertain.

USC, which resumes practice today before leaving for San Francisco, is investigating the junior's use of a sport utility vehicle that is registered to a Santa Monica businessman. It may constitute a violation of NCAA rules that prohibit student-athletes from accepting benefits from marketing representatives or agents, or "extra benefits" from anyone based on athletic ability.

McKnight has said he never drove the 2006 Land Rover, which a Department of Motor Vehicles official said carried a purchase price of about $27,000. But McKnight has been observed driving the vehicle.

Todd Dickey, USC's senior vice president for administration, said last week that school officials planned to speak with the vehicle's owner, Scott Schenter, early this week. Schenter owns and has worked for several companies with marketing interests, but he has said that he "has nothing to do with agents, marketing players or representing athletes."

Two things...I think this whole situation is pretty easily solved.

First, if Mr. Schenter is telling the truth, then all that has to be provided are the canceled checks from McKnight's girlfriend's checking account showing that she made the payments. I am not sure what to think as the LAT also reported that there has been no proof of insurance provided to the DMV thus invalidating the registration. That is an interesting twist and it may be a god thing...it certainly shows that Schenter isn't making that payment.

Second is from the USC side...the article stated that McKnight submitted paperwork about the vehicle...that needs to be out in the open as to just how McKnight's use of the vehicle was characterized. From what I am able to gather, registering the vehicle is a USC requirement not an NCAA requirement. That is not surprising as USC has its fair share of high ticket cars on campus. This is actually a good thing as the school is showing some form of institutional control in trying to monitor their athletes rides. Range Rovers and BMW's are common place at USC.

It would appear that some have tried to do some digging into the business practices of Schenter. From what I have read it would appear that he is who he says he is...an entrepreneur. No one has yet to provide any evidence that he is involved in any sort of sports marketing or player representation. So the guy bought a number of domain names that are affiliated with athletes...big deal, at worst that is cyber-squatting but there is clearly no evidence of him being an agent or a prospective agent.

I briefly read some of Plaschke's piece yesterday. He is really making a reach in trying to tie some of SC's issues in the past with this one. I understand that BP is supposed to take a skeptical view of things so that he can stir up some controversy to get the readership riled up, but in trying to dig up issues from the past that have been addressed with the NCAA he really looks petulant. Plaschke is not reporting, he is writing an opinion piece and that opinion is based in hyperbole.

I am not sure where it goes from here. I stated over the weekend that McKnight not being clear on whether or not he actually drove the vehicle makes it look like he is hiding something especially when he states later on the article that he knows the rules.

I hope we get some firm answers soon!