First off, congratulations to the guys on doing enough against UCLA, on another PAC 10 championship, on an incredible run of BCS games.

I'll be there in Pasadena, cheering and having a few adult beverages. But, that said, can anyone get up for these BCS bowl match-ups.

I know this has been a crazy year, and we're still waiting on human voters but I think most pundits agree (here and here and here) that it will be Ohio State and LSU in New Orleans.

With that settled the rest of the bowl games fall into place. If LSU doesn't jump Ohio State, then the Rose Bowl will get the absolute first pick. They can't pass on an Illinois team for a better team. I'd be absolutely shocked if they did it.

The automatic bids are going to be: Ohio State (#1, Big Ten Champ), LSU (#2, SEC Champ), Georgia (#3 and not a conference champ), Oklahoma (Big 12 Champ), Virginia Tech (ACC Champ), USC (PAC 10 Champ), West Virginia (Big East Champ), Hawaii (#10 and non-BCS team)

The fight for the final 2 at large spots is going to be amongst: Kansas, Missouri, Arizona State and Illinois.

Florida is out since the SEC already has two teams who will automatically qualify.

None of these teams travels significantly better than any others. Missouri just lost, which lowers there travel power and thus their luster to any of the bowl selection committees. The Rose Bowl will almost certainly snatch Illinois as a Big Ten team and I imagine, with all else being equal, that the  Orange Bowl will simply go with the highest remaining team that doesn't have a bid - Kansas.

National Championship: Ohio State v LSU
Rose Bowl: USC v Illinois
Sugar Bowl: Georgia v Hawaii
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma v West Virginia
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech v Kansas

To be honest, these bowl games are a dissappointment. USC is playing an Illinois team they should crush (although our history with mobile QBs makes Juice Williams a semi-interesting matchup). Oklahoma - W Virginia might hold the most interesting matchup. I'd like to see a healthy Slaton and White against that Sooner defense.

But beyond that? What really annoys me is LSU going to the national championship...and against a weak opponent. They even probably have to be the favorites in that matchup. The Tigers winning another national championship would annoy me to no end. sigh Oh well, FO and beat the Illini (or whoever we play in the Rose Bowl).

I feel guilty reading into this, but I'm a little troubled by John David Booty drinking the Stanford loss away at Les Deux at Hollywood & Highland last night. This is per Markazi over on CNNSI.

It's a football game and not life I suppose. You gotta move on. At the least I hope he was enjoying himself there; the Parisian themed club is about as close as he'll get to the French Quarter this year.

I'm tempted to make the same shrill calls for change that everyone is making (the most notable one being Sanchez over JDB and larger roles for some of the younger receivers to cut into Turner's reps). But it is too close to the game for me to make comments like that.

I will say, when I previously spouted about how only USC could beat USC in a diary last week; I'd like to acknowledge how wrong I was. Smells exactly like last year, despite my previous claims otherwise. Hard to say what the ceiling is with this team, but even with LSU losing as I type this and big opportunity/showcase games to prove themselves in November it is difficult to imagine this team can reach New Orleans. Again, we are just minutes from a very, very, very painful loss which is obviously scewing everyone's vision of the situation including my own.

I'm gonna go drink myself stupid and maybe gain some insight on what we saw tonight. sigh

It has been a while since I've been around and I had forgotten how nervous nellies Trojan fans can be.

Reading The Peristyle and CC and other blogs following the Washington game, it was a little depressing the lack of insight a lot of fans have; the alarmist reaction.

Straight to the points: That Washington game was dominated by USC despite the score. I think this USC team looks tremendously better than last year's team.

Continue reading this post »

Rumors Swirl

Rumors have swirled that the owner of the Dolphins visited Pete Carroll on vacation in Costa Rica.  Well, those aren't rumors. He did. And he talked about the Dolphin's head coaching vacancy. But with Carroll on vacation and unresponsive to media inquiries rumors swirled that his hiring was imminent.

Now he has returned and held his first news conference. You can find the link to the audio in Paragon's diary.

His answers were noncommittal. But he was open, more so than say, Saban was.

Though coach Pete Carroll says he's committed to staying at Southern California, he seems intrigued by the ideas of Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga.

 "I'm thrilled to be here," he said. "As I've been the whole time, I haven't wavered. I know that being curious about it has helped me appreciate what we have here.

"I absolutely expect to be here."

Personally I think there's only one way to read this. He was not offered the job. Which may still happen. But if he was offered the job the odds are better than 50-50 that he would take it.

The Dolphin's are being incredibly methodical in their search. As cited in the link above they plan a few more interviews and then to whittle the list to five and conduct another round of interviews. It will be ominous if Carroll is there again.

So, why would Carroll leave? This is supposedly his best recruiting class ever (which he isn't helping with this Dolphin's talk...so he must be seriously considering it rather than just dipping his toes). He's well paid and will probably be better paid soon. He has a chance to become one of the greatest college football coaches of all time.

** This quote says much for the first reason:

 "I've got to tell you that I'm always chasing a challenge," Carroll said. "I'm teased by all challenges."

Carroll, while a pretty even keeled person, has let it be known he doesn't like the perception that he was an NFL failure and his style is more situated for college.

** Carroll is in a position to know more about the potential consequences of Reggiegate than any outside fan. If he thinks all he has worked for might come down in the next few years it would be a strong incentive to get out.

** More money. Fans make it out like coaches' already have all they need. But wouldn't you jump jobs for a raise? True that isn't everything, and I doubt it would be the primary influence in Carroll's decision but it has to play a roll.

** Things might not be going too well between Carroll and some of the USC administration.

"There was an issue about paying Carroll top $$, and some dissention between the trustees and Sample. Briefly, Sample was balking at a big raise, the kind Carroll wanted, and the trustees were split about what to do. Evidently, the trustees are going to get what they wanted (making Carroll the highest paid employee in the history of the university), and Sample has agreed.

I wrote about this Sample/$$ issue when the Costa Rica thing came up. I have no idea if the two are related, or if it was just a coincidence. I do know, however, that Carroll was pissed at Sample.

This info comes from a trustee."

It'll be more than the raise and contract extension alluded to because Carroll can almost certainly make more money with the Dolphins. It'll be about the relationship between Carroll and his boss...which if we take this hearsay as fact appears to have taken a southward turn of late.

I think that was pretty good coverage of the Pete Carroll-Dolphins rumor mill. I will summarize it one more time and leave with my final thought and caveat:

1. Carroll was not offered the job in Costa Rica
   
2. If offered the job it is better than 50-50 (but not certain, he may still have some doubt himself) that Carroll will take it
   
3. I think the chips are against Carroll being offered the job in this search...but it could happen
   

I think Carroll has been fairly open in this process (although he was chided for not interrupting or responding while on vacation). It would crush my little soul if he left, but I would not hold him any animosity.

In anycase, I think this Dolphins deal has shown that at some level Carroll desires a new challenge. It is probably ill advised to imagine him as Joe Paterno on the Colosseum sideline in twenty years because part of what makes Carroll great is his desire for "new" challenges. I'm not sure he could sit in one place for that long (no matter how much success or fun he was having).

As I write this, this Daily Breeze story does not mention a name for the victim, however on the television ESPN News is reporting that Mario Danelo's body was found at the bottom of a cliff in Point Fermin park.

This is really tragic. It should put everything in perspective for everyone. All our prayers should go out to his family. Certainly my prayers do. *EDIT* Here's ESPN on it.

I try not to pick on college football pundits. I really do. Everyone is allowed errors, and the judgments of this game are very subjective. But really guys, you're PAID to do this. I'm in class God knows how many hours a week, and I provide amateur analysis better than this.

I just watched ESPN's Bowl Preview show during half time and the post game of the Poinsettia Bowl. When it came to picking the BCS Bowls, the entire studio team picked Michigan to win. Fine, I think Michigan may even be the more mature & talented team. So, I'm not ripping them because they're picking against my beloved Trojans (although personally I do not believe Michigan will be ready). But it is hard to take their picks or analysis seriously when they say things like this...

Desmond Howard Wondered How Texas Was Going To Perform Against Cal In The Holiday Bowl With QB Snead Transferring

You picked a campus about 120 miles too far west. You're paid to keep up with this stuff! Here's the real Holiday Bowl.

Todd Blackledge Thought The National Championship Would Come Down To Special Teams. Advantage? Well, According To Him Florida.

Wow. Let's see Florida is 4-for-13 on field goals this year. Stunningly craptacular. The weakest part of the entire Florida team. Ohio State is 8-for-11, with a long nearly 20 yards more than Florida's (33 v. 51).

Florida and the Buckeyes are basically dead even in gross punting.

10 yard punt return average and 16 yard kick return average for Urban Meyer. Meanwhile, Ohio State trumps that with the same on punt returns but a 19 yard average on kick off returns.

There are plenty of reasons to think Florida might win. An overpowering advantage in the special teams game is not one of them.

The stats simply show, not only a lack of dominance by Florida but, apparent dominance by Ohio State when you consider the kicker situation. There is no subjective look at this season that could say that Florida's special teams gives them an advantage in this National Championship game.

Please, ESPN, hire some intelligent people - go out and clone Kirk. I don't always agree with what he says but the man at least bases his opinion on what happens on the field and sounds intelligent. Desmond Howard meanwhile sounds like he got hit in the head too many times...he probably had to copy off Vince Young to RAISE his Wonderlic score.

Ah, although "embargoed" for another hour and a half, someone on the USC Rivals board found the new BCS Standings posted.

I'm a nerd and love crunching the numbers and reading about this and even I'm surprised by how big a lead USC has over Michigan. We are buckled into the driver's seat.

No let down. Beat the Bruins!

Promptness has always been my strong suit. Okay not really. In actuality I've been busier than Charlie Weis at a buffet. Plus my internet has been out. But if you can remember all the way back to Saturday...

• 
  
• Two games to go!
• 
  
• Down by twenty-three points to Oregon State how many Trojan fans still had faith in a fifth PAC 10 title?!
• 
  
• Or controlling your destiny to the National Championship
• 
  
• I thought the Trojan defense played masterful
• 
  
• This was a Ca offense, that while shown up last week, was the most prolific in the league prior to that
• 
  
• Is Carroll back controlling the defense or what? (Sorry, Nick Holt)
• 
  
• That was a great catch when DJ got knocked around...
• 
  
• ...I know he's been injured, but he's either looked like he's dogging it out there...
• 
  
• ...or hurting for a lot of this season
• 
  
• Well, that ended that race...
• 
  
• ...ladies and gentlemen your 2006 Heisman Trophy winner - Troy Smith
• 
  
• I don't care what Brady does against the Trojans
• 
  
• Booty didn't look so on the money but he made the throws he needed to
• 
  
• Seriously, Michigan wasn't even in that game
• 
  
• Troy Smith looked unstoppable in the first half
• 
  
• Darren McFadden will be the Heisman frontrunner next year...
• 
  
• ...how impressive does that win look now?
• 
  
• Taylor Mays, Kevin Ellison and Co. are really playing well...
• 
  
• ...of course their experience will get tested on Saturday...
• 
  
• ...make no mistake the Fat Guy's protege, Pretty Boy, is a great QB
• 
  
• But as Michigan showed, if Carroll can achieve the pressure he has the last few weeks Brady will have problems
• 
  
• Not to start writing for GQ, but is Charlie Weis the ugliest coach in college football?
• 
  
• It is a serious question
• 
  
• Michigan should not get another shot at Ohio State
• 
  
• If not us, then the SEC champion
• 
  
• A win on Saturday and the Trojans could've beaten 3 BCS Teams...
• 
  
• ...and if Cal hadn't barfed up a shocker against 'Zona, then potentially four!
• 
  
• I feel sorry for Wisconsin...
• 
  
• ...one loss (to Michigan no less!) and the Capitol One bowl to show for it?
• 
  
• Wisconsin would kill BCS hopeful Boise State by 15 points
• 
  
• Oh yeah, sorry for Rutgers as well...
• 
  
• Man C.J. Gable was shifty...
• 
  
• ...I know they wanted to use a two back set and Moody established himself in practice...
• 
  
• ...but seriously where did C.J. disappear to between the Arkansas game and here?
• 
  
• Never have I seen a team so hyped up as Notre Dame is...
• 
  
• ...when the hell does a coach admit he's been planning three weeks for a game, and ignoring the games in between?! (Which Fat Guy has done)
• 
  
• Fight On! Beat The Irish!

I listened to tOSU - Michigan game on the radio. It is stunning how different the interpretation of the game was between that call and Kirk, Davie, & Co. on ABC and on College Gameday Final.

Seriously, did anyone really think Michigan was going to win this game after about the first 7 or 8 minutes of the second quarter? I don't really want to insult someone, but please if you actually thought that...just pay more attention to college football in general. Watch more games. Get more in tune with the games. This game was over early.

If Michigan hadn't received the opening kick off they never would've led in this game. But apparently this was one of the greatest Ohio State - Michigan games ever (?!?!?) and worthy of a rematch in Glendale according to the immediate reaction of the ESPN pundits.

The 3 point final spread is not indicative of this game at all.

• I don't care what the haters say, USC's defense stepped up
• 
  
• Ah, the joys of seeing a Leaf again at quarterback

Your Brother Could've Led A Team Back From 25 Down

• Welcome to the game LoJack. Finally
• 
  
• There are still questions marks...
• 
  
• ...because USC was helped out a lot by Oregon mistakes
• 
  
• You saw the Georgia thrumping of a struggling Auburn coming, right?
• 
  
• But Texas losing to K-State?
• 
  
• Even with Colt McCoy going down (get well soon, kid) to give up 45 points to KANSAS STATE?
• 
  
• What has happened to Steve Spuriers gutsy, offensive play calling?
• 
  
• Everyone in the stands, everyone watching that game on television KNEW that South Carolina field goal was going to get blocked
• 
  
• Now you know the name of Georgia defensive back Tre Battle (if you didn't before)
• 
  
• Losing Moody hurts...
• 
  
• ...because to be honest who the hell knows how durable Chauncey is
• 
  
• It is good to see Patrick Turner getting so many snaps on the field...
• 
  
• ...I thought he played well
• 
  
• What a monster game for Chauncey...
• 
  
• ...pushing the ball into the endzone 3 times
• 
  
• There's been a lot of criticism of the offensive play calling...
• 
  
• ...but a win makes everything look rosier...
• 
  
• I didn't even mind that DJ interception...
• 
  
• ...it reminded me of Mike Williams pass to Leinart in the Michigan Rose Bowl
• 
  
• Of course this time Jarrett threw it into triple coverage and had it picked off
• 
  
• Now can we stop all the talk about Sanchez over Booty?
• 
  
• Even beating a team without Ainge under center Arkansas looks like it is rolling
• 
  
• Will the Ohio State - Michigan loser fall below USC?
• 
  
• Probably
• 
  
• Can you believe 2 weeks ago we were #8 in the BCS?
• 
  
• This is not time to think about these things...
• 
  
• ...you're in a great position Trojans...
• 
  
• ...just keep playing the games!

Some People Get Happy - Just Not Me

• Three loses in almost four seasons...
• 
  
• ...two national championships...
• 
  
• ...four BCS Bowls...
• 
  
• ...three Heisman trophies...
• 
  
• ...that is what Pete Carroll has brough to Southern California
• 
  
• JDB is going to have to stop throwing tipped passes (an odd complaint to start out with I know...but...com'n man, just get the ball up)
• 
  
• Steve Smith continues to be the brightest spot on this team
• 
  
• Can Rey please show up for team meetings on time?
• 
  
• Not that he always knows what he's doing on the field...
• 
  
• ...maybe Oscar is the better option as we search for some leadership
• 
  
• Dagnabit, Brent Schaefer can't you pull off the upset?!
• 
  
• Auburn, Michigan, Louisville, Florida, Texas, and West Virginia all look vulnerable
• 
  
• This is going to be chaos in the BCS
• 
  
• It looks like DJ is sleepwalking through the game
• 
  
• It is hard to be impressed with the heart needed for that comeback considering we lost, but I appreciated the effort
• 
  
• For weeks I called for us to blitz more...
• 
  
• ...because the 3-4 isn't working and LoJack and Ellis seem lost and playing without passion...
• 
  
• ...now we do and we see the holes it opens up in our weak, young secondary
• 
  
• We have to go to a 4-3
• 
  
• We have to hold onto the ball
• 
  
• We have to take more shots down field
• 
  
• There's always a chance in a big rivalry game...
• 
  
• ...but even though they're both undefeated, with the way they've been playing don't you have to make Ohio State like 2 touchdown favorites on November 8th
• 
  
• Is this defense reallly any better than 2004?
• 
  
• For all the hype maybe some of these hard hitting linebackers have reached the max of their Football IQ
• 
  
• Maybe for all their stars we can't expect any more out of these players...
• 
  
• Chilo? Moala? Cushing? Maualuga?
• 
  
• ...high school reps aren't college reps...
• 
  
• ...and especially the guys on defense, besides making big hits have some of these linebackers shown much else?
• 
  
• I thought Pete's key to the offseason was fixing special teams...
• 
  
• ...apparently not
• 
  
• That was a godawfully easy return for a TD
• 
  
• Is Rutgers for real?
• 
  
• Because giving a lead to Conneticut doesn't inspire confidence
• 
  
• Can an undefeated Big East team hold off a Florida or Auburn?
• 
  
• Wow, Nebraska really isn't that good...
• 
  
• ...but maybe the Cowboys will give the Longhorns something to chew on next weekend
• 
  
• Tough loss for impressive QB Bell, at Baylor
• 
  
• With supreme optimism I have some predictions for the remainder of the season. If I'm right I'll look like a genius. If I'm wrong, no one will remember.
• 
  
• How The Season Will Play Out:
• 
  
• USC runs the table and goes 11-1...
• 
  
• ...including a trouncing of Cal
• 
  
• On November 2 Louisville beats West Virginia
• 
  
• On November 4 Tennessee loses to LSU
• 
  
• On November 18th 'Bama upsets Auburn, Ohio State crushes Michigan
• 
  
• On November 24th Texas struggles with Texas A&M
• 
  
• On November 25th Louisville loses to Pitt, Florida struggles against Florida State
• 
  
• on December 2 Arkansas beats Florida in the SEC Championship, Texas struggles with Missouri in the Big 12 Championship, Boston College wins the ACC
• 
  
• Rutgers finishes the season with one loss and wins the Big East
• 
  
• Boise State goes undefeated and qualifies for a BCS bid
• Cal finishes 10-2, Notre Dame finishes 10-2, Arkansas finishes 11-2 (other loss being to LSU)
• 
  
• USC finishes #2 in 5 of the 6 BCS computers, #3 in one BCS human poll and #4 in the other
• 
  
• On December 3 USC leapfrogs Texas by the slimest of margains into the #2 spot for the final BCS rankings creating outrage
• 
  
• The Rose Bowl passes on several two loss SEC teams to take a two loss BCS eligible Cal, and then for a one loss Michigan (preserving its so desired - and boy does the Rose Bowl committee try to protect this tie in like its gold - PAC 10/Big 10 matchup)
• 
  
• The Sugar Bowl does the same, jumping at a chance to take Notre Dame (who despite not being high enough for an automatic bid are still BCS eligible as an at-large)
• 
  
• There's outrage and pandemonium througout the southeast as "the country's toughest conference" gets only one BCS bid
• 
  
• USC will have beaten 3 BCS teams
• 
  
• National Championship: Ohio State v. USC
• Rose Bowl: Cal v. Michigan
• Sugar Bowl: Arkansas v. Notre Dame
• Orange Bowl: Rutgers v. Boston College
• Fiesta Bowl: Texas v. Boise State

• 
  
• USC still controls its fate despite being ranked third in the BCS
• 
  
• Because either Ohio State or Michigan has to lose
• 
  
• Can we please give some props to USC now?
• 
  
• Nebraska, Washington, and Washington State all proved their metle
• 
  
• It wouldn't surprise me one bit if Michigan beat Ohio State
• 
  
• Michael Hart is a running back's running back
• 
  
• Like Mack says, Nebraska will see Texas again in the Big 12 Championship Game
• 
  
• Com'n Nunn! Just hold onto the ball!
• 
  
• There's no chance Michigan would've jumped USC in the BCS if Nebraska and Washington had won
• 
  
• Are people absolutely convinced USC is going to get railed by Cal and Notre Dame now?
• 
  
• I know they keep winning but is Notre Dame the most overrated team in the country?
• 
  
• That loss is on Karl Dorrell
• 
  
• Why in God's name did he run three times in a row?
• 
  
• Why in God's name did he take that stupid, stupid, stupid delay of game penalty...
• 
  
• ...all it achieved was taking an extra three or four seconds off the clock...
• 
  
• ...but it cost them a first down (and thus the game) when Notre Dame got a ten yard penalty on the ensuing play
• 
  
• That Notre Dame offensive line is not good
• 
  
• That was some final play of regulation for the Huskies
• 
  
• Don't forget Cal was facing a Huskie team minus its best player in Stanback
• 
  
• Cal has some holes, USC isn't going to get run over in that game
• 
  
• No matter what the pundits say
• 
  
• I'm looking for Rey Rey to break out over the next two games
• 
  
• Boy Miami sucks
• 
  
• Who in the country wasn't rooting for Duke to win the game with time running down and inside their own five?
• 
  
• Boy Florida State sucks
• 
  
• But calling for the head of College Football's patriarch?
• 
  
• That was a big win for Rutgers against Pitt
• 
  
• This is really a three team race in the Big East
• 
  
• What a comeback for John L. Smith...
• 
  
• ...The question of course is how do you end up 35 down to Northwestern to begin with?
• 
  
• Oregon is just in a free fall right now in PAC 10 play
• 
  
• Big win for Clemson...
• 
  
• ...Although you never know what you're going to get with Georgia Tech
• 
  
• And CJ Spiller (sorry Moody) may be the best freshman in the country
• 
  
• And he's fast
• 
  
• Louisville is struggling right now
• 
  
• Could the favorite to win the Big East really be Rutgers?
• 
  
• Boy it looked like Oklhoma missed Peterson (I guess that could've been predicted)
• 
  
• I hope Notre Dame doesn't take these two morale boosting comebacks and bring a confidence into LA come November
• 
  
• Oregon State didn't look like a major threat against Arizona
• 
  
• That might be something to fear
• 
  
• Hopefully the Trojans will get a comfortable win, and get all cylinders clicking next week

[ESPN: CFB Final Thoughts]
[Mandel: What We Learned]

• 
  
• Another week...
• 
  
• ...another win
• 
  
• Boy Chris Leak kind've blew it, eh?
• 
  
• Chauncey Washington is the USC offense
• 
  
• Did Lane Kiffin rise too quickly? From GA to offensive coordinator in how many years?
• 
  
• And he has no other coaching expeirence except at USC
• 
  
• I liked the blitzing
• 
  
• We looked good in the first half
• 
  
• We looked good on the last drive
• 
  
• What happened in between?
• 
  
• I'm concerned about John David Booty's vision; he stares down his first read
• 
  
• It is hard to criticize a guy though with just 4 interceptions
• 
  
• Stop dropping interceptions!
• 
  
• That Michigan - Penn State game was more of a blow out than it seemed
• 
  
• That Michigan rushing defense is scary good
• 
  
• Tuberville needs to stop whining about a playoff system
• 
  
• That was a nice touchdown reception by Allen Bradford
• 
  
• It is good to see him on the field
• 
  
• Emmanuel Moody has to hold onto the ball...
• 
  
• ...that isn't a rookie mistake; that is something which only takes concentration and dedication
• 
  
• We have to force turnovers
• 
  
• We have to develop a "killer" instinct
• 
  
• Booty has completed passes to 17 different recievers
• 
  
• I no longer question Kiffin not calling deep passes...
• 
  
• ...because having seen more JDB still has some difficult with them
• 
  
• Booty still has some maturation to do, even 6 games in...
• 
  
• ...and while he does this team needs to be carried by the o-line and Chauncey Washington
• 
  
• Auburn's defense really showed up at home
• 
  
• Don't tell me Mitch Mustain beat Auburn...
• 
  
• ...Arkansas won two weeks ago with the same rushing attack that USC faced
• 
  
• Something good to take away...USC shut down ASU's rushing offense
• 
  
• The best part of the Sun Devil's offense had been their rushing offense...
• 
  
• ...and the Trojans held them less than 3 yards per carry
• 
  
• Good for Hoeppner after surgery to remove scar from his brain...
• 
  
• ...I thought Iowa was overrated...
• 
  
• ...and that Indiana had fight in them
• 
  
• Man how far has Georgia fallen?
• 
  
• Just think all Trojans fans, you could be rooting for the team playing betwee the hedges...
• 
  
• ...rather than an undefeated one
• 
  
• Trust in Pete to make some improvements in the bye week
• 
  

Last week Burnt Orange Nation talked up Vince Young's first start in his NFL career and disparaged Leinart for coming in during junk time last week and throwing an interception.

However, through the first half of Leinart's first start here are the two lines of the two Rose Bowl QBs:

V. Young - 14-29 / 155 yds / 5.3 avg / 1 TD / 2 INT
M. Leinart - 8 - 13 / 109 yds/ 7.8 avg / 2 TD / 0 INT

And there's no doubt Leinart is doing this from a much worse situation. He has better weapons to throw to than Vince, but God that offensive line is awful. It might be the worst in the NFL.

Vince has incredible athleticism, but I've always advocated that he's an idiot. Plain and simple. No top 10 team ran a simpler offensive scheme than the Longhorns. To ask him to come into the NFL and figure out the complex reads and decisions of the pro game is just unrealistic. I'm not saying he's going to be a bust. Far from it, his unique athletic abilities will allow him to make plays - even in the passing game. But he will always be an 'average' passer, burdened by a low completion percentage and turnover problems. He may improve those numbers...but never to elite levels.

I have no doubt which of these 2 QBs will have the better career.

• 
  
  "I Think We Can All Agree That Kirk Herbstriet Can Forni--..."
  
  
• USC should apologize for its past two victories according to Herbstriet
  
• Apologize? For winning?
  
• Herbstriet's alma mater trailed or were tied going into the fourth quarter in five games during their 2002 BCS championship season (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
  
• That championship team, that Kirk was no doubt cheering for, won 5 games by 7 points or less.
  
• And yet a game USC never trailed in deserves an apology?
  
• Not surprised by Florida's victory at all.
  
• LSU's defense is good...
  
• ...but calling for them to just run over Florida when they'd played previously the offensive powerhouses: La-Lafeyette, Arizona, Auburn, Tulane, and Mississippi State, was a little bit foolish on some pundit's part.
  
• Very surprised about the Razorback victory
  
• It would be a shame, even with the struggles, for any team to jump USC if it stays unbeaten
• Boy SEC football is ugly
  
• Did Tebow really throw that "basketball, double clutch"/shot put touchdown pass?
  
• Injuries are playing a big part in our struggles...
  
• ...but what is up with the play calling?
  
• Patrick Turner had a very good game, the game I expected last week
  
• If I see another naked bootleg I might throw up
  
• If I see another run on 1st down I might throw up
  
• According to Wolf, the odds of us running on first down in the 2nd half: 83.3%
  
• According to Wolf, the odds of us passing on second down in the 2nd half: 66.6%
  
• I'm sure Ty Willingham had a difficult time figuring out our offense...
  
• Kiffin either sucks or doesn't trust this offense (same as last week)
  
• What is up with the lack of pressure from the defense?
  
• What is up with the lack of blitzing?
  
• Colt McCoy is improving every game for Texas
  
• Michigan is a great football team...
  
• ...I'm really looking forward to Ohio St. - Michigan
  
• I'm worried about when Cal comes to the Collisseum...
  
• ...actually, I'm worried about next and all following weeks, as well
  
• Booty is still staring down his first option
  
• Has he gone to a third read on a pass play all season?
  
• Emmanuel Moody continues to look good
  
• Chauncey Washington looks better every game
  
• His numbers don't show what he contributed against Washington
  
• Our offensive line did well in pass protection
  
• The AP recap piece makes it sound like the game was Washington's to win...
  
• ...baloney, clearly USC was the best team on the field...
  
• ...despite our struggles
  
• Pretty impressive that USC now has verbals from ESPN's 150 TOP 2 PLAYERS
  
• That end of the game clock situation was unfair to USC...
  
• ...not the Huskies, no matter what Ty says
  
• Why did Dwayne Jarrett even step on the field when he's clearly hurting still?
  
• Hopefully Steve will be okay
  
• How could we not put it in the endzone?
  
• Especially that last drive...I'm looking at you Kiffin
  
• Maybe our expectations got too high after Arkansas
  
• We are 5 - 0 however, and we are not the Georgia Bulldogs
  
• We will not run the table if injuries keep piling up and we turn in performances like the past two weeks...
  
• ...but maybe the coaching staff has learned something, has some tricks up their sleeves...
  
• ...we could very easily see some improvement starting next week
  
• At least Mark May still thinks we're the #2 in the country

  
  
  Kirk Why Can't You Be More Like Mark?

• Will Cal run the table in the PAC 10?
  
• Could USC miss out on a BCS bowl if that happens?
  
• I am not impressed by Notre Dame's win over Stanford
  
• The Trees maybe the worst team in the nation, no joke
  
• Scary to think Arkansas controls it's own fate for the SEC championship
  
• We dropped several interceptions on defense
• 
  
• Hopefully we can chomp on "weaker" competition over the next three weeks...
  
• ...and get healthy
  

From the Diaries. Regular Commentor TXMed has his weekly round up. Always quick and to the point they are worth a look.- Paragon SC

Oh, a long time coming but worth the wait.

• 
  
• Steve Smith is a freaking stud, he really stepped up
• 
  
• WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!
• 
  
• Now that I'm calm, I have no idea where the defensive line went
• 
  
• The Trojan secondary finally got challenged
• 
  
• Washington St. and South Carolina are about on the same level...
• 
  
• ...and Auburn's victory was no more impressive than USC's
• 
  
• That was supposed to be is a terrible offensive line in Pullman...
• 
  
• ...but they looked like all-stars against the Trojan front
• 
  
• Yeah, punter Greg Woidneck did well, but on replay it isn't that spectacular of a catch
• 
  
• Poof goes any chance of a mid major in a BCS bowl with TCU's loss...
• 
  
• ...and no I don't think Boise St. can close the gap, even if they go undefeated...
• 
  
• ...which they won't
• 
  
• Garrett Wolfe deserves all the props he's getting in the media
• 
  
• More dancing around by our young tailbacks in the backfield
• 
  
• What was Chilo doing on the offensive line?
• 
  
• Michigan is a good team...
• 
  
• ...but only them OR Ohio St. can play in Tempe
• 
  
• Where has LoJack been this season?
• 
  
• What was the third and long run play late in the game?
• 
  
• Clearly Lane Kiffin does not trust John David Booty, despite Scott Wolf quotes from Kiffin to the contrary
• 
  
• Calls for Kiffin's head on message boards are WAY premature...
• 
  
• ...but either he knows something about the limitations of the offense we don't (which he's denied to reporters), or he is sucking it up.
• 
  
• Talk about an implosion in Athens, GA
• 
  
• However, all could be redeemed with a victory over the Volunteers
• 
  
• I was more than a little surprised at Georgia Tech's victory
• 
  
• I'm sure the Domers were happy about that
• 
  
• We have to find a pass rush
• 
  
• One more time, we have to find a pass rush
• 
  
• Is Washington for real? Remember the Huskies blew up Miami's regular season streak
• 
  
• If Peterson runs well, even in a loss this week, is the Heisman his to lose?
• 
  
• As said above, that would be a shame considering Wolfe's season
• 
  
• Now Chris McFoy is out?!
• 
  
• Hold onto the ball Patrick!!

Boy I was wrong in my expectations for this weekend of college football. No one should imagine Arizona is a bad team. They're bad. Really bad. Yeah, they get reved up for their first Pac 10 game and against USC no less. They were playing above their talent level but we made them look way better than they are.

One game shouldn't make for concerns. And we won, handily because of our defense. But, our offense did not look up to snuff with other top 10 talent - say, LSU. Not even close. Let's hope it was an off night, but we showed some of the same concerns we have in previous games...which may catch up with us if they persist late into the season versus Oregon or Cal or Notre Dame.

• 
  
• Luther Brown stay away from the fullback position...
• 
  
• ...It's cursed!
• 
  
• How can Stanley Havili fracture his fibula without Lou Holtz messing with a voodoo doll or something?
• 
  
• Arizona's defense was reved up
• 
  
• Make no mistake, they're still terrible
• 
  
• And yet we made them look like the defense of a top 25 team
• 
  
• Moody's stats are misleading...
• 
  
• ...we wore the Arizona defense down over the night and so late he got some big runs
• 
  
• I'm not sure this kind've channeling of an SEC team - 'pound'em til they get tired' - can carry us through an entire Pac 10 season
• 
  
• That was an amazing Irish comeback...which I've only seen highlights of
• 
  
• No one should jump on the Irish defense bandwagon yet though...
• 
  
• ...because they got themselves into that hole against Mighigan St. with turnovers and terrible defense
• 
  
• That was more of a Drew Stanton melt down than an Irish come back
• 
  
• Nice offensive balance between run and pass...
• 
  
• ...in other words VERY predictable game calling by Kiffin & Co.
• 
  
• Once again there was no deep threat
• 
  
• What does Kiffin not trust about John David Booty?
• 
  
• Is Louisville as deep as we are?
• 
  
• Lose two Heisman contenders and just keep rolling
• 
  
• Moody showed incredible determination and at times nice moves
• 
  
• He went east - west too much and spent too much time in the backfield...
• 
  
• ...but I'll reiterate, that kid ran with power and determination. Impressive
• 
  
• Our defense is impressive
• 
  
• But that is one of the worst offensive lines we'll face all year...
• 
  
• ...if we couldn't get to Willie Tuitama we wouldn't be able to get to anyone
• 
  
• Poor Dan Hawkins...so close to everyone forgiving the fiasco of his first two games
• 
  
• Mark Richt has a QB controversy...
• 
  
• ...Never a good thing as you move into the SEC season
• 
  
• Troy Smith is my Heisman pick, despite those stats against Joe Pa
• 
  
• That 'improvesation' play, where he escaped the sack and threw it 40 yards for a TD...beautiful
• 
  
• Hope Joe Pa feels better
• 
  
• Rey Maualuga is a beast! And a future All American
• 
  
• What's going to happen when Taylor Mays is finally tested?
• 
  
• The offense looked dicombobulated all game
• 
  
• The very, very few times JDB went deep he was off

* What a brutal injury for Ryan
* Is John David Booty looking accurate, composed, and talented or what?
* There is no chance he'll win the Heisman
* Neither will Brady Quinn now
* Still not the high flying passing game of last year but, impressive none the less
* Notre Dame had a "good" record from last year - against crappy teams...
* ...they were bound to be overrated coming into this season
* Apparently Kiffin knows what he's doing motivating Jarrett
* This defense steps it up when it has to
* What no Bradford?!
* Bradford should get some work at FB
* The running game is still a work in progress...
* ...that might make it more impressive
* Brady Quinn will never forget that blooper fumble at the end of the ND game
* Dwayne Jarrett is the best WR in the nation
* Oregon got away with one
* Auburn got away with one
* JaMarcus Russell calls that clock managment?
* Did Callahan out think himself and look at the Arkansas 4.8 yards per rush? Where was the west coast pass happy offense?
* I wish I had seen what looked like a great Tenn - Fla game
* Can Michigan beat tOSU? Or is Notre Dame really that overrated?

Bumped from the diaries- TXMed is all over it with Andre Jones' interesting take on the Nebraska game. What is this guy thinking! - Paragon SC

This Man Wants You To Know
Who's Going To Win On Saturday

Despite the fact he's playing for a team coached by Bill Callahan (who we know success follows everywhere) Andre Jones, CB for Nebraska, is sure that victory will come to the Huskers on Saturday.

-----------
To Nebraska cornerback Andre Jones, it's not a matter of if the No. 19 Cornhuskers beat fourth-ranked Southern California on Saturday. It's a matter of when.

"When we beat this team, we can show the world that we are a great team and we restored the order," Jones said Tuesday.
-----------

Playing the likes of La - Lafeyette AND Nicholls St. Jones is averaging 1 tackle a game!

No one should get cocky in LA. Nebraska is a very good team, but should a third stringer in Omaha, forced into duty for injuries, really be riling up the USC Trojan offense? This could get ugly.


Sure He Can Dress Snappy But Can
Bill Callahan Back Up The Words Of His Cornerback
On Saturday?

Is this guy the worst local coverage journalist in the nation or what?

In his Daily News post for 9/4, Scott Wolf reports freshman running back Stafon Johnson was crying after the Arky game because he didn't get any playing time.

Johnson might have been regarded as the most talented of our three running back recruits (not counting Bradford who got moved to RB but was recruited as a LB). But during spring camp he apparently was the least impressive and got relegated to the scout team.

A summary of some key post game stories:

Post game from the LA Times

Plaschke with a great column on John David Booty

Mandel's Thoughts on Saturday (& the USC game)

One quick TD, and an INT earns Mustain the starting job in Fayetteville

Update (kind've) on John Pinkard's knee injury

Scott Wolf proves USC's worst critic

I'm going to start posting my observations from the college football season after every Saturday. They're also over at my blog, but that's less college football oriented.

What I Think From This Saturday of College Football...

• What USC did versus Arkansas was the most impressive performance of any Top 10 team
• Colt McCoy performed much more admirably for UT than I thought he would but...
• ...North Texas is not tOSU
• Nebraska is a question mark for USC - 500+ yards of offense but strugling early with LA - Lafyette
• John David Booty is the next great USC QB

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