The USC Trojan Outsider

Rose Bowl Notes

Well, the Rose Bowl played out the way we all thought it would. A 49-17 drubbing of the Fighting Illini. With no offense intended towards the nice people from Illinois, they really had no business playing in that game. While Juice and his Illini had a nice season (in the Big-10 by the way) they were out played, out coached, and out every thinged by the Men of Troy. Ha, I just made up a new word. Anyway, while we as Trojan fans enjoyed the whooping placed upon the hapless boys from Illinois we would have much preferred a more formidable match-up with say, a Georgia, LSU, or even Ohio State (who clearly didn't belong in the BCS National Title Game). Thanks a lot Rose Bowl officials for continuously missing the mark on what the people want. We are no longer interested in your traditional match-ups or old ways of thinking. Trojan fans and every other red blooded, college football loving, American want the best possible game. That no longer includes a second tier team who didn't even win their own conference! By the way Pac 10 Commish Tom Hansen, that can only happen with a playoff! But that, as they say, is a topic for another day.

Thanksgiving week!

While seemingly the Men of Troy have "turned things around" and begun to play the way we thought they should all along, the jury is still out. Which USC team will show up? The one who has never lost in November under Pete Carroll and has won big games the last two weeks or the team who played lack-luster, mistake prone football against one of the bottom feeders of the Pac 10. (Stanford)

This week The Trojans prepare to play Arizona State on Thanksgiving day. Both teams are coming off of a bye and should be well rested. Arizona State is currently ranked #6 in the BCS and SC would like nothing more than to come in to Tempe and knock the devils off of their proverbial perch erstwhile showing the BCS (and the country) they may have been wrong to leave these Trojans for dead.

I read today that Sam Baker is going to try and play. Hopefully the extra rest has given him a chance to heal that partially torn hammy. Another potential problem could be the sprained ankle of linebacker Keith Rivers. He has been a rock for the Trojans defense this year and they could really use his leadership and sure tackling on the field. Let's cross our fingers.

If the Trojans win out (and they get some help) the Trojans could be on their way to another Pac 10 championship and berth in the Rose Bowl. This is their goal every year and hopefully this young yet loaded team can keep their focus and resolve. I'll catch up with you all after the Arizona State game. Until then, Fight On!

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Introductons and "The loss to Oregon"

I have been meaning to start a blog for many moons now. I am now finally inclined to do so. I have been a fan of USC football for almost 4 decades. I have seen the highs and the lows. I know what it is like to feel the joy and excitement that Pete Carroll has injected into this program. On the flip side, I also remember what it was like watching Larry Smith destroy any semblance of USC tradition. Or Ted Tolner leading the men of Troy to new levels of mediocrity. I'm not even going to get into the Paul Hackett era. I am and have been a member of Cardinal and Gold and have been around the program for many years. In summary, I have been there through thick and thin and I feel very qualified to open a discussion on true Trojan football.

As a Trojan fan I feel truly blessed for the last 6 years of Trojan football under Pete Carroll. My father was lucky enough to witness the John McKay era but even he says that Pete Carroll is the best thing to ever happen to USC Football. That is saying a lot with all of the proud tradition surrounding USC football.

By writing this blog I want to share with you my take and feelings on USC football and my thoughts and observations on where the program has been, where it is now, and where it's going. Please know that many of the thoughts in this blog are opinion and come from my first hand observations. I am glad to talk to any and all of you about your thoughts on USC football. PLEASE however, I ask that you be respectful and show a touch of class in your posts. I promise you that I will try and do the same. That being said, let's talk some Trojans football!

USC vs. Oregon

We all knew that this was going to be a tough game going in. We knew that Autzen stadium would be rocking and that the high flying Ducks were going to come out of the gates like gang busters. What we didn't know was how a fairly untested quarterback in Mark Sanchez was going to respond. We also didn't know how a fast but young Trojan defense would match up with the spread offense of Oregon. Well we found out........the hard way.

On the bright side it was a good benchmark game for the Trojans and we got a good chance to really see who this team is. It's always disappointing to lose a big game like that. The Trojan defense was good and held Oregon's offense well below their Pac 10 leading scoring avg. The offense however, has some catching up to do. Some of this is due to injury and some of it is inexperience. Many people this week were hammering Steve Sarkisisan and his play calling including me. I, in particular, was not impressed with the 4th down end around call in the first quarter right after a big turnover. Let's see how Sark responds this week against an Oregon State team who leads the country in rushing defense. Booty is back and I think we are going to see some Trojans playing with a chip on their shoulder the way we are used to seeing them play. The way they should play every week!

Looking ahead to USC vs. OSU

Look for the Trojans to come out firing this week behind an inspired and healthy John David Booty. There is plenty of motivation for the Men of Troy to get up for this game. The Rose Bowl is still out there, the Trojans will be playing angry (hopefully), it's homecoming, and let's not forget that the Beavers beat SC last year. There is no reason for USC to lose this game.

Prognostication: USC 31 OSU 17

Thoughts anyone?