It's our new weekly podcast with Pac-12 Networks analyst Yogi Roth. This week we discuss JT Daniels, what's ailing the USC offense, and what to expect in the Trojans' pivotal meeting with Washington State.

(Note: This podcast is exclusive to TrojanSports subscribers and thus will not be available on iTunes. It can be accessed on the embedded player below or is available for download.)

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Also be sure to check out Yogi's podcast: Life Without Limits

USC has played six games without Sam Darnold as its starting QB from 2016-2018 and the numbers are eerily similar.

The Tenfold

Yeah, thought that would get your attention.

Going to my first game of the season tonight. Are they selling beer now that Pac12 is leaving it up to the schools? I know Oregon is selling now.

Knowing USC, I doubt it but would like to know as this will affect my pre-game intake.

Thanks

has there been any word from the Ref, PAC 12 or NCAA regarding that obvious missed call? You would think there would be some kind of repercussion since this call was reviewed and still not called a safety.

I'm on two boards and can't recall in my years the extent of the meltdown we are experiencing at this time inclusive of the Bush fiasco, Lane's firing, and Sark's drinking.

How much worst can the meltdown get even if we lose tonight to WSU?

I think not much worst...

This will be a new morning staple on game days. Would have liked to have it up a little earlier today, but the short week made everything a little tougher. But moving forward, we'll post this first thing Saturday morning, giving you all the relevant matchup info, an overarching story line for the game and links to our coverage from throughout the week in case you missed anything.

https://usc.rivals.com/news/countdown-to-kickoff-usc-washington-state

Section 10 Row 30 Seats 103-106

Face Value is $80 each for a total of $320. I am asking $275 for all 4 and will throw in a FREE parking pass.

USCGeorgeVI@gmail.com

Adam, Tajwar and I gave our thoughts on the key points of this matchup, and we bravely decided to take another shot at making predictions ...

https://usc.rivals.com/news/reporters-roundtable-staff-picks-predictions-for-usc-washington-state

USC basketball has the top-ranked 2019 recruiting class, including a big addition Thursday:

https://basketballrecruiting.rivals.com/news/four-star-kyle-sturdivant-makes-decision

I just posted the first installment of our "Chris Steele Recruiting Diary." Chris is down to have us check in with him every couple weeks for an update on USC's recruiting efforts, who he's talking to, what he's hearing, how his own recruiting experience is going as a committed top prospect, etc.

I think this will be really entertaining. Chris is such an engaging and interesting guy, and he is the face of USC's 2019 class.

This first post sets up that theme and also reveals a school that has surprised Steele by resuming its recruitment of him aggressively, even though he reiterates his decision is made.

Check it out:

https://usc.rivals.com/news/chris-steele-recruiting-diary-5-star-commit-aims-to-impact-usc-s-haul

Beat Washington State!

Fight On!

Watching the game tonight against the Browns eerily reminds me of Mark Sanchez with the Jets, and his first 2 years. Mark ran a run first offense without many receiving opportunities. I would say, however, Sam is a bit ahead with strength and better receivers.

School of Coaching... When asked by the media if Baker Mayfield would start the next game he said: I have to look at the tape.". Really?

Both Ryen and David were very positive about JT Daniels, Amon, and the talent on team. Ryen was on the field at Texas game.

David Pollack straight up said the run defense is trash and that USC's #1 problem hands down is physicality, in that they have none. Not being tough on both sides of the ball.

How insane is that posters, who shouldn't know more than college coaches have been saying this for years under Helton.

Then I read articles about how this week they didn't even practice in full pads. That is absolutely mother F****** maddening. Rant over, sorry.

I had a lot of thoughts on JT Daniels this week, and here they are:

https://usc.rivals.com/news/tale-of-the-tape-jt-daniels-play-encouraging-despite-unwieldy-workload

Here at TrojanSports, we always aim to bring you more. And we always want to go deeper with USC football, even when times are hard. There's a lot to talk about these days, so we're reaching out to resident expert and Pac-12 Networks analyst Yogi Roth for answers. But this year's Ask the Expert feature has a twist -- it's a podcast. Just like before, post your questions below and I'll ask him as many as I can.

Here's a roundup of the best comments from USC coaches and players looking at the issues facing the team an the matchup Friday night with Washington State.

https://usc.rivals.com/news/tale-of-the-tape-jt-daniels-play-encouraging-despite-unwieldy-workload

It’s fair to say we were just a bit outside with our predictions last week. Will this week produce the first winner of the season?

I am really not sure we beat the Cougars Friday night. The big advantage is home field, because looks like rain in Wash St. and on a sloppy night anyone can win.
So if we lose this one would it be enough to fire the coach?

I think part of the problem would be a replacement. So no idea, but if we lose the fan base will go nuts.

I guess we will see how the game goes, and hopefully a huge shit kicking to get some confidence back.

Fight On

Stock up so far this season:

https://n.rivals.com/news/west-spotlight-five-prospects-whose-stock-is-rising

News from Wednesday’s closed practice:

Left tackle Austin Jackson returned to practice after being sidelined Tuesday because of illness.

Coach Clay Helton said TB Aca'Cedric Ware "looked better today." Ware has been dealing with knee pain for the past two weeks and it flared up earlier this week.

DL Malik Dorton (quad) is also trending up.

"It was the smallest injury report we've had of any week," Helton said.

He disagreed with the assertion that the offensive line is not playing with enough physicality, chalking up the unit's struggles against Texas to missed assignments and getting beat on the edges by speed. He said the O-line played with confusion.

"I think the primary concern for us offensively is to be able to create balance and rhythm, just be able to get in a flow and get both aspects working," Helton said. "I think those are the two words for me: balance and flow."

Helton said Washington State's defensive system under new coordinator Tracy Claeys is similar to that of former Cougars DC Alex Grinch, who left for Ohio State after last season. The Cougars were effective in bringing pressure inside last year against USC. He said it's how Texas also attacked the Trojans' offense.

Helton suggested Tee Martin had a perfect play call during a goal-line situation versus Texas but it was spoiled the signal not being recognized. I believe he's referring to fourth-and-goal from the 1, a toss to Stephen Carr that went for a loss of 2.

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I just got off the phone with three-star running back commit Kenan Christon about his commitment to USC. He made the announcement Monday evening after telling the coaching staff of his intentions a couple weeks ago.

Here's the full story:

https://usc.rivals.com/news/usc-lands-commitment-from-3-star-athlete-kenan-christon

I am unable to make it to the game tomorrow and have 4 tickets I am looking to sell. Section 120, Row 9. I also have a parking pass. Please email me if you are interested. I can send the tickets electronically.

mseltzer@scmv.com

USC announced weeks ago that safety Ykili Ross will leave as a graduate transfer after finishing this academic semester, and Ross followed up last night with his message to teammates and fans.

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