For the older timers on here like me, am I right in remembering that during the Carroll years SC usually did not use all 85 scholarships? And that he typically did not have scholarship players at punter and kicker? I'm probably mis-remembering but if right not sure why he wouldn't load up the full 85 each year.

Hey Chris, what's up with having the Cotton Bowl oops score still up there on the Home page? You trying to torment us? It's not as if we need to be reminded. I guarantee it is etched indelibly into our brains. ??? I'm all for removing it, if you don't mind. Anybody else? Time to move on.

The latest on the Valencia, Calif., standout:

https://n.rivals.com/news/four-schools-coming-hardest-after-db-mykael-wright

Matt Fink has played three games, all in relief, and attempted nine passes in his USC career. As a redshirt sophomore in 2018, he will be the oldest scholarship quarterback on the roster and the only one with game experience.

USC has opened a season without a single start among its quarterbacks as recently as 2016 and 2006. But when was the last time the entire position group had less overall experience? Hint: Like Jalen Greene last year, its emergency quarterback in this particular year was a starting receiver (and an eventual All-American).

are Jalen Greene and Roy Hemsley. More to come...

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https://usc.rivals.com/news/some-top-teams-emerge-for-lb-ralen-goforth

Thanks to Adam Gorney for the story!

All 130 Teams. Guess where SC is ranked? Pretty funny.

https://athlonsports.com/college-fo...dium=newsletter&utm_campaign=college-football

USC offensive lineman Cole Smith confirmed Tuesday he is retiring from football because of a patellar dislocation.

Login to view embedded media Smith served as USC’s backup center last year in what was his redshirt sophomore campaign. He’s one of several players that are expected to leave the program for various reasons this offseason.

Senior lineman Toa Lobendahn informed TrojanSports in January he would be moving from left tackle to center for 2018.

USC is the dream school:

https://n.rivals.com/news/four-star-jalen-cropper-has-favorite-school

The USC defensive backs coach is no longer expected to leave for the NFL. The New York Jets vacancy he reportedly interviewed for has been filled, and a source tells us Bradford opted to stay at USC over taking it.

The Trojans still have one more slot to fill on their coaching staff. Every assistant from 2017 was offered a one-year extension, per a source.

Sources tell me there is increased optimism that defensive line coach Kenechi Udeze will remain at USC this fall, so long as he and the school can agree on terms of his contract.

I’m told he is patiently waiting to get something done because he’d prefer to coach at USC over anywhere else.

In just the past week, extensions were announced for Coach Clay Helton and coordinators Tee Martin and Clancy Pendergast, almost assuredly with raises. Sources indicated the biggest hurdle in retaining other assistants and acquiring new ones has been offering similar incentives.

Matt Fink has been at USC for two years. Jack Sears has been there a year. JT Daniels arrives in the summer.

Based on the limited intel at this point, who do you want to start at quarterback to begin the 2018 season, and why?

My early take: I'd start Sears in the opener -- I'm personally not comfortable with starting a true freshman Day 1 when he didn't participate in spring -- but keep my options open during the season until one of the three either puts USC in position to win on a regular basis or establishes himself as the best QB.

What would you do?

https://usc.rivals.com/news/national-signing-day-by-position-top-wr-classes

Thanks to Woody Wommack.

USC freshman wide receiver Joseph Lewis was arrested Monday afternoon on a felony domestic violence charge, according to Officer Mike Lopez of the LAPD's media relations section. Lewis, 18, was booked at the 77th St. Community Police Station and had not been released as of Monday evening; bail was set at $50,000.

The alleged incident occurred early Sunday Morning across the street from campus on the premises of the USC Village, where Lewis resides, a source close to the situation informed TrojanSports. The female accuser is not a USC student.

A school official provided the following statement to TrojanSports.com:

"USC takes all reports of domestic abuse seriously and is cooperating fully with the law enforcement investigation. While this student code of conduct issue is being investigated, the student has been suspended from all football-related activities. Student disciplinary records and student conduct proceedings are confidential at USC and protected by law."

Lewis' case will next be presented to the district attorney's office.

This involved the extra academic benefits/help that some football players received rendering them ineligible. Interesting now that NCAA issues concern them it's unfair/unacceptable punishment.

I wonder if we get to erase the two losses to them from 2012 and 2013.

On his recent offer:

https://n.rivals.com/news/qb-jayden-daniels-lands-two-more-national-offers

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USC offered earlier this week and a visit is already scheduled.

WATSON UPDATE

Wow. I wonder how may of these guys were actually Russian soldiers, and everyone is just afraid to admit it.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/report-us-forces-killed-more-than-200-russian-fighters-in-syria-attack