This is why Helton will never be successful. Play OG at corner, or play Brett Neilon at center!! The best player should play at the position!

There's no way we should lose this game. Our defense is playing really well. Geez, all our offense has to do is score a couple of more touchdowns and we should be able to close this game out.

That is Elite Speed! Fight on, big guy!

So, some background info on the last couple days ...

I had to fly to Baltimore on Tuesday morning on 20 hours notice as my father went in for an emergency life-saving spinal surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital yesterday. (Surgery was a success and a bit of a miracle and we’re all immensely relieved).

I’ve been trying to get some stuff done from the road, but Adam has been deftly carrying the operation with Tajwar helping him at practice. So, much appreciation for all the effort.

And of course, the Steele thing would happen today. (I’ve reached out to him, but I’m sure he’s gotten 200 other messages.) But the Adams (Gorney and Maya) were all over it, getting the inside info.

Just wanted to publicly acknowledge and commend the extra load Adam has had to carry. I’m set to fly to Salt Lake City tomorrow and be ready for the game, and I’ll get caught up on the board later tonight.

We've got a little more than five hours until kickoff here in Salt Lake City. Get prepped!

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

This week, we discuss USC's penalty problem, situational mastery and the keys to beating Colorado, and Yogi offers his prediction.

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Also be sure to check out Yogi's podcast: The Yogi Roth Show

We had our first winner last week. I knew you guys could do it. kahana guessed the final score exactly, while ericsanford and Sc-raza were just a point off (31-21).

That probably would have been the score had the Pac-12 officiating crew properly communicated to Colorado that it had indeed scored a TD late in the fourth quarter. The play where Greg Johnson secured an INT in the end zone was a two-point conversion attempt, only the Buffaloes thought it was first-and-goal. Anyway, I'll let Ryan know he has to shell out big for this since it's been so long that someone got it. We hadn't hashed out specifics, but the initial plan was to treat a dinner with Swanson. A really good dinner, mind you.

Post your predictions for this week below.

103 yrs ago to present.

This week, Yogi discusses USC's run game, the offensive line and JT Daniels, and he shares his X factor for USC-Utah with a surprising score prediction.

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USC’s latest showing raised more questions about its offense, and the only answer it seems to be offering is JT Daniels.

Is JT Daniels carrying too much weight?

This is copied from ESPN this morning...

Mike Leach calls out Pac-12 over player safety in series of texts
Washington State coach Mike Leach expressed anger and distrust in the Pac-12's commitment to player safety in a series of text messages he exchanged with conference officials last month, according to documents obtained by Yahoo Sports via a public records request.

Leach's text messages to the Pac-12 came in the wake of controversial noncalls for targeting by USC linebacker Porter Gustin on Cougars quarterback Gardner Minshew and Washington State linebacker Logan Tago on Trojans quarterback JT Daniels during USC's 39-36 win Sept. 21.


Pac-12 commish: Errors made in replay review
Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott says the conference made procedural mistakes and will make immediate changes in how video reviews are handled during football games.

Several of the texts were aimed at Pac-12 general counsel and senior vice president of business affairs Woodie Dixon, who was at the center of a Yahoo Sports report last week that stated the conference's leadership has influenced decision-making during the replay process of football games. According to the report, a "third party" "did not agree" with the booth and the command center's decision to call targeting against Tago in the game, resulting in targeting not being called.

That report led Pac-12 commissioner Larry Scott to acknowledge mistakes were made in the replay-review procedure and announce an immediate change that will prevent any real-time involvement from conference leadership moving forward.

Leach blasted Dixon in one of his texts, sent four days after the loss to the Trojans, writing: "Woodie is a total coward and is afraid of USC. I look forward to telling him in person."

In another text, which Leach sent to Dixon, he criticized the Pac-12's commitment to player safety in the wake of the helmet-to-helmet hit by Gustin. "Don't ever waste my time, making me sit through some sanctimonious speech or demonstration on player safety or targeting if you are going to continue to alibi what happened last Friday," Leach wrote in his text.

Leach also sent a text to Scott, writing, "The Pac-12 cannot say with any credibility, that they are actually trying to protect student athletes."

In a text sent that same week to Dixon, Leach referenced a controversial 2015 game with Stanford and accused Dixon of calling Washington State staff in the press box and making them quiet the noise from the band because it was "playing too loud."

"Why can't I help wondering, if you're trying to manipulate wins and losses?" Leach wrote to Dixon.

Dixon responded, "Mike don't ever again accuse [me] of manipulating wins and losses. Please show this text to your AD and have him give me a call."

Leach wrote back to Dixon, "I didn't accuse you of anything. I suggest that you get on sorting out those rules that I pointed out. After all, that is your job."

The Pac-12 issued a statement to Yahoo Sports late Friday regarding Leach's text messages.

"While we do not comment on private communications with coaches, if there is ever a serious allegation of any kind from a coach we follow up and discuss the matter with the relevant university athletic department and provide them with an opportunity to request an inquiry into the matter," the conference said in its statement. "No such request has been received from Washington State University."

Do you still donate $$$ to USC? It’s like donating to the Catholic Church.

As always, take these predictions at your own risk ...

https://usc.rivals.com/news/reporters-roundtable-picks-and-predictions-for-usc-utah

First, the latest injury news, as it pertains to USC's two question marks at middle linebacker.

Both senior starter Cam Smith and freshman backup/emerging standout Palaie Gaoteote seem to be moving close to being available for the Trojans on Saturday at Utah, but coach Clay Helton wasn't ready to put that in any certain terms.

Smith continues to work his way back from the hamstring strain that sidelined him last weekend, Helton said, but he wants to see more still.

"Cam is progressing nice. I think he's more probably [a] game-time decision. I want to see him tomorrow and see how he's doing, but did move around and progressed throughout the week," Helton said.

Gaoteote (concussion-like symptoms) has been medically cleared and went through the Trojans' non-contact practice Thursday, but again, Helton isn't ready to make an official determination on his status.

"He practiced today, moved around good and looked good. Still will be a game-time decision, but practiced well today," Helton said.

Redshirt-senior Reuben Peters, a former walk-on who saw his most extensive defensive action last week after Gaoteote left the game in the third quarter, is next up on the depth chart at middle linebacker. Helton said Jordan Iosefa, who can play outside or inside, would also be used there if needed.

Sophomore Levi Jones will continue to rotate in behind senior John Houston at the other inside linebacker spot.

The other injury of note concerns freshman cornerback Olaijah Griffin (shoulder), and the outlook is less encouraging for this weekend. Fellow corner Jonathan Lockett (hip) is set to travel with the team, though.

"I don't think OG's going to make it. I think he's another week away at least," Helton said. "Lock is progressing, ran today on the field and looked good. We'll see again tomorrow. We're planning on carrying him to Utah, and he'll probably be like Cam, a game-time decision, but he showed enough today to be able to carry him on the trip."

Spotlight on JT Daniels

Helton was asked Thursday after practice about the next step for JT Daniels in his development as a freshman quarterback.

He didn't hesitate with his answer, especially given the opponent this week as the Trojans (4-2, 3-1 Pac-12) visit Utah (4-2, 2-2) on Saturday.

"I think the biggest thing for me this week because of the quality of free safety that we're getting ready to play in [Marquise] Blair is being really disciplined with your eyes," Helton said. "Because if you give away your intentions, he's got enough range and enough speed to pick any ball off even in 1-high. So it's important that he doesn't lock in on receivers. ... He's progressed really nicely as far as the first six games of really manipulating people with his eyes."

Utah has two senior safeties who are interchangeable between the free and strong safety spots in Blaire and Corrion Ballard.

Blair has 21 tackles and 2 pass breakups while Ballard has 18 tackle, 4 pass breakups, an interception and a forced fumble.

Utah has the No. 9-ranked defense in the country, allowing an average of just 300 yards per game so far. But the Utes have been far more effective against the run (No. 2 nationally, 74.8 YPG) than the pass (67th, 225.2 YPG).

So it stands to reason Daniels will have to be a key factor for the Trojans on Saturday.

Through his first six college games, he's passed for 1,529 yards (254.8 YPG), 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions, and overall Helton has been very pleased with Daniels' development.

But he said there are simply things a freshman quarterback has to learn by doing.

"In high school a lot of times you don't see the speed of a Marvell Tell or the speed of a Blair, so you can see a receiver that's open and say, you know what, I'm just going to keep my eyes over there and throw a ball and it's going to be OK," Helton said. "When you get to college football with these type of athletes, and I think the two kids I just mentioned are first, second-round draft picks, you're going to have to really do a great job of not showing your intentions. And those are things that he's really picking up on.

"And he's got all the arm talent in the world -- God-given arm talent -- and the thing I've been thoroughly impressed with him is how fast he picks up playbook material. To be an 18-year-old freshman and carrying the packages that we do and already giving him the right to slide protection and audible and signal different -- he was signaling different routes in the last game -- so he is so far advanced mentally. He's one of the big reasons we've won the last three games against three quality teams."

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This game was one I feared the most. The last two wins by Utah over Stanford (A) and Arizona (H) were impressive, but Stanford was without Bryce Love the entire game and Arizona was without QB Tate for all but 4 passes (1-4, 3 yards). However, this game is at Utah and though USC is 5-2 against Utah since they entered the PAC-12 in 2011 it is 1-2 there. 2012-W 38-28, 2014 lost 21-24 and in 2016 lost 24-27. Both of those losses were determined late in the game. And the last one here was a 28-27 squeaker (UU failed a 2 point try to win in regulation).

Utah, like USC, has been up and down. A 41-0 winner vs. Weber State (4-2 Big Sky) Followed by losses to the Washingtons: UW (at home) by 7-21 and WSU 24-28 (away). Big wins at Stanford and Arizona(H). Utah's SOS is 17th toughest. USC SOS is 11th toughest. Utah's record is 2-1, both home and away.

Utah has 10 upperclassmen starters on offense (some approaching social security age by now.J/K) . The top players are Jr. QB Tyler Huntley, a pass and run QB, who tops the Utes in passing (203 ypg, 7 TDs-3 Int. at 64% competitions), and is #2 in rushing (207 yds, 2.8 ypc). He's more of an opportunity runner.They do have a good runner in Jr. Zack Moss (617 yards-5.6 ypc-7TDs). The receiving corps lost top WR Carrington and has So Britain Covey leads at 39 receptions for 405 yds, with no TDs. There is a pretty big drop off after that. On defense they lost their top 2 tacklers. But linebackers Chase Hansen (52 tkls, 4 sacks) and Cody Barton .(45 tkls, 1.5 sacks) are the impact players this year.

Overall they average 28.5 ppg and give up 16. They gain 406 ypg and give up 300. They have played loose with the ball vs. PAC12 opponents : their Turnover Margin was -1 vs. WSU, +4 vs. Stanford, -1 vs. UA and -2 vs UW.

Comparative teams: Stanford- UU won (A) 40-21 and USC lost (A) 3-17. WSU- UU lost (A) 24-28 and USC won (H) 39-36. Arizona- UU won (H) 42-10, USC (A) won 24-20.

Overall most of the metrics are similar on offense but USC has more long ball in their passing (13 ypc vs 7.5) and less in running (3.8 ypr vs 4.6). They are about the same as USC on 3rd down conversions. On defense they gave up 201 yards pass and 154 yards run. .They are about the same as USC on both sides of the ball in sacks .UU Turnover margin is slightly better than USC, though USC gives up less turnovers..

On special teams their punting is much better with Wishnowsky, , but elsewhere USC has the better return results and FG kicking (UU is 4-7 on 40 yard plus attempts).

Forecast: SC beat UU 28-27 last year, and in the last 4 only the 2015 game was a large difference (18 points) otherwise the other three average out to a 2.7 point difference. After seeing the details of the Stanford and Arizona games I am a little easier in this one ,but home team rules. And we are missing Porter Gustin. USC needs to beat them passing where they seem to be vulnerable.(i.e. 445 yards to WSU, 381 to Stanford) My Forecast: Utah 28 USC 27.

Usc is going to be using that elsewhere..lol.. damn

https://www.wsj.com/articles/univer...ion-in-gynecologist-sex-abuse-case-1539965772

Do they have anyone out for this game? Was there a report? Just wondering

Hi everyone
There is a petition with over 1000 signatures, many of them USC players, that are signing this petition protesting the treatment of Bubba Bolden

I am older and don't know how to post links. So, can someone do that for anyone interested in joining this petition.

Fight On

FYI: Rodriguez is visiting Colorado this weekend for an official, but I'm hearing it's more so because the family wants to check out some other places. No really because Rodriguez is thinking about flipping.

https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/203688

Total debacle as usual in this Stanford ASU game. It’s amazing. They can’t get anything right. Announcers just making fun of them.

According to a source, one of the reasons that Steele has decided to back off his pledge to USC is how the Bubba Bolden situation was handled internally and at the university-level.

The five-star cornerback from Bellflower (Calif.) St. John Bosco and Bolden have been close for a while and Steele has watched that situation unfold in recent weeks. With Bolden no longer enrolled in school, Steele felt that situation was not dealt with properly and gave him some concern over his own commitment.

According to the person I talked to, the Steele family is still "pro-USC" and "loves USC" but is also encouraging the five-star cornerback to do what he feels is best for his own future.

Three schools have seemingly emerged as serious players: Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon.

Playing in the SEC and playing on the biggest stage has always appealed to Steele and according to the person I spoke with this morning, the five-star is very impressed with the DB tradition there and the job Todd Grantham is doing with the defense.

Oklahoma has always been a top school for Steele and he is close with Brendan Radley-Hiles among others so being tested in the pass-happy Big 12 would be a factor. Steele and Oregon assistant coach Donte Williams have had a great relationship for years. That will be something to watch.

The person I spoke with who's close to the Steele family wanted to make it clear that there is no love lost for USC and the coaching staff. But it is a situation where the five-star CB did not feel comfortable being committed there any longer and wants to consider other options, too.

Tajwar's weekly column looks at Porter Gustin, in the wake of his season-ending injury, but he takes a different perspective than most of the reflection pieces putting Gustin's USC career in perspective.

https://usc.rivals.com/news/tajwar-s-take-a-different-perspective-on-porter-gustin

So I know a lot of the SC struggles are being put on the coaches. I would like to dive deeper into what is wrong with this year’s team. I want to focus on the OL because we all know it starts up front. I want to use Chuma Edoga as the example. With him being a 5 star OOS commit. We all know about the multiple false starts (in his career) and his 2 obvious holding calls against CU (recently). We all know that these kids are being taught the fundamentals correctly. What if this kid was a bit overrated coming from a powerhouse HS team? What if he is playing out of position? What if SC benched him? What if he doesn’t take the S&C too seriously? What if he doesn’t have a capable backup? What if these kids lack the drive?

The opportunity at a major program is their for the taking. Could part of the problem be a lack of talent/depth/evolution?

All I want is SC to dominate and run up the score. One day it will happen. FO!

Here's the news from Wednesday's practice:

Cam Smith was relegated to working on the side with trainers early on. Palaie Gaoteote was again limited to individuals and non-contact. The pair took in the rest of practice standing alongside each and took mental reps.

Clay Helton said both still need to be cleared. When I asked if he was more or less optimistic about their status he said Thursday is pivotal and he'll know in the next 48 hours.

"Both are close," he said.

My feeling right now is Smith won't play. I think if he were going to he would have been a light participant by this point. It's rare that we see guys not practice at all for more than half the week and then play. Helton mentioned yesterday the reason Smith didn't play versus Colorado was because he could miss up to four months if he further damages his hamstring. I'm getting the vibe that Smith still isn't feeling great, or else he would have been much more active this week. Smith was not made available to the media today.

On the contrary, I'm guessing EA will be cleared. He was allowed to talk to us and said he's feeling great. He's just awaiting the latest results from the concussion protocol. If he's limited again Thursday, I could see him not starting. But I get the impression that he'll be cleared and will be on the field Saturday in some capacity.

If both were definitely out, you'd think John Houston would get some of the reps at MLB and maybe be paired with Levi Jones. But Reuben Peters again claimed all of the first-team reps at MLB today.

A lot of names have been discussed as potential replacements for Porter Gustin at Predator, including Christian Rector, Jordan Iosefa, Kana'i Mauga, Hunter Echols, Connor Murphy and Jacob Lichtenstein. I think it's a bit of a smokescreen. Don't be surprised if USC features just one outside linebacker a lot of the time, with Rector and Iosefa taking the bulk of those snaps and Mauga rotating in behind them.

DT Brandon Pili (shoulder) increased his workload after being limited Tuesday. Linebacker Raymond Scott (hand) was out.

***
I forgot to mention this yesterday but Aca'Cedric Ware called Rice-Eccles Stadium one of the three toughest venues to play in among Pac-12 schools, along with Washington and Oregon.

Ware also noted how Utah likes to send a lot of pressure, and those teams have typically been able to take away USC's run game. I asked Helton if he's been bothered by the lack of productivity running the ball, even during this three-game winning streak. He essentially said USC is taking what the defense gives it.

"Hopefully we can do both this week," he said, alluding to running and passing efficiently.

I think the Trojans have to have a semblance of a running attack to beat Utah. The key for USC's offense could be whether the Utes are able to contain the run without being in one-high coverage and loading the box. That would enable Utah to defend the downfield passing game too, and I don't know that the Trojans have a Plan C offensively.

We have video interviews with EA, DC Clancy Pendergast and DE/OLB Christian Rector.

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to accomplish".

This is a scary quote if I ever saw one. This is the kind of stuff I worry that is happening with a lot of out recruits. I've said before I think the work is getting out that, THIS COACHING STAFF IS NOT IMPROVING IT'S PLAYERS TO GET BETTER NOW AND FOR THE NFL" Washington and Oregon are just starting to out recruit the hell of us. They are taking all the great protects they need and leaving the rest for us to choose from. That why we get all the receivers and linebackers cause there's more of them. But they ate getting all the linemen/big men they want BEFORE. Then we are getting the left over linemen will they are getting their choice. I saw this in the 90's and it didn't stop until Carroll.