College Football Live

Trojan great Carson Palmer is about to appear on ESPN's College Football Live to discuss the USC v. Ohio State match-up.



Fight On!

Until further notice

It appears Mr. Wolf may have blown his load too soon. The LA Times and many other media outlets are refuting Wolf's Daily News article which claims that Alex Stepheson had notified USC officials of his intentions to transfer to USC. Stepheson's mother, a USC alum, was interviewed this morning and had this to say...

"He has not made a decision," Diane Stepheson said. "I did see the article this morning, and we were shocked because the decision has not yet been made."
-The Press Enterprise

We'll wait and see how this shapes out and report on his commitment when we see the official press release from the athletic department.

Former Tar Heel to Transfer to USC

The Los Angeles Daily News is reporting that former Tar Heel power forward Alex Stepheson intends to transfer to USC this fall. The 6'9" 235lb Southern California native decided to transfer after spending two seasons at UNC where he played limited minutes off the bench. Stepheson also wanted to transfer to a university closer to home to be close to his father, who is suffering from a heart illness. Stepheson becomes the first commit for the Trojans for the class of 2009.



As Daily News article mentioned, it is uncertain whether or not the Trojans have an available scholarship to give Stepheson this season. The Trojans currently have...


13 scholarship players on their roster for next season.

• Rousean Cromwell
• Keith Wilkinson
• Taj Gibson
• Dwight Lewis
• Kasey Cunningham
• Angelo Johnson
• Mamadou Diarra
  
• Marcus Simmons
  
• Donte Smith
• Leonard Washington
• Demar Derozan
• Percy Miller
• Nikola Vucevic

The Trojans will have plenty of scholarships to give away for the 2009-2010 season with the departure of our two seniors, Wilkinson & Cromwell, and the likely departures of Taj Gibson and Demar Derozan. One scenario remains in which the Trojans could free up a scholarship this season; Percy "Romeo" Miller giving up his scholarship. I'm not saying he doesn't deserve a scholarship, I have yet to see him play, but he certainly doesn't NEED a scholarship. The multi-talented multimillionaire would have no problems paying the tuition at USC.

Regardless of the scholarship situation, congratulations to Tim Floyd and the Trojan coaching staff for bringing in another talented player. Hopefully this is just the beginning of a recruiting class that has tremendous potential.

Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 43 Days

Representing #43 on our countdown is the great Troy Polamalu...

R.I.P

Our thoughts & prayers go out to the family and friends of Todd Doxey, a University of Oregon safety who passed away Sunday.

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 47 Days

As we continue our Countdown to Kickoff, we present to you the man rocking the #47 jersey, senior Clay Matthews III. Clay Matthews is probably one of the most underrated players on our roster. As a former walk-on he doesn't tout the 5-star status that some of our other linebackers have, but he can flat out play. He plays with a lot of heart and is one of the best tacklers on defense as well as the best field goal/punt blockers on special teams.



This spring Matthews was asked to learn a new position, in addition to the multiple linebacker positions he's capable of playing. With the loss of 1st round NFL Draft selections Sedrick Ellis and Lawrence Jackson to the Trojan defensive line the coaches asked Matthews to play the defensive end position. This season Matthews is expected to see most of his playing time at the Leo spot, while also serving as Brian Cushing's backup at the Sam linebacker position. It is also possible that Matthews will see time at the Elephant position that Cushing played during the 2006 season when the Trojans played a modified 3-4 defense.



Matthew is one tough SOB, and I cant wait to this monster prowling on defense.

Fight On!

Beat the Cavaliers!

Happy Birthday Hershel Dennis!

All of us at USC Sports Talk would like to wish former USC tailback Hershel Dennis a very Happy Birthday today. Mr. Dennis is celebrating his 24th year of life on this earth and we can only wish him the best. A true BEAST, Hershel Dennis is by far one of the greatest human beings this world has seen.

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 53 Days

As we continue the countdown to the 2008 season, we arrive at number 53... which also happens to be the number of the best offensive linemen in the nation, Jeff Byers.

The 2003 Gatorade National Player of the Year has suffered several injuries over the years at USC but he is ready to finish his career as a Trojan in fine form. Byers returned to the starting lineup last season and unleashed his fury on opponents. He was mauling people left and right and he was usually seen pancaking the opposition. Byers helped anchor the offensive line last season and we hope he will continue that role with the departures of Sam Baker, Matt Spanos and Chilo Rachal.

The veteran Byers is a in his senior season and is on the 2008 Outland Trophy "watchlist". He is also a candidate for Academic All-American. Byers is in his second year of working on his M.B.A. A leader in the classroom and a fierce competitor on the playing field, Jeff Byers is a true beast. One can only imagine his impact on the team had he not been sidelined with injuries. Byers would have moved the pile on that 4th and 2 against Texas in THE Rose Bowl in 2006. I doubt fucla would have been in the game if Byers had been opening holes in the 2006 upset.

If anyone remembers the Idaho game, there was one play in the second quarter where Byers blocked an opponent and his victim flew 5 yards in the air. Byers can manhandle his opponents and he embodies what the Trojan Force will accomplish this season.

Feeling the Excitement

With the start of fall camp right around the corner everyone should be excited for what should be another amazing season of Trojan football. Here's a video highlighting the 2007-2008 season provided by fletch627.

If this doesn't get you hyped for college football you should immediately cancel your Direct TV Sports Package, order Bravo, and shave the fleshy patch where your balls used to be.

Countdown to Kickoff: 54 Days

With 54 days left until our August 30th season opener against Virginia, its almost time to prepare the guest list and the menu for the kickoff celebration. (This will provide ample time for friends and alumni to make appropriate travel arrangements).

Representing #54 on our countdown to kickoff is redshirt freshman linebacker Chris Galippo. Last year the Trojans boasted the nations best linebacking corp with Keith Rivers, Rey Maualuga, and Brian Cushing patrolling the field. With the departure of Rivers, Chris Galippo's return from season-ending back surgery will help to insure that the linebacking unit will once again rein supreme.



As a freshman Galippo showed flashes of brilliance in limited action. And anyone with the pleasure of seeing Galippo on Howard Jones field knows that this kid is something special. He will spend this season backing up Big Rey, but should see plenty of playing time. By the start of the 2009-2010 season Carroll will be able to unleash his new field general.



Fight On!


*Photos Courtesy of: USCFootball.com

Countdown to Kickoff: 58 Days

Just 58 days until the most feared player in college football steps back onto the field...Middle LB Rey Maualuga #58

Maualuga used the 2008 Rose Bowl game against Illinois to stake his claim as the best linebacker and best defensive player in the country. His efforts earned him the game's Defensive MVP Award, but Trojans fans were a little nervous that this dominant performance would be his last in a USC uniform.

Big Rey shocked a lot of people when he chose to return to USC for his senior season, but I know why he came back. He's hungry...

We've all seen what Rey can do, but rest assured that this man beast will not rest until he is holding that the national championship trophy. Ball-carriers better not cross his path, no one has wrecked the opposition quite like this since Man-bear-pig...

This video is a nice reminder of why Big 58 is so great...

Fight On! Beat the Cavs!!

R.I.P. Uga VI

A tragedy occurred on Friday, June 27, 2008. The world was robbed of one of the best live mascots in all of college sports. Uga VI, the Bulldog mascot for the University of Georgia died on Friday due to heart failure. Uga VI served as mascot from 1999 to 2008. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the University of Georgia and all those who cared for Uga.

Uga V lunging at Auburn receiver.

Uga VI chilling balls.

Uga loved children.

R.I.P. Uga VI

Countdown to Kickoff: 66 Days

With 66 days remaining until we kickoff the 2008 season... representing #66 on our countdown is former Trojan offensive guard Chilo Rachal. Rachal played a huge role in solidifying the offensive line the past two seasons. This past April Rachal was one of seven Trojans selected in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, going to the San Francisco 49ers in the 2nd round, 39th overall. Rachal decided to forgo his final year of eligibility at USC to help pay for his mother's medical expenses, who is suffering from a stomach tumor. USC Sports Talk wishes Rachal the best of luck in his rookie campaign and our prayers are with his family.

2008 NFL Combine


49er Off-Season Workouts


49ers Rookie Mini Camp

This season the #66 will be worn by 4-star freshmen guard Matt Meyer from Stockton, CA. Meyer, you may recall was the subject of Pete Carroll's latest April Fool's joke.

Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 69 Days

We are 69 days away from the 2008 season,... That means we're only 69 days away from seeing these too...

Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 75 Days

As we continue our countdown toward the 2008 season, we are 75 days away from beginning the march to Miami. We'd like to honor another real beast on the team, Mr. Fili Moala. This guy is a monster. Fili started all 13 games last year and was harassing quarterbacks and opposing linemen all season long.

Fili was recently named to Phil Steele's Pre-Season All-American First Team and is on the "Watch List" for the 2008 Outland Trophy and Bronko Nagurski Award.

We are all expecting Fili to unleash his fury on opponents and help lead USC to the BCS Championship game in Miami. Whether it's watching Fili make a crucial sack or just watching him play with his grey pitbull "Harry", Mr. Moala is a favorite here at USC Sports Talk and we wish him well this season.

Fight On!

Countdown to Kickoff: 77 Days

Enjoy this Friday, the 13th of June, by knowing that we are now 77 days away from kicking off the season against the University of Virginia. And if you're bored or don't go out tonight, be sure to watch one of the horror or slasher flicks that are sure to be on TV tonight.

Fight On!

Countdown to Kickoff: 79 Days

With the 2008 season just 79 days away, it is time to pay homage to a Trojan legend who wore #79 and just ended his great career at USC in 2007, Sam Baker. A 4 year starter, Baker was a steady player for USC, opening up running lanes for USC's glutton of running backs and protected Matt Leinart and John David Booty from large defensive linemen. Sam will now be suiting up for my Dirty Birds down in the A-T-L where he will protect another high-profile QB and fellow 1st round pick in Matt Ryan. Thank you Sam for your hard work here at USC and for representing the university well. We will definitely miss his experience on the offensive line this upcoming season, but I'm sure Coach Carroll will find someone to step up. Congratulations again on being a 1st round pick Sam, we all know that you will do us proud with the Falcons.

Baker, getting up to speed a Falcons mini-camp


With the boss, Falcons owner Arthur Blank

Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 84 Days

As we continue our quasi-daily countdown towards the 2008 season, we are only 84 days away from seeing the Trojans march into Charlottesville, VA and taking on the Cavaliers. We threw the term "beast" around pretty loosely during last year's countdown and this year will be no exception. The first true beast on the team as we countdown this year is none other than senior defensive end, Kyle Moore.

Coming off a solid junior season where he started 11 games and had 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery along with 35 tackles. Moore's presence on the field disrupted several of the offenses we faced last season and his uncanny athletic ability allowed him to wreak havoc along the trenches. Moore is expected to start at defensive end this coming season after recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery before the start of spring practice. Here's hoping to a speedy recovery to Kyle so he can be a part of a flat out nasty duo of defensive ends for USC. Coupled with Everson Griffin, USC will suit up two of the most athletic defensive ends in the country.

Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 89 Days

Greetings from USC Sports Talk. We've been idle here on the blog for weeks now, but we had all sorts of stuff going on. Semester projects and finals got in the way of everything so we apologize for the lack of updates. We also had graduation spring up out of nowhere. Now that we've entered the lull of summer, we can keep our focus on chilling and counting down to the 2008 college football season.

As we start our daily countdown towards the 2008 season, we begin with the number 89. USC doesn't have anyone on the roster wearing that number, so I'll just throw a few select pics from the summer workouts going on at Howard Jones Field.

The Wizard of Aus

Rey on the prowl

It's also never too early to start the hating...

Fight On!