The Stable?

THE STABLE. That's the name that was given to USC's collection of H.S. All-American tailbacks. The Stable performed well in the season opener against Virginia where they amassed over 200 yards rushing and all but Broderick Green found the endzone. The Stable was put on the shelf in the Ohio St. game in favor of the McKnight Show. Where McKnight carried the ball 12 times for 105 yards against the Buckeyes. And now, after a disappointing loss last Thursday in Corvallis, I wonder if Carroll's philosophy behind the Stable can actually work.

I'm going to make the assumption that this concept was devised as a method of managing egos. You have six former H.S. All-American tailbacks, all of which were ranked near the top of their respective classes, they all believe they are the best at their position and they all want the ball. Now there's nothing wrong with this mentality. In fact, this is exactly the type of player Carroll recruits. If you don't think you're the best at your position and that you can beat out any other player, then Carroll wont even consider offering you a scholarship. This should be Carroll's guiding principle in formulating the game plan as well.

The week leading up to a game, whichever two tailbacks execute the game plan the best will play on Saturday. Its as simple as that. True competition. Carroll cannot simply say he wants players to compete, and not reward those competitors for "Winning." Its not a true competition if there's nothing at stake. If the coaches are going to try to get everyone carries on gameday anyway.

Let's look back at the Oregon St. game. Stafon and Gable were the two most productive backs in that game, each averaging over 6 yards a carry. If each of those two backs had carried the ball 15 times we would have had 2 100 yard rushers, not to mention a few rushing touchdowns. Giving each back 15 carries would also allow them to get into a rhythm. You cant expect to hit very many home runs if you're only given one at bat.

So enough with the managing egos philosophy. Only the best should play. And those on the bench can either choose to work harder, get better, and wait for their opportunity or transfer.

Fight On!

Beat the Ducks!

USC Embarrassed in Corvallis Again

In a stunning upset, Oregon St. topped USC 27-21 tonight behind an amazing effort by RB Jacquizz Rodgers. The freshman ran for 186 yards and 2 touchdowns. Our All-World defense allowed a 5'6" 180 lb. FRESHMAN piece of shit to run all over the place. This game was a complete disaster with Rey Maualuga leaving the field late in the 2nd half with a leg injury. The loss leaves USC on the outside looking in as the rest of the country fights to get into the national championship game.

A lot of things can still happen this season, but the loss seems Stanford-esque considering how badly Oregon St. looked in losses to Stanford and Penn St. I guess USC can still look to get into the Rose Bowl... but fuck the Rose Bowl.

We lost to this guy...

USC 35 - Ohio St. 3

USC destroyed Ohio St. in the alleged "Game of the Year" this past Saturday, 35-3. In what was supposed to be a hard fought, close game, Ohio St. simply bent over and let USC have their way with them. Mark Sanchez threw 4 TD passes and cemented his place in the Heisman race.

We all knew Ohio St. sucked ass, but I guess we didn't realize the extent of the damage. "Star" RB Chris Beanie Wells sat out the game and ends his Heisman campaign in street clothes. For all of the Ohio St. fans trying to rationalize their miserable lives, face the facts: Beanie Wells would not have made a difference. USC dominated Ohio St. in every aspect of the game and unless Beanie can play at all 11 positions on the defensive side of the ball, his so called talents wouldn't have mattered in lessening the beat down this past weekend.

Pussy.

Star LB Rey Maualuga showed why he is the best linebacker in the nation with a great game that included his first career touchdown with a 48 yard interception return. Big Rey outplayed, out-hustled, and out-classed that piece of shit James Laurinaitis the entire game.

Fuck Laurinaitis.

In other great news, fucla still fucking sucks...

All in all, a great weekend for the Trojans. Next stop: at Oregon St. on Sept. 25.

Fight On!

Carroll Kills Tressel, Charms Girl

One of the most ridiculous videos I've seen. It's worth a watch...

Fuck Ohio St. Part Deuce

I hate this man. And you should too...

Douche face.

Fuck the Buckeyes

Already one of my all-time favorite YouTube videos... This video was linked up on TrojanWire earlier today.

R.I.P. Don Haskins

Don Haskins, former head coach of Texas Western and winner of the 1966 Men's Basketball National Championship, passed away today in his home in El Paso, Texas. Coach Haskins is credited with desegregating college basketball in the South and is in the Basketball Hall of Fame. The amazing story of the 1966 team was portrayed in the 2005 Disney film, Glory Road. A living legend while at UTEP, (formerly Texas Western) Coach Haskins mentored our very own Tim Floyd and countless others. "The Bear" will be truly missed.

R.I.P. Coach Don Haskins

1930-2008

No one has swagger like us!

Pete Carroll and Co. traveled across the country this weekend and swiftly destroyed the helpless Cavaliers. The Cavaliers were defeated as soon as the Trojans boarded their plane to Virginia. UVA didn't stand a chance. Mark Sanchez was on fire, completing 26 of 35 passes for 338 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Trojan offense amassed over 500 yards while the defense was as dominant as expected.

USC faces Ohio St. in two weeks in a match-up that could decide which highly ranked team plays in the BCS National Championship game.



Fight On!

Beat the Buckeyes!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 1 Day

The day that we've all been waiting for is finally upon us. The USC Trojans kick off the 2008 season this Saturday against Virginia in what should be a season full of high expectations and great games. Ever since the 2008 Rose Bowl came to an end, USC fans were left wanting more than the usual bowl game victory. Our team has been at the top of the college football world for years and very few teams have accomplished what the Trojans have been able to achieve these past few seasons:

Six straight Pac-10 titles, 6 BCS Bowl Game appearances, 3 Heisman Trophy winners, and 2 National Championships.

We've been spoiled the last few years and the team faces extremely high expectations every year. The goal for this season will again be that elusive crystal football that every team craves. The Rose Bowl is nice and all, but with the slew of talent lining up for the Trojans, there's no reason USC should settle for anything less than the national championship.

USC has the players, the coaches and the hunger to win it all this year and here's hoping to making that dream happen.


Fight On!

There Will Be Blood 2

The filming for this new movie will begin (and end) on December 6th.

As RG3 reported yesterday, I don't know what the hell fucla was thinking when they decided to put this humorous ad in the LA Times. Here's a video clip from yesterday's Rome is Burning show, where Jim Rome "fucking rips UCLA a new one."

Enjoy Trojan Fans



Fight On!

Football Monopoly Over?

Apparently the "football monopoly" in Los Angeles is over, according to an advertisement taken out in the LA Times by fucla.

Bullshit.

I guess the assbags at fucla think that buying ad space in the paper will erase years of futility and embarrassment on the football field. Jim Rome had a great take on the situation in today's Rome Is Burning. He argued how USC is lightyears ahead of the powder blue and until the Ruins show some life against opponents on the football field, this little ad means nothing. You have to agree with Mr. Rome. Sure fucla plays USC tough every other year, but they need to compete against the rest of the teams on their schedule instead of getting manhandled by the likes of Notre Dame.

Slick Rick faces a huge challenge in breathing life into a dismal program in Westwood and this ad can only add to the hardships. I'm sure Pete Carroll will put a copy of this ad in every player's locker room before December 6. Maybe in a few years the games will be more competitive, but you can bet your ass that there will be a bludgeoning at the Rose Bowl this season. I'm sure Rey will be licking his chops at seeing whatever excuse of a quarterback is lined up in the fucla backfield.

Until Slick Rick picks up more than the leftover recruits USC discards and teaches the garbage over there how to play, I see no end to the football monopoly in Los Angeles in the near future.


Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 5 Days

We are only 5 days away from the 2008 kickoff, and we would like to salute the greatest professional collegiate player to ever play the game, Reggie Bush. Sure, there's some controversy with Bush's alleged acceptance of improper benefits while at USC, but if the glove don't fit, then you must acquit. While Bush's legal troubles look messy and may have negative consequences for himself and the team, Bush was an absolute monster on the football field at USC.

We all remember the countless thrills Bush provided while returning punts, sprinting down the sideline and stopping on a dime or amazing dives into the end zone, seen below:

Reggie Bush is also dating Kim Kardashian. Must be nice...

We haven't had a game-breaker like Bush since he left USC, but hopefully one of the many 5-star recruits can man up and be that go-to guy when we really need them. Reggie Bush has been the most electrifying player in years and it was a privilege to watch him embarrass opponents live. Thanks for the memories, Reggie.

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 9 Days

Our countdown to the 2008 college football season kickoff continues with none other than #9, the "Wizard of Aus." Redshirt sophomore WR David Ausberry will look to have an increased role in the offense this coming season. Our wide receivers have been inconsistent at best in the last season, but Ausberry hopes to become a reliable option in the passing game. Since no one is expecting much from Patrick Turner, look for Ausberry, RoJo, Vidal Hazelton and Damian Williams to take the passing game to a higher level.

Ausberry has been blessed with all the physical tools to become a dominant receiver in the mold of Mike Williams, circa 2003. An intimidating presence in the classroom and on the field, Ausberry should dominate the short cornerbacks in the Pac-10. With Sanchez or Mustain lobbing the fades to #9, we should be in good hands in the red zone this season.

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 10 Days

We are only 10 days away from the start of the 2008 college football season. Life will once again have purpose...

Fight On!

It's Official...

Alex Stepheson is a Trojan. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that the 6'9" junior transfer from North Carolina has made an official decision to join the Trojans this fall. It is still unknown whether or not Stepheson will be able to suit up for the Trojans this fall. We'll have to wait for the NCAA ruling on Stepheson's (likely) petition to gain immediate eligiblity, avoiding the transfer rule that requires players to sit out a full season. With USC's luck with NCAA petitions, see Mike Williams, we have preemtively added Alex Stepheson to the 2009 recruiting class joining senior guard Demetrius Walker.

Welcome to the Trojan Family Stepheson!


Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 11 Days

We are only 11 days away from kicking off the 2008 college football season. This brings us to none other than former All-World USC QB, Matt Leinart.

An undisputed winner in the college ranks, Leinart posted an obscene 37-2 record as a starter. Leinart was the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner, a two-time National Champion, an Orange Bowl MVP, a Rose Bowl MVP, a Walter Camp Award winner, a Unitas Award winner, and provided us with some of the greatest plays in Trojan history, the 4th and 9 against Notre Dame and of course, the "Bush Push."

I really miss having Matt Leinart in command of our once proud and feared offense. Ever since Leinart's first career pass went for a touchdown against Auburn, he always brought a sense of confidence to the huddle. His audibles probably saved us countless times from Lane Kiffin's awful play calling. Leinart possessed that winning mentality that Booty never conveyed in the huddle.

Leinart always knew how to party too. With an entourage that included the infamous "Bron" and Nich Lachey, Leinart lived the life at SC. Even after leaving college, #11 was still the life of the party, as seen below...

We tip our hat to Matt Leinart, who should start for the Arizona Cardinals this season. Thank you for all the memories you provided for USC. Good luck raising baby Cole and be sure to host a another beer-bong soiree.

Fight On!

Countdown to 2008 Kickoff: 13 Days

As we continue our countdown to the 2008 kickoff, we arrive at #13, represented by tailback Stafon Johnson. The junior tailback should have another productive season splitting carries with Joe "I Need Money" McKnight. After showing flashes of greatness throughout last season, Johnson looks to battle for the starting tailback spot for the upcoming season.

Fight On!

Reggie Bush

Great article from AOL Sports Fan House regarding the Reggie Bush alligations. Article pretty much summarizes how I feel about the entire situation.

Of Chinese Gymnastic Gold and Reggie Bush

Brian Grummel

The Olympic flame burns best when fueled by the oxygen of controversy and drama. That torch was particularly bright last night after China's women's gymnastics team captured the team gold over the American squad. At the end of the broadcast, an animated Bela Karolyi -- former US women's national team coach -- excitedly popped off to host Bob Costas about the Chinese team's alleged use of an underage athlete.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as I understand it the Olympics prohibits gymnastic competitors who aren't 16 year of age by the end of the year. One of China's best competitors appeared to be more than a few hairs short of 16 and apparently had a disputed birth certificate. China has the gold now so there's little point in dispute, but they may have broken the rules in beating a solid group of American gymnasts.

Personally, and even with my patriotic heart of hearts, I say more power to them.

Here's why: it's a stupid rule. I assume -- dangerous, I know -- the rule is in place to avoid putting increasingly young competitors on the stressful world stage while also weakening the incentive for overbearing stage parents hoping for fame and Olympic gold out of very young competitors. That and ostensibly to protect growing bodies.

Those are noble aims but the age limit set is entirely arbitrary. As we've seen in the gymnastics, tennis and other sports, young competitors quite often overcome the pressures and perform at the highest levels. Some kids will inevitably pull a Capriati, but it should be their right to do so. Leave those judgments to parents and the athletes (for better or worse) at what constitutes the right age for Olympic competition.

In this case, China may have broken the rules, but they also did no wrong in my opinion.

In thinking about this I was reminded of the Reggie Bush marketing agency dispute. A solid case has been made that Bush and his family received lavish benefits from the marketing agency, against NCAA rules that prohibit outside benefits. Once again the rules protect something noble

-- amateurism, in this case -- but punish something that isn't truly "wrong".

People get through life by offering their skills on the market, whether it be intelligence, ability to invent something, ability to parse numbers or write code or sing or play football. In allegedly accepting benefits related to his football skills and future earnings, Bush broke what seems a strangely illogical prohibition against doing so.

Like with the Chinese gymnastics team allegedly fielding an underage competitor, I sympathize with the rule-breaker.

When it came down to something that mattered like competitive performance, both Bush and the Chinese women's gymnastics team were simply better than their competitors most of the time. Many frustrated folks see the alleged violations and cannot overcome their distaste for the competitors, marring the actual athletic achievements. Hopefully this won't be the case and the Chinese gymnasts can bask in having beaten the Americans and two of their elite performers in Shawn Johnson and Nastia Liukin who both turned in tremendous efforts last night.

For their part the American girls did their country proud, smiling and enjoying the Chinese team's final performances even as they knew their gold medal chances had disappeared to alleged cheaters. They saw the same thing I did, a team just a little better than them on that night.

Team USA 1: France 0

US Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, is on a mission this summer in Beijing to win 8 Gold Medals. He's on a good pace having won two thus far. The most recent came in the Men's 4x100m Free Relay. In a thrilling race, Team USA beat the favored French team in the closing seconds of the race. When asked before the race how they felt about the American team, the French team said "We're going to smash the Americans."

With France closing in on the Gold Medal, anchor swimmer Jason Lezak rallied to beat the shitty French team and deny them Olympic glory. As with all French-American relations, France had to bend over and take it from the U.S. The American relay team gave France a heartfelt "Fuck you!" in the world of swimming.

Congratulations to US relay team members, Michael Phelps, Garret Weber-Gale, Cullen Jones and Jason Lezak for a job well done.

Fuck you France, you nation of pussies.

"Fuck France."

A Damn Shame...

A very sad day today for everyone at USC Sports Talk. Last night we find out that projected starting QB Mark Sanchez goes down with a dislocated knee cap. That news alone would be devastating for most college teams but USC usually has stockpiles of talent, so we should be alright.

Then I wake up this morning and find out that Bernie Mac has passed away. It's a damn shame really. Mac can be remembered for being one of the original "Kings of Comedy," from his sitcom The Bernie Mac Show, and for his appearances in Don't Be a Menace to South Central..., Bad Santa, the Ocean's Eleven franchise, and as "Bobby Bolivia" in Transformers.






R.I.P.
Bernie Mac
1957-2008