The defensive line continues to be the strongest unit, picking up where it left off in spring practice. It’s early but already some practice observers believe it could compare to the Mike Patterson-Shaun Cody group, which was dubbed The Wild Bunch II. The proof will come during the season, of course.
Read morePicking back up with the preseason
The NFL preseason resumes tonight with two games featuring seven Trojans. Check them out: Cincinnati Bengals vs. New England Patriots 4:30 p.m.Bengals: Quarterback Carson Palmer, defensive end Frostee Rucker, linebacker Keith Rivers, linebacker Rey Maualuga Philadelphia Eagles vs. Indianapolis Colts 5 p.m. (Fox)Eagles: Offensive lineman Winston Justice, defensive lineman Mike PattersonColts: Defensive lineman Fili Moala
Read moreTrojans around the League
Check out how USC alumni did during Thursday night’s NFL preseason action: David Buehler made a 39-yard field goal and also had two tackles on special teams in the Dallas Cowboys’ 31-10 loss to the Raiders. Tailback Justin Fargas had just one carry for two yards in limited action in the Raiders’ 31-10 win. Safety […]
Read moreTrojans in the NFL: Week 11
Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) had one of the crazier weekends in the NFL. His three tackles (one for a 4-yard loss) and 4-yard interception return were pretty typical. His broken-up lateral returned for a touchdown was not. Referees incorrectly overturned the play, and later admitted their mistake. The Steelers pulled out a 11-10 victory over […]
Read moreTrojans in the NFL: Week 10
Matt Cassel (QB, New England) isn’t getting sacked as much, and that means he can get his job done. He’s doing so well, some are considering him as the Pat’s MVP. On Sunday he threw 23-of-34 for 234 yards. On the ground, he picked up 22 yards on 9 carries, as well as a touchdown. […]
Read moreAnd the nominees are …
Some familiar names are on the ballot for this year’s NFL Pro Bowl. Check out the former USC players under consideration: Ryan Kalil (C, Carolina) Deuce Lutui (G, Arizona) Sam Baker (T, Atlanta Falcons) Matt Cassel (QB, New England) Carson Palmer (QB, Cincinnati) Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) Reggie Bush (both as […]
Read moreTrojans in the NFL: Week 2
Matt Cassel (QB, New England) was the most watched Trojan in week two. Nothing spectacular, no mistakes, it was a simply a solid performance that got the job done. He completed 16-of-23 for 165 yards and picked up 7 yards on 2 carries. As he pointed out in a post-game interview, all that matters are […]
Read moreTrojans in the NFL: Week 1
Reggie Bush (RB, New Orleans) is up to his old tricks, taking 8 receptions for 112 yards and a touchdown in addition to 51 yards on 14 carries. His score was the game winner (24-20 over Tampa Bay), and his longest playes were 26 yards on the ground and 42 in the air. Fellow running […]
Read moreUSC has a hole to fill in the middle
The last two starters at nose tackle — Mike Patterson and Sedrick Ellis — were All-Americans. Now it’s up to Averell Spicer or Christian Tupou to assume the responsibilities of anchoring the line. The nose tackle’s job — on a lot of teams — is pure grunt work. Absorb blockers, clog the middle, let the […]
Read moreTupou brings new look to interior line
A massive, powerful and explosive nose tackle has been at the center of Pete Carroll’s best defenses at USC. Mike Patterson was first, built like a fire hydrant with quick feet. Replacing him was supposed to be nearly impossible, as Patterson anchored the line that manhandled Oklahoma to win the national championship.
Read more2008 Recruiting Dinner
The scene was on court at the Galen Center again, where a couple times Pete Carroll expressed his desire to see Tim Floyd’s bunch hand the Bruins another loss this year. Carroll said this class was about “bigs” not “flash” and he felt fortunate that the Trojans were in a position to play it this […]
Read moreTrojans in the NFL: Week 16
A number of USC fan favorites, including Reggie Bush, Justin Fargas, and Keary Colbert, sat out this week with injuries. LenDale White (RB – Tennessee) became the Trojan’s second 1,000-yard rusher this season thanks to a 23 carry, 103 yard performance. He’s up to 1063 on the season. The Titans beat the Jets 10-6. Carson […]
Read more