USC Trojans: California Golden Bears
Something about Pac-12 recruits just like 
June, 14, 2013
Jun 14
7:26
AM PT
By
Tom Luginbill | ESPN.com
Recruiting is the lifeblood of every program in the country, and every conference has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to landing top prospects. We've spent a week examining the BCS conferences plus Notre Dame to find each's strength, the biggest obstacle each faces and the overall view of the conference. The final conference we'll look at is the Pac-12.
Biggest obstacle: Defense, defense, defense. While this conference is never short on skill, weapons, quarterbacks and big-play offenses, finding playmakers on the defensive line is a whole lot tougher. It is staggering to see that from the top 40 players we've graded from the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Utah and Nevada since 2006, there are only three defensive linemen. That is well over 3,000 players graded and just three defensive linemen. Unlike Florida, which borders several states that are loaded with prospects, California does not have this luxury surrounding it in numbers and quality. The Pac-12 has the juice and player pool to be good enough to play for the national championship with a few teams, but can they win it without being loaded up front on defense?
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What already was an impressive spring for Bobby Okereke (Tustin, Calif./Foothill) jumped up another notch this week, as the 6-foot-1, 213-pound athlete added Oregon and USC to his impressive offer sheet.
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Heading into spring ball, defensive tackle Matt Dickerson (San Mateo, Calif./Junipero Serra) was looking for his first offer. Heading into his summer vacation, he's one of the West region's hottest prospects.
It happened quickly for the 6-foot-5, 250-pound lineman. He hadn't heard from many schools during a junior season in which he posted 42 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but everything changed once the calendar flipped to March.
It happened quickly for the 6-foot-5, 250-pound lineman. He hadn't heard from many schools during a junior season in which he posted 42 tackles and 1.5 sacks, but everything changed once the calendar flipped to March.
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The Trinity League has been home to some of the California's top teams of the past several decades. Santa Ana Mater Dei, Anaheim Servite, Rancho Santa Margarita Santa Margarita and Orange Lutheran have all taken their turns as state and regional powers, but in just three years at the helm of his alma mater, head coach Jason Negro has Bellflower St. John Bosco in the national spotlight.
After building up the program in 2010 and 2011, defeating Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran in 2011, St. John Bosco rolled through the Trinity League's fearsome foursome in 2012, with no win coming by fewer than 12 points. In 2013, the Braves are expected to compete for a state championship.
After building up the program in 2010 and 2011, defeating Mater Dei and Orange Lutheran in 2011, St. John Bosco rolled through the Trinity League's fearsome foursome in 2012, with no win coming by fewer than 12 points. In 2013, the Braves are expected to compete for a state championship.
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Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the Pac-12:
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Arizona Wildcats
What they're selling: Rich Rodriguez's offensive system worked wonders at West Virginia and introduced the nation to Denard Robinson at Michigan. In 2012, the explosive offense scored at least 34 points in 10 of the Wildcats' 13 games.
What they're missing: The Wildcats don't have the Territorial Cup, which went to Arizona State following a 41-34 victory last season. If Arizona is going to climb the Pac-12 ranks, it'll need to win at home and lock up local talent over the Sun Devils.
Arizona State Sun Devils
What they're selling: There's a new attitude at Arizona State, as Todd Graham took the Sun Devils from the most penalized team in the country to one of the least penalized in just one year. Installing that discipline and accountability has been a major selling point for recruits signing up to play with Graham.
What they're missing: The Sun Devils won their final three games of the season for the first time in more than three decades, but losses to UCLA and USC leave them looking up at the Pac-12 South leaders in the battle for national prominence.
California Golden Bears
What they're selling: One of the top public universities in the world, Cal will always be able to pitch its strong academics to recruiting. The new facilities and revamped California Memorial Stadium will help accentuate the package with a pretty bow.
What they're missing: Coach Sonny Dykes has recent Pac-12 experience, but his three years at Louisiana Tech took him completely out of the minds of West region recruits. In-state recruits, essential to Cal's recruiting success, are unfamiliar with what Dykes' systems look like in game action, although the Golden Bears will have a chance to make several statements this fall.
Colorado Buffaloes
What they're selling: The Buffaloes need playmakers at a multitude of position on both sides of the ball. Playing time and the ability to make an instant impact are certainly on the table for Colorado recruits.
What they're missing: Colorado was two points away from a winless season in 2012 and has very little on-field momentum heading into 2013. The Buffs have just four wins in two years in the Pac-12, and until that changes, it'll be difficult to win significant recruiting battles.
Oregon Ducks
What they're selling: The noisy uniforms and noisier Autzen Stadium provide the flash, but there is plenty of substance in the fast-paced offense the Ducks run. It's unlikely that will slow down under new coach Mark Helfrich.
What they're missing: Mostly obviously, they're missing Chip Kelly, which has left a slight cloud over how the program might change direction or continue unaltered under the new staff. But the possibility of looming NCAA sanctions means the Ducks can't sell completely smooth sailing to recruits in this class.
Oregon State Beavers
What they're selling: The Beavers can sell credibility, not just on the field, but with the coaching staff as well. Mike Riley and his staff have proven they can win in Corvallis and year after year, the Beavers' coach comes across as incredibly genuine to recruits.
What they're missing: In state, Oregon State is the decided underdog when it comes to flash and national appeal. The Beavers aren't often referred to as a "dream school" by recruits, so there is rarely a sure-fire commitment for coaches when they go out of state.
Stanford Cardinal
What they're selling: Arguably no school in the country has the combination of academics and athletics of Stanford. When you're recruiting student-athletes, that's a good place to start.
What they're missing: Despite the recent success, Stanford is never going to be able to put together the game-day atmosphere of some of its Pac-12 competition, including Oregon, UCLA, USC and Washington.
UCLA Bruins
What they're selling: Jim Mora's staff has Southern California buzzing about the new direction UCLA is headed. That's a good thing for the Bruins, who have climbed out of the shadow of USC.
What they're missing: The Bruins had a chance to completely pass USC, but dropped their final three games of the season. There is still a question about whether they've jumped the Trojans for good and until that is settled on the field this season, the Trojans will likely get the benefit of the doubt, regionally and nationally.
USC Trojans
What they're selling: No Pac-12 program can fall back on tradition like USC. And now with the John McKay Center, old school meets new school in a much-needed facility upgrade.
What they're missing: Rumblings about Lane Kiffin's job security began after a 10-point loss to UCLA, grew louder after a loss to Notre Dame and became deafening after a Sun Bowl loss to Georgia Tech. Despite athletic director Pat Haden throwing his full support behind the coach, recruits and their families are having difficulty believing Kiffin and his staff are there for the long haul.
Utah Utes
What they're selling: Offensively, there is plenty of intrigue as to how co-offensive coordinators Dennis Erickson and Brian Johnson direct the attack. Overall, there is still the memory of what Utah was able to accomplish as a BCS spoiler in 2008, and Kyle Whittingham hopes to spark some of that magic in the Pac-12.
What they're missing: In two years, the Utes are below .500 in the Pac-12 and missed out on a bowl game last season. At this point, it's still an uphill climb in terms of convincing recruits they can cause an upheaval in the conference standings.
Washington Huskies
What they're selling: It's tough to find a coaching staff with more energy on the field or recruiting trail, starting with head coach Steve Sarkisian and moving to every assistant coach on the staff. It's a young group that relates incredibly well to recruits.
What they're missing: The Huskies have yet to win eight games in Sarkisian's three years in Seattle, so hitting that number would be a big step toward proving there is some growing on-field momentum.
Washington State Cougars
What they're selling: Mike Leach is still one of the most interesting personalities in college football, and despite some stumbles in his first year at Washington State, recruits are still interested to see what the Cougars can do this fall in his second year.
What they're missing: The Cougars need wins and they need them now. Washington State hasn't posted a winning record since 2003 and when it comes to on-field performance, it simply can't compete with a majority of Pac-12 teams.
Holding more than 40 offers, running back Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) is arguably the most sought-after recruit in the West region. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, four-star back is the top running back in the West and the No. 135 player in the country. His offer sheet has seemingly grown by the minute this spring, but he isn't in any hurry to narrow it down.
Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.
"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."
Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.
"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."
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2015 QB Hilinski earning early attention
March, 26, 2013
Mar 26
5:59
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
The 2015 quarterback class in California is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory, and Tyler Hilinski (Upland, Calif./Upland) is well on his way to putting himself in the middle of that conversation.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback led his team to the finals of the Gamebreaker Classis this past weekend, as he put together a terrific performance on the second day. In a tournament filled with 2015 talent, Hilinski stood out as one of the most productive underclassmen in attendance.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback led his team to the finals of the Gamebreaker Classis this past weekend, as he put together a terrific performance on the second day. In a tournament filled with 2015 talent, Hilinski stood out as one of the most productive underclassmen in attendance.
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D.J. Calhoun (El Cerrito, Calif./El Cerrito) couldn't hide the disappointment when he came away from USC's junior day last month without an offer. The 6-foot, 200-pound linebacker felt he would pick up an offer at the event, but it never came.
Several weeks later, Calhoun was called out of class by his coach and was surprised to hear the USC coaches on the other end of the line.
Several weeks later, Calhoun was called out of class by his coach and was surprised to hear the USC coaches on the other end of the line.
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LOS ANGELES -- Receivers hardly found any open space against Naijiel Hale (Bellflower, Calif./St. John Bosco) on Sunday at the Nike Football Training Camp, so it was only fitting that a strong showing earned the fast-rising cornerback an invite to The Opening this summer.
Hale has scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, California, Nebraska and Washington State, but that list figures to grow in the upcoming evaluation period.
“I was shocked when I got the invite,” Hale said. “I thought there were a couple of defensive backs that also stood out. I went out there without too much pressure and I performed well.”
Hale has scholarship offers from Arizona, Arizona State, Boise State, California, Nebraska and Washington State, but that list figures to grow in the upcoming evaluation period.
“I was shocked when I got the invite,” Hale said. “I thought there were a couple of defensive backs that also stood out. I went out there without too much pressure and I performed well.”
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The USC Trojans 2013 schedule has been released with the Trojans playing seven home games, a pair of Thursday night games and one Friday night game.
The Trojans open the season in Hawaii with a road trip to the islands that is always popular with USC fans. The next three games are at home in the Coliseum against Washington State, Boston College and Utah State. For a USC team that will be breaking in a new quarterback, this initial stretch of the season offers a tremendous opportunity to get things started on a good note. Both Hawaii and WSU struggled last year with new coaches, while BC and Utah State will both be breaking in new coaches in 2013.
The Arizona schools are next -- first comes a road game in Tempe against Arizona State and then the Trojans host Arizona before the annual trip to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish. It’s safe to say that the Notre Dame rivalry game will be a high-profile matchup.
The Trojans then come home to face Utah and then hit the road for back-to-back games against Oregon State and California. The game against the Beavers will be a rare Friday night contest, while the Cal game means a continuation of the Northern California weekender experience.
Next up is Stanford at the Coliseum for Homecoming weekend, and that should be quite a setting. The Trojans will then hit the road one final time for a matchup against Colorado before returning home for the regular season finale against UCLA.
The Pac-12 title game will be held on Saturday, December 7 at the stadium of the division winner with the best conference record.
2013 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 (Thurs.): at Hawaii
Sept. 7: Washington State
Sept. 14: Boston College
Sept. 21: Utah State
Sept. 28: at Arizona State
Oct. 10 (Thurs.): Arizona
Oct. 19: at Notre Dame
Oct. 26: Utah
Nov. 1 (Fri.): at Oregon State
Nov. 9: at California
Nov. 16: Stanford
Nov. 23: at Colorado
Nov. 30: UCLA
The Trojans open the season in Hawaii with a road trip to the islands that is always popular with USC fans. The next three games are at home in the Coliseum against Washington State, Boston College and Utah State. For a USC team that will be breaking in a new quarterback, this initial stretch of the season offers a tremendous opportunity to get things started on a good note. Both Hawaii and WSU struggled last year with new coaches, while BC and Utah State will both be breaking in new coaches in 2013.
The Arizona schools are next -- first comes a road game in Tempe against Arizona State and then the Trojans host Arizona before the annual trip to South Bend to face the Fighting Irish. It’s safe to say that the Notre Dame rivalry game will be a high-profile matchup.
The Trojans then come home to face Utah and then hit the road for back-to-back games against Oregon State and California. The game against the Beavers will be a rare Friday night contest, while the Cal game means a continuation of the Northern California weekender experience.
Next up is Stanford at the Coliseum for Homecoming weekend, and that should be quite a setting. The Trojans will then hit the road one final time for a matchup against Colorado before returning home for the regular season finale against UCLA.
The Pac-12 title game will be held on Saturday, December 7 at the stadium of the division winner with the best conference record.
2013 USC FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Aug. 29 (Thurs.): at Hawaii
Sept. 7: Washington State
Sept. 14: Boston College
Sept. 21: Utah State
Sept. 28: at Arizona State
Oct. 10 (Thurs.): Arizona
Oct. 19: at Notre Dame
Oct. 26: Utah
Nov. 1 (Fri.): at Oregon State
Nov. 9: at California
Nov. 16: Stanford
Nov. 23: at Colorado
Nov. 30: UCLA
Visits don't sway USC commit Hawkins
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
3:17
PM PT
By
Brandon P. Oliver | ESPN.com
The top cornerback at the 2012 Cal-State Game in Visalia, Calif., has been as advertised during the South team's practices this week.
ESPN 150 CB Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) has been a USC commit since April, but that hasn't stopped him from taking other visits and talking to other schools.
While there have been visits taken and rumors floating around for months, the No. 11 CB in the nation is still solid with the Trojans. Previous visits to Cal, Notre Dame and Washington did nothing to dissuade Hawkins from sticking with his dream school.
ESPN 150 CB Chris Hawkins (Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Rancho Cucamonga) has been a USC commit since April, but that hasn't stopped him from taking other visits and talking to other schools.
While there have been visits taken and rumors floating around for months, the No. 11 CB in the nation is still solid with the Trojans. Previous visits to Cal, Notre Dame and Washington did nothing to dissuade Hawkins from sticking with his dream school.
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Keishawn Bierria victim of numbers game
December, 11, 2012
12/11/12
8:30
AM PT
By
Blair Angulo | ESPN.com
NORWALK, Calif. -- The mere mention of USC brings a smirk to the face of Keishawn Bierria (Harbor City, Calif./Narbonne).
One of the fastest rising senior recruits in Los Angeles, Bierria has dreamed of storming through the Memorial Coliseum tunnel in the cardinal-and-gold uniform. But Bierria, like many other top-quality recruits in the area, appears to be a victim of USC’s strict scholarship limitations. Under normal circumstances, the three-star outside linebacker would be a likely candidate to snag a spot in the Trojans’ recruiting class.
The hope has dissipated this year.
One of the fastest rising senior recruits in Los Angeles, Bierria has dreamed of storming through the Memorial Coliseum tunnel in the cardinal-and-gold uniform. But Bierria, like many other top-quality recruits in the area, appears to be a victim of USC’s strict scholarship limitations. Under normal circumstances, the three-star outside linebacker would be a likely candidate to snag a spot in the Trojans’ recruiting class.
The hope has dissipated this year.
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USC defensive tackle commit Eddie Vanderdoes (Auburn, Calif./Placer) was in Los Angeles over the weekend while the Trojans did battle against rival Notre Dame at the Coliseum, but the four-star prospect was across town on his official visit to UCLA.
The trip was a great one, Vanderdoes said, but the 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman remained committed to USC upon his return to Northern California.
"I'm still solid to USC, but maybe a little softer just because I came off this visit," Vanderdoes said. "They (UCLA) were supposed to show me a good time and that was my first official, but it was definitely eye opening. My interest in UCLA has definitely picked up more than it was before."
The trip was a great one, Vanderdoes said, but the 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman remained committed to USC upon his return to Northern California.
"I'm still solid to USC, but maybe a little softer just because I came off this visit," Vanderdoes said. "They (UCLA) were supposed to show me a good time and that was my first official, but it was definitely eye opening. My interest in UCLA has definitely picked up more than it was before."
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LOS ANGELES -- Some selected quotes from head coach Lane Kiffin's Sunday night conference call following the Trojans’ 27-9 victory over California.
OPEN:
“Really, the story of the game was the line of scrimmage.”
“You know, you just look at the nine sacks to one -- and really Matt’s, he was stepped on by the guard -- and rushing yards, 296 to 77.”
“I know a lot of people would like 50-0 type games or higher-scoring games in general, but I think this game was really good for this team. I think that we all know that we can throw the ball well when teams allow us to, and that we have the great skill players in the receiving game to be able to do that. So I think it was more critical for this team to build confidence in its offensive line, running backs, and running game and defense. And that’s exactly what happened in this game.”
“The bye comes at a very good time. Hopefully not only will we get some guys back that are out, but also some guys that aren’t playing at 100 percent will get better with this extra time.”
Injury update:
“Two guys that will be out for the season, Scott Starr and David Garness, Scott Starr with a neck issue, and David Garness had to have back surgery.”
On whether Starr will be able to apply for a medical redshirt:
“Yes, we believe that he can, because of this happening before the last game. So we think that he will get that.”
On Andre Heidari’s performance:
“I think that’s a pretty big deal, to come off of that surgery and not just kick, but to be that effective and kick well. It says a lot about his rehab and his competitiveness.”
On the play of Matt Barkley against California:
“I don’t think there’s any way to fault Matt for his tipped interception. That’s a play where we are supposed to cut the defensive end with the tailback, and that didn’t happen. There’s no way that you can fault him for that. And the other one was just a little bit off with those two guys, Robert [Woods] and Matt -- who have obviously connected for a ton of completions. And you know, the defensive players are on scholarship too, and they make some plays sometimes.”
“And also, as that game was going, the way we were playing on defense, I thought it was critical to manage the game -- not have a lot of negative plays -- and I thought Matt did that.”
On the performance of Abe Markowitz:
“I thought Abe played great. He did a really good job with his pad-leverage, especially in the run-game. While I was watching it, I couldn’t help but think about him being in the game last week -- if he would have been cleared a week ago -- and the difference that would have made.”
On his confidence in Markowitz’s ability to play at either guard or center:
“We have a lot of confidence in him at all three of those spots -- both guards and the center. A lot of credit to Abe, I walked by the offensive line meeting room at 10 p.m. the other night -- that’s pretty late, considering these guys are here at 5:30 in the morning to start their day -- and he was here by himself watching film.”
On the status of George Farmer:
“George was not medically cleared to play in that game Saturday -- he didn’t even dress out. Hopefully he’ll be back this week.”
On T.J. McDonald’s performance against California:
“I think our defensive coaches, first off, did a great job coming up with a package where he’s basically a defensive end in it, and moves around and causes people some issues. And that’s really good for him for the next level, seeing him that close to the line of scrimmage doing things will just make him more valuable. He is playing great, and he plays on our special teams too. He’s a great Trojan.”
On Aundrey Walker’s performance against California:
“I thought that Aundrey played his best game of the year. He really responded to his partial demotion or whatever you want to call it. As coaches, that’s what we tell our players, ‘That’s what we want to see.’ We’re not trying to be critical, we’re trying to make our players better and challenge them. So he really stepped up and played his best game, and played really well in the run game. The goal for him is to keep improving, and we’ll keep bringing Max Tuerk along as well.“
On whether the competition at the left tackle position is open or closed:
“We’ll keep it going. Max did some good things, and like all true freshmen, made some mistakes -- got beat on a critical fourth down early -- and that stuff is going to happen with all of your true freshmen. It was good to get him in there some, and we’ll keep trying to do that.”
Note: There were also a couple of changes made in the official statistical numbers from USC’s victory over California that were brought up in the call:
USC has been credited with two additional sacks to bring the overall team total in the game to nine. George Uko is being credited with one of the sacks, while Antwaun Woods and Morgan Breslin combined for the other sack.
Additionally, California is now being credited with a team sack for a play on which Matt Barkley tripped and fell behind the line of scrimmage.
OPEN:
“Really, the story of the game was the line of scrimmage.”
“You know, you just look at the nine sacks to one -- and really Matt’s, he was stepped on by the guard -- and rushing yards, 296 to 77.”
“I know a lot of people would like 50-0 type games or higher-scoring games in general, but I think this game was really good for this team. I think that we all know that we can throw the ball well when teams allow us to, and that we have the great skill players in the receiving game to be able to do that. So I think it was more critical for this team to build confidence in its offensive line, running backs, and running game and defense. And that’s exactly what happened in this game.”
“The bye comes at a very good time. Hopefully not only will we get some guys back that are out, but also some guys that aren’t playing at 100 percent will get better with this extra time.”
Injury update:
“Two guys that will be out for the season, Scott Starr and David Garness, Scott Starr with a neck issue, and David Garness had to have back surgery.”
On whether Starr will be able to apply for a medical redshirt:
“Yes, we believe that he can, because of this happening before the last game. So we think that he will get that.”
On Andre Heidari’s performance:
“I think that’s a pretty big deal, to come off of that surgery and not just kick, but to be that effective and kick well. It says a lot about his rehab and his competitiveness.”
On the play of Matt Barkley against California:
“I don’t think there’s any way to fault Matt for his tipped interception. That’s a play where we are supposed to cut the defensive end with the tailback, and that didn’t happen. There’s no way that you can fault him for that. And the other one was just a little bit off with those two guys, Robert [Woods] and Matt -- who have obviously connected for a ton of completions. And you know, the defensive players are on scholarship too, and they make some plays sometimes.”
“And also, as that game was going, the way we were playing on defense, I thought it was critical to manage the game -- not have a lot of negative plays -- and I thought Matt did that.”
On the performance of Abe Markowitz:
“I thought Abe played great. He did a really good job with his pad-leverage, especially in the run-game. While I was watching it, I couldn’t help but think about him being in the game last week -- if he would have been cleared a week ago -- and the difference that would have made.”
On his confidence in Markowitz’s ability to play at either guard or center:
“We have a lot of confidence in him at all three of those spots -- both guards and the center. A lot of credit to Abe, I walked by the offensive line meeting room at 10 p.m. the other night -- that’s pretty late, considering these guys are here at 5:30 in the morning to start their day -- and he was here by himself watching film.”
On the status of George Farmer:
“George was not medically cleared to play in that game Saturday -- he didn’t even dress out. Hopefully he’ll be back this week.”
On T.J. McDonald’s performance against California:
“I think our defensive coaches, first off, did a great job coming up with a package where he’s basically a defensive end in it, and moves around and causes people some issues. And that’s really good for him for the next level, seeing him that close to the line of scrimmage doing things will just make him more valuable. He is playing great, and he plays on our special teams too. He’s a great Trojan.”
On Aundrey Walker’s performance against California:
“I thought that Aundrey played his best game of the year. He really responded to his partial demotion or whatever you want to call it. As coaches, that’s what we tell our players, ‘That’s what we want to see.’ We’re not trying to be critical, we’re trying to make our players better and challenge them. So he really stepped up and played his best game, and played really well in the run game. The goal for him is to keep improving, and we’ll keep bringing Max Tuerk along as well.“
On whether the competition at the left tackle position is open or closed:
“We’ll keep it going. Max did some good things, and like all true freshmen, made some mistakes -- got beat on a critical fourth down early -- and that stuff is going to happen with all of your true freshmen. It was good to get him in there some, and we’ll keep trying to do that.”
Note: There were also a couple of changes made in the official statistical numbers from USC’s victory over California that were brought up in the call:
USC has been credited with two additional sacks to bring the overall team total in the game to nine. George Uko is being credited with one of the sacks, while Antwaun Woods and Morgan Breslin combined for the other sack.
Additionally, California is now being credited with a team sack for a play on which Matt Barkley tripped and fell behind the line of scrimmage.
LOS ANGELES -- Notes, quotes and anecdotes from the Coliseum after a 27-9 victory by USC (3-1, 1-1 Pac-12 South) over California (1-3, 0-1 Pac-12 North).
Lane Kiffin comments:
On the game: “I think that the game was won at the line of scrimmage. We limited these guys to 77 yards rushing. Our offense and defensive lines, if you look at pluses and minuses when it comes to sacks, we had seven and they had none. That is an explosive offense, and at the end of the day we won it up front.”
Lane Kiffin comments:
On the game: “I think that the game was won at the line of scrimmage. We limited these guys to 77 yards rushing. Our offense and defensive lines, if you look at pluses and minuses when it comes to sacks, we had seven and they had none. That is an explosive offense, and at the end of the day we won it up front.”
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