USC offensive tackle Matt Kalil talks with WeAreSC’s Kyle Williams about how his training for the NFL Draft has been going and what he likes to do in his spare time.
I get paid to go to football games. It beats digging ditches for a living.
Some games, however, are better than others, mostly because of the location and magnitude of the game. So here are my top-six game-day environments from 2011.
1. Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin: Not much to say here. It's the Rose Bowl. All the other ESPN.com bloggers are doing lists, but they are playing for No. 2 because the Rose Bowl is the most righteous sports atmosphere in all the world. Other than the World Cup final.
2. Stanford at USC, Oct. 29: An instant classic. Two high-quality teams with super-elite quarterbacks going blow for for blow until it was decided in Stanford's favor in triple-overtime. And with 93,607 on hand, it was an old-school crowd at the Coliseum.
3. Oregon vs. LSU, Cowboys Stadium: Cowboys Stadium is the ultimate statement of sporting excess, which is to say it's awesome. And this was a rare season-opener matching top-five teams from the two best conferences over the past decade or so. And it would have been a good game if we could have made the third quarter disappear, eh Ducks?
4. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 15: Went to Autzen Stadium three times this season, and this was the best atmosphere. Crowd of 60,055 was a stadium record, and they were thrilled when backup quarterback Bryan Bennett came off the bench for an injured Darron Thomas to lead the Ducks to 17 unanswered points in a come-from-behind 41-27 win.
5. Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 11: I did not attend this game, but here's what Stanford blogger Kevin Gemmel had to say: "The Cardinal faithful packed Stanford Stadium for arguably the biggest game in school history that ultimately ended with a resounding thud. The pregame atmosphere was phenomenal. But as it became more apparent the Cardinal were not going to win, the once excitable, sellout crowd became placid and subdued. Great atmosphere, but only for about a quarter and change."
6. Missouri at Arizona State, Sept. 9: Many have forgotten how well the Sun Devils started the season. This 37-30 overtime win on ESPN was played in front of a packed house at Sun Devil Stadium -- 70,236 -- and just about everyone was wearing black for a "blackout." Might have been quarterback Brock Osweiler's best game.
Some games, however, are better than others, mostly because of the location and magnitude of the game. So here are my top-six game-day environments from 2011.
1. Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin: Not much to say here. It's the Rose Bowl. All the other ESPN.com bloggers are doing lists, but they are playing for No. 2 because the Rose Bowl is the most righteous sports atmosphere in all the world. Other than the World Cup final.
2. Stanford at USC, Oct. 29: An instant classic. Two high-quality teams with super-elite quarterbacks going blow for for blow until it was decided in Stanford's favor in triple-overtime. And with 93,607 on hand, it was an old-school crowd at the Coliseum.
3. Oregon vs. LSU, Cowboys Stadium: Cowboys Stadium is the ultimate statement of sporting excess, which is to say it's awesome. And this was a rare season-opener matching top-five teams from the two best conferences over the past decade or so. And it would have been a good game if we could have made the third quarter disappear, eh Ducks?
4. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 15: Went to Autzen Stadium three times this season, and this was the best atmosphere. Crowd of 60,055 was a stadium record, and they were thrilled when backup quarterback Bryan Bennett came off the bench for an injured Darron Thomas to lead the Ducks to 17 unanswered points in a come-from-behind 41-27 win.
5. Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 11: I did not attend this game, but here's what Stanford blogger Kevin Gemmel had to say: "The Cardinal faithful packed Stanford Stadium for arguably the biggest game in school history that ultimately ended with a resounding thud. The pregame atmosphere was phenomenal. But as it became more apparent the Cardinal were not going to win, the once excitable, sellout crowd became placid and subdued. Great atmosphere, but only for about a quarter and change."
6. Missouri at Arizona State, Sept. 9: Many have forgotten how well the Sun Devils started the season. This 37-30 overtime win on ESPN was played in front of a packed house at Sun Devil Stadium -- 70,236 -- and just about everyone was wearing black for a "blackout." Might have been quarterback Brock Osweiler's best game.
Cleveland Wallace still committed but... 
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
7:34
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By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Cleveland Wallace (San Jose, Calif./Oak Grove) was an early commit to Oregon State and although still solid with the Beavers, the cornerback took an official visit to Washington last weekend.
The timing of Wallace’s visit to UW was ironic in that he set up the visit a day before learning that his former position coach at Oregon State, Keith Heyward, had just accepted the DB job with the Huskies.
“I’ve been talking with Washington for a while actually,” Wallace said. “One of my real good friends, Scott Lawyer, is a freshman linebacker there and he bas been telling me I need to come and take a visit. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take any more visits, but last Wednesday I decided I would visit.
The timing of Wallace’s visit to UW was ironic in that he set up the visit a day before learning that his former position coach at Oregon State, Keith Heyward, had just accepted the DB job with the Huskies.
“I’ve been talking with Washington for a while actually,” Wallace said. “One of my real good friends, Scott Lawyer, is a freshman linebacker there and he bas been telling me I need to come and take a visit. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take any more visits, but last Wednesday I decided I would visit.
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Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla./Miramar), the nation's top-ranked cornerback, took an official visit to USC over the weekend.
"It was a good trip and a chance to see California, because I've never been there before," Howard said. "I liked the school and the football program.
"It's a long ways away from home, but it's a good place to go."
"It was a good trip and a chance to see California, because I've never been there before," Howard said. "I liked the school and the football program.
"It's a long ways away from home, but it's a good place to go."
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Leonard Williams loves FSU visit; USC next
January, 18, 2012
1/18/12
7:27
AM PT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 defensive end Leonard Williams (Daytona Beach, Fla./Mainland) took his official visit to Florida State this weekend and left with a new outlook on his recruitment.
Going into the visit, Williams had Auburn and Florida at the top of his list. Now he says there are no favorites.
"I don't think it's right to list a favorite right now," Williams said. "I loved my visit at Florida State and I was really impressed with the coaches and how much the coaches and players interacted.
Going into the visit, Williams had Auburn and Florida at the top of his list. Now he says there are no favorites.
"I don't think it's right to list a favorite right now," Williams said. "I loved my visit at Florida State and I was really impressed with the coaches and how much the coaches and players interacted.
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Mora set to bring a new vibe to Bruins
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
9:00
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By
Kyle Williams | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- The Trojans went 4-0 against UCLA when Rick Neuheisel was the head coach of the Bruins, but USC will be facing a different UCLA team on Nov. 17, when it faces Jim L. Mora Jr. for the first time.
UCLA hired Mora, who had been working as an NFL analyst the past two seasons. But it wasn’t his TV personality that landed him the job.
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Kiffin needs speed from his WR corps
January, 17, 2012
1/17/12
8:00
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By
Garry Paskwietz | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- There is a new era underway at the USC receiver position and it revolves around speed and the ability to make plays.
For as long as Lane Kiffin has been associated with the Trojans -- both as an assistant coach and head coach -- he has recruited and played “big” receivers such as Mike Williams and Dwayne Jarrett. Kiffin seemed to know how to use the bigger receivers, especially in complement with a “smaller” receiver on the other side such as Keary Colbert or Steve Smith.
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Ellis McCarthy flips from Cal to UCLA
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
11:05
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By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
It definitely was a rough day for the Cal Bears.
Not only did they lose their defensive line coach and best recruiter, Tosh Lupoi, they lost one of their top recruits as well when defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy flipped from the Bears to UCLA Monday night.
Ed McCarthy, father of Ellis, responded via text with a simple, ‘Yes, Ellis committed to UCLA tonight,’ when questioned about the rumored switch.
Not only did they lose their defensive line coach and best recruiter, Tosh Lupoi, they lost one of their top recruits as well when defensive tackle Ellis McCarthy flipped from the Bears to UCLA Monday night.
Ed McCarthy, father of Ellis, responded via text with a simple, ‘Yes, Ellis committed to UCLA tonight,’ when questioned about the rumored switch.
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Alex Loeb and ESPN’s recruiting experts give you the latest on a top JUCO prospect, Maryland WR Stefon Diggs, top rated CB Tracy Howard, and Ohio State and Stanford picking up recruiting momentum as the countdown to signing day speeds up.
Nelson Agholor visits FSU; one visit left
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
12:48
PM PT
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPNU 150 athlete Nelson Agholor (Tampa, Fla./Berkeley Prep) had great things to say about his official visit to Florida State.
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has his final official scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at USC.
"I had a good trip and a good opportunity to talk with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Lawrence] Dawsey," Agholor said. "They are good coaches and good people."
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound senior has his final official scheduled for Jan. 27-28 at USC.
"I had a good trip and a good opportunity to talk with Coach [Jimbo] Fisher and Coach [Lawrence] Dawsey," Agholor said. "They are good coaches and good people."
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Lupoi's move could affect 2012 class
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
12:27
PM PT
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
California was on the way to putting together to top recruiting class in the conference this year when the Pac-12 recruiting game was turned on its head Monday morning, as Golden Bears ace recruiter and defensive line coach Tosh Lupoi left California and headed north to join the Washington Huskies.
Lupoi was cited as a big reason by just about every commit that chose the Golden Bears, and it will be very interesting to see the fallout from his move. Washington is obviously the biggest winner. The Huskies took a big hit when their top recruiter -- defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin -- left for UCLA this offseason, but adding Lupoi has the Huskies back on their feet.
Lupoi was cited as a big reason by just about every commit that chose the Golden Bears, and it will be very interesting to see the fallout from his move. Washington is obviously the biggest winner. The Huskies took a big hit when their top recruiter -- defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin -- left for UCLA this offseason, but adding Lupoi has the Huskies back on their feet.
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It’s not too often that there are as many roster changes in one week in college football team as the USC Trojans saw last week.
There were five transfer departures confirmed in RB Amir Carlisle, WR Brice Butler, WR Kyle Prater, DB T.J. Bryant and DB Patrick Hall. There was also an incoming transfer announced with former Florida safety Josh Shaw, who enrolled at USC in time for the spring semester.
Carlisle was the biggest surprise of the group. There weren’t any previously known issues with Carlisle, and his future was thought to be bright within the USC offense. He was a shifty runner with good speed, excellent hands and a surprising amount of toughness in his running style.
There were five transfer departures confirmed in RB Amir Carlisle, WR Brice Butler, WR Kyle Prater, DB T.J. Bryant and DB Patrick Hall. There was also an incoming transfer announced with former Florida safety Josh Shaw, who enrolled at USC in time for the spring semester.
Carlisle was the biggest surprise of the group. There weren’t any previously known issues with Carlisle, and his future was thought to be bright within the USC offense. He was a shifty runner with good speed, excellent hands and a surprising amount of toughness in his running style.
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USC hosted athlete D.J Foster (Scottsdale, Ariz./Saguaro) over the weekend. There were some rumors that Foster may have actually committed to the Trojans and although the athlete denied that, USC definitely made up a lot of ground.
Foster had previously tripped to Arizona State, California and Oregon. He eliminated the Ducks and had been a heavy Golden Bears lean until recently. ASU, the early leader, was out temporarily following former coach Dennis Erickson’s firing, but has made a strong late run. Heading in to the visit with USC, Cal and ASU were tied at the top of his board.
“I didn’t commit but USC definitely moved up a lot, I had a great visit there,” Foster said. “Right now, it’s really a toss up between SC, Cal and ASU, they’re all tied at the top and I have a lot of thinking to do. I think what stood out were the people I met there. The coaches and players were both really cool, the campus is beautiful and I like the offense a lot.
Foster had previously tripped to Arizona State, California and Oregon. He eliminated the Ducks and had been a heavy Golden Bears lean until recently. ASU, the early leader, was out temporarily following former coach Dennis Erickson’s firing, but has made a strong late run. Heading in to the visit with USC, Cal and ASU were tied at the top of his board.
“I didn’t commit but USC definitely moved up a lot, I had a great visit there,” Foster said. “Right now, it’s really a toss up between SC, Cal and ASU, they’re all tied at the top and I have a lot of thinking to do. I think what stood out were the people I met there. The coaches and players were both really cool, the campus is beautiful and I like the offense a lot.
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Cope-Fitzpatrick talks Colorado visit
January, 16, 2012
1/16/12
1:13
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By Greg Biggins | ESPN.com
Tight end Jalen Cope-Fitzpatrick (Rocklin, Calif./Whitney) took an official visit to Colorado over the weekend. The USC commit previously visited Oregon and UCLA and will check out the Trojans on his final official visit next week.
Cope-Fitzpatrick committed last summer to USC, and the Trojans are still in a good spot with the nation’s No. 2 tight end prospect. If there is a school that couild make this one interesting, it’s the Buffs.
“I really enjoyed my time there,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “It was a small group of visitors, I think there were just four of us total. That was cool though because I got to spend a lot of time with the coaching staff there and especially head coach Jon Embree. I get along great with Coach Embree and he’s one of the few coaches that I feel comfortable talking about anything, not just football.
Cope-Fitzpatrick committed last summer to USC, and the Trojans are still in a good spot with the nation’s No. 2 tight end prospect. If there is a school that couild make this one interesting, it’s the Buffs.
“I really enjoyed my time there,” Cope-Fitzpatrick said. “It was a small group of visitors, I think there were just four of us total. That was cool though because I got to spend a lot of time with the coaching staff there and especially head coach Jon Embree. I get along great with Coach Embree and he’s one of the few coaches that I feel comfortable talking about anything, not just football.
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After what happened with De'Anthony Thomas last year, any late-January official visit to Oregon is viewed as potential treason by many USC fans. And until last week, USC linebacker commit Jabari Ruffin (Downey, Calif./Downey) was being watched with great interest by that same group of people.
Though Ruffin committed to USC in the spring, a potential late trip to Oregon was on the horizon. That is, until Ruffin cancelled it last week. As a result, instead of preparing to see the Ducks before signing day, Ruffin took his final official visit to USC this past weekend and came away certain that he made the right decision.
"It's been locked in my mind that I'm going to be a Trojan," Ruffin said. "That's why I'm not taking any more visits. But this trip reminded me that this is what I'm going to be a part of for the next four years."
Though Ruffin committed to USC in the spring, a potential late trip to Oregon was on the horizon. That is, until Ruffin cancelled it last week. As a result, instead of preparing to see the Ducks before signing day, Ruffin took his final official visit to USC this past weekend and came away certain that he made the right decision.
"It's been locked in my mind that I'm going to be a Trojan," Ruffin said. "That's why I'm not taking any more visits. But this trip reminded me that this is what I'm going to be a part of for the next four years."
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ABOUT WE ARE SC
Garry Paskwietz
Garry Paskwietz is the publisher and founder of WeAreSC.com and has covered the Trojans since 1997. Send him an email at garry@wearesc.com.
Blair Angulo
Blair Angulo covers USC Trojans recruiting. He joined ESPNLA.com in 2010 and also interned at the Los Angeles Daily News. Email him at blair.angulo@gmail.com.
Johnny Curren
Johnny Curren covers USC Trojans football and recruiting. He joined WeAreSC in 2012 after spending the previous two years at ESPNHS, and the nine years before that at Fox Sports West covering high school sports in the Los Angeles market. Email him at johnnycurren@hotmail.com.