Good friend or not. Fellow Louisiana native or not. Ed Orgeron had to go.
That's just how Ricky Smither operates. The head football coach at Boonesville (Miss.) Northeast still smiles when he remembers when the Southern California coach stopped by to recruit a prospect who was already committed to Alabama.
It was nothing personal. Just business for Smither. Committed players stay committed. Placed players stick with the school they originally signed with. It's practically code in Mississippi when it comes to junior colleges. So, Orgeron was asked as politely as possible to leave.
"I had to," said Smither with a smile in his south Louisiana draw. "He said, 'Coach, you know I'm going to see him. You know me.' I said, 'Ed, if you go to that dorm, I'm going to have you escorted off. We don't do that. We don't work like that.' "
Orgeron decided to avoid being removed and the prospect ended up where he was originally committed. Now, Smither, who is from Thibodeaux, La., has taken the same approach with tight end Logan Stokes, who committed to LSU this summer. Afterwards, Alabama came calling. That didn't get too far. Smither shut down the Crimson Tide like no team has been able to do this season.
Stokes won't be the last prospect Smither will have to defend. The next will likely be Lavon Hooks, a former basketball player who has turned into a standout interior defensive lineman.
"We moved him inside and, man, he has just been blowing it up," Smither said. "He's playing tackle and nose guard for us. Very, very athletic kid."
Smither said every school in the SEC besides Alabama and LSU has inquired about Hooks, but most of his double-digit offers have come from smaller schools. That's likely to change when a bigger school realizes it needs immediate help on the defensive line.
Defensive tackle tends to be where junior college players can provide some of the biggest, quickest impacts at four-year schools. Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Kentucky and Tennessee have shown the most recent interest in Hooks.
Northeast's next big-man on campus will likely be Anthony Kibler. Well, in fact, he already is. The 6-foot-6, 350-pound offensive lineman should be eligible in 2014 after off-field issues led to his dismissal from South Florida. If Kibler can prove such discretions are behind him and he can drop some weight, Smither said he'll likely be a top junior college prospect as well.
"He's had some issues," Smither said. "A lot of people are just waiting to see how he responds. He's an NFL guy."
Smither should know. He coached NFL standout receiver Julio Jones in high school and has been around plenty of big-time college and professional-level prospects. Here are his thoughts on two more prospects at Northeastern who have received college interest:
That's just how Ricky Smither operates. The head football coach at Boonesville (Miss.) Northeast still smiles when he remembers when the Southern California coach stopped by to recruit a prospect who was already committed to Alabama.
It was nothing personal. Just business for Smither. Committed players stay committed. Placed players stick with the school they originally signed with. It's practically code in Mississippi when it comes to junior colleges. So, Orgeron was asked as politely as possible to leave.
"I had to," said Smither with a smile in his south Louisiana draw. "He said, 'Coach, you know I'm going to see him. You know me.' I said, 'Ed, if you go to that dorm, I'm going to have you escorted off. We don't do that. We don't work like that.' "
Orgeron decided to avoid being removed and the prospect ended up where he was originally committed. Now, Smither, who is from Thibodeaux, La., has taken the same approach with tight end Logan Stokes, who committed to LSU this summer. Afterwards, Alabama came calling. That didn't get too far. Smither shut down the Crimson Tide like no team has been able to do this season.
Stokes won't be the last prospect Smither will have to defend. The next will likely be Lavon Hooks, a former basketball player who has turned into a standout interior defensive lineman.
"We moved him inside and, man, he has just been blowing it up," Smither said. "He's playing tackle and nose guard for us. Very, very athletic kid."
Smither said every school in the SEC besides Alabama and LSU has inquired about Hooks, but most of his double-digit offers have come from smaller schools. That's likely to change when a bigger school realizes it needs immediate help on the defensive line.
Defensive tackle tends to be where junior college players can provide some of the biggest, quickest impacts at four-year schools. Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Kentucky and Tennessee have shown the most recent interest in Hooks.
Northeast's next big-man on campus will likely be Anthony Kibler. Well, in fact, he already is. The 6-foot-6, 350-pound offensive lineman should be eligible in 2014 after off-field issues led to his dismissal from South Florida. If Kibler can prove such discretions are behind him and he can drop some weight, Smither said he'll likely be a top junior college prospect as well.
"He's had some issues," Smither said. "A lot of people are just waiting to see how he responds. He's an NFL guy."
Smither should know. He coached NFL standout receiver Julio Jones in high school and has been around plenty of big-time college and professional-level prospects. Here are his thoughts on two more prospects at Northeastern who have received college interest:
- Jonathan Harrison -- Smither seems completely shocked when asked why Harrison doesn't have more college interest. "He's a 6-5 kid that's killing it.. I think he's averaging about 46 (yards per punt)," Smither said. Harrison said he believes more four-year schools are using walk-ons to handle kicking. Still, there should be a place for Harrison somewhere, Smither said.
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Roundtable: Keys to beating Arizona 
October, 25, 2012
10/25/12
7:30
AM PT
By WeAreSC staff | ESPN.com
What are the three keys to USC defeating Arizona this weekend?
Garry Paskwietz
1. Continued success in red zone: The Trojans rank No. 2 in the Pac-12 in red zone offense and defense, a trend that needs to continue against Arizona. There’s little doubt both teams are going to gain some yardage in this game, so the big key will be limiting the number of opponent drives that end in touchdowns and converting when you have your opportunities.
Garry Paskwietz
1. Continued success in red zone: The Trojans rank No. 2 in the Pac-12 in red zone offense and defense, a trend that needs to continue against Arizona. There’s little doubt both teams are going to gain some yardage in this game, so the big key will be limiting the number of opponent drives that end in touchdowns and converting when you have your opportunities.
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The five key storylines as No. 9 USC (6-1 overall, 4-1 Pac 12) takes on Arizona (4-3, 1-3) in a Pac-12 showdown.
1. USC defense vs. Arizona spread offense: On paper, this will be the toughest offensive opponent the Trojans have faced this year. The Wildcats have taken quickly to new head coach Rich Rodriguez’s hurry-up spread offense and the results have been impressive, with almost 550 total yards of offense per game. It will be up to the Trojans' swarming and attacking defense to pressure the quarterback and look for turnovers or stops.
2. Arizona QB Matt Scott vs. USC cornerbacks: To break down the previous point even further, the key battle within the battle will be Scott throwing the ball against a USC cornerback position that has been in flux. Nickell Robey has been solid on one side, but there has been a rotation opposite him, with either Torin Harris or Josh Shaw appearing to be the primary options. The Trojans will probably need both against the quick pace of the Wildcats offense.
1. USC defense vs. Arizona spread offense: On paper, this will be the toughest offensive opponent the Trojans have faced this year. The Wildcats have taken quickly to new head coach Rich Rodriguez’s hurry-up spread offense and the results have been impressive, with almost 550 total yards of offense per game. It will be up to the Trojans' swarming and attacking defense to pressure the quarterback and look for turnovers or stops.
2. Arizona QB Matt Scott vs. USC cornerbacks: To break down the previous point even further, the key battle within the battle will be Scott throwing the ball against a USC cornerback position that has been in flux. Nickell Robey has been solid on one side, but there has been a rotation opposite him, with either Torin Harris or Josh Shaw appearing to be the primary options. The Trojans will probably need both against the quick pace of the Wildcats offense.
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Preparing for Arizona with ... Colorado
October, 24, 2012
10/24/12
4:45
PM PT
By Pedro Moura | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- Like every other college football coach in the country, Lane Kiffin has emphasized to his team and to the media the importance of taking things one game at a time this season and not looking past any opponents.
The thing is, Kiffin himself didn't really abide by his own doctrine last week. The USC coach admitted Wednesday that he used last week's win over Colorado as a trial run for defensive rotations he's going to incorporate further in the coming weeks.
The Trojans felt so confident they would top the Buffaloes with ease, they essentially started to prepare defensively for Arizona and Oregon mid-game, rotating players in and out to practice what the Wildcats' and Ducks' offenses are going to require.
"Even though we didn't expect Colorado to be up-tempo, we didn't want to wait until this week to get used to our rotations and shuffling of guys," Kiffin said. "So we did it even though it was a slower moving offense."
Kiffin said he didn't know if it was rare to install things in game situations down the road.
"It was good, regardless," Kiffin said. "To get guys snaps in the beginning of the game instead of just at the end of the game was critical for us, because we're going to need those guys at some point during the year."
Developing depth is, as it has been all season, an issue for the Trojans. Kiffin has said he's ultra-confident in his first 22 players but indicated the confidence drops off significantly for the second 22.
But USC will need a full second-string worth of defensive players to play effective defense against Arizona on Saturday, and especially against Oregon the next week.
That's why the Trojans subbed so much last week.
"We wanted to not get to this week and all of a sudden have a no-huddle rotation, so even though they weren't in no-huddle we treated our reps that way," Kiffin said. "That's why you really saw all of our guys -- even T.J. (McDonald) and Nickell (Robey) -- rotate in there, which is unusual for us."
The thing is, Kiffin himself didn't really abide by his own doctrine last week. The USC coach admitted Wednesday that he used last week's win over Colorado as a trial run for defensive rotations he's going to incorporate further in the coming weeks.
The Trojans felt so confident they would top the Buffaloes with ease, they essentially started to prepare defensively for Arizona and Oregon mid-game, rotating players in and out to practice what the Wildcats' and Ducks' offenses are going to require.
"Even though we didn't expect Colorado to be up-tempo, we didn't want to wait until this week to get used to our rotations and shuffling of guys," Kiffin said. "So we did it even though it was a slower moving offense."
Kiffin said he didn't know if it was rare to install things in game situations down the road.
"It was good, regardless," Kiffin said. "To get guys snaps in the beginning of the game instead of just at the end of the game was critical for us, because we're going to need those guys at some point during the year."
Developing depth is, as it has been all season, an issue for the Trojans. Kiffin has said he's ultra-confident in his first 22 players but indicated the confidence drops off significantly for the second 22.
But USC will need a full second-string worth of defensive players to play effective defense against Arizona on Saturday, and especially against Oregon the next week.
That's why the Trojans subbed so much last week.
"We wanted to not get to this week and all of a sudden have a no-huddle rotation, so even though they weren't in no-huddle we treated our reps that way," Kiffin said. "That's why you really saw all of our guys -- even T.J. (McDonald) and Nickell (Robey) -- rotate in there, which is unusual for us."
Arizona's distinctive defense a challenge
October, 24, 2012
10/24/12
4:29
PM PT
By Pedro Moura | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- Judging by the state of West Virginia's defense since coordinator Jeff Casteel left in January to follow Rich Rodriguez to Arizona, Casteel is a defensive genius.
The Mountaineers have been lit up to the tune of 40 points per game this season, making them the sixth-worst scoring defense in the NCAA. (They gave up 26.7 points per game under Casteel last year.) In 2012, West Virginia has the worst pass defense in the country, with opponents gaining nearly 15 yards per completion and more than 10 yards every attempt.
Casteel's new unit with the Wildcats hasn't exactly been elite, either. Arizona's pass defense is 10th-worst in the country in terms of yards per game, and 37th-worst (83 out of 120) in terms of overall scoring defense.
But it's definitely different than any other defense the USC Trojans are going to face this season. Arizona's 3-3-5 alignment -- commonly known as an odd stack or multiple spread defense, with three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs -- is known for three big things:
Generally speaking, the 3-3-5 relies on big plays more than it does stopping teams straight away. It also generally works better against a spread than against a pro-style offense. And, as with any incorporation of any new scheme at any level, it takes time to stick.
USC coach Lane Kiffin said this week that the sticking process has been evident in recent weeks.
The Mountaineers have been lit up to the tune of 40 points per game this season, making them the sixth-worst scoring defense in the NCAA. (They gave up 26.7 points per game under Casteel last year.) In 2012, West Virginia has the worst pass defense in the country, with opponents gaining nearly 15 yards per completion and more than 10 yards every attempt.
Casteel's new unit with the Wildcats hasn't exactly been elite, either. Arizona's pass defense is 10th-worst in the country in terms of yards per game, and 37th-worst (83 out of 120) in terms of overall scoring defense.
But it's definitely different than any other defense the USC Trojans are going to face this season. Arizona's 3-3-5 alignment -- commonly known as an odd stack or multiple spread defense, with three linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs -- is known for three big things:
- 1. It enables teams to more easily use smaller, faster players across their defense than a normal 3-4 or 4-3 would require.
- 2. It a defense easier for players to understand, relatively speaking, because they're typically assigned a single gap on a given play and told to attack that gap.
- 3. It can be difficult for opposing offensive linemen to understand pre-snap who they're going to have to block on a particular play.
Generally speaking, the 3-3-5 relies on big plays more than it does stopping teams straight away. It also generally works better against a spread than against a pro-style offense. And, as with any incorporation of any new scheme at any level, it takes time to stick.
USC coach Lane Kiffin said this week that the sticking process has been evident in recent weeks.
It was another competitive practice in full pads for the Trojans on Wednesday, as they continue to gear up for an Arizona team that USC coach Lane Kiffin believes is much better than its 4-3 record indicates.
“I thought it was a good, long practice again -- following the theme last week of not about who we’re playing, but really continuing to get better -- and two hard days of practice,“ Kiffin said. “So [we] still have a lot of work to do. [We] play a team that very easily could have one loss. This is a really good team, and I’m actually surprised they’re not ranked.”
Method to the madness
“I thought it was a good, long practice again -- following the theme last week of not about who we’re playing, but really continuing to get better -- and two hard days of practice,“ Kiffin said. “So [we] still have a lot of work to do. [We] play a team that very easily could have one loss. This is a really good team, and I’m actually surprised they’re not ranked.”
Method to the madness
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Key to the game: USC D vs. spread O
October, 24, 2012
10/24/12
11:00
AM PT
By
Jeremy Hogue | ESPN.com
What is the key for the USC defense in terms of slowing down the Arizona hurry-up spread offense?
Arizona’s spread is a pass-first spread that is still, in essence, option football. The Wildcats simply do it through the air more than on the ground. But what they force a defense to do is defend multiple things on each play and put a lot of pressure on a defense to be sound. What being sound means is that a defense can’t simply line up and fly to the ball -- it has to play assignment football and count on all 11 defenders to do their jobs, and not try to do others’ jobs. It’s similar to playing a run option like Oregon's, or Tim Tebow’s Florida, or a wishbone like Barry Switzer’s old Oklahoma teams. Defenders have to be smart and play their assignments.
One other thing that helps -- disruptive plays along the defensive line. And this would be an ideal time for USC’s front four to play its best game. Arizona’s offensive line has had injuries, and this may be the opportune time for Ed Orgeron’s group to make itself well known in the Arizona backfield.
[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US PresswireThe USC defense is going to need to be disciplined like it was against Utah in order to match up with Arizona's spread offense on Saturday.
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US PresswireThe USC defense is going to need to be disciplined like it was against Utah in order to match up with Arizona's spread offense on Saturday.
One other thing that helps -- disruptive plays along the defensive line. And this would be an ideal time for USC’s front four to play its best game. Arizona’s offensive line has had injuries, and this may be the opportune time for Ed Orgeron’s group to make itself well known in the Arizona backfield.
Hogue Report: Arizona a tough opponent
October, 24, 2012
10/24/12
8:00
AM PT
By
Jeremy Hogue | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- For me, the highlight of the USC-Colorado game last weekend was only seen by those in attendance. After Matt Barkley and Robert Woods set their respective records, the video screen showed a segment where numerous big stars came on and congratulated the guys. Keyshawn Johnson, Pete Carroll, Blake Griffin, Chris Paul, Luc Robitaille, and my favorite -- Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer on the field at a Raiders practice -- gave their wishes to the clear surprise of Barkley and Woods. It was very cool.
One comment that Palmer made in his video is worth mentioning this week. He said, “Beat Oregon, beat Notre Dame and get into that national championship game.” The crowd erupted in applause, and it was a great moment. But there are a few other teams on the schedule, and none of them will be easy, including a big game this week at Arizona.
Undeniably, the biggest game on the calendar for the Trojans since the schedule came out is next weekend, when Oregon comes to the Coliseum. And with the game being just over a week away, it’s understandable that many would be waiting in anticipation of that matchup, with Trojans fans hoping USC can upset the Ducks and propel themselves back into the national championship dialogue. And with Arizona sitting with a marginal 4-3 record, it’s easy to assume that it must be nothing but a formality, right? Well, don’t look ahead so quickly.
One comment that Palmer made in his video is worth mentioning this week. He said, “Beat Oregon, beat Notre Dame and get into that national championship game.” The crowd erupted in applause, and it was a great moment. But there are a few other teams on the schedule, and none of them will be easy, including a big game this week at Arizona.
Undeniably, the biggest game on the calendar for the Trojans since the schedule came out is next weekend, when Oregon comes to the Coliseum. And with the game being just over a week away, it’s understandable that many would be waiting in anticipation of that matchup, with Trojans fans hoping USC can upset the Ducks and propel themselves back into the national championship dialogue. And with Arizona sitting with a marginal 4-3 record, it’s easy to assume that it must be nothing but a formality, right? Well, don’t look ahead so quickly.
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George Farmer, the sports car receiver
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
8:14
PM PT
By Pedro Moura | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- USC receiver George Farmer is like a Ferrari, according to his position coach, Tee Martin.
And Martin means that in every sense of the word -- fast and sleek, but also fragile and breakable.
"God has blessed that kid with a lot of tools," Martin said of the oft-injured sophomore. "I joke with him, 'You're a Ferrari.' And everything has to work right for that Ferrari to run the way you want it to run.
"When something's off, it's like everything's off."
Something has been off with Farmer for most of his time at USC. He has been bothered by hamstring pulls on-and-off since his arrival last summer, and there have been other trips to the shop, too.
But now he has been healthy the last three weeks and starting to ease into a bigger role with the Trojans -- mostly on special teams for now but also as a backup receiver and occasional running back.
"It's good that he's come back and fought through the setbacks that he's had this year," Martin said. "He's been getting more and more reps and he's looking more and more comfortable.
"As someone that had been a receiver and then a running back and now a receiver again, that's a tough transition."
Martin extended the sports-car analogy further with Farmer -- he has to be more careful when warming up than other cars, er, receivers.
"His routine, and what it's going to take for him to be ready, may be different than some other guys," Martin said. "Marqise (Lee) may be able to get out of bed, shake his legs and run a 4.4. (George) may have to stretch and do more stuff in preparation to play.
"At the end of the day, it's a bottom-line business. You gotta be ready to go when it's your time to go. I think he understands that now."
And Martin means that in every sense of the word -- fast and sleek, but also fragile and breakable.
"God has blessed that kid with a lot of tools," Martin said of the oft-injured sophomore. "I joke with him, 'You're a Ferrari.' And everything has to work right for that Ferrari to run the way you want it to run.
"When something's off, it's like everything's off."
Something has been off with Farmer for most of his time at USC. He has been bothered by hamstring pulls on-and-off since his arrival last summer, and there have been other trips to the shop, too.
But now he has been healthy the last three weeks and starting to ease into a bigger role with the Trojans -- mostly on special teams for now but also as a backup receiver and occasional running back.
"It's good that he's come back and fought through the setbacks that he's had this year," Martin said. "He's been getting more and more reps and he's looking more and more comfortable.
"As someone that had been a receiver and then a running back and now a receiver again, that's a tough transition."
Martin extended the sports-car analogy further with Farmer -- he has to be more careful when warming up than other cars, er, receivers.
"His routine, and what it's going to take for him to be ready, may be different than some other guys," Martin said. "Marqise (Lee) may be able to get out of bed, shake his legs and run a 4.4. (George) may have to stretch and do more stuff in preparation to play.
"At the end of the day, it's a bottom-line business. You gotta be ready to go when it's your time to go. I think he understands that now."
Matt Barkley joins Max & Marcellus
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
7:11
PM PT
By ESPN Los Angeles | ESPN.com
USC quarterback Matt Barkley joined 710 ESPN's "Max and Marcellus Show" on Tuesday to reflect on his Pac-12 touchdown pass record, look ahead at the Trojans' Saturday matchup with Arizona and discuss his campus life during his final season at USC.
To here the full interview, click this link.
To here the full interview, click this link.
TE Telfer expects to be back Saturday
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
5:56
PM PT
By Pedro Moura | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- USC tight end Randall Telfer never played Pop Warner football growing up, so the following declaration doesn't mean as much for him as it might for others.
But still, before this month, Telfer had never missed a competitive football game because of injury. He played four straight seasons of high school football without getting hurt, as well as all 12 games the Trojans played last season.
Then he suffered a high-ankle sprain near the end of the Utah game earlier this month and missed USC's next two games against Washington and Colorado.
"It sucks sitting out games," Telfer said Tuesday. "But it had to happen. I didn't want to hurt my team by playing and hurt myself even further."
Telfer said he's "ready to go now." But the ankle injury nagged him for more than two weeks -- he said it's "just that pain that kinda sticks with you."
His absence also highlighted the fact that USC's tight end production has dipped this season amid higher expectations. Telfer and Xavier Grimble have combined to catch just 21 passes in seven games as compared to 41 throughout last year.
Telfer said their contributions have just been re-directed.
"I wouldn't say that our production has gone down," he said Tuesday. "The tight end has been a vital part of the offense, blocking-wise at least. We haven't been getting as many catches as last year, but we're cool with that.
"We could go the rest of the year without getting another pass as long as we're winning games."
But still, before this month, Telfer had never missed a competitive football game because of injury. He played four straight seasons of high school football without getting hurt, as well as all 12 games the Trojans played last season.
Then he suffered a high-ankle sprain near the end of the Utah game earlier this month and missed USC's next two games against Washington and Colorado.
"It sucks sitting out games," Telfer said Tuesday. "But it had to happen. I didn't want to hurt my team by playing and hurt myself even further."
Telfer said he's "ready to go now." But the ankle injury nagged him for more than two weeks -- he said it's "just that pain that kinda sticks with you."
His absence also highlighted the fact that USC's tight end production has dipped this season amid higher expectations. Telfer and Xavier Grimble have combined to catch just 21 passes in seven games as compared to 41 throughout last year.
Telfer said their contributions have just been re-directed.
"I wouldn't say that our production has gone down," he said Tuesday. "The tight end has been a vital part of the offense, blocking-wise at least. We haven't been getting as many catches as last year, but we're cool with that.
"We could go the rest of the year without getting another pass as long as we're winning games."
LOS ANGELES -- The Trojans were back on Brian Kennedy/Howard Jones Field on Tuesday morning, going full-pads once again in preparation for this Saturday’s clash at Arizona. And while USC is coming off arguably their most complete performance of the season -- a 50-6 victory over Colorado -- Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin is well aware that the team has a tough stretch coming up, starting this weekend with the Wildcats and their potent spread-option offensive attack.
“I think we have a lot of concerns,” Kiffin said. “We’re always trying to improve regardless of who we’re playing, just like last week. And obviously we need to fix penalties, we need to do better on third downs and now we’re going to have to step it up even more on defense. We’re going to play some great offenses, including this one -- the No. 5 offense in the country at their place -- so we’re going to have our hands full.”
More on the Wildcat offense
“I think we have a lot of concerns,” Kiffin said. “We’re always trying to improve regardless of who we’re playing, just like last week. And obviously we need to fix penalties, we need to do better on third downs and now we’re going to have to step it up even more on defense. We’re going to play some great offenses, including this one -- the No. 5 offense in the country at their place -- so we’re going to have our hands full.”
More on the Wildcat offense
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Further discipline not expected for Williams
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
5:00
PM PT
By Pedro Moura | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- USC Trojans freshman defensive tackle Leonard Williams has not been suspended by the Pac-12 for the punch he threw against Colorado that earned him an ejection, and it appears unlikely he'll receive any punishment from the conference office.
Trojans coach Lane Kiffin said after Tuesday's practice that he wasn't "allowed" to address Williams' situation.
"I think that's confidential," Kiffin said.
Previously, Kiffin had said he expected to hear back from the conference office Monday about a possible punishment for Williams. USC had not heard anything as of Tuesday afternoon, a school spokesperson said.
No news is typically good news as far as suspensions go, although there remains the possibility that Williams could be suspended for all or part of Saturday's game at Arizona.
"There's no set time on when the conference would announce any public reprimands or suspensions," Pac-12 spokesperson Dave Hirsch wrote in an e-mail Monday afternoon.
But each of the last two USC-related Pac-12 reprimands or suspensions were announced on a Monday or Tuesday.
Safety T.J. McDonald was suspended on a Monday for a half after the loss to Stanford last year. Quarterback Matt Barkley was publicly reprimanded on a Tuesday for comments made the previous week about Vontaze Burfict leading up to the Trojans' eventual loss to Arizona State.
Williams is expected to start at defensive tackle for the Trojans in Tucson this weekend. He told teammates that he punched a Colorado player in the facemask because he was first spit on in a second-quarter pile-up.
Trojans coach Lane Kiffin said after Tuesday's practice that he wasn't "allowed" to address Williams' situation.
"I think that's confidential," Kiffin said.
Previously, Kiffin had said he expected to hear back from the conference office Monday about a possible punishment for Williams. USC had not heard anything as of Tuesday afternoon, a school spokesperson said.
No news is typically good news as far as suspensions go, although there remains the possibility that Williams could be suspended for all or part of Saturday's game at Arizona.
"There's no set time on when the conference would announce any public reprimands or suspensions," Pac-12 spokesperson Dave Hirsch wrote in an e-mail Monday afternoon.
But each of the last two USC-related Pac-12 reprimands or suspensions were announced on a Monday or Tuesday.
Safety T.J. McDonald was suspended on a Monday for a half after the loss to Stanford last year. Quarterback Matt Barkley was publicly reprimanded on a Tuesday for comments made the previous week about Vontaze Burfict leading up to the Trojans' eventual loss to Arizona State.
Williams is expected to start at defensive tackle for the Trojans in Tucson this weekend. He told teammates that he punched a Colorado player in the facemask because he was first spit on in a second-quarter pile-up.
Kiffin: Barkley not out of the Heisman race
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
4:29
PM PT
By Pedro Moura | ESPN.com
LOS ANGELES -- Matt Barkley's early season performances took him out of the running for the Heisman Trophy he was favored to win just two months ago, but he's not out of it yet, according to his coach.
USC Trojans coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday that Barkley could still win the trophy if he continues to play the way he did against Colorado last weekend. Barkley set a school record for touchdown passes in a six-touchdown day against the Buffaloes, completing 19 of 20 pass attempts for 298 yards.
It was his best performance of the 2012 season and the best statistical game of his college career, although lowly Colorado didn't exactly present a ton of challenges.
Kiffin indirectly referenced Carson Palmer's 2002 Heisman-winning season at USC in arguing that Barkley could still win the award with five big late-season games. He'll have the stage to do it, too, with games coming up against top-10 teams Oregon and Notre Dame.
"Like I've said all along, the Heisman is a full body of work through the whole year," Kiffin said Tuesday. "Everybody wants to figure it out way early. There's been a lot of Heismans won in a lot of places, including a couple here, late in the year.
"So we'll wait and see and obviously if he keeps playing the way that he did, I think everybody will be happy."
Kansas State's Collin Klein seems to be considered the latest favorite after his team's 55-14 dismantling of Geno Smith and West Virginia last week.
USC Trojans coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday that Barkley could still win the trophy if he continues to play the way he did against Colorado last weekend. Barkley set a school record for touchdown passes in a six-touchdown day against the Buffaloes, completing 19 of 20 pass attempts for 298 yards.
It was his best performance of the 2012 season and the best statistical game of his college career, although lowly Colorado didn't exactly present a ton of challenges.
Kiffin indirectly referenced Carson Palmer's 2002 Heisman-winning season at USC in arguing that Barkley could still win the award with five big late-season games. He'll have the stage to do it, too, with games coming up against top-10 teams Oregon and Notre Dame.
"Like I've said all along, the Heisman is a full body of work through the whole year," Kiffin said Tuesday. "Everybody wants to figure it out way early. There's been a lot of Heismans won in a lot of places, including a couple here, late in the year.
"So we'll wait and see and obviously if he keeps playing the way that he did, I think everybody will be happy."
Kansas State's Collin Klein seems to be considered the latest favorite after his team's 55-14 dismantling of Geno Smith and West Virginia last week.
Trojans in the NFL - Week 7 stats
October, 23, 2012
10/23/12
4:28
PM PT
By WeAreSC.com staff | ESPN.com
Here’s a listing of Week 7 stats for the former USC players in the NFL:
Oakland Raiders
Carson Palmer: 26-46, 298 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 6 rush, 14 yards, 1 touchdown
David Ausberry: 2 tackles
Alex Parsons: no stats
Matt Leinart: no stats
New York Jets
QB Mark Sanchez: 28-41, 328 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 1 rush for zero yards
RB Joe McKnight: 7 carries, 23 yards
Minnesota Vikings
DL Everson Griffen: no stats
OL Matt Kalil: started at left tackle
FB Rhett Ellison: 2 tackles
Cleveland Browns
LB Kaluka Maiava: 3 tackles, 1 sack
DL Frostee Rucker: 2 tackles, 1 sack
TE Jordan Cameron: 1 catch, 4 yards
Tennessee Titans
DT Jurrell Casey: no stats
WR Damian Williams: 3 catches, 38 yards
DT DaJohn Harris: no stats
Philadelphia Eagles
FB Stanley Havili: no stats
Seattle Seahawks
TE Anthony McCoy: no stats
LB Mike Morgan: no stats
LB Malcolm Smith: 1 tackle
Houston Texans
DT Shaun Cody: no stats
Cincinnati Bengals
LB Rey Maualuga: 4 tackles
DB Taylor Mays: no stats
New Orleans Saints
OL Charles Brown: no stats
DL Sedrick Ellis: 2 tackles
Indianapolis Colts
OL Winston Justice: started at tackle
DL Fili Moala: no stats
Green Bay Packers
LB Clay Matthews: 2 tackles, 1 sack
LB Nick Perry: no stats
Carolina Panthers
OL Jeff Byers: no stats
Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Troy Polamalu: no stats
Atlanta Falcons
OL Sam Baker: no stats
Washington Redskins
TE Fred Davis: 1 catch, 13 yards
Miami Dolphins
RB Reggie Bush: no stats
Kansas City Chiefs
QB Matt Cassel: no stats
Chicago Bears
OL Chilo Rachal: started at guard
Buffalo Bills
DE Kyle Moore: 0.5 sack
St. Louis Rams
Steve Smith: 4 catches, 26 yards
Detroit Lions
Lawrence Jackson: no stats
New York Giants
Keith Rivers: 6 tackles
Dallas Cowboys
Tyron Smith: started at tackle
Oakland Raiders
Carson Palmer: 26-46, 298 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 6 rush, 14 yards, 1 touchdown
David Ausberry: 2 tackles
Alex Parsons: no stats
Matt Leinart: no stats
New York Jets
QB Mark Sanchez: 28-41, 328 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 1 rush for zero yards
RB Joe McKnight: 7 carries, 23 yards
Minnesota Vikings
DL Everson Griffen: no stats
OL Matt Kalil: started at left tackle
FB Rhett Ellison: 2 tackles
Cleveland Browns
LB Kaluka Maiava: 3 tackles, 1 sack
DL Frostee Rucker: 2 tackles, 1 sack
TE Jordan Cameron: 1 catch, 4 yards
Tennessee Titans
DT Jurrell Casey: no stats
WR Damian Williams: 3 catches, 38 yards
DT DaJohn Harris: no stats
Philadelphia Eagles
FB Stanley Havili: no stats
Seattle Seahawks
TE Anthony McCoy: no stats
LB Mike Morgan: no stats
LB Malcolm Smith: 1 tackle
Houston Texans
DT Shaun Cody: no stats
Cincinnati Bengals
LB Rey Maualuga: 4 tackles
DB Taylor Mays: no stats
New Orleans Saints
OL Charles Brown: no stats
DL Sedrick Ellis: 2 tackles
Indianapolis Colts
OL Winston Justice: started at tackle
DL Fili Moala: no stats
Green Bay Packers
LB Clay Matthews: 2 tackles, 1 sack
LB Nick Perry: no stats
Carolina Panthers
OL Jeff Byers: no stats
Pittsburgh Steelers
DB Troy Polamalu: no stats
Atlanta Falcons
OL Sam Baker: no stats
Washington Redskins
TE Fred Davis: 1 catch, 13 yards
Miami Dolphins
RB Reggie Bush: no stats
Kansas City Chiefs
QB Matt Cassel: no stats
Chicago Bears
OL Chilo Rachal: started at guard
Buffalo Bills
DE Kyle Moore: 0.5 sack
St. Louis Rams
Steve Smith: 4 catches, 26 yards
Detroit Lions
Lawrence Jackson: no stats
New York Giants
Keith Rivers: 6 tackles
Dallas Cowboys
Tyron Smith: started at tackle
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.