LOS ANGELES -- The last thing USC Trojans defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin wanted to do was draw his son and boss, Lane, into the middle of a public maelstrom regarding the elder Kiffin's schemes in defending the vaunted spread option.

It's not like the son doesn't have enough to deal with given the scrutiny that comes with being the Trojans' head coach and offensive play-caller. Although, it could be argued USC certainly has scored enough points -- including a season-high 51 against Oregon -- to win any game this season.

To their credit, the Kiffins have taken full responsibility for the team's state of affairs that has brought a tsunami's worth of criticism on both sides of the ball. At this point, it's well deserved, and a loss to Arizona State on Saturday would unleash the hounds.

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