In an article that is typically Simers, he begins with his trademark schtick -- pestering people, this time picking on Tesselone and Carroll regarding Mitch Mustain's disappearance at the bottom of the depth chart -- but he ends with a very astute analysis of USC's fortunes this year:

A year ago he had Mark Sanchez at quarterback, thereby allowing the Trojans a chance to rebound. This time around he's going to have to develop Barkley, a project he relishes, but one fraught with up-and-down results.

Carroll is going to have to coach these games like an NFL head coach, and that's scary given his record up there.

He's going to have to run the ball, hold on to it, play field position, rely on defense, keep it close and win in the fourth quarter against the likes of Cal, Oregon State, Notre Dame, Arizona State and Oregon. It comes down to the quarterback, always does.

And maybe the kid wins three or four out of five, good enough for any team, but USC.

Sorry, it's "Tell the Truth Monday," as you know.

Yep, USC is going to have to play Tressel Ball, minus competent punting.

T.J. Simers: The Truth is Out There for USC Fans, If They Can Handle It.