"Big Question marks" about next years USC team
by LeonBlac on Feb 9, 2010 6:53 PM PST
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PrintI am a UCLA fan who has came here and has never started a "flame" post and I dont plan doing so now or ever on another teams website. This is all just fun pre-season banter. These are the things I am looking at in Lane Kiffins 1st year as head coach of USC.
1. How quickly does CLK determine who the starters are?
Most 1st year HC's it takes all of spring and fall camp before a hard starting 22 is listed. This is the biggest reason why most 1st year HC's have a hard time winning big in their 1st year. The coaching staff for USC has a very tough job in determining this, mainly because the entire Offense and Defense has plenty of turnover and very few established stars. Competition is great but when you spend most of your time finding out who is better than who it leads me to my next big question...
2. Does CLK have enough time to truly install his Offense and Defense schemes?
Quick thought how many Offensive playbooks has M.Barkley learned in the last 3 years...3! Senior yr in HS, then Jeremy Bates and now CLK. Its tough for players to truly play at full speed and effectiveness when they are thinking. Most new HC's need at least a year to get everybody on the same page, remember even the scout team needs to be coached up so that in practice you can well...practice. After the 1st year former players help lead each of the following recruiting classes the "USC Way" of doing things. But when the Seniors are too busy learing the new way it hurts the teams success early on. Add to all that CLK is probably going to split the reps up more to find out who starts and who understands the system. Instead of preparing for the seasons opponents.
3. How does CLK handle the pressure to win big...NOW!
This is the biggest question mark for me personally.
When CLK was in Oakland they sucked before he got there and they sucked after he left: Low expectations.
When CLK got to UT they were a average SEC team with an Average QB: Low expectaions.
He is now at USC. Following the winningest coach in recent memory. Plenty of talent "on paper" to work with. A fan base that expects a Pac-10 title or bust.
Im sure every single trojan fan wants revenge on the following schools. Arizona(road), Oregon(home), Stanford(road),and Washington(home). If you are an honest USC fan you will admit that all of those games could go either way next year. Thats alot of pressure not to mention Rivalry games with Oregon State(road),UCLA(road), and ND(home).
The Pressure to win is huge. It can make a HC become more conservative in his play calling, the last thing a HC wants to do is call a play that can hurt him even though he is just being aggressive. CLK is no longer "playing with house money" anymore. Almost beating Bama and the Gators is fine at UT it isn't at USC.
I hope this is read with perspective and not anger because I am not a USC fan.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Conquest Chronicles' writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Conquest Chronicles' writers or editors.
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Get a life 102
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 9, 2010 9:46 PM PST reply actions
So i geuss you're not welcoming
somebody who likes discussing college football.
hey, telling me to “get a life” shows that you take this a little too seriously…and by doing that you need to get a life.
and what the heck is 102? on second thought id rather not know.
This post was hardly trolling
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
He isn't 102...
I have no problem with this opinion…I think its misguided but its not a flame,,,he posted this at BN too
Yah I saw that and I know he isn't 102 from the wording, I just jumped the gun.
But I do feel he sounds like the Pizza boy from Santa Barbara, yes I don’t think he is flaming. But I do think his questions are to stir something, I mean obviously he doesn’t know the team and history of coaches.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 10, 2010 11:06 AM PST up reply actions
#2? Really?
It’s not like Kiffin is installing the spread offense or the triple option. There won’t be a big difference between what USC ran under Carroll/Bates/Sarkisian and the current group in terms of base sets/formations. I wouldn’t hardly worry about that at all.
--Conquest Chronicles, SBNation's USC Trojans blog
Even if the plays are the same
He might have a different language for calling them. Granted this is the sort of thing that can usually be sorted out in spring ball, but you never can tell. Plus I think its a fair point that this would be 3 years in a row that Barkley would have a “new” playbook, even if Kiffin runs similar schemes to Pete Carroll.
Drinking so much that you forget your name is like trying to cure cancer, it might not be possible, but you should never stop trying.
Yup
Agreed Joey. We’ll be seeing a lot of 3 and 5 step drops and play action plays… Just like always.
by Julio Nievas on Feb 9, 2010 11:55 PM PST up reply actions
Please don't say there wont be a huge difference... the offense has declined incrementally every year... humbug
At USC we're not snobs, we're just better than you.
Yes Joe you hit that one perfect Ding-Ding round one to Mr. Kaufman.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 10, 2010 11:07 AM PST up reply actions
Interesting take.
1) I can guarantee you that the Kiffins and coach O have already watched hours and hours of film on current players from last year and have a good feel for their skill sets and abilities. By the end of spring practice, starters will almost assuredly be sorted out.
2) Pete Carroll’s defensive schemes were descendant from Monte Kiffin’s, so it’s likely not a huge stretch to install a new defense. The offense will also be a similar pro-style attack, so it’s not like he has to reinvent the wheel or anything.
3) I would say that Trojan fans expect coach Kiffin to contend for the Pac-10 title in his first year, based on talent alone, but there’s I don’t think there’s a “BCS title or bust” expectation from the fan base; at least for his first year. However, high expectations are a welcomed part of the program and coach Kiffin said as much in his introductory press conference. He knows what that’s all about, so the pressure is nothing new to him.
Also, while Oregon State @ Reser Stadium has definitely been a challenge for SC in this past decade, calling it a rivalry game is a joke.
These are legitimate questions to ask, but I would stress that coach Kiffin’s familiarity with the program and similarity in style to the previous staff will make the transition much smoother than it’s made out to be in your post.
Also, you got some long-ass balls, Larry.
FightOn...right on.
Agree with the above post. Plus, UCLA isn’t a road game…its at the Rose Bowl. That’s our house, gentleman. Always has been…always will be.
by RunTravelerRun on Feb 10, 2010 8:24 AM PST up reply actions
long balls, Larry.
Gotta love curb.
New coaches always give opportunities for the kids that they didnt recruit a chance to prove themselves if they dont then you would get a alot of transfers.
Film of last year wont change the fact that players improve, and the new coaching staff will give those players a shot at showing off those improvements.
Hey Leonblac
I’ll bet my life you did no research on anything you spoke about. I don’t think any USC fan even thought of any of those “big questions”. For one, you don’t know how USC plays. The offense will not have many dramatic changes. Just like I said above, it will be 3 step, 5 step, play-action plays and I-formations and so forth, no option or spread offense junk. Defensively, FightOn09 has it dead on. Carroll’s D stems from Kiffin and used the tampa 2 and other relative schemes with tweaks.
And as an “honest USC fan”, I expect we win the Pac-10 this year, which is something an “honest UCLA fan” wouldn’t.
by Julio Nievas on Feb 10, 2010 12:39 AM PST reply actions 1 recs
Now I know you didn't do any research.
The offense will have new terminology. the defense will be different as well. Monte and PC are totally different defensive minds.
Ha
by Julio Nievas on Feb 10, 2010 12:47 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Just because you learn
From a coach doesnt make you that coach.
Ive been around football players my whole life and each player i have ever spoke to will tell you that each coach has their own style.
PC and Monte are two different coaches. Many coaches have a base “Style”(Formations etc…) that they believe in but beyond that everything will be different. Terminology, Use of blitz packages, and coaching style( players coach like wade phillips or drill sergent like bill parcells)
And Lane Kiffin will have had 2 previous stops to redefine himself as a playcaller. He will also have his own style player’s coach or drill sergent. Lane Kiffen isnt Norm Chow or Sark. The Offense will have the same base offensive formations but Language will be different, play calling style will be different. He is his own man not a clone. Just because the formations are similar doesnt mean the plays are.
I didn't say Lane will be at PC clone...
Nor did I say MK and PC have the same play-book. I’m just refuting your claim that they are “totally” different minds…
by Julio Nievas on Feb 10, 2010 10:53 AM PST up reply actions
Dude, his name is Kiffin, not Kiffen
Start by getting that right, then work on the rest.
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
NOW CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
Rec'd!
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
NOW CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
+1 and rec'd!
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
NOW CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
Quite an inane post
1) LK is already familiar with the upper classmen through coaching and recruiting when he was last at SC. Plus, he has all of spring and fall camp to make personnel evaluations.
2) The schemes will not change significantly. LK was a recent USC OC and Pete patterned his defense after Monte’s.
3) You don’t think being a 31 yo head coach in the NFL was pressure? You don’t think being a 30 yo OC at USC was pressure? You don’t think being a 33 yo coach in the SEC was pressure? Lane Kiffin is a wunderkind. He spreads mustard on pressure and eats it like a sandwich.
USC has the most talent in the PacX and the best coaching staff. Rose Bowl, here we come. The big question is will the Bruins finish above .500 and 8th in the conference? How much worse than Dorrell’s 3-year record will Neuweasel’s be?
you mean to tell me
That they raiders thought that a superbowl in Lanes 1st year was a reality?? come on, man.
I hate "Seinfeld"
CYE on the other hand… That show is freakin’ hilarious.
by Julio Nievas on Feb 10, 2010 12:12 PM PST up reply actions
Look LeonBlac take your *ss out of here and join your fruin wation friend. Nobody here cares about what you think about USC. You don’t like USC and we hate fucla so take your *ss out of here and wait for your *ss kicking fucla will get next year @ our home away from home the Rose Bowl
by Dodgermanramon on Feb 10, 2010 6:38 PM PST via mobile reply actions 1 recs
¡BIEN DICHO RAMON!
Thank you putting this entire thread in perspective. He put the same garbage up on BN so the whack jobs could have a field day insulting our Coach. IMHO Paragon should just delete this sucker!
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
NOW CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
no...
it is the perfect example of how we can be accepting of other peoples opinions while others become “unhinged”
I thought Nestor’s comments on BN were hilarious…he misses it by a mile.
And it shows just how obsessed he is…
by Paragon SC on Feb 10, 2010 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
They've got Trojan Derangement Syndrome
Augustus is going to kick their ass…
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
NOW CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
This was a post by LeonBlac when he or she was Dodgers2009
EAT CROW
by dodgers2009 on Sep 12, 2009 4:33 PM PDT 17 comments
You know who you are.
Its was avery tough game Tenn showed a ton of heart in the fourth quarter.
Your team needs a good QB and your Oline is amazing.
I wish you werent so upset….but i hear the dinner bell ringing.
Its cold and nasty its something you asked for.
If you accepted this wager then do not be a flake and welch on the bet.
maybe we will play again sometime.
Dinner is served.
FanPosts are most often submitted by users. The views and o
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 11, 2010 2:57 PM PST up reply actions
That fanpost was put up at Rocky Top after Ucla beat Tenn.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 11, 2010 2:59 PM PST up reply actions
I wrote that
because the tenn folks and i made a friendly wager. I won that wager and the fans who called me names had to eat crow I wouldve came back to their site after a loss.
I won and that was part of winning the wager. If you want… nevermind you are wayyy too sensitive imo to have any fun.
BTW i was never banned by thier site bcuz i respect fans on their site. I changed my name from dodgers2009 bcuz I thought the boys in blue were going to win it all and to mix it up I changed my name for the new season.
And im an veteran of the us army and a proud father. Seeing how you think you BREAKING NEWS on me, thats my info lol
I really don't care
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 13, 2010 10:17 AM PST up reply actions
Let me explain why I think going back and rubbing it in has less class than just not saying anything.
It is a tactical method to show class and superior standing in a group, it shows you are above all the BS. I once took a bet that I had to beat a friend in tennis 6-0,6-0 it was his beat to me I won I told him to keep his money.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 13, 2010 10:32 AM PST up reply actions
1st of all
your bet was for MONEY!!! what am i supposed to turn down??? It was a bet for braggin rights.
BTW the tenn fans were telling me that tenn was going to beat UCLA by 30pts, 21pts and even 50pts. i predicted a 3pt UCLA win and they laughed. So I dared them to back up all the talk in a friendly wager for braggin rights. They agreed and UCLA won by 4pts.
All I did was collect braggin rights. That was the only thing I said that had any “bragging” in the whole thread.
If you dont understand this part of sports then I cant help you. UCLA vs USC wouldnt of even become a rivalry unless both schools understood this simple part of sports.
C’mon man. Lighten up.
by LeonBlac on Feb 13, 2010 9:49 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Finally the only Question Mark is how big the blowout will be at the Rose Bowl
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 15, 2010 6:50 PM PST up reply actions
What about the shift
I thought everything shifted! Rick said so while toting around the Eagle Bank Bowl trophy.
No I might get Banned from sbn
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 15, 2010 9:01 PM PST up reply actions
Do you want to make a bet?????
Cause even though its about 9 months away I’ll bet you on the UCLA vs USC game right now.
The same rules would apply to this “braggin rights” bet as it did for tenn.
You sound very sure 9 months away from the game that USC will “blowout UCLA” but are you willing accept a bet and follow through on it if you lose??
I doubt you would come over to the UCLA board after losing this bet and write a comment about how wrong you were about the game and how great UCLA is etc…. Cause thats what the loser of this bet will have to do.
But dont feel ant pressure to accept this bet now, anything can happen in a football season.
Sorry I am one of the many Banned from BN and I am a smart man I never bet money on anyone but myself.
Listen I lived in vegas for 6 years and could have taken Hollyfield for 36-1, but didn’t because of my principles. And even if I was not banned I would go over to their site, but I will talk about things over here when questioned. Why do I feel The University Of Southern California will win, because I know how good next years team will be.
But you never know what will happen until the last tic of the clock, maybe someone will Call Timeout?
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 15, 2010 9:25 PM PST up reply actions
its not a money bet
its for braggin rights.
btw we’ll have to wait and see how both schools develop. i enjoy talking with the opposing teams fans because its always an interesting disscussion. later
Don't need to bet for bragging rights
Your team wins, you get the right to brag. Problem with you guys is that when ucla loses you talk about victories from years ago. Usually bragging rights means the loser doesn’t talk back, but that doesn’t stop you guys.
Bragging rights in my neighborhood growing up means you better be able to physically back it up.
Yes I grew up where if you open your trap you better be able to fight your way out of it. Thats probably why I never rub it in, oh yes I might mention it if the topic comes up, but mostly just eye contact is enough.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 16, 2010 10:12 AM PST up reply actions
good to know that
the crosstown rivalry has people like you.
“Physically back it up” Only people without common decency turn to violence.
I know that more than most people, being a veteran and having most of my relatives who are my age being in and out of prison, while growing up in areas where you dont wear good clothes cause somebody will steal them off your back. Eye contact…please.
Im bigger than all that BS thats why I graduated HS(rare in my family), Became a ARMY specialist in 2 years before i got injured(Im still in one piece) and Im 1 year away from getting my degree.
Hopefully when the season rolls around I’ll see you at the Rose Bowl and we can have a beer. I like your passion, good luck this season…just not tooo much.
Listen again I didn't say i encourage fighting, but I did defend myself.
Oh and I don’t go to football games to many people to much BS but I do go the the BB and USC tennis matches.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 17, 2010 4:52 AM PST up reply actions
I'll gladly a beer with you LB!
But, you are buying if USC is winning. Um, I mean WHEN USC is winning. I’ll buy if a force majeure event occurs that enables the bRuins to take the lead.
Don't mind this bRuin post.
Nothing like the bRuin trolls on Wolf’s site. I like good discussions. I don’t have to agree with their take. I have a problem with bomb throwers who get off posting negative stuff just to get a rise from others. It’s like the arguments about which conference is better.
by Trojan Conquest on Feb 11, 2010 3:24 PM PST reply actions
Welcome Conquest how is the Wolf anyway.
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 11, 2010 3:39 PM PST up reply actions
You actually mean the PEDOPHILE JOURNALIST!!!!!!!
STILL LOCO AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
NOW CELEBRATING THE DAWN OF THE AGE OF AUGUSTUS
M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT
Yah that dude is STRANGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
LA Sports is what keep me off the streets and out of trouble, thanks to all the teams Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, USC sports and the Love of Tennis.
by so.cal.native1952 on Feb 12, 2010 5:04 AM PST up reply actions
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