As USC's Fall Camp opens, but questions remain
by Paragon SC on Aug 4, 2011 6:01 AM PDT
in USC Football
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PrintIt is finally here...
Year two of USC under Lane Kiffin officially starts today.
Last season had a lot of ups and downs...both on and off the field.
With the NCAA ruling behind us (but not the effects of the sanctions) Lane Kiffin and staff have a much clearer picture on the direction they need to take with the program going forward.
With not being eligible for the post season or the inaugural Pac-12 championship game, the only thing this team is playing for is pride.
But there are still a lot questions.
Overall depth is the biggest concern. This is a surprise to no one.
The unit that everyone will be watching with great interest is the unit that holds the key to USC's offense being effective in 2011.
Obviously, I am talking about the offensive line...
Left tackle Matt Kalil is an honors candidate who could be bound for the NFL after this season. Khaled Holmes has been moved from guard to center, but the junior has struggled with a neck and shoulder problem.
No other linemen have played significant snaps.
Sophomore Kevin Graf and senior Martin Coleman are among the players who will be counted on to step up.
Losing Tyron Smith hurts...but we move on.
If the line can't perform at the level we need them to then it is going to be a long year for Matt Barkley. Regardless of the weapons that he has at receiver, if he doesn't have the time then the plays can develop.
Not earth shattering news there...
In my interview with Kiffin he intimated the same things with regards to the O-line.
Last year, Barkley had a serviceable O-line, this year the O-line isn't quite as serviceable.
I already discussed Barkley here.
The running back spot will also be interesting to watch. Gone are the days of stockpiling 10 RB's.
With Marc Tyler out for the first game and maybe longer, the running game will be put into the hands of some young players. One of those players is Dillon Baxter, we all saw the issues that young Mr. Baxter went through last year, the question is will Baxter make the turn this season?
Starting Thursday, when the Trojans hold their first training camp practice, Baxter intends to show coaches that his fancy footwork and an improved running style make for a combination worthy of a starter.
With senior Marc Tyler suspended for the Sept. 3 opener against Minnesota, and possibly longer, Baxter is the Trojans' most experienced ballcarrier.
Baxter, redshirt freshman D.J. Morgan, junior Curtis McNeal and freshmen Javorious Allen and Amir Carlisle are competing to replace Tyler, the Trojans' leading rusher last season.
There is no frontrunner, Coach Lane Kiffin said
Baxter seems to be the elder statesman in actual game experience when looking at that list.
Losing a power back like Tyler changes the make-up of the offense, it takes away some balance. Baxter has an opportunity to really show us what he is made of and if he has mature from last years issues.
Defense is next...
The only thing I really want to see on defense this season is an improvement.
Monte Kiffin and his defensive staff have had an off-season to reflect and tinker with a unit that was subpar, especially at the end of games.
Devon Kennard moves from middle linebacker to defensive end. Tackle Christian Tupou's return from knee surgery will help offset the loss of Jurrell Casey and infuse the defense with a spirited and vocal presence. USC is still awaiting word on the status of defensive lineman Armond Armstead, who sat out spring practice after undergoing a battery of medical tests.
There will be some new faces on defense, but I am really more concerned with those who were on the squad last year and how they will improve this season.
I want to see them finish.
I want to see if they really have grasped Monte Kiffin's scheme. We all saw how they looked last season in the early goings...the question is will they improve upon the improvements that they showed us towards the end of the season?
Don't get me wrong, the defense still had a lot of issues at the end of the season...that Notre Dame game still makes me shake my head...but there was some improvement.
The questions start to get answered today...
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Just happy football is finally here instead of talking about all these off-the-field issues
And yes trojans biggest weakness is in the trenches. Hopefully that will get rectified before start of season
Niners,Nets,Reds & USC!!!
The Most Interesting Man In The World---->Mikhail Prokhorov!!!
"USC finished 8-5 last season, so improvement is possible. But a giant leap is unexpected"
Thank God for Gary Klein of the LA Times. If anyone in lamestream media, he “gets it”. Afterall, it can’t be terribly hard to understand that USC football is in the middle of a maelstrom, of sorts. There appears to be ‘peace’ with our AD leadership and coaching staff- and I’m not saying there isn’t. It’s just that with the microscope that the Kiffins are under and the sanctions imposed upon AD Haden’s administration- one can’t possibly imagine these guys are dealing with- in regards to recruiting, student-athlete retention, s-a morale, faculty/alumni morale, completion of the McKay Center, s-a eligibility, s-a compliance, and compliance education. From the basketball and football teams, these teams, players and coaches are doing a fantastic job at appearing to keep their heads high.
I applaud both Haden’s and Coach Kiffin’s efforts.
I also applaud Gary Klein for not suggesting that USC football MUST win the Pac 12 South or that QB Matt Barkley should expect to be in the Heisman hunt this year.
Bix You Forgot...
to mention the anxiety that has to be in the minds of both the Haden and Kiffin regarding the application of penalties from Kiffins little romp at UT.
Totally!
I seriously cannot believe the NCAA is allowing institutions to strictly place blame on compliance related matters squarely on an individual- allowing the institution to pass the buck. These guys at the NCAA royally screwed us over, they know they did, they did so with a surly vindictiveness only seen in TV soap operas, and as such- they set a standard upon us that ABSOLUTELY NO ONE ELSE HAD TO OR HAS HAD TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE to, as well. The whole “should have known” created a threshold that makes them look like idiots, with regards to holding other institutions accountable for even the stupidest of infractions.
Think about it: the NCAA has had to deal with Pearl/Kiffin at UT, Cecil Newton & Auburn/Miss St., Tattoo 5/Tressel at tOSU, & then the whole UNC and Georgia Tech stuff. They’ve still got to get to the bottom of Lyles & UofO/LSU. None of these cases are similar, but what people are prone to do these days (media and fans alike) is compare all other cases to OURS specifically BECAUSE the NCAA held us to a standard that is practically unenforceable.
Todd McNair will more than likely win his case against the NCAA. If the NCAA hates Coach Kiffin as much as I think they do- because I do believe they are “out” for certain people, Jerry Tarkanian can tell us a thing or two about that kind of fucked-up NCAA-business, than I think UT will get a slap on the wrist- with the NCAA accepting their self-imposed sanctions upon their programs. But I think it’s not out of the realm for Coach Kiffin to be hit hard with additional individual sanctions. I hope it DOESN’T happen, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets hammered.
What his punishment might be? The NCAA is so freaking diabolical, I wouldn’t have the slightest. I think “show cause” is a bit extreme, but it wouldn’t make me bat an eyelash if that occurs. Maybe some severe restrictions on recruiting. (which would stink to high heaven, but what can we/could we do?)
by BixBeiderbecke on Aug 4, 2011 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions
As Far As The McNair Cause Of Action
Let me backtrack a bit and address the many exuberant outcries of Fans and Alums alike, the issue of USC filing an action against the NCAA. While some have proffered the idea that such an event would cause the NCAA to once and for all to have to prove without question; by what standard, why and who made the decision to punish USC to such a harsh degree, and looking at ALL infractions past to whatever degree and the meting out of punishment.
There are, on the other hand ,the seemingly reticent and fearful in invoking the above because what MIGHT come out in deposition.
My point; with the ongoing action, McNair v. NCAA does not the same potential disaster exist for the several members of the coaching staff and administrative persons to be deposed?
As far as Kiffin, I, like you feel the NCAA really has a boner for this guy. After watching the asinine carrying ons of Spurrier of which I fail to see Kiffin exceeding, I would think that this issue with Tennessee provides the ‘Perfect Storm (excuse)’ and no doubt the last chance to finally excoriate Young Mr. Kiffin.
by alfa1 on Aug 4, 2011 4:17 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Bingo!
I am one Trojan who does not fear what would come out of depositions. That’s being in fear of fear, which happens to be a most unfortunate disposition to have. In litigation with the NCAA (hypothetically, speaking of course), USC must determine for it’s own best interests- what would be the ideal outcome or best deal we can hope for by suing the NCAA? Then, what would be our best alternative to an ideal outcome, and shoot from there.
If you ask me, I don’t think it can get any worse than what has already been spilled out to NCAA enforcement and the COI. If there was some terrible stuff to come out of depositions, I’d wonder why it hasn’t already?
I’m in, as far as a lawsuit. I think Haden is playing with the Devil in his approach to Emmert, Lach, et. al. I mean, they (NCAA) already hates us. How can they possibly hate us even more? It’s like trying to be cool to a cop because you want the judge to be lenient? How does that logic work? The point is, it DOESN’T. It never will because it never has.
Sue the freaking bastards, that’s where I’m at.
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