At this point I really couldn't care less.

Jim Mora aka "Junior" hasn't been in the job more than 48 hours and he is already polarized the CFB world.

Bruins fans hate the hire, Huskies fans, for the most part, are supportive and other pundits and other CFB regulars seem to be split.

My attitude is a simple one...

I'm not sure how Mora will work out. The numbers don’t make it look good, but numbers are also overrated.

That Dan Guerrero went outside the UCLA tree says they are trying to go in a different direction. And if Mora was Guerrero's hire and not the boosters (Wasserman et. al.) then it shows DG is still in charge and is thumbing his nose at a certain portion of the fan base...

Fact is UCLA is NOT a dream destination in FB, if it was coaches would have been lining up. UCLA currently has a horrible reputation as far as a coaching destination.They can't find an established home run type coach.

I am sure it pains UCLA fans to read that, but I challenge them to prove me wrong...heck it isn't just me anyone who is anyone in CFB agrees.

Maybe Mora will be good, maybe not, but he is well behind the curve. That is why who he hires as assistants is key.

I am not buying into any of the Carroll comparisons either, that’s the exception not the rule…but hey lightning can always strike twice I guess.

I won't be worry about this hire until Mora beats USC and puts a top 5 recruiting class together.

It is rumored that Mora has said that recruiting is a necessary evil in CFB....uh, ya' think!!

Anyway, it has been to read the plethora of comments on this hire from all corners from the CFB world.

I really am ambivalent, but I am interested in hearing your thoughts...

There are some interesting games on in the early slate...

Here is the 12pm slate...

Continue reading this post »

Here are some Syracuse links...

Preview: Syracuse at USC " The Trojan Empire

Gary Klein previews USC-Syracuse [Video] - latimes.com
The Times' Gary Klein talks about Marc Tyler's productivity and the Trojans' defense as the team heads into Saturday's game with Syracuse.

Matt Kalil and Matt Barkley Podcast - ESPN Los Angeles

Marc Tyler on Petros and Money

The Dag Bag – Does SU have any shot against USC? | The Juice Online

Video: Lane Kiffin after Thursday's practice - ESPN Los Angeles
Here's Trojans coach Lane Kiffin in an abbreviated session after Thursday's practice...

Trojans Spotlight: USC vs. Syracuse - ESPN Los Angeles

Herbie just said that USC isn't very good...thinks Utah will beat USC. OK, If USC plays they way they did in the second half last week then it is quite possible that could happen.

Friday night video extras - ESPN Los Angeles

Utes beware: Even triple-teams can’t stop USC’s Harris - The Orange County Register

Trojans figure to have a different look against Utah - latimes.com
The inaugural Pacific 12 Conference game offers Utah a chance to make an immediate impact in a Bowl Championship Series conference and gives USC Coach Lane Kiffin an opportunity to go for two … consecutive victories.

Game 2: USC vs. Utah - Ripsit

Lane Kiffin says USC game is Utah's Superbowl - Block U

The Norm Chow Factor " The Trojan Empire

In Kiffin-Chow reunion, past pain forgotten - Bryan Fischer, CBS Sports
The discomfort from Norm Chow's '04 departure from USC -- with Lane Kiffin as beneficiary -- has eased. But Bryan Fischer says Chow will arrive Saturday at the Coliseum as Utah's offensive coordinator with a little extra incentive.

Lots to catch up on after being away for a couple days. I will have the game thread up later...

On the road back to NYC today.

Here are some Utah Links...

Five things to look for Saturday: USC edition - Block U
Utah gets ready for one of the biggest games of the Whittingham era. Are they ready and what do they need to do to win Saturday?

Utah, facing USC in Pac-12 opener, feels it has a lot to prove - latimes.com
Utah, trying to prove it deserves to play with college football's elite, faces its first test Saturday against USC at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in the Utes' Pacific 12 Conference opener.

The Utah connection - ESPN Los Angeles
USC right guard John Martinez is only the third scholarship player in school history to hail from the state of Utah...

Chow returns to the scene of his prime - The Orange County Register

Kiffin welcomes Tyler back - The Orange County Register

Utah Thursday - Lane Kiffin Presser - YouTube

The Huddle: Barkley-to-Woods, and Utah preview - ESPN Los Angeles
ESPNLA's Shelley Smith previews the USC-Utah showdown, and recaps a historic game from wide receiver Robert Woods.

Thursday's Utah Notes - RIPSIT

I was on a plane yesterday to the west coast for a meeting and I will be in that meeting all day today so posting will be light until tomorrow...

USC vs. Utah:

Preview: Utah at USC " The Trojan Empire

Lane Kiffin after Wednesday's practice - ESPN Los Angeles
Here's Trojans coach Lane Kiffin talking shop after Wednesday's session on a brutally hot day in Los Angeles...

Kiffin: More than two tailbacks a possibility - ESPN Los Angeles

Tailback Marc Tyler to play in Pac-12 opener against Utah - latimes.com
Tyler, suspended for last week's season opener after a several off-season incidents, is cleared to return Saturday...

Brian Blechen is the everywhere man for Utah - latimes.com
Brian Blechen was a Moorpark High quarterback when he attended a prospects camp at Utah.

Monte Kiffin assesses the defense - ESPN Los Angeles
Here's USC assistant head coach Monte Kiffin discussing his defense's 2011 debut after practice Tuesday...

Robert Woods is feeling it after 17 catches - latimes.com
Sophomore receiver is sore, and Coach Lane Kiffin plans to give him a rest during practice.

Barkley, Woods take USC opponents to school - The Orange County Register

Chow casts long shadow as USC game looms - Bud Withers

More after the jump!

Continue reading this post »

I am a little behind on some things today so, apologies for a less than detailed write-up on yesterdays practice.

To the links...

USC defensive line seeks more sacks, less hype - The Orange County Register

Dawson looks part at linebacker - The Orange County Register

Fall camp practice No. 6 tidbits - ESPN Los Angeles

Fall camp practice No. 7 tidbits - ESPN Los Angeles

USC's Curtis McNeal is academically eligible, Lane Kiffin says - latimes.com

Ed Orgeron loving Wes Horton's play - ESPN Los Angeles

Fall Camp #8: Notes - RipsIt

Kiffin sees need to push receiver Woods - LA Daily News

USC announced sixteen honorees into the USC hall of Fame...

Former football stars Keyshawn Johnson, Tony Boselli, Clarence Davis and Adrian Young are among 16 honorees who will be inducted into USC's Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the 2012 class, the school announced Wednesday.

Other inductees: Art Bartner (Trojan Marching Band), Lindsay Benko (swimming), Steve Bisheff (media), Barbara Hallquist (tennis), Barbara Hedges (athletics administration), Bob Hughes (water polo/swimming), Bryan Ivie (volleyball), Randy Johnson (baseball), Jill McGill (golf), Tina Thompson (basketball), Forrest Twogood (basketball) and Quincy Watts (track and field).

That is a pretty impressive list!

I was particularly happy for former OCR columnist Steve Bisheff to be recognized.

I have always liked Bisheff's work.

Congrats to all!