"All the superstars went to USC. We're just a bunch of guys working together, all on the same page, all playing for each other."
Besides the tired "underdog story" for a football program that has 384 different Nike uniform combinations, this is coming from the younger brother of a USC walk-on (Clay Matthews).
How bout some USC Alumni NFL highlights…. Carson Palmer had a big day on Sunday going 20 of 24 for 233 with 5 TD passes. Other former Trojans featured in the highlights are Clay Matthews, Troy Polamalu, Reggie Bush, Fred Davis, Steve Smith, Terrell Thomas, Justin Fargas and Mark Sanchez.
The NFL 2010 Pro Bowl ballots are now available online. Click here to vote for any of your favorite Trojans.
In Pete King’s Monday Morning Quarterback awards section this week, he wrote about former USC linebackers Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews. Both were his defensive players of the week, or as he called it "the USC rookie linebacker alumni section."
Here is what King has to say about Brian Cushing:
The Texans went to Cincinnati and laid a 28-17 beatdown on the red-hot Bengals, thanks to four touchdown passes from Schaub and two important second-half turnovers by Cushing, who forced fumbles in the third and fourth quarters that Houston recovered. Cushing added an interception on the Bengals' last drive of the day. For the season, he's led the Texans in tackles in four of their six games.
And Clay Matthews:
In the Pack's 26-0 whitewashing of Detroit, Matthews had two sacks, another tackle for loss, a pass batted down and five tackles. Green Bay held Detroit to 71 net passing yards, and Matthews played the biggest role.
(AP Photo)
Cushing and Matthews were also nominated for this weeks Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week. To vote for either of them click here.
It's Monday Night Football, Favre may have stolen the show with three TD passes against his former Packers, but Clay Matthews Jr. stole the ball...right out of Adrian Peterson's hands. Clay Matthews rips the ball away from Peterson, a fumble recovery on the books, and runs it back 41 yards for his first NFL touchdown! Follow the jump to see Matthews (in full HD) carry on the family legacy with this amazing strip and TD!
AP Photo Quarterbacks Terrelle Pryor and Matt Barkley will be the focal point for Saturday's Ohio State-USC throwdown. Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg and Ted Miller All eyes will be on Columbus this weekend as No. 3 USC visits No. 8 Ohio State (ESPN, 8 p.m. ET). Before the two teams lock horns on the banks of the Olentangy... more »
Brian Cushing's New 'Do. Photo by Brett Coomer Chronicle
From Rookie hazings to hard-hitting, the members of the Trojan linebacker quartet are finding their place in the NFL.
StingRey: The Bengals are finding out rather quickly just how effective linebacker Rey Maualuga can be as a pass-rusher. I can tell you this, you’re not going to block him with a running back. Just ask Kenny Watson, who was thumped by Maualuga on a play when rushing the passer. Watson was left sprawled on the field like road kill. He had to shake out the cobwebs before being helped to his feet by teammates. - Springfield News-Sun
Clay Matthews is moving on up: "First-rounder Clay Matthews surpassed Jeremy Thompson as the Packers' starting right outside linebacker Monday. It took Matthews all of three practices to force the move. Coach Mike McCarthy is downplaying the change, but it's clear the job is now Matthews' to lose. Matthews is a more natural outside linebacker than Thompson, able play the run while also providing a pass rushing presence." - Rotoworld
Brian Cushing has new haircut: “I'm a lot cooler now at practice, so I'm happy about that,” Cushing said. “I had a pretty good feeling about what was going to go on. It was part of the rookie entertainment. I went up there and sang a song, and the second part of it was getting my hair cut...It's about two years right there, off in about 30 seconds. It's a lot quicker to cut than to grow.” -Chron.com
Kaluka Maiava has made Browns Head Coach Eric Mangini a fan – “He’s done a good job. He’s been working inside, both spots inside and some work on sub, which we haven’t gotten to at this point, but we will here shortly. He’s a guy that I thought was very smart when I interviewed him. I liked his style of play. I liked what he had done on special teams in college and I think that he’ll get a chance to contribute in a lot of different ways if he continues to progress.” -The Cleveland Leader
Preseason rankings mean nothing. But it is always interesting to see an outside perspective on the strength of the Pac-10 and Trojan program. East coast / SEC / Big 12 bias will always prevail so take this top 25 lightly. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach ranks USC #4. Here is what he has to say about the Trojans:
We won't have to wait long to find out if the Trojans do indeed simply reload after losing so many star players to the NFL draft. After hosting San Jose State in their Sept. 5 opener, the Trojans play at Ohio State on Sept. 12. Either Aaron Corp or freshman Matt Barkley will be making his second career start at quarterback in that game. There will be a lot of talent around whoever starts at quarterback, including receiver Damian Williams and as many as six tailbacks who could start on most other Pac-10 teams. Eight starters must be replaced on defense, including linebackers Brian Cushing and Rey Maualuga and defensive end Clay Matthews. The Trojans feel pretty good about their linebacker corps, and end Everson Griffen finally emerged as a potential difference-maker during spring practice. Along with the road trip to Ohio State, USC faces difficult road games at California on Oct. 3, at Notre Dame on Oct. 17, at Oregon on Oct. 31 and at Arizona State on Nov. 7.
Other teams on the Trojans schedule in the top 25 are Ohio State (6), Oregon (11), Cal (13) and Notre Dame (17).
Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller We spent a lot of time talking about quarterbacks this spring in the Pac-10, most particularly USC's quarterback competition -- did ya hear, Aaron Corp's No. 1 but this freshman Matt Barkley looks like the bees' knees! The other general theme isn't new: After reviewing the tea leaves on the table, does any team... more »
Posted by ESPN.com's Ted Miller USC Trojans 2008 overall record: 12-1 2008 conference record: 8-1 Returning starters Offense 9, defense 3, kicker/punter 0 Top returners WR Damian Williams, C Kristofer O'Dowd, OT Charles Brown, OG Jeff Byers, TB Stafon Johnson, TB Joe McKnight, FS Taylor Mays, CB Josh Pinkard, DE Everson Griffen. Key losses QB Mark Sanchez, LB Rey... more »
How do your replace Brian Cushing, Rey Maualuga and Clay Matthews? Meet Malcolm Smith, the younger brother of former Trojan All-American receiver and now current NY Giant Steve Smith. At 6-1, 225 pounds the Junior LB has been ball-hawking and making big plays throughout all of spring practice.
Coach Carroll on Smith:
“He’s been very outgoing, very assertive, taking command of his opportunity so far. There’s no doubt that he’s a unique athlete. He’s really fast. He’s really nifty. He’s like a running back playing linebacker.”
Smith was a standout on special teams last season. You can see why in the above clip. Turn up the speakers and laugh as Smith destroys a Golden Domer.
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