TrojanWire - Fox Sports

FSN's New College Football Programming

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 15:39:02 -0800

College football fans will have a "bigger, live, and on-site" show to look forward to this season on Fox Sports Prime Ticket.

News leaked last week that Trojan Rewind and Bruin Rewind were canceled, but details are starting to emerge about a new block of programming on Monday nights. "FSN Playbook," a working title, will run from 9 p.m. until midnight.

The block kicks off with an hour-long show called "Lexus Gauntlet Live." It will be shot on-location and rotate between USC (on the steps of Heritage Hall) and UCLA (near the Bruin Bear). Viewers can expect the program to be split roughly into 1/3 USC football, 1/3 UCLA football, and 1/3 Olympic sports. By airing live on Monday, the network hopes to have more immediate and relevant coverage of the weekend's action.

No names have been announced, but Prime Ticket spokesperson Jennifer Johnson said it will be "loaded with talent."

The show will not be locked into a formula in terms of review/preview, so the more compelling story line can get the most airtime. If the previous week was a blowout, they will focus more on the upcoming game. Another unique feature will be professor profiles, recognizing the academic accomplishments alongside the athletic accomplishments of the schools.

Following the live show, Prime Ticket will air a two-hour cut of a classic USC/UCLA game.

FSN does not have plans to carry Pete Carroll's weekly press conference, though that will continue to be available from the school at usctrojans.com and limited clips will be posted here on All Things Trojan.

Answer Friday!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 10:44:56 -0800

Time to answer questions. By the way, a Fox Sports/Prime Ticket spokesperson would not address a question this week about the cancellation of the Trojan Rewind show. From time to time, we forget to mention little things like this but figured you would want to know.

Q: With regard to receivers, how do you rate them on your depth chart?

A: Barring injury, Vidal Hazelton and Patrick Turner should start in the coaches' eyes. The No. 3 spot will be most intriguing initially because it could be Ronald Johnson, David Ausberry or Damian Williams. Each is different. Johnson will be the fastest receiver so there is always going to be some role for him. Ausberry's size makes him attractive while Williams could be the best total package. And there's no reason each of them could not become a starter.

Q: Do you know why Matt Barkley won't be attending? Is there truth to the rumor he'll be coaching?

A: I've seen conflicting information on whether he will be attending. I'm not sure why he wouldn't. Of course, there's always been a rivalry between his passing coach, Steve Clarkson, and the camp's passing guru, Mission Viejo coach Bob Johnson. I'll find out next week if there's more to it.

Q: Are the USC Fly Girls selected under a different criteria than the Song Girls?http://www-scf.usc.edu/~flygirls/

A: They are a completely different dance team and not under the direction of the IM-REC dept. or the selection process that governs the song girls. They do practice at Heritage Hall but that's about the only similarity.

Q: Where do you see D.J. Shoemate fitting into the rotation this year, whether it be with the running backs or the wide receivers? Any chance he will be playing defense, perhaps corner? As always thanks for the blog!

A: There's always a chance someone with his ability could play defense but initially he will be a wide receiver, ideally in a slot back role. He could easily line up at tailback and catch passes out of the backfield. When he first committed, that was considered to be his top role. But he's versatile, so USC will probably try to move him around the field. The question is whether he is good enough to actually merit having that done. We will find out.

USC Reloads for Another Run at Title

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:16:53 -0800

Our tour of spring drills would not be complete without a stop at the L.A. Coliseum, home of the USC Trojans.

Offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, left, had a difficult decision this spring, having to choose between Mark Sanchez or Mitch Mustain as the starting quarterback.

Sanchez eventually won the job, but Mustain, who is eligible after transferring from Arkansas, showed his progress in the April 19 spring game, which drew a crowd of 22,000.
Sanchez, above, completed 16 of 24 passes for 203 yards and three touchdowns and Mustain, below, completed six of 10 for 111 yards and two scores.Mustain, who was 8-0 as a freshman starter at Arkansas in 2006, made his intentions clear after the scrimmage. "I didn't come here to be a backup," he said.
Pete Carroll greets fans and signs autographs after the scrimmage.
It's important to keep your eyes on the sidelines at Trojan events.
That's former USC tailback Petros Papadakis making the rounds. Papadakis is host of a local radio show in L.A. and is a color analyst for Pacific 10 Conference games on Fox Sports Net.
Gary Klein of the L.A. Times and Scott Wolf of the L.A. Daily News patrol the sidelines.
Bruce Feldman of ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine talks with Klein during the closing minutes of the scrimmage.

Who Is Going to Win the BCS Title Game?

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:29:00 -0800

Louisiana Superdome. Ohio State vs. Louisiana State. We asked 24 of the finest football minds in captivity who would win. Some are hanging on Bourbon Street, others are watching from afar. Here is what they had to say:

Tony Barnhart, Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Because Ohio State backed into the national championship game and because the Buckeyes were crushed (41-14) by Florida in last season's BCS championship, and because the game is being played an hour from LSU's campus, few are giving Jim Tressel's troops a chance. That is a mistake. LSU was ranked No. 1 twice this season only to lose both times. Still, this team found a way to get back into the big game. DT Glenn Dorsey should finally be healthy and will want to go out with a great performance and a national championship. Look for backup QB Ryan Perrilloux to be a factor because of his mobility. After watching LSU all season, I believe the Tigers will win this game. But Ohio State is too well-coached and too motivated after last year's loss to Florida to get blown out. The pick: LSU 24, Ohio State 23. Link: Mr. College Football.

Wendell Barnhouse, Fort Worth Star-Telegram: LSU 24, Ohio State 20. The Buckeyes have had a year to hear how bad they played last year against Florida and that will provide loads of motivation. But the Tigers are healthy now — and a defense with a healthy Glenn Dorsey should be feared. LSU has more playmakers on both sides of the ball. College Football Confidential.

Ron Barr, Sports Byline USA Radio Network: USC 42, LSU and Ohio State together 24. Oh, they can't do that. Too bad because that's the game everyone would like to see. I guess if we have to take second best, then LSU and Ohio State plays to a 2-2 tie and after 27 overtime tries, they flip a coin to pick a winner. The coin, a silver U.S. dollar that's now worth only 67 cents, lands on edge, and everyone goes home mad. Sports Byline USA.

Brian Bennett, Louisville Courier-Journal: Ohio State 28, LSU 24. LSU isn't nearly as good as most people think, and Ohio State isn't nearly as bad. Plus, which coach would you want in a big game: Jim Tressel or Les Miles? Brian Bennett Blog.

Bob Condotta, Seattle Times: Call it LSU 31, Ohio State 21. In a year when nothing went to form, LSU will use its (slightly) better balance and athleticism — as well as a bit of a home field advantage — to rip off that one or two big plays that will make the difference. Of course, then everyone will debate forever who really was the national champ in a year when no one was dominant. LSU will win. I've been more sure of only two other results this bowl season: Florida manhandling Michigan and Oklahoma rolling over West Virginia. Washington Football Blog.

Dennis Dodd, CBS Sports.com: LSU 23, Ohio State 17. They talk funny and eat crustaceans but the LSU crowd will be a huge advantage in the huge Superdome. That, and the fact that LSU's defense has had a month to rest, heal and put out contract hits on the Auburn guy who cut block Glenn Dorsey. Dennis Dodd.

Wayne Drehs, ESPN.com: Ohio State 27, LSU 24. Call me crazy, but in a year where college football fans have come to expect the unexpected, the Buckeyes will write the 2007 season's final chapter. I just don't see Ohio State making the same mistake it made last year, showing up flat and getting run off the field in the title game. Every rep, every day of practice since then has centered on making amends for that disappointment. On Monday I say the Buckeyes do just that. Wayne Drehs.

Chris Dufresne, Los Angeles Times: Ohio State 28, LSU 24. Coming on the heels of my pick of Hawaii over Georgia, which fell only 32 points short! Don't know what I'm thinking here. Maybe I remember 2002 when Miami was such an overwhelming favorite to beat Ohio State for the national title but didn't. Michigan beating Florida this year makes this pick seem less laughable. Ohio State is 0-8 vs. SEC in bowls but don't the Bucks, still embarrassed after last year's BCS blowout, have to win sometime? L.A. Times Sports.

Jim Dunaway, 690 The Sports Animal, Birmingham: I'm in SEC country and I do like LSU to win but this game will be a lot closer than Florida's blowout win last season. I'll enjoy the pounding of Hester and Wells but to me the impact of two defenders will be huge; Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis and LSU LB Ali Highsmith will set the tone. If you saw Auburn at LSU or Florida at LSU earlier this season … that's what we'll see Monday Night. LSU wins, 24-20. Dunaway & Brown Radio Experience.

Bruce Feldman, ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com: LSU, 27-20. The long layoff will help the Tigers who were really banged up down the stretch, especially on D. I do think Beanie Wells will do a little damage early but in the second half the Tigers will take control. Feldman Blog.

J.P. Giglio, Raleigh News & Observer: Motivation is 75% of the bowl games. Just ask Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Georgia, East Carolina ... you get the picture. After last year's palindromic nightmare, who could be more motivated than Ohio State? The setting works against the Buckeyes but they do have the coaching advantage. Jim Tressel and his staff can't possibly pull another Stoops and be that incompetent on the BCS stage. Can they? Given the pedestrian nature of the first four BCS games, this should be a classic. Overtime has been a problem for LSU. The Ohio State ends its SEC curse and Tressel delivers his second national title in overtime. ACC Now.

Mike Hlas, Cedar Rapids Gazette: LSU 24, Ohio State 20. Let's see. LSU lost at home in November to Arkansas, which then got crushed by Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Ohio State lost at home in November to Illinois, which then got crushed by USC in the Rose Bowl. These are the two teams playing for the national title? What, Ball State and Rutgers were unavailable because they committed to the International Bowl? The Hlog.

Will Leitch, Deadspin: I think Ohio State is going to win by two touchdowns, and most television sets will be off by the beginning of the second quarter. This has been a very lousy bowl season. Deadspin.

Stewart Mandel, SI.com and Sports Illustrated: LSU 24, Ohio State 21. I really feel like Ohio State is being underestimated — its defense is the real deal, as is Chris Wells. But LSU was the best team I saw all season when healthy, which they finally will be for this game, and should be able to prevail in a low-scoring, defensive-dominated contest. Stewart Mandel.

Brett McMurphy, Tampa Tribune: True, Ohio State is 0-8 against the SEC in bowl games, but this Buckeyes club will look for redemption after last year's BCS flop and the underdog has won five of the last national title deciding games. Remember the Alamo? Jim Tressel sure does. His Ohio State club thumped Les Miles' Okie State club, 33-7, in the 2004 Alamo Bowl. Tressel owns Miles again. Ohio State, 24-17. McMurphy's Blog.

Brian Murphy, KNBR 680 The Sports Leader, San Francisco: LSU 38, Ohio State 13. While some of my wagering friends love an underdog in a big game, I'm of the opinion that playing Akron, Youngstown State, and Massillon High isn't good prep to face Early Doucet and the lads. Given that I work in San Francisco, and given our zoo mishap over the holiday, I'm a little hesitant to endorse any team featuring live tigers on campus, but let's choose talent and speed in this one. Murph & Mac Morning Show.

Joe Ovies, 850 The Buzz, Raleigh: LSU 27, Ohio State 24. Ohio State is the new Florida and LSU is the new Ohio State ... or so we're told. The way people trash Ohio State this year makes one think about last year's trashing of the Gators and the results that followed. While the trend is to pick the Buckeyes (The DVD! 50-plus days to get angry at the pundits!), I'm sticking with LSU. However, this game will be closer than the SEC honks want you to believe. Ultimately, a healthy Tigers defense will be unleashed by a departing Bo Pelini and Les Miles should ditch the strange coaching moves, leading LSU to victory. 850 The Blog.

Chris Plank, Fox Sports Radio and Tulsa's 1430 The Buzz: The Buzz: I've made my bed ... so now I have to sleep in it. I have called for LSU to win big and even though I am incredibly impressed with the Ohio State defense, I'm sticking with LSU big. Tigers 38, Ohio State 10. Plank's Blog.

Jeremie Poplin, 1430 The Buzz in Tulsa: I see a close one down in the Bayou. LSU must have Matt Flynn be more efficient than he has been. Flynn is not the QB that Leak was last year when he was able to pick apart OSU's zone D. Ohio State must find a way to have early success on offense if they want to hang. I am not buying the speed argument between these teams. LSU 27, Ohio State 23. Miles is still crazy! Poplin's Blog.

Michael Rothstein, Fort Wayne Journal Gazette: LSU 28, Ohio State 14. With the way this college football season has gone, would a two-loss national champion really surprise anyone? It'd almost be a fitting conclusion although LSU-Ohio State will be the most competitive BCS bowl game. LSU receiver Early Doucet will have a very impressive day and Tigers defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey will solidify his No. 1 draft pick status with a dominant game, holding Chris "Beanie" Wells to under 70 yards. Irish Insights.

Brent Schrotenboer, San Diego Union-Tribune: LSU 30, Ohio State 14. LSU simply is more talented and tested than Ohio State, whose not-so-rigorous preparation for this opponent included a 28-21 loss to Illinois. That's the same Illinois team that was crushed in the Rose Bowl by one of the few teams in the nation with talent comparable to LSU's (USC). And don't forget Ohio State's 20 points scored against Akron, 23 against Purdue and nearly two months of cobweb accumulation since it last played a game. Union-Tribune Sports.

Jon Solomon, Birmingham News: LSU 22, Ohio State 21. Matt Flynn throws three first-half interceptions, two returned for touchdowns, as Ohio State goes up, 21-0. Les Miles is cursed. Nick Saban is hailed. LSU decides to play in the second half. It is the BCS championship, after all. Flynn plays brilliantly after halftime. When LSU scores a touchdown late to pull within 21-20, Miles amazingly goes for two. The first try fails. But Ohio State is whistled for interference in the end zone. With a chance to rethink his decision, Miles again goes for two — and gets it. Saban is cursed. Miles is hailed. Georgia and USC fans put on a full-court press claiming they're the nation's best team. Kansas says what about us with one loss? The BCS tucks itself in good night, smiling all the way to the bank. Solomon's Wisdom.

Andy Staples, SI.com: Winner: LSU. Score: 21-12. Explanation: I really want to pick Ohio State because of the underdog implications. The Buckeyes have dealt with the same kind of negativity Florida used as motivation last year, but picking them for that reason may be overthinking things. LSU is more talented. LSU has had time to get healthy after a pretty brutal end to the season. The Tigers may have trouble scoring against the Buckeyes' defense, but OSU should have more problems scoring against LSU's defense. SI.com.

Chris Vernon, Memphis' Sports Station 730 ESPN: LSU 35, Ohio State 14. LSU gets too much pressure on the QB for Ohio State to be able to be effective offensively. Ohio State struggles against teams with speed. It looked slow last year and will probably look slower this year. The Buckeyes can watch all of the inspirational DVDs they want, it won't make them any faster. The only way LSU loses is if Les Miles has to really coach. More than likely, Miles won't have to do anything and can ride Saban's players to another win (this time a championship). Verno's Blog.

Girls of the Rewind: Wazzu 2007

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:23:57 -0800

For the uninitiated, the Trojan Rewind is a show that airs on FSN at 10:30pm on Tuesdays. It is a recap of gameday told by on-field and on-campus cameras. The camera operators happen to be perverts (like us) and are always zeroing in on the hottest co-eds of the crowd. These flashes of brilliance can now be immortalized on the Internet. This is "Girls of the Rewind".

Speak Softly and Carry a Large Press Corps

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:49:42 -0800

Pete Carroll maintained his usual mellow tone with the media today.

During a conference call, he was asked if he wants the running back committee to get narrowed down within a few games so that one or two clear starters emerge.

"If we're winning, I don't care."

Later he held a press conference for the USC media corps and was asked about LSU climbing in the polls.

"Where do those votes come from anyway?"

He continued to turn the tables on the press and asked a few questions about how the AP poll works. He didn't know much about it -- or at least he didn't let on that he did.

If you want to hear more straight from the Trojan horse's mouth, FSN Prime Ticket will premier "In My Own Words: Pete Carroll" tonight at 10:30pm. The 30 minute program, hosted by Lindsay Soto, will give a more personal look at the USC coach. It will rerun several times this month: Sept. 14 at 2:30PM; Sept. 15 at 10:30 PM; Sept. 18 at 10 PM; Sept. 19 at 10 PM and Sept. 26 at 6PM.

If you don't get Fox Sports, some quotes from the show are after the jump.

"The overall approach to this program is to win forever."

Coach Carroll’s epiphany courtesy of John Wooden: “Once he figured it out and once he…got it together, nobody could touch him. I realized even though I had been working to get to that point in my next job I might not get 16 years, I might get 16 months, so I had better get my act together.”

Is it harder to get to the top or stay on top? “Anybody can stumble into it. I think it is way harder to stay on top.”

Recruiting is competition to him: “Recruiting is building your football team. You’re going out and finding the guys who can score touchdowns for you. So, is that a chore? Is that something you wouldn’t want to…Why would you not like that? To me it’s the pulse of the program.”

Being highly competitive is a good thing: “Competition is to find how much you have inside yourself. It is to realize your potential. Without competition we can’t find who we really are. In that, those that make us compete to the highest level are the most important to us.”

He takes multi-tasking to the extreme: “I find great solace in the spaces between the spaces is the best way to tell ya. Sleeping’s overrated as far as I am concerned.”

Carroll loves the Niners and the Giants and watching every Barry Bonds at bat. “The steroids controversy hasn’t affected his love for baseball: “I’m a kid. I wanna see him hit home runs. I don’t care about that.”

Coaching at the collegiate level suits him: “The NFL is a blast. It is a great place to compete at. It is the highest level, most resources, all that stuff, greatest athletes and coaches in the world. However, this I think has…I like it more. I am having more fun. I think it is basically because of the freedom.”

He finds the fun in everything: “I really live my life thinking that something good is about to happen…And maybe it is because I’m ADD you know? ADD is a beautiful thing because you never get bored.”

Expert Opinion

Tue, 28 Aug 2007 07:46:20 -0800

UCLA analyst James Washington, working for Fox Sports, referred to USC on Monday as ``overrated'' and quarterback John David Booty as ``overhyped.''

USC-Florida Off

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:46:44 -0800

Plans for a basketball game between USC and Florida next season were scrapped because a suitable date could not be found by Fox Sports, which wanted to televise the game, according to USC officials. Another road block occurred when Gators coach Billy Donovan quit and returned, which delayed discussions further.

USC Versus An Invisible Channel

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 09:39:17 -0800

I wasn't aware that any sporting event was beneath Fox Sports, but apparently the cable network sublicensed the USC-Stanford game to Versus, the cable network no one gets. Actually, I get it but have no idea where it is on my satellite system.
Would the SEC do this? Or put up with it? If bad conference bowl arrangements are not enough, we now have an example of a bad TV deal.

Double Trouble

Tue, 29 May 2007 17:13:13 -0800

Images from dwaynejarrettonline.com & Athlonsports.com

The Carolina Panthers drafted a deadly duo from USC. In a Fox Sports article entitled "Ready Rookies" writer Randy Hill makes a case that if started, receiver Jarret and Center Kalil will immediately improve the Panther's offense.

The Panthers strike twice with potential steals out of USC in the second round.

Although stopwatch speed was his draft-day downfall, Jarrett is quicker than the guy he's replacing (Keyshawn Johnson). His hands and size should help the Panthers rise from 19th overall in red-zone efficiency.

Kalil should step in as the starter for an offensive line that helped create a measly seven rushing touchdowns last season.

A new teammate with an old name: Jarret will try for another one-two punch with Veteran receiver Steve Smith (10th receiving in the NFL overall last season). Ryan Kalil should boost the Panther's ground game, as they last ranked 24th in the franchise at rushing yards per game.

Wednesday Top 3

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 09:52:28 -0800

Here's the video of Nick's press conference today. My favorite quote:

"Being a Trojan is being a Trojan for life and I want to come back and get my degree here and just have a degree under my belt because a degree from USC will be a great thing for me..."'
Also nice to hear him give shout-outs to his teammates and finish with "I love this program".

Nice Q&A from the WeAreSC staff on Spring Ball. Here's an abridged version:

Q: Which player helped himself the most this Spring?
A: Hershel Dennis (unanimous answer).

Q: What was your favorite position battle to watch?
A: Running back and Center position.

Q: Name a young underclassman or two who jumped out to you as someone to watch next fall?
A: David Ausberry (most common answer), Stanley Havili (2nd), and Travon Patterson (3rd).

Q: Most impressive position unit?
A: Linebacker (unanimous).

Q: What thoughts will you take from this Spring Ball session?
A: (GP) - Optimism for the offense.
(GK) - Optimism for the offense/team.
(GY) - How polished this team looks.
Answering the questions myself, I would say (1) Hershel Dennis and Travon Patterson helped themselves the most, (2) the RB battle had the makings of being the best battle but due to injuries I will have to pick the Center position, (3) Havili really impressed me, (4) Linebackers easily, and (5) this team is VERY balanced and I'm loving Sark as OC so far.

The Fox Sports USC page has a nice Ryan Kalil draft video. I hardly ever watched Ryan after the snap because I've always been a skilled player growing up so my eyes naturally gravitate towards the receivers and running backs, but it's nice to see now why Ryan was an All-American at SC ;-). The big uglies don't need any attention...

Matt Leinart a dad, officially

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 14:44:10 -0800

Congratulations.

Brynn Cameron, a University of Southern California basketball player, gave birth to a boy, Cole, on Tuesday night in Southern California.

Give the kid a football. And let the grooming of a future USC star QB begin... Cole Leinart, baby.

(Or Cole Cameron, whatever name the kid decides to go with.)

Leinart excused from practice after birth of son [Fox Sports]

Are you ready for some Reggie?

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 10:57:43 -0800

Reggie Bush will make his pro debut this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

"I'm pretty relaxed and feel well prepared for this more than I was at that stage when I was a freshman playing my first game at Auburn," Bush said. "I feel more prepared and a lot smarter. I am obviously looking to dominate and be effective and help my team win games."

On HBO's "Costas Now" this week, Bush said he wants to be "what Michael Jordan was to the NBA. I want to be that to the NFL."

Bush raising hope for Saints [Fox Sports]

OJ Mayo at USC football practice

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 09:57:04 -0800

The top basketball recruit in the nation was surrounded by the football team on Saturday with chants of "O.J.! O.J.!"

The 6-foot-4 point guard from Cincinnati said, "This is the first school on my list."

But hopes of a public commitment were dashed when a scheduled news conference was put on hold once again.

Another O.J. visits USC [OC Register]
Mayo reportedly still plans to go to USC [Fox Sports]

Heisman Watch: Fox Sports Top 100

Tue, 18 Jul 2006 10:03:27 -0800

Brady Quinn and Adrian Peterson are everyones early favorites, but in a top 100, pretty much everyone gets some attention here.

11. QB John David Booty, USC - If Ashton Youboty was the Trojan quarterback, he might warrant an honorable mention somewhere on the list. Such is life these days at USC, where the supporting cast, media crush and league titles are practically built in to a quarterback's candidacy. Booty's a former prep All-American with four springs under his belt and a bulging disc that required surgery at the end of March.

21. WR Dwayne Jarrett, USC - Voters looking to champion a receiver or a Trojan should pay closer attention to Jarrett, USC's biggest star now that Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White have departed. He's coming off a 91-catch, 16-touchdown sophomore year, and has quickly made Trojan fans forget Mike Williams.

31. RB Chauncey Washington, USC - He got his grades up and now finally, finally, he can get his career going. The star tailback of USC should be in the top ten, but there's a whole slew of next-level caliber freshmen coming in to take away time.

37. RB Stafon Johnson, Emmanuel Moody, Kenny Ashley or Stanley Havili, USC - The early departures of Reggie Bush and LenDale White and season-ending knee injury of Hershel Dennis mean one of the Trojans' talented quartet of incoming freshmen could immediately be a new star if something happens to Chauncey Washington.

2006 preview: Top 100 Heisman candidates [Fox Sports]