Dan Woike has reported that Norm Chow is coming back to USC as the offensive coordinator.

Ed Orgeron is already in LA with Brennan Carroll, pounding Red Bulls, securing recruits.

Top WR recruit Kyle Prater plans to enroll on Monday.

Tim Davis is coming back to the O-Line.

***EDITOR'S UPDATE*** UCLA, UCLA fan sites, and an LA Times blog are fervently reporting that no deal has been struck between USC and Norm Chow, but we hear that it was a package deal (O and Chow) originally offered to Gruden, but Gruden wanted to bring on his own coordinators. USC is prepared to pay Chow the money or else the Kiffin announcement (offer) probably would not have been made.

Here's a piece from ESPN’s Ted Miller on Allen Bradford's breakout game vs. on Oregon State. Bradford rushed for 147 yards on 15 carries (both career highs) and scored two touchdowns. Miller compares Joe McKnight and Bradford to LenDale and Reggie, Thunder and Lighting 2.0. Bradford doesn't agree though:

"Me and Joe will never be Reggie and LenDale," Bradford said. "All we can be is Joe and Allen, so that's what we're going to be."

Someone that does agree with Miller is Oregon coach Chip Kelly:

"With their stable of running backs, they've got thunder and lightning and hurricane, typhoon -- you name any storm, they've got it," Kelly said.

The USC ground game has unlimited potential. Can Joe and Allen be Thunder and Lighting 2.0? With the O-Line looking better and better each week, anything is possible. It would definitely be a treat to see Joe and Allen do their best Reggie and LenDale impersonation and go off on Halloween.

To read Ted Miller’s full article click here.

USC RB Bradford ready to thunder his arrival [espn]

The summer is over and fall is officially upon us. That means football is in full swing. Teams have had a few weeks to figure out their identities. Now it’s time to find out which teams are for real and which teams are fakers.

The Trojans face another road test this week, the hated Notre Dame. Many questions will be answered after this game. Is Jimmy Clausen a Heisman candidate? Is this years Trojans defense better than last years? Will the USC offensive line eliminate mental mistakes and finally be the dominate force we have expected it to be all year? (I am not taking anything away from the O-Line they have performed superbly all year. They are the best in the country. The only thing holding them back this season has been penalties.) Did Notre Dame grow their grass out again to slow down the speed of the Trojans? (If they did they should be flagged 10 yards for unnecessary gayness.) Will Joe McKnight achieve greatness and take full advantage of the opportunity to be the main man in the Trojans back field? Does NBC have a camera lens wide enough to get a full body shot of Charlie Weis?

We will have to wait until Saturday afternoon to learn the answers. One thing is for sure, I despise everything about Notre Dame. I have extreme dislike for the school, their head coach and their fans. But the older I get, the nicer I get. A few years ago I would have taken this opportunity to bash Jimmy Clausen and call him every name in the book. I am past that stage in my life. I am more mature. I drink sparkling water now, I have many leather-bound books and my home smells of rich mahogany. I am sure Clausen is a good guy with a bad haircut. But, if you want to get extra fired up to root against Clausen, here is a picture of him disrespecting the Spirit of Troy, the greatest marching band in the history of the universe, before last years game. Shame on you Jimmy, shame on you.

(Did you know last year Clausen was 11-22 for 41 yards and 2 INTs vs. SC?)

Taylor Mays is back! He had a game changing interception against CAL and led the Trojans with 10 tackles. He chased down former Heisman candidate Jahvid Best from behind, preventing him from gaining a first down. That tackle proved Mays is the fastest man on the field. He looks like a D-Lineman playing free safety. I get excited just typing his name. Look for him to decapitate a few Notre Dame players on Saturday.

Also did you know that there is a reason you don't hear about Bird Flu or SARS anymore. The reason is Taylor Mays. Swine Flu your f*cking next. For more Taylor Mays facts click here.

More thoughts of the day after the jump…

Before the season starts no one really knows anything about anything. There are no sure things in sports. Too many variables can change a season in an instant. The experts want you think they know what they are talking about, but they really don’t. That being said, I am going to attempt to give some non-expert “homer” analysis before every game. I present to you Freerdo thoughts of the day. Here is my first edition:

USC has the one of the best and deepest offensive lines in the nation. If they can give Barkely time to throw, he will succeed. It might be nice to see the O-Line platoon. Games are won and lost on the front lines, look for the Trojans to wear out San Jose State.

Stafon Johnson is the most underrated running back in college football.

Another guy we don’t give enough love to, Stanley Havili. No one runs a better wheel route.

Ever been sitting in a movie and had to go to the bathroom? I am a fan of holding it (I hear it makes your wang bigger). But if you can’t this is a great application for your iphone. Courtesy of the Palmer Brothers.

Over Under on how many beers I will nervously drink while watching the new Matt Barkley era begin tomorrow: 7.

Speaking of 7, I love that Barkley picked that as his number. I really want this kid to succeed. He seems like a good guy.

NFL scouts, I would like to introduce you to Chris Galippo, Malcom Smith and Mike Morgan. The tradition of bad ass linebackers at USC lives on.

More thought provoking analysis after the jump...

You may watch this little Friday night walk-through tradition, and wonder how USC ever wins any games at all. But O-Line coach Pat Ruel does have 34 years of experience in both college and the NFL, and has molded such talents as Sam Baker and Ryan Kalil, so he must be doing something right. And with a bunch of hefty o-liners added in this month's recruiting class, this power-walking tradition is only going to get fatter.

Let me first say that I am a huge fan of Pete Carroll and in no way believe that he's incompetent.  The following is merely my opinion on the hot topic of discussion at this minute and is not intended to imply anything other than what is written.  Also my assumption is that we are striving for a NC and nothing less.  With that said, here are my reasons for believing Mark Sanchez should start this Saturday:

1.  The Offense Needs a Leader/Playmaker Over Experience/Efficiency

• John David Booty likely knows the offensive playbook in greater depth than Mark Sanchez; he also probably makes more mature decisions during practice and shows greater accuracy, but none of these things help solve the problem the offense currently faces.  The fact is, we have a line that is battling through injuries and struggles greatly at times in pass protection and a WR corp that lacks confidence and is on an entirely different page than our QB.  You can't open up the playbook if you can't execute basics; experience and mature decisions mean nothing if you can't avoid pressure.  Here's a nice quote from Jeremy Hogue at WeAreSC.com:

I think JD continually shows that – when rattled with pressure – his decisions are not good, and with his limited mobility, he needs more help than this offense can currently give him.  He is not a guy who can play pitch and catch with receivers when things break down and they aren’t where they are supposed to be.  So while JD may be the best QB for us behind our normal, healthy offensive line and a strong running game, the mobility of a Mark Sanchez at this point – I believe – gives the Trojans an offensive difference it sorely needs.

And that brings me to my point:  this offense needs a leader and a playmaker at QB more than it needs experience and efficiency.  Mark will likely throw more INTs and at times make less mature decisions than JDB, but he can also make a play when the O-Line misses an assignment and remain poised and confident in the face of pressure - something Booty has proven unable to do.   Here's a quote from Stewart Mandel:

"While other quarterback prospects may have more raw ability, Sanchez is as polished as they come in terms of his mechanics and decision-making. What's most striking to observers, though, is his poise and maturity."

Anyone that followed Mark's career at MVHS knows that the standout quality in this kid is his leadership and confidence.  I remember watching the '05 Cali-Florida game and marveling at Mark's cool demeanor and ability to take command of the offense.  He made quick assertive calls in the huddle and walked up and down the sideline encouraging teammates and going over plays with his receivers.   That is the type of leader we need in this offense, a player that can bring confidence to a young WR corp and injured O-Line and at times carry them on his back. 

What is the risk of starting Mark?  We have the biggest cushion of any school in the nation (minus LSU) in our defense; if any school can start a new QB mid-season it is USC.  To say that starting JDB with a struggling O-Line is significantly less risky is completely baseless to me when you consider UCLA, Washington, and Stanford; compound that with the fact that Oregon, Cal, and ASU are all away and they all see some blood.  With Arizona and Notre Dame next on the schedule, THIS is the time to make a change. 

2.  A Change is Needed for the Pollsters

• Whether you like to acknowledge or not, a large part of this team's future is held in the hands of the pollsters.  I don't believe in inane mantras such as, "Let's just play and let the chips fall as they may" when applied to rankings.  Do we have full control?  Of course not, but it doesn't mean we have no control whatsoever.  Everyone knows SC is as talented as they come, but they also know that John David Booty is FAR from an elite QB and as Stewart Mandel put it, "is hurting his team more than he's helping."

To quote Stewart again, we are now in "crisis mode" and when I think of real-life crises, almost always the 1st step taken is one of reassurance and showing some semblance of control.  Starting Mark Sanchez gives this team a new starting point, something the pollsters will mark as the catalyst for a rejuvenated Trojan team.  It splits the season into two and brings back credibility into the team, which means everything in the polls. 

3.  What Happened to Competition?

• A lot of SC fans take pride in the fact that SC is modeled on a meritocratic system, so why is JDB granted immunity?  He has played 4 underwhelming-to-awful games out of 5 this season and played a major part in a loss that literally 0% (based on fantasy pick'em) of fans predicted would happen.  If that doesn't cause a player to be benched then I ask what does?

With a depth chart filled with All-Americans, competition should be fierce, yet I see Pete naming JDB the starter and refusing to even consider a change before watching a week of practice.  Why is it that Steve Spurrier, Frank Beamer, Bobby Bowden, etc. have all changed their starting QBs for poor play (sometimes due to a single quarter), yet at the school known for competition, we repeatedly vouch for JDB's poor or average play?  It makes no sense and reduces the validity of the mantra that has played such a huge part in our recruiting/game success. 

Expectations are high and they should be with the amount of talent we currently have on our roster.  People talk about SC's great tradition yet are willing to sit back and accept the status quo, and even worse criticize those that don't?  This is a pivotal point in SC's future and decisions made this week can be the difference between a NC and a Holiday Bowl.  If there is any time for fans to apply pressure on the coaching staff it is now.  In the meantime I would love to hear your opinions so please comment away...

Here's my review of the game:

• Positive - Sedrick Ellis Continues His Strong Play
  

• Although Sed didn't have a strong 4th quarter, he was absolutely dominating the 1st two and a half quarters and finished with 6 tackles and 3 sacks.  The consistency in which Sed has played will make him a sure-fire 1st round pick in the draft next year. 

• Negative - The Entire Offense
  

• Last week I singled out Booty for his poor play, but this week it was the entire offense's fault.  The receivers played lackadaisical making silly drops and showed no ability to gain any significant YAC.  The O-Line was flat out terrible in the 4th quarter giving Booty little time to throw.  JDB was again off-target on the majority of his throws, locked onto receivers, made poor decisions, and showed no ability to avert pressure and make a play.  The only bright spot on the offense was Fred Davis (and maybe RoJo), but even Fred made a crucial turnover. 

• Player of the Game - Sedrick Ellis
  

• Sed was in the backfield the entire 1st half and really showed his freakish strength and athleticism on a few of the sacks.  He and Keith Rivers have been the most consistent performers on the team. 
  

• Play of the Game - Fred Davis' 63 Yard TD Reception
  

• Very nice play on Fred's part in angling his body to break a tackle on the sideline and then showcasing his speed to take it to the house. 
  

• Final Thoughts... - How Will PC Adjust?

• So how will PC adjust to this loss?  My guess is he'll maintain the status quo for the most part.  He will of course address the turnover issues in practice this week, etc., but in terms of personnel, I doubt any changes will be made.  Do I agree with this?  In any season post 2001, I would have agreed with Coach Carroll, but I think a big change is in need largely because I see the current problem being more than just a technical issue (will elaborate later). 
  

Every game from here on out has to be an emphatic victory.  The NC is no longer within our control and the only thing we can do from this point is win big in every game and restore this team's credibility amongst the pollsters.  No better team to start with than a 2-4 Arizona team at the Coliseum.  Let's take it week to week...

Here are my thoughts on last night's game:

• Positive - O-Line Play
  

• I think there's a consensus agreement that the biggest positive from last night's game was the play of the O-Line.  They were in sync the entire night and opened up giant holes.  I, like many, am wowed by Kristofer O'Dowd's play. 

• Negative - Special Teams
  

• As I mentioned back in my Fall Scrimmage report, I don't feel comfortable with Vincent Joseph returning kicks.  I'm not basing this entirely on his fumble, I personally think he makes bad decisions and always tries to break it instead of going with his blockers. 

Also, not having enough players on the extra point was flat out embarrassing and Joe McKnight nearly had the ball bounce off his leg after misjudging a punt.  Also, how in the world do you kick-off to start both halves?

• Player of the Game - Stafon Johnson

• For two games in a row, I'm giving the POG to Stafon.  Again, he showed great vision in picking the right holes and ran hard - plain and simple running.  The spin move off the broken play was outstanding.  If there's any knock against Stafon it's his lack of breakaway speed, but you really can't complain about his performance at this point. 
  

• Play of the Game - Sedrick Ellis Knocking Brett Byford on His Butt

• Watching Big Sed explode off the snap and knock Byford on his rear-end was easily the play of the game for me.  Sedrick was absolutely unstoppable and was held blatantly on a couple plays.  He's easily been the star of the defense IMO. 

• Game-ball - Steve Sarkisian

• The offensive calls last night were beautiful.  All the misdirection plays and decoys had Nebraska confused the entire night.  I think I remember letting out a nice sigh at the relief of knowing that Lane Kiffin is all but a distant memory. 
  

• Final Thoughts... - Gaining Momentum/Patrick Turner's Lackluster Game

• You can feel the momentum building.  With the first big test out of the way, I think the team will hit their stride this coming Saturday against Washington State at the Coliseum.  I fully expect a big win this week. 

• Don't give up on PT just yet; let's remember that this is his 1st game of the season.  With that said, my expectations for him this season aren't as high as some.  He's talented, but I don't think he'll ever live up to the hype he received as the #1 HS receiver in the nation.  You might say it's ludicrous to say such a thing based on scant proof, but there's just something missing in his game... 

So a very impressive game overall.  I'm looking forward to reading humorous pre-game/post-game quotes from Bill Doba this week...

Here are my thoughts on last night's game:

• Positive - Running Game

• I liked what I saw from the running game.  I was hesitant after the Fall Scrimmage to anoint Stafon the lead back, but after last night's game I believe he should get equal time with CW.  He showed great patience, ability to break the 1st tackle, and a nice combo of speed/power.

People will argue that C.J. Gable had more yards per carry, but the thing that concerns me with C.J. is his inability to break the first tackler.  When there's a hole, C.J. thrives with his shiftiness, but he can't absorb two hits and push for 3-4 yards like Stafon did last night on one play. 

• Negative - D-Line Play/Turnovers

• Where was the D-Line this game?  When the defense wasn't blitzing, it seemed like the Idaho QB had a full minute to get the ball off.  The run D looked atrocious at times as well; the Idaho O-Line were getting their angles and pushing the D-line out of position leaving gaping holes.  Definitely disappointing.

• I don't think much needs to be said about the turnover battle.  We picked up a fumble when the Idaho QB lost the handle on the ball but didn't force any turnovers.

• Player of the Game - Stafon Johnson

• Stafon was the only player that really stood out to me.  He ran the ball hard and showed great shiftiness and vision. 

• Play of the Game - Vidal Hazelton's One-Handed TD Catch

• No question it's Vidal's beautiful one-handed catch in the end-zone.  The angle in which he caught the ball and the way he secured it using only one hand was mind-boggling.

• Game-ball - Kristofer O'Dowd

• Kristofer played a solid game in his first career start.  The line looked in-sync, I don't recall there being a false start, and the center-to-QB exchange looked smooth.  Although he wasn't be the best player in the game, I think he deserves the game-ball for his play considering the circumstances. 

• Final Thoughts... - Stanley Havili's Stellar Play/Rant Against USC Student Section

• Stanley Havili just impresses me more and more.  When he leaped over the Idaho defender I turned to my friend and said, "We have ourselves a USC version of Brian Leonard."

• To the USC Student Section:  Take note of the Cal-Tennessee game last night.  Yes, the Cal section has ripped off chants/cheers from Florida, WVU, Notre Dame, etc., but they have become more intimidating, organized, and cohesive than the USC student section... BY FAR.  How we still accept mindless chants like, "Beat the ____" at a cadence that makes it impossible to be loud is beyond me.  Start simple like Cal is doing and then establish your own traditions.  It's flat out embarrassing to be outdone by schools like Cal, Rutgers, etc. that have little to no football tradition whatsoever. 

When all is said and done, I'm confident going into the Nebraska game.  Yes there is cause for concern, but I have faith that this team will turn it around in two weeks.  Pete Carroll knows how to get a team ready for big games and I have full faith that we'll be clicking in Lincoln.

Kalil commits to USC [Scout.com]
Previously: '07 Recruiting Class Already Looking Nasty

An NFL scout said that USC's offense could be drafted today. Not down the road after some collegiate experience. Today. Everyone at every spot.

That's all 11 starting positions: QB, FB, TB, WR, WR, TE, LT, LG, C, RT, RG.

That's Matt Leinart, Brandon Hancock, Reggie Bush, Dwayne Jarrett, Steve Smith, Dominque Byrd, Sam Baker, Jeff Byers, Ryan Kalil, Fred Matua and Winston Justice. All ready to draft.

Two BIG reasons why USC will dominate. Fred Matua. And Deuce Lutui.

USC Spring Practive - Day 4 [WeAreSC.com]

USC Adds Assistant, 12th Game [LA Times]

Coach Carroll anticipated a worst-case-scenario exodus like this, but it is still quite a shock. What's interesting is who Carroll is plugging holes with.

All these old guys are being replaced with bright, young guys.

Steve Sarkisian, Carroll's former-quarterbacks coach that was with the Oakland Raiders last year, returns as assistant head coach/quarterbacks. He's 30.

The fair-haired receivers coach/passing game coordinator, Lane Kiffin, son of Monte Kiffin (architect of the much-imitated Tampa Bay Buc defense), has been promoted to offensive coordinator/wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator. He's only 29.

Carroll has his hands full after coaching shuffle [Daily Breeze]