January 2011 Archives

College football's national holiday is just over 30 hours away (as I type...) and we are ready to unveil our USC Signing Day Central page, which will give you exclusive coverage as each signed letter-of-intent comes in.

Click here to see and save the page!!!

If you are not going to be glued to your computer Wednesday, text "USCSIGN" to 51234 and we will send you a mobile alert every time a fax comes through the machine with the signature of a future Trojan.

On the blog, we'll have exclusive announcements, videos, interviews and much more!

And on USCTrojans.com, we'll broadcast Lane Kiffin's press conference LIVE for FREE from Heritage Hall at 5:30 p.m. pacific time.



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Polamalu picked up 17 votes to Matthews 15.

He is the first former USC player to win the AP's award since its inception in 1971.

Polamalu finished tied for second in the NFL this season with seven interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown.

In the last two regular seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 15-4 when Polamalu plays and 6-7 when he sits out with an injury.





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As the coaches put the finishing on touches on another great recruiting class, the players are hard at work with the strength and conditioning team preparing for spring football and next season.

Check out these Farren Benjamin pics from this morning's workout of a skying T.J. McDonald (top) and Allen Noble (bottom)...






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USC outgoing seniors Shareece Wright, Kris O'Dowd and Ronald Johnson finished their Senior Bowl week in Mobile, AL, with strong all-around performances.

Wright made three tackles and broke up a pass as he was praised for his aggressive nature.

Ronald Johnson (click here for a video interview from Mobile) is gaining buzz as a versatile prospect, who can obviously help as a receiver with his strong route running discipline, but he can also provide an immediate injection into an NFL team's punt and kick return game.

Wright and RoJo were named practice week all-stars by Yahoo! Sports.

Center Kris O'Dowd started for the South team, which won the game 24-10. 

The Trojan trio will next be heard from at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis in late February. 





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USC men's water polo head coach Jovan Vavic earned National Coach of the Year honors for an unprecedented third consecutive season by the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches.

The ACWPC also named five All-Americans from the Trojans third straight national championship team.

Joel Dennerley and Peter Kurzeka landed on the first team, while Matt Burton and Nikola Vavic were third team selections, and Jeremy Davie was honorable mention.

The entire USC men's water polo team was honored at a Los Angeles Kings game last week.





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With just one Super game to go, we look back at the NFL season that was for the USC Projans.

MVP

Clay Matthews, LB, Packers

In 15 regular season games, Matthews notched 14 total sacks, which placed him third in the NFL.  He also forced two fumbles and bagged a pick-six.  And of course, he has helped lead Green Bay to the precipice of greatness (3.5 sacks in the postseason).  The former walk-on with the insatiable desire to attack whoever dares hold his football is a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year.


All-Projan

Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers

He ranked 2nd in the NFL with 7 INTs, including a TD return, plus 63 tackles and a forced fumble as he goes for ring #3 Sunday.

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets

Two years, two AFC Championship games.  "The Sanchize" improved his numbers across the board (passed for over 3,000 yards and 17 TD).

Terrell Thomas, CB, Giants

He led all NFL corners in tackles (101) plus he snatched 5 INTs and forced 4 fumbles.

Sam Baker, LT, Falcons

The consistent anchor to Atlanta's offensive line, which allowed just 23 sacks (3rd best in the league).

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks

Recorded a team-leading 65 catches and 751 receiving yards as the reclamation story of the year in the NFL.

Matt Cassel, QB, Chiefs

He led a remarkable turnaround in K.C. with efficient QB play (93.0 passer rating and 27 TD/7 INT ratio).

Ryan Kalil, C, Panthers

He was the backup center for the NFC in the Pro Bowl yesterday.


The Best of the Rest
 
Starting Offensive Linemen (Winston Justice, Eagles; "Deuce" Lutui, Cardinals; Chilo Rachal, 49ers)

Carson Palmer, QB, Bengals - 3,970 yards passing and 26 TDs

Rey Maualuga, LB, Bengals - 75 tackles, 2 INTs and a sack

Keith Rivers, LB, Bengals - 77 tackles and a sack

David Buehler, PK, Cowboys - 24/32 on FGs plus 4 from 50+ yards

Brian Cushing, LB, Texans - 76 tackles, 2 sacks and a forced fumble

Sedrick Ellis, DT, Saints - 6 sacks and 2 forced fumbles

Steve Smith, WR, Giants - 48 catches for 529 yards and 3 TDs

Lawrence Jackson, DE, Lions - 6 sacks and a forced fumble

Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seahawks - 88 tackles and a pick-six

Fred Davis, TE, Redskins - 21 receptions for 316 yards and 3 TDs


Rookie of the Year

Taylor Mays, DB, 49ers





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Written by blog contributor Farren Benjamin, USC Track and Field

This past weekend, I was selected along with three other USC student-athletes  (Devon Kennard, football; Kevin Greene, football; and Alyssa Davila, soccer) to attend the annual APPLE Conference held in Austin, Texas. 

We were able to meet and interact all weekend with student-athletes from around the nation. It was not only a great bonding experience, but an eye-opening look at what other schools and athletic programs are like around the nation.

The goal of the APPLE Conference is to assist and teach college student-athletes and administrators how to promote health and wellness for student-athletes, while also emphasizing how to make the right choices when it comes drugs and alcohol.

The four of us, along with adviser Dr. Robin Scholefield (sports psychologist) attended panels and learned what other schools around the country have already implemented, listened to guest speakers and began to construct plans to introduce here at USC.

As a team, we talked about designing a possible internship available only to student-athletes in which they will learn the program that we went through this weekend and then create an interactive way to teach our sports teams the importance of making the right decisions when it comes to drugs and alcohol in and out of season.

We also emphasized the importance of having a few student-athletes attend the monthly coaches meetings to make sure student-athletes and coaches continue to communicate directly with each other.

Lastly, we talked about creating a Host/Recruiting training program, so when student-athletes are asked to host potential athletes they fully understand what they can and cannot do, and also provide ideas of activities to do with the recruits around the Los Angeles area.

Our team will continue to meet on a weekly basis to ensure we meet our goals from the APPLE Conference and steer student-athletes on a continued path of guidance and future success.





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The men's basketball team took a split on the Pac-10 desert trip this weekend.

After a hard fought win over Arizona State Thursday, USC could not slow down Arizona's almost Trojan trio of Derrick Williams, Solomon Hill and Lamont Jones.

Here is Donte Smith's take on the loss...

The USC men's basketball team did not get to play in the Pac-10 Tournament last year, but they won it in 2009, so they are riding a STAPLES Center winning streak.

The Women of Troy will be the tournament early round hosts at Galen Center.

Click here to get tickets to the downtown basketball extravaganza!

Check out this cool commercial...





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From February 3 to March 10, USC's student-athletes' artistic expression will be showcased away from the courts and fields of campus and inside the sixth annual Louis Galen Artletics exhibition.

The Trojans' work will be on display at the Centofante Hall of Fame inside Galen Center and you can click here for more information.

Check out this cool promo for the Artletics exhibition!





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Trojan hoops went 2-0 last night!

On the men's side, Nikola Vucevic led the way with 26 points and 12 rebounds in a 63-61 win over Arizona State. 

Here's big Nik on the W....



The Women of Troy returned to form inside Galen Center as they remained undefeated on their home court this season.

*Click here to watch a cool mic'd up segment the Pac-10 produced with women's head basketball coach Michael Cooper!

Christina Marinacci posted a career-high 17 points in the 81-72 victory over Arizona.

*Click here to watch the new March to Madness featuring Marinacci and the Women of Troy!! 

Here's Marinacci wrapping up the contest...




The Women of Troy host Arizona State at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Galen Center.  Come on out and keep the streak alive!

The men's basketball team faces Arizona Saturday at 4:30 p.m. pacific time.  The game will air LIVE on FSN.



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Here is the official release from the USC athletic department as we welcome back national championship winning head football coach John Robinson:

A familiar face has returned to USC athletics.

John Robinson will assist USC's athletic development staff in outreach efforts throughout Orange County and San Diego.

"We're excited to have John back among the Trojan Family," said USC athletic director Pat Haden.  "He has always been a popular figure with our fans and we know he will be well received as he works with our donors in the Orange County and San Diego areas."

As USC's head football coach, Robinson guided the Trojans to the 1978 national championship and into 8 bowl games.  He won 74.1% of his games (104-35-4) during 2 coaching stints spread over 12 years at Troy (1976-82 and 1993-97), recording more victories than any USC gridiron coach except John McKay and Howard Jones.

He is a member of the College Football, Rose Bowl and USC Athletic Halls of Fame.

This is actually Robinson's fourth stop at USC.  He he was an assistant coach for 3 seasons (1972-74) as Troy won a pair of national crowns.

He also served as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams (1983-91), twice advancing to the NFC title game, and at UNLV (1999-2004), and was an assistant with the Oakland Raiders (1975) and at Oregon (1960-71).

Most recently, he did analysis on college football national radio broadcasts and spent 2010 as an assistant coach at San Marcos High in North San Diego County.

Here are the two key dates for USC football's home schedule in 2011:

October 29 - USC vs. Stanford is Parents' Weekend

November 12 - USC vs. Washington is Homecoming





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By day, Matthew Pike is the USC athletic department's executive chef for Aramark.

By night or early morning, he and his sons are heroes.

At the last men's basketball home game, Pike and his boys, Dylan and Carter, were honored by the Trojans for rescuing three women and two children from the back of a pickup truck in rising flood waters at 3 a.m. in December.

Click here for the incredible full story!!

Here are the Pike's getting a Galen ovation...






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SC TV has upgraded the streaming capabilities for all the USCTrojans.com webcasts to bring you the highest quality picture on the internet.

We are debuting the new technology for tonight's women's basketball broadcast at Galen Center as they take on the Arizona Wildcats at 7:00 p.m..

Click here to watch the game streamed LIVE for FREE!!!

And, to learn more about the Women of Troy, check out the new March to Madness for FREE below as Michael Cooper looks to return the program to the glory days of Cheryl Miller and Lisa Leslie.





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USC wide receiver Brice Butler announced yesterday that he intends to transfer. 

"Always will be a part of Trojan nation.  No regrets, I just gotta go play [football], which isn't happening here.  I love y'all.  Always will," Butler said via his Twitter page.

Butler made 29 catches the last two seasons, including three touchdowns.

Butler will likely transfer to a Football Championship Subdivision school, according to ESPNLA's Pedro Moura, who spoke with him directly. 

He is the third USC player to transfer from the football program this offseason.  Hebron "Loni" Fangupo will finish his career at BYU and TE Blake Ayles announced recently that he is headed to Miami (FL). 

Fangupo and Ayles were allowed free transfer without sitting out a year under the NCAA imposed sanctions.  Butler will have to skip a season if he chooses to transfer to another FBS school.





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While the all-star game is not until Saturday, the practice week leading up to the NFL Draft showcase in Mobile, Alabama, is far more important for the prospects, including outgoing Trojans CB Shareece Wright, OL Kris O'Dowd and WR Ronald Johnson.

Here's a progress report on the week's work:

This story praises Wright for his toughness at the line of scrimmage.

Johnson has earned nothing but compliments for his work-ethic and route running.

Click here and scroll down for a note on O'Dowd impressing scouts.





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Talking broadcasters, hair products and "Baby Jordan"...

• Clay Matthews and Troy Polamalu are headed for an all-hair collision at Super Bowl XLV, but their locks have made them both winners off the field as well.  While Polamalu already has a lucrative endorsement deal with Head & Shoulders, Matthews recently signed with Suave shampoo.
• Harold Miner will be inducted into the Pac-10 Hall of Honor this year.  "Baby Jordan" was the 1992 Sports Illustrated College Basketball Player of the Year and Pac-10 Player of the Year.
• With National Signing Day coming up, ESPN (*must have an Insider account to read*) checked in with the last 25 #1 overall prep football recruits, including USC QB Matt Barkley and former Trojan RB Joe McKnight.  McKnight had a hilarious quote to ESPN:  "Huh? I thought I was No. 2, behind Jimmy Clausen. Wow, I always thought of myself as No. 2, and that bothered me coming out of high school. I'm so excited right now. You made my day. I can't wait to read this."
• USC and Ohio State were ranked as the top two college football programs of the previous decade, according to a professor's formula.
  
• Former Trojans Louis Zamperini and Bill Sharman were honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Southern California Broadcasters Association at their annual awards banquet.  John Jackson was named the year's best prep sports broadcaster.  Pete Arbogast was one of three finalists for the play-by-play announcer, but it was awarded to Vin Scully (again...).  Full release:
  January_2011_SCSB.pdf

• Mick Haley has brought back Katie Olsovsky as the Director of Operations for the women's volleyball program.  Olsovsky was a 2nd team All-American for Haley in 2001 and played on the 2002 national championship winning squad.
  
• The two hottest teams right now at Troy are #1 men's volleyball, which has lost just one set this season, and #2 men's tennis, which beat #27 Florida State 6-1 yesterday at Marks Stadium.
• The USC men's basketball team plays at Arizona State tonight.  Baxter Holmes has the preview.

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USC baseball replaced the lights at Dedeaux Field this offseason, which improves the possibility that the Trojans could host a regional or super regional in the future.

Also, the added candle power will enhance the home webcasts of USC baseball on SC TV, which will broadcast every game LIVE from Dedeaux Field this season to subscribers.

"The completion of our Dedeaux Field lighting project is evidence of the support we have from the extended Trojan Family," head coach Frank Cruz said.  "This upgrade will play a crucial role in providing our student-athletes and fans with the premier facility in all of college baseball."

Check out the before and after photos below...





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Former U.S. Soccer captain Eric Wynalda and outgoing USC kicker Joe Houston engaged in a field goal and penalty kick shootout today for a Fox Soccer Channel special.

Wynalda, who was passed by Landon Donovan as the all-time leading goal scorer in U.S. men's national team history, brought along FSC cohorts Nick Webster (pictured in the USC hat) and Temryss Lane (former ASU women's soccer player).

Wynalda and Houston traded field goals before the Trojans former kicker missed from approximately 50 yards and Wynalda split the uprights for the football win.

On the soccer pitch, the competitors took turns firing penalty kicks at USC women's soccer goalie Shelby Church before Houston knocked off the world soccer star in sudden death.

Click play below to watch Wynalda hit the crossbar on purpose from 20 yards and then get interviewed by our resident soccer expert Dan Paige.




Here are the pics from the day!  We'll let you know when the segment airs on FSC.





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Compiled by USCTrojans.com blog contributor Ben Weiss...

For the third straight year, 11 Southern California college baseball coaches gathered at ESPNZone in Anaheim to address the media and compete to see whose culinary creativity was as good as their coaching credentials.

Trojans' assistant coach Doyle Wilson filled in for head coach Frank Cruz. He said that prior to the competition, Cruz advised him that finishing last isn't necessarily a bad option, as the last place finisher receives a few gifts (a cookbook and fire extinguisher, among other items) to help them improve their chances for next year. Cruz, of course, was speaking from experience.

A panel of four judges critiqued the coaches' fare based on taste and presentation. This year's cooking theme? A hitter's nightmare: sliders.

Below is a slideshow of the cook-off, followed by a video of Coach Wilson's take on the upcoming season.

The USC men's basketball program granted an all-access pass to ESPNU's cameras and producers to take a look inside the program as they prepared for what would be a big rivalry win over UCLA.

The show will premiere at 2:30 p.m. pacific time today on ESPNU and re-air Friday and next Wednesday. 

They'll take you inside the locker room, behind-the-scenes on gameday and in the home of head coach Kevin O'Neill.





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During the Tim Floyd era, Don Haskins was frequently credited with the head coach's success.  The Glory Road protagonist was Floyd's mentor at UTEP and close confidante throughout his career.

Over a coaching journey that just entered its fifth decade, USC men's basketball head coach Kevin O'Neill has played the role of sponge to all the basketball minds along the winding road.

"I have really stolen a lot from a lot of different people," said O'Neill, who still spends his offseason going to coaches' clinics, watching tapes and reading books looking for new nuggets of information.

The first two names that come to mind for O'Neill are current NBA analyst Jeff Van Gundy (photo right) and Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle.

"I learned a lot of basketball from both those guys," credited O'Neill, who assisted Carlisle in Detroit and Indiana.

O'Neill spent just one season (2001) under Van Gundy with the New York Knicks, but he made a permanent impression on USC's head coach.

"He was as focused and driven as anyone I've ever been around," O'Neill said about Van Gundy.  "If I was picking one guy to coach a game for my life, I'd pick Jeff.  That's the best compliment I could give any coach."

At every break in practice, O'Neill refuels his intensity on his drink of choice, Diet Coke, which was also a staple of Van Gundy's diet.
 
"The year I was with Jeff, I think he drank more Diet Coke and ate more chocolate chip cookies than any human I ever saw," O'Neill joked.

Of course, O'Neill did not get his start in the NBA.  He originally learned the game on the streets of Malone, New York. 
"I kind of just did it on my own," O'Neill remembered.  "I was in this little small town.  There was nothing to do there, so I played basketball all the time."

He was good enough to play college ball in Montreal at McGill University, but he knew his future was not as an athlete.

He took his first coaching gig running the JV program at Hammond High School in New York.

"I thought I'd end up coaching high school basketball my whole life, making $40,000 a year in my hometown and hanging out with my prison guard friends," said an always honest O'Neill.

"I never dreamed I could be so fortunate to coach at all the levels and places I have."

While he has certainly surpassed that scenario, he is never satisfied.

"There's a lot of times that I am still disappointed in the things that I do coaching wise," O'Neill said about himself.  "You want to coach the perfect game.  If you are constantly evaluating and critiquing yourself, that helps you become a better coach."



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As USC students look around their classrooms this spring, they may double take on a few famous faces.

Former Trojan gridiron stars Troy Polamalu, Keith Rivers, Fred Matua, Kaluka Maiava and Lawrence Miles are back in Los Angeles to earn their USC diplomas.

"We've stressed from the time that our student-athletes were recruited that their primary objective when they come to the University of Southern California is for each of them to earn their degrees," said Magdi El Shahawy, Senior Associate Athletic Director in charge of Student-Athlete Academic Services.

Once he returns from the Super Bowl, Polamalu will look to finish his credits towards a History major.

"It's a strong statement when guys like Troy Polamalu and Keith Rivers come back to finish his degree because it says to each of our student-athletes that graduating from USC is a commitment to finishing what you start and that earning your degree is something that no one can ever take away from you," El Shahawy said.

Yesterday, we sat down with Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers, who is a few credits shy of a degree in Public Policy Development and Planning.





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Each week, we shift the emphasis to the left side of the hyphen and focus on an exemplary USC scholar athlete.

Name: Jaak Poldma

Sport: Men's Tennis

Class: Senior

Double Major: Political Science and Communications

GPA: 3.65


Jordan Moore (JM): You are from Tallinn, Estonia.  What's it like?

Jaak Poldma (JP): Tallinn is a beautiful, old, mid-sized European city, about 400,000 people. It's cold, dark and bleak in the winter, and nice and warm in the summer. The city itself is over 1,000 years old and so a pretty cool mixture of history from the Middle Ages, Soviet times and modern architecture.

JM: How much of a culture shock is it when you go back and forth from Los Angeles?

JP: Estonia is very westernized. We are forced to watch the same crappy Hollywood sequels in Tallinn as we are at the Grove, and there isn't anything shocking in music, fashion or politics either. The biggest visible difference in the street scene is a total lack of diversity in the Estonian population as compared to all the different ethnicities and cultures that intersect in LA and at USC.

JM: How many tennis courts were available to you growing up?

JP: A lot. There was no shortage of funding for sports during the Soviet times, so all the necessary courts were there ready for me when I was born. Also, my mother is a tennis coach and so was her father, so I spent all my childhood hanging out at multiple tennis facilities.

JM: Growing up, when was the first time you heard about USC?

JP: I heard about it when I was playing my first Junior U.S. Open and started looking into the possibility of going to school in the U.S..

JM: How many of your teammates could find Estonia on a map?

JP: If the countries have a name on them, then 10.  If they don't...3.

JM: You arrived at USC wanting to be a professional tennis player.  How have your aspirations changed?

JP: I struggled with injuries and learned how much I enjoyed school in my first couple of years here, so I put the professional plans aside for a while and focused all of my effort on classes. However, recently I have regained a motivation to play tennis, but I have been able to maintain a good level in academics. So as of now my aspirations are not clear; I am definitely determined to pursue grad school at some point, but have not said my last goodbye to tennis either.

JM: You are hopefully headed to law school.  Are you exceptionally skilled at arguing with chair umpires?

JP: Skills, exceptional. However, in all honesty, I often lose my calculating cool on the court, so the arguments might not be as logically strong and reasoned as they could be.

JM: I heard you revert to your native language to yell on the court.  What's the best Estonian curse word?

JP: Ahhaaa, so much is true. The question I dreaded the most. Unfortunately, with the invention of Google Translator, I will not be able to share any of the secrets of my occupation. And who said anything about me using curse words on the court?? :)

JM: What is the feeling around the team going for a third straight national championship?

JP: The team is excited and confident. We have a lot new guys, who have no championship rings, so for them it's not about re-, or three-peating, but getting their first. But as a whole, we are ready after a good fall season and surely hungry for more.

JM: I asked you for your hobbies and you said "playing guitar and watching depressing Swedish movies."  Is that the Jaak Poldma date package?  A depressing foreign flick and some tunes...

JP: It kind of is...

JM: You got a 4.0 last semester.  I don't really have a question.  I'm just impressed.

JP: Actually in the last two semesters.

JM: Now you are just bragging...





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USC women's basketball is hosting "A Day in Troy" for all students, families and friends of our alumni, neighboring communities and schools this Saturday, January 29, against Arizona State at Galen Center.

As part of your day, you attend the women's hoops game plus you get a campus tour led by student-athletes plus guest student-athlete speakers, who will introduce you to our S.C.O.R.E. program, which is about servicing the community through outreach, recreation and education and then they will sign autographs.

Click here to sign up!!!

This event sells out every year, so reserve your spot now for Saturday's game.





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A super sized morning papers...

• Our Stephanie Graves has branched out on her own with the "Every Down Back" blog.  And, she scored her first big interview with the infamous famed Arrogant Blogger. 
  
• Women of Troy star guard Briana Gilbreath cracked the 1,000 career point barrier in the game at Stanford.  Here she is talking about the accomplishment.
• New women's lacrosse head coach Lindsey Munday did a pair of Q&As.  First, she talked to laxmagazine.com.  Then, she sat down with insidelacrosse.com.
• Head coach Bill Ferguson of the #1 ranked USC men's volleyball team chatted with the Volleyball Network in their podcast.  Click here to listen!
• Former USC quarterback Matt Cassel is having his number retired by his high school alma mater Chatsworth.
• Old friend Norm Chow has left UCLA to be the offensive coordinator at Utah, so we'll see him at the Coliseum next season.  The Bruins hired Mike Johnson, a former 49ers assistant, as their new OC.
• USC seniors Shareece Wright, Kris O'Dowd and Ronald Johnson are participating in Senior Bowl practices this week before the weekend's all-star game.  The OC Register writes that it is a critical week for Wright to be right.
  
• Former USC women's soccer star Amy Rodriguez continues to pour in the goals for the red, white and blue.  She netted against China to win a tournament today.

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USC head coach Lane Kiffin has released the 2011 spring football practice schedule.
 

(Times still to be determined)

March 22, 24, 26, 29 and 31

April 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21 and 23


Mark your calendars...

March 30 - USC Pro Day

April 16 - Swim with Mike

April 23 - USC Spring Game in the Coliseum



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USC senior right side hitter Murphy Troy was named the AVCA National Player of the Week for Division I and II.

The 6'8" captain is known for his rocket kills, but last week, he amazed the volleyball world with the play of the season.

Here's another look (second clip) at his crazy "kick save" over:





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Here is the USC athletic department's official comment on Stafon Johnson's lawsuit:

"USC firmly believes it was not at fault in Stafon Johnson's unfortunate weightlifting accident. 

We are sorry that Stafon was injured.  USC and the entire Trojan Family have been exceptionally supportive of Stafon from the minute the accident occurred. 

We are disappointed to learn that Stafon has decided to file a lawsuit against USC."



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One of our resident photographers, Pierson Clair, set up a camera behind one of the backboards at Galen Center Saturday night for the game against the Bears.

The contraption took 90 minutes to set up.

Here are some cool shots from that angle and others...





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Three championship performances, two champions...

Super Bowl Worthy

Clay Matthews, LB, Packers - 6 tackles, 0.5 sacks and 1 tackle for loss

The relentless Matthews pestered all three Bears quarterbacks in Sunday's NFC Championship victory.  The leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year is now headed to his first Super Bowl.  If he wins Super Bowl XLV, the third generation Matthews will be the first one in the family to rock an NFL championship ring.

Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers - 5 tackles

Pittsburgh's defensive leader is now headed to the game's biggest stage for the third time.  The future Hall of Famer is 2-0 in Super Bowls.  He'll enjoy the two weeks to get fully rested and healthy before terrorizing Aaron Rodgers and the Pack.


Greatness in Defeat

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets - 20/33 for 233 yards and 2 TD/0 INT for a 102.2 QB rating

Given the circumstances, Sanchez played one of the best games of his young NFL career Sunday.  Down 24-0 before halftime, he rallied New York on the road and nearly pulled off a miracle comeback.  "The Sanchize" has been in the league just two years, but he's already made it to the AFC Championship game twice.  He has as many road playoff victories (four) as any QB in NFL history.





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Jio Fontan's three at the buzzer goes begging and the Trojans lose a tight one.

• The final two plays don't tell the story, but they left a lasting impression.  "When we were supposed to be getting a three, we went and got a two.  When we were supposed to get a two, we ended up shooting a three," head coach Kevin O'Neill said about the end of game execution.  Jio Fontan still felt good about the winning shot when it left his hand.  "I had to get up the best looking shot I could without forcing it," said Fontan, who received the ball with just two or three seconds to play.  "I got it up and it felt good.  It just didn't go in."

• The loss overshadowed a spectacular shooting display by Donte Smith, who made eight three-pointers, one shy of a USC single-game record.  O'Neill played Smith over Marcus Simmons early in the second half to inject some offense and bust Cal's 2-3 zone.  "Marcus wasn't making any shots," O'Neill explained.  "We needed to see if [Smith] could loosen things up.  He did a good job." 
  

• Smith picked up the offensive slack for Nikola Vucevic, who fouled out with just six points in the game.  The big man took a shot to his jaw early in the game and bit threw his tongue.  He was bleeding from the nose and mouth.  "He let that injury take him out," O'Neill said about his quiet night.  "You have to learn to play through every situation if you want to do this for a living."

And 1...

• USC will play three consecutive road games starting with Arizona State on Thursday.  "It's very disappointing," O'Neill said about not taking care of business at home before this tough road stretch.
  

Here is Donte Smith, who was much more focused on the failed team defense than his individual success...

USC's delegation met with the NCAA today in Indianapolis to appeal the sanctions that were handed down against the athletic department in 2010.

Here is the official statement:

A delegation from the University of Southern California today presented the university's position on the sanctions levied on the football program by the NCAA last year.

The USC delegation consisted of President C. L. Max Nikias, Director of Athletics Pat Haden, Senior Vice President for Administration Todd Dickey, General Counsel Carol Mauch Amir, Vice President for Athletics Compliance Dave Roberts, and outside counsel William King, III of Lightfoot, Franklin & White, L.L.C.

The hearing took place the morning of Saturday, Jan. 22 at a Westin Hotel near NCAA headquarters in Indianapolis. President Nikias made an opening statement. AD Pat Haden delivered a closing statement. The university's legal team presented the case for reduced sanctions.

The delegation and the university community look forward to the decision of the Infractions Appeals Committee. Until that time, the delegation will have no further comment.

USC's appeal to the NCAA will be heard Saturday, but we do not expect to know the results for quite awhile.

However, we want to hear what you think will happen.





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USC men's basketball will look to sweep the Bay Area schools Saturday at Galen Center when they host the Cal Bears at 8:00 p.m..

Last night, they put on a dominating defensive display to blowout Stanford.

Here's a look at the game courtesy of Pierson Clair...





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USC vs. Cal at 8 p.m. Saturday night at Galen Center.  All the cool kids will be there...

Under the direction of USC football's strength and conditioning team led by Aaron Ausmus, the boys went back to work this week.

The team is broken up into three different groups that work out at either 6 a.m., 8 a.m. or 10 a.m. every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.





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USC QB Matt Barkley was on the Dan Patrick Show yesterday to talk about his trip to Nigeria and whatever else came to DP's mind.

Click to listen!

DP-Matt_Barkley-01-20-11_Interview.mp3





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Coming off a huge win over Stanford, USC will look for a home sweep of the Bay Area schools when Cal steps inside Galen Saturday at 8:00 p.m..

We want you to bring the whole family!

You can purchase a "Family 4 Pack," which includes four tickets, four hot dogs and four drinks for just $100.

Plus, you can have your picture taken with the "Trojan Towers," Nikola Vucevic and Alex Stepheson at the Trojan Fan Fest!

The Trojans bounced back with a resounding victory.

• Bryce Jones was the story of the week, but USC turned the page tonight with a statement win that demonstrated the remaining seven man rotation can get it done.  "He's a good guy and we're going to miss him," Donte Smith said about Jones.  "But we needed to man up and we needed to play good defense."  Without his eighth man, head coach Kevin O'Neill shuttled players in and out at a more rapid pace, letting all seven guys get quick breathers to stay fresh.  For one night at least, everything worked.

• Pick your defensive stat!  The Trojans earned gold stars in all of them.  Stanford shot a mere 22%.  Marcus "The Shadow" Simmons smothered Jeremy Green to the tune of 2/9 shooting.  "The Trojan Towers" controlled the glass (+8 as a team).  "Defensively, we were great," said a pleased O'Neill.  "Our team has to realize it's all about defense.  We're going to be up and down if we don't defend."

• Garrett Jackson has found his feet.  The freshman looked lost at times during the non-conference, but he responded to his increased role tonight with a determined confidence.  "With [my new role], there's a lot of responsibility," Jackson said.  "It is still really intense because I know what is on the line.  I felt comfortable, building confidence in the week of practice, building confidence in the coaches." 
  

And 1...

• Freshman Curtis Washington played the final three minutes and change, so he will not be redshirting this season.  He could still sit out next year, but without Bryce Jones, Washington could play a role off the bench.  O'Neill has been happy with his improved practice play the last few weeks.

Here is the player of the game Nikola Vucevic, who controlled the paint on both ends...

Toronto Raptors guard and USC alum DeMar DeRozan will take the injured Brandon Jennings place in this year's NBA slam dunk contest at STAPLES Center on All-Star Saturday night.

DeRozan has his work cut out for him battling the presumptive favorite Blake Griffin of the Los Angeles Clippers.

This will not be the first dunk exhibition DeRozan puts on at STAPLES though.

Back in 2009, he lit up the arena and the UCLA Bruins in the Pac-10 Tournament semifinals en route to being named tourney MVP.

We compiled his dunks from that night below.  I'd say there are a couple of 50s in there.





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How would you like to have your birthday party at a USC basketball game?  How much more fun would a company meeting be inside a Galen Center suite?

Luxury suites are available for all home athletic events and prices vary by sport.

All you need to know, you can read below!





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Last week, we ushered in a new era in the history of USC athletics by breaking ground on the John McKay Center, which will house athletics and academics' offices and facilities.

In case you could not make it, here is a highlight reel of the day featuring speeches from AD Pat Haden and president Max Nikias plus interviews with associate AD J.K. McKay, head football coach Lane Kiffin and Ron Tutor, who generously donated $6 million to the project.





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You are ALL invited to the 15th annual Trojan Football Recruiting Celebration brought to you by Fletcher Jones Motorcars. 

The event will take place Thursday, February 3, the day after National Signing Day, inside Galen Center.  Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the 6th Annual Louis Galen Artletics Exhibition Opening and then a 7:00 p.m. chalk talk with head coach Lane Kiffin as he breaks down the new class and shows off highlights of the future stars.

Reservations will be taken up until January 28 and are available to both athletic support group members and fans (must input guest if you do not have a donor ID).

Click here to make a reservation or call (213) 740-4155!





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USC men's volleyball played to their #1 national ranking last night defeating UC Irvine on the road in four sets to improve to 3-0 on the season.

In a rematch of the 2009 national championship game, the Trojans flipped the script on the Anteaters this time with an extraordinary effort featuring two of the best volleyball points you will ever see.

In the coaches' film below, the first play stars senior co-captain Riley McKibbin, who pulls off a sliding dig set to keep the Trojans alive in the point before his fellow senior co-captain Murphy Troy blasted away the kill.

Murphy Troy was just getting (kick-)started.  Up a set, Bill Ferguson's squad rallied from a 20-15 deficit to knot the score at 24-24 when the All-American incredibly rescued a point with his feet (watch closely!) to eventually give USC set point.

Check out both plays below!





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Two weeks from today (February 2), we'll celebrate the annual college football holiday, National Signing Day, on USCTrojans.com and the blog.

We will provide exclusive interviews with coaches and players, recruit bios, coaches' highlight film spotlighting the incoming players and a LIVE press conference with Lane Kiffin (approximately 3 p.m. pacific). 

We are your one-stop shop for National Signing Day!

As we focus on the future of the football program, check out the premiere of a new FREE Project Trojan: The Appeal.

We sat down with AD Pat Haden and associate AD J.K. McKay to get an update on where the appeal stands, the case USC plans to make to the NCAA and the likelihood of a positive outcome.  They also comment on how the latest rulings on Cam Newton and Ohio State could effect the Trojans' case.

Click here to watch Project Trojan for FREE on SC TV!!!





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USC men's basketball returns home this week to take on the Bay Area schools in their battle for an NCAA tournament berth.

The Trojans will face Stanford Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Galen Center and Cal Saturday at 8:00 p.m.. 

The first 1,000 students wearing Trojan Fever t-shirts to Thursday's game will receive a FREE drawstring backpack. 

Remember, ALL students are in FREE to every USC home game with student ID.





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March Madness is just around the corner, so you should secure your tickets now to the Pac-10's wild week of hoops March 9-12 at STAPLES Center and Galen Center when the men's and women's teams battle for conference supremacy.

You can purchase tickets here!!!

USC men's hoops won the tournament in 2009 behind an MVP performance from DeMar DeRozan.  They were held out last year due to NCAA sanctions, so this is their chance to seal an NCAA Tournament bid in front of a Los Angeles crowd.

The women's team is looking to crack the conference elite and they'll get their chance in front of a frenzied Galen crowd.





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What's the word?

• Baxter Holmes breaks down Bryce Jones' decision to transfer.
• Michael Lev puts the Jones' transfer in the context of the program on the whole.
• ESPNLA.com took video of Kevin O'Neill's media session yesterday on the Jones matter.
  
• Scott Wolf looks into John Morton's replacement as receivers coach.
• Pedro Moura gauges Pat Haden's level of optimism heading into the NCAA appeal.
• USC AD Pat Haden spent some time on the radio with Mason and Ireland.  Click the link to download the podcast! 
  haden110118.mp3
• Projans note: With Troy Polamalu (Steelers) and Mark Sanchez (Jets) facing off in the AFC Championship Game, USC is guaranteed to have an alum in the Super Bowl for the 42nd time in 45 years.
• #19 USC women's tennis opened their 2011 schedule with a 6-1 win over Cal State Northridge. 
  
• USC women's basketball star Briana Gilbreath was named the Hertz Student-Athlete of the Week.
• Former USC star lineman Brad Budde has started his own blog on growing up at USC and in the NFL.
• Fred Eisenhammer and Eric Sondheimer, who is the most knowledgeable voice on high school sports in Los Angeles, have updated their book, College Football's Most Memorable Games, since authoring the first edition in 1992.  The Trojans are heavily featured, including a story about the classic Notre Dame contest from 2005.

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USC freshman guard Bryce Jones has announced that he will transfer from the men's basketball program.

"Bryce Jones has informed us of his desire to leave USC and transfer to another school," head coach Kevin O'Neill announced.  "We appreciate his contributions to our program, and we wish Bryce and his family all the best.  He's a talented player with a promising future."

Jones averaged 7.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game and started 10 times this season.

"My family and I felt it was in my best interest to transfer, so I informed Coach O'Neill of this yesterday," Bryce Jones said.  "Although my time at USC didn't go exactly how I had hoped in terms of playing time, I appreciate the experience I was offered and wish my teammates nothing but the best in the future."

Jones played an average of 20.5 minutes per game and was second on the team in three-pointers made and steals. 



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The USC women's volleyball team had their annual year end awards banquet Sunday.

Here are this year's award winners:


Paula Weishoff Award - MVP - Lauren Williams

Emily Adams Award - Best Blocker - Lauren Williams

Keao Burdine Award - Most Points Scored - Alex Jupiter

Sue Woodstra Award - Best Attacker - Alex Jupiter

Debbie Landreth Award - Best Passer - Natalie Hagglund

Patti Bright Award - Spirit of Troy - Sam Hirschmann

April Ross Award - Best Server - Katie Fuller

Nicole Davis Award - Best Digger - Natalie Hagglund

Debbie Green Award - Best Setter - Kendall Bateman

Coaches Award - Kirby Burnham


Finally, take a ride through the Final Four run in our season-in-review video!





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USC and ESPN Radio announced today that the Trojans' football and men's basketball games will be broadcast on 710 ESPN Los Angeles through the 2015-16 hoops season.

"We are delighted to continue to have 710 ESPN as our flagship radio outlet for Trojan football and men's basketball games," athletic director Pat Haden said.  "As the worldwide leader in sports, the way that 710 ESPN has represented USC's brand is consistent with the way we present it, both in Los Angeles and nationally."

Click here for the full release!



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USC passing game and wide receivers coach John Morton has accepted a position on Jim Harbaugh's San Francisco 49ers staff as an assistant coach.

Morton, who recently finished his fourth season at Troy, was the lone holdover from Pete Carroll's coaching staff when Lane Kiffin took over last year.

"This is a great opportunity for John to further his career," Kiffin said today.  "We appreciate the great work he did at USC and wish him the best of luck."

In the small world of football coaches, Morton and Harbaugh have worked together twice.  They were both Oakland Raiders' assistants in 2002 and 2003.  In 2005, Morton worked under Harbaugh when he was the head coach at the University of San Diego.

During his tenure tutoring Trojan wideouts, Morton helped Damian Williams and Patrick Turner blossom into NFL draft picks and pushed Ronald Johnson and Robert Woods to succeed at USC.

Lane Kiffin has not yet determined who will fill the role of wide receivers coach this upcoming season.



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The women's basketball team bounced back from last week's UCLA loss to dispose of the Oregon schools at Galen Center this past weekend.

The Women of Troy have streaked to wins in 8 of their last 9 games.

At 4-1 in the conference, Michael Cooper's squad sits in solo third in the Pac-10 behind national top 10 programs Stanford and UCLA.

Here's a look at the latest win as USC downed Oregon State 53-45...

(Photos by Pierson Clair)





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Survive and advance...

Heisman Worthy

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets - 16/25 for 194 yards and 3 TDs/0 INTs for a 127.3 QB Rating

Two years, two AFC Championship games for "The Sanchize."  He is now 4-1 in his NFL playoffs career (1-0 in BCS games), which further grows his reputation as being dependable in the clutch.  Sunday, he outdueled Tom Brady (89.0 passer rating) and now he'll get his shot to stare down Troy Polamalu for the right to play in the Super Bowl.


All-American Caliber

Clay Matthews, LB, Packers - 2 sacks and a fumble recovery to lead Green Bay past the NFC's #1 seed Atlanta

Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers - 2 tackles in a rivalry win over Baltimore as he searches for his 3rd Super Bowl ring

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks - Caps off remarkable comeback season with 2 TD catches

Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seahawks - Warrior bounced back from a concussion to record 5 tackles and a sack


Conference Championship Weekend

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets
Joe McKnight, RB, Jets
Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers
Clay Matthews, LB, Packers





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Written by blog contributor Farren Benjamin...

On Saturday, members of the men and women's swim and dive team, men's water polo, women's soccer and men's volleyball hosted "A Day In Troy" for children around the USC area. 

The kids got the opportunity to tour the campus with student-athletes, and attend the S.C.O.R.E Program held in Galen Center, which emphasizes the importance of creating not only a game plan for athletics, but a game plan for life. 

They later got the opportunity to get autographs from all the student-athletes that guided them, and then went back to the court to watch the women's basketball team's big win over Oregon State. 

"A Day in Troy" is hosted by different USC athletic teams between two and four times a year.  The next "Day in Troy" is scheduled for Saturday, January 29.

(Photos by Pierson Clair)




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Just like Thursday at Oregon, the Trojans rally fell just short...

• Kevin O'Neill has magic numbers.  He needs his team to hold the opponent to 60 points or less and 40% shooting or less.  After eight straight games of great FG% defense, the Trojans missed the defensive mark in both games against the Oregon schools.  Tonight, the Beavers shot 55.8% from the field.  "Both games up here, we haven't been quite right defensively," head coach Kevin O'Neill said.  "We have to do a better job defensively, a better job protecting the paint."

• While the defense provided little solace to O'Neill, the zone offense was far more aggressive than at any other point this season.  "I thought we did a great job," said O'Neill, who noticed that USC made seven more field goals than Oregon State.  "We were much more aggressive.  Offensively, I don't have any complaints at all."

• Oregon State shot an absurd 39 free throw attempts to USC's 13.  The wide margin overshadowed every other stat in the box score and raised O'Neill's eyebrows.  "I was really surprised the discrepancy was so large," O'Neill said.  However, with adversity facing his team, he's ready to turn the page.  "When you're going good, you never know how close you are to going bad and vice versa.  We have to turn it back around and do a better job."

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• For the first time this season, the Trojans were able to run their offense through Nikola Vucevic against the zone, which led to a 26 point, 14 rebound performance from USC's man in the middle.  Here's Vucevic on the game and the lost weekend in Oregon...

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The Oregon schools' facilities represent the opposite ends of the spectrum in college basketball.

On Thursday, USC opened the Ducks modern hoops palace, Matthew Knight Arena, in front of 12,000+ screaming fans.

Tonight, the Trojans will brave a few thousand Beavers in the old-school Gill Coliseum.

Check out the differences in the photos below...






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During football season, we've shown you the team's gameday itinerary to understand their process as they prepare to play.

Here's a look at what's on the docket for today's men's basketball team:

11:00 a.m. - Breakfast (Night games push the day's eating schedule back)

12:15 p.m. - Shoot-around (Light practice at local South Eugene High School)

3:30 p.m. - Pre-game meal (Proteins and carbs like chicken breast and pasta)

4:00 p.m. - Ankles Taped (Trainer Dave Borchardt schedules each player 5 minutes apart)

5:00 p.m. - Bus Departs (About an hour drive to Corvallis from the team's hotel in Eugene)

7:30 p.m. - Beat the Beavers! (Game is on FSNW or listen on USCTrojans.com)

9:45 p.m. - Depart Gil Coliseum for a Portland airport hotel

11:30 p.m. - Arrive at the hotel and enjoy a (hopefully) victory midnight meal



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For the second straight season, the USC men's volleyball team has started the year as the #1 ranked team in the country.

But unlike last year, the Trojans are intent on maintaining that dominant position from start to finish.

After ending a 17-match losing skid to CS-Northridge earlier this week, USC swept aside #11 Long Beach State last night.

Here's a look at the match from Pierson Clair...





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The Trojans were lively and aggressive in practice today trying to regroup after last night's defeat.

• USC's zone offense will be tested again Saturday night against the Beavers, who switch between a 1-3-1 and 2-3 package to force turnovers and nullify opponent's big men.  The Trojans saw similar looks last night and settled for far too many jumpers instead of driving the ball or getting it to Alex Stepheson and Nikola Vucevic.  "Myself, probably Mo I guess, if we watch the film again, we would see some opportunities that we probably should have taken," said Jio Fontan, who is depended on to create offense.

• While the guards are working on driving, the Trojans best offense is still run through Vucevic, who is a skilled shooter and passer, so they cannot afford to let him be a non-factor.  "We went in thinking we were going to get the ball to Nik and feed off Nik, but in a zone, it's kind of hard to get it going in the post," Fontan admitted.  "It falls on the entire team to do a better job getting him involved."

• Head coach Kevin O'Neill seemed extremely pleased with the effort and execution of his team in practice today, which even prompted him to ask the rhetorical question, "Where was this last night?"  Fontan believes the day's improvement is fueled by frustration.  "We definitely believe that [Oregon] was a game we had the opportunity to win.  It's over now.  We have a game tomorrow and we have to try to get that one."

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Pete Arbogast, the Voice of the Trojans, is a finalist for the 9th time as the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association (SCSBA) play-by-play man of the year.

Arbogast has been the signature voice of USC football for 16 years over two stretches dating back to 1989.

The winner will be chosen by the SCSBA at their awards luncheon on January 25 at Lakeside Country Club in Toluca Lake from a field of three candidates for their body of work in 2010.

Arbogast also stepped in as the USC men's basketball voice last spring after the tragic passing of Rory Markas.



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With the college football post-season door closed, USC QB Matt Barkley used his holiday break to take advantage of a different kind of opportunity.  

For 11 days, he hung up his cleats, rolled up his sleeves and ventured to Nigeria with his family (parents Les and Bev, brother Sam and sister Lainy) and some friends (girlfriend Brittany Langdon, Lainy's friend Taylor Bonds and Trojan punter Kyle Negrete) to visit orphans, widows, villagers and prisoners in the central Nigerian city of Jos.  

While there, they did construction work and shared daily fellowship.  They brought with them 1,200 pounds of much-needed supplies, hygiene kits, sports equipment, toys and Christmas gifts, all donated by numerous friends of the group. 

The trip was coordinated through Go Nigeria, an organization that provides assistance to Nigerians living in extreme poverty.

Barkley and his group documented this incredible trip in photos and video.
 
If you scroll down, you can view a slide show, as well as a video that Barkley himself produced, which expresses his devout faith and feeling for all that he experienced on this journey.

Below that, you can read a Q&A to learn more about his trip.

Highlights from Nigeria Trip 2010 from Matt Barkley on Vimeo.

Q.) What was the genesis of this trip?
 
Matt Barkley...

Two years ago after graduating high school early, I did a similar trip when I went to South Africa over Christmas break, so I had some experience doing this.  This past summer, when USC got sanctioned by the NCAA, we thought a great way to go do something as a family over the holidays was another such trip. 

My mom had reconnected with a high school friend, Peter Fretheim, who is a missionary in Nigeria, and so my parents put together this trip through an organization called Go Nigeria, the non-profit which Peter and his wife, Miriam, founded.  Go Nigeria helps hundreds of street children, orphans, widows, victims of leprosy and the poor by providing clothing,  medical care, jobs and more than 500,000 meals annually. It provides hope for the forgotten people in that society.

Q.) What did you do when you got to Jos?
 
Barkley...

It took us 31 hours to get there. We went from Los Angeles to Houston to Frankfurt to Abuja, Nigeria's capital, and then had a 4-hour drive to Jos.

Once we got there, they put us right to work.  The first day, we went to Transition House, where 40 teenaged orphan boys live.  While there, we met Abraham, a 14-year-old boy whose parents had died and whose uncle has tried to burn him alive. Due to the scaring from his burns, Abraham could barely talk and he was unable to close his mouth.  It was encouraging to me, though, how he and all of the boys were so joyful and strong-minded despite what they had gone through.

We went to different locations.  The orphanage at Transition House, a Widow's House where the women are taught a tailor's trade, a home for handicapped men who spend their time making wheelchairs for the poor, a men's prison, a boarding school for children of Nigerian missionaries.   

At each place, we hosted a Christmas party, feeding them a bowl of flavored rice, some goat meat and a soda.  We passed out gifts and supplies and gave words of encouragement.  We also brought along costumes and performed a Christmas story at each place and had them act it out with us.

The four of us guys would spend every day from 9 in the morning until 2 in the afternoon working.  We built a water tower, dug trenches for the water pipes, put in some soccer goals and tether ball poles and we even held some sports camps.  The girls each had a classroom where they taught Bible stories, sang songs and did crafts. 


Q.) You went to an area that has had some tension among its people.
 
Barkley...

Going in, we were aware of the violence that was prevalent in the area.  Jos is in the center of Nigeria, sort of the dividing line between the Muslims in the north and the Christians in the south.  So tensions exist, but we knew that.  Because we were told it was unsafe, we didn't venture out beyond where we stayed or where we were serving.  We had a driver who took us everywhere.  The places we stayed were walled and gated.  I never felt scared or threatened.

One day we visted the village of Dagon Na Hauwa, where 400 men, women and children were massacred last March by Muslim extremists.  We walked with more than 100 children who survived the massacre to visit the mass grave and it was humbling to realize how these children went through such a traumatic event and are still able to laugh and be joyful.  It made you thankful for the freedom and safety we have in America.

Another day, I asked some kids my age what was the hardest thing about being a Christian in Nigeria.  They said that once they decided to become Christian, they became labeled and thus were a target.  They live under constant threat and never knew when they might die.  It was encouraging to me to see people stand up for their beliefs, whatever they might be, in spite of those threats. 


Q.) What did you learn about the Nigerian people you met?
 
Barkley...

It was eye-opening to see how intent the Nigerians were about everyday interactions.  I saw their faith and joy and gratitude in the littlest things.  We'd be with them in a hut with dirt on the floor, no beds, and skinny goats in the back and barely any wheat growing in the fields, and yet they were so thankful to be alive.  

It helped me realize I need to do a better job of seeing value in everything that comes in my path and be thankful for the littlest things.  It's hard to keep that attitude when you come back to a society like ours that is more privileged and entitled.

Life is so simple for the Nigerian people we met.  God is their source of strength and power to accomplish things.  They don't have technology.  They rely on God. 

For instance, us bringing them a meal was viewed as a gift from God.  It's also a reality that their life can be taken from them just like that, snap, so it's a joy for them being alive every day.  It showed me that we should take time to enjoy life and soak in every interaction with people and be thankful. 


Q.) Did you get in some football while you were there?
 
Barkley...

We played soccer with the boys from Transition House and we taught them and the village orphans American football.  We brought some USC football videos of this year's Cal game and our 2010 highlights. 

They were shocked by how many people come watch our games.  They loved American football and were always wanting to play with us.  They only knew soccer, so American football was totally foreign to them.  But they embraced it, especially after seeing the videos of our games.  And we got the kids in the orphanage to do the Fight On sign.

Q.) On a trip like this, there had to be many memorable moments.  What sticks out?
 
Barkley...

On our last day there, the girls in our group taught the Bible story about Jesus being the ultimate servant.  Then they gathered all the kids and washed their feet. 

To these children who hadn't been loved, it showed that someone loved them, that even though we were there just for that day we were representatives of God's love. 

It was a pretty emotional moment.  The children all got quiet and had tears in their eyes.  It was incredibly touching to leave Nigeria on that note. 


Q.) Are you glad you went?
 
Barkley...

It was really amazing how this opportunity opened up because of the bowl ban.  I hope I get this opportunity again someday, although obviously not under the same circumstances of NCAA sanctions.

It was a hard transition coming back to the States afterward.  For almost two weeks, we were away from technology, we were where people didn't know me as a football player.  For me, it was a blessing to get away from all that and be able to focus on serving and on the children.



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After announcing his intention to transfer from USC last fall, WR Markeith Ambles has decided to stay a Trojan and return to the football team.

"After going home for the Christmas break and thinking things through, Markeith decided to return to our football program and continue his education at USC," head coach Lane Kiffin announced.

Ambles (photo right) arrived at Troy a highly touted prospect out of Georgia, but he caught just one pass during his abbreviated freshman campaign.

In other receiver news, Thearon Collier has left the team.  Collier arrived midseason as a University of Miami transfer.

Collier had to sit out last season due to transfer rules, so he was limited to the practice squad during his time at USC.



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The Trojans made a valiant comeback, but fell just short on Matthew Knight Arena's debut.

• It was Oregon's night.  From start to finish, the entertainment felt like it was choreographed by Phil Knight and his Nike machine.  The first half lacked energy after the roof nearly came off the brand new building during an intensely extravagant opening ceremony.  The previously winless in the Pac-10 Ducks started making three balls in the second half and held on late to please the packed house.  "Phil Knight's put together an unbelievable situation here and they deserved to win," Kevin O'Neill said.
  

• As USC expected, Oregon played zone all night, which nullified the "Trojan Towers" inside, despite the Ducks playing an undersized lineup.  Eventually, the game turned into a three-point shooting competition, which is not the Trojans' identity.  "We went away from what wins for us, which is playing great half-court defense and putting ourselves in a position to win," said O'Neill.  "We had a 10 minute stretch in the second half where we just really didn't get our job done."

• The Trojans were down 19 in the second half when they started a 17-3 run to make "The Matt" crowd nervous.  "I really commend our guys on working hard and making a game of it down the stretch," O'Neill said about the character of the squad.  "When you come back in those situations, you have to be perfect going down the stretch of the game and we made some mistakes." 
  

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In case you missed it, click here for the Matthew Knight Arena exclusive photo tour!

• The game is second to the spectacle tonight for the Oregon faithful.  Despite the Ducks 0-4 Pac-10 start, "The Pit" will be fired up for the opening of their new palace.  While "The Matt" will be a road coffin for most visitors, the Trojans trained for nights like tonight by traveling to Kansas and Tennessee.  "I think it's imperative that you get your team ready to play in front of hostile environments," Kevin O'Neill said.  "Hopefully, that will help us tonight."

• While the hoopla surrounding the game is sure to be a distraction, O'Neill wants his players focused on the Ducks.  "We're not playing the crowd; we're playing the team that's in it and that's a pretty good team," O'Neill said.  "Our guys have had great energy, great focus, great attention to detail.  Hopefully, we can continue to play solid basketball and get a win on the road."
  

• While Marcus Simmons admitted being thrown off by the tree design on the court, O'Neill's only grievance is the lack of a clear line denoting mid-court.  "I'm not going to have to be making the call," O'Neill said about potentially controversial back court violations.  "The officials, that's going to be a hard call.  That line needs to be green going across there to be honest with you, but it's not."
  

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They did it right!

The brand new Matthew Knight Arena is a college basketball palace complete with state-of-the-art training facilities, overwhelming Oregon branding, pristine and decorative concourses and a fancy court and scoreboard.

"It's obviously a beautiful arena," Kevin O'Neill commented.  "The thing that's interesting is that there are no suites out here.  They force everybody to sit in the seats, which I think is awesome."

"It's going to be a standard setter not just in the Pac-10, but all over the country," O'Neill declared.

While the court might be distracting to traditionalists, the faint mid-court stripe could cause problems for officials and players alike.

Otherwise, here's a look at Matthew Knight Arena as it readies for opening night (click on the pics for select captions)...





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Through 8 games this season, USC men's basketball sat at just 4-4 despite a schedule that did not feature a ranked team.

In that stuttered start, senior captain Marcus Simmons struggled to impose his defensive will on the Trojans lesser-known foes.

But as the level of competition rose, Simmons again became an invaluable piece at the center of Kevin O'Neill's defensive strategy.

Each game, O'Neill identifies the opponent's top perimeter talent and assigns Simmons to nullify the threat.

"You put him out there on an island and you try to isolate him on one guy," O'Neill likens Simmons to a great NFL cover corner like Darrelle Revis.  "He's responded in those situations really, really well."

Against some of the nation's best, the results have been staggering (season averages in parentheses).

Jordan Hamilton (Texas) -  12 points on 4/13 shooting (19.4 ppg)

Tyshawn Taylor (Kansas) - 7 points on 2/7 shooting (9.3 ppg)

Scotty Hopson (Tennessee) - 8 points on 1/5 shooting (16.5 ppg)

Klay Thompson (Washington St.) - 17 points on 6/18 shooting (22.3 ppg)

Tyler Honeycutt (UCLA) - 10 points on 3/10 shooting (14.3 ppg)





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When the men's basketball team touched down in Portland, OR, yesterday, freshman forward Garrett Jackson wore a smile from ear-to-ear.

The Westview High School alum was engulfed by his family as the Trojans entered PDX airport.  Jackson will lead the team in support this weekend as he expects 12 friends and family to make the drive down to Eugene tonight and 15 or more to venture to Corvallis on Saturday.

How do you know Jackson is a true Beaver State native?  He was even happy to see the rain.





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Vladimir Morozov has been at USC for just over a semester and he's already rewritten the Trojans sprint free records in the pool.

The Russian freshman is one of the top sprinters in the nation and has his eyes set on the 2012 Olympics in London.

While Morozov would like to don the red, white and blue speedo in England, he was unable to earn his American citizenship in time for the Olympic trials, so he will swim for Russia.

Click here for the full story as Morozov details what went into his complex decision.



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Click here for the recap of the John McKay Center groundbreaking celebration.

Here's a look at the day's festivities through the lens of Pierson Clair...





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We'll have a full photo gallery in a bit of all the John McKay Center groundbreaking festivities, but here are two cool pics of the USC shovels used for today's celebration.






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Three random USC basketball notes...

• After practice yesterday, the Trojan players continued to talk about what a difference the raucous Galen sellout crowd made in turning the tide last Sunday.  Apparently, they noticed across town as well.  UCLA big man Josh Smith has been a quote machine since the Trojans beat the Bruins Sunday, including this compliment to USC's arena in today's LA Times, "The Galen Center, they have it pretty sweet.  It felt like an NBA game with their [scoreboard] and the lights and how they have the [picture window] that looks over downtown L.A.."
  

• Nick Young watched his Kobe tapes last night.  After many of his big games at USC, Young would credit "Black Mamba" footage as his inspiration.  Last night, he inspired by pouring in a career-high 43 points, including 18 straight during one stretch, in a win over the Kings.

• Finally, we showed you the video of DeMar DeRozan's dunk of the year entry against the Bobcats, but check out this cool photo as he "posterized" Tyrus Thomas.

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Click here to watch the John McKay Center groundbreaking ceremony LIVE for FREE on USCTrojans.com at 11 a.m. behind Heritage Hall at the new building site.

USC president C.L. Max Nikias and athletic director Pat Haden will be the featured speakers. 

Lane Kiffin headlines a group of selected coaches that will be in attendance, while Matt Barkley and selected others will represent for the student-athletes.

If you cannot be there, join us online for FREE.









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The latest USA Today Super Prep national high school basketball rankings came out today featuring #2 Long Beach Poly led by USC signee PG Alexis Moore and #12 Etiwanda starring incoming Trojan SF Byron Wesley (highlight reel below).

Poly and Etiwanda are known as solid basketball programs, but Moore (right) and Wesley have helped lift their teams to new heights, which is an attractive quality in a college recruit.

"You always want to recruit kids from winning programs," said recruiting coordinator Bob Cantu.  "Fortunately, the two guys that we are bringing in next year are coming from very successful high school programs."

USC head coach Kevin O'Neill talks openly about the bad habits that young basketball players develop at the high school level when they are often not pushed to defend hard or share the basketball, but student-athletes from elite basketball institutions come into college with a leg up.

"With good high school programs comes good coaching, good teaching," Cantu said.  "At Etiwanda and Long Beach Poly, they defend and they are very good offensively, so they come here with a little bit of an advantage."

While recruiting is always an inexact science, Wesley and Moore play against the state's (and at times the nation's) best competition, so they are pushed to improve every game.

"It's exciting to see that the guys we signed are leading their teams at a high level," said Cantu.  "It will be easier for them to make that transition to USC next year."





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While we spend most of our time on the blog talking passer rating, field goal percentage and batting average, let's check out the great academic stats from the recently completed semester.

• Of USC's 669 student-athletes, 106 made the Dean's List.

• Twelve student-athletes posted a 4.0 GPA this past semester.

• 270 scholar-athletes (40%) hung a 3.0 GPA or better on the academic scoreboard.

• Overall, the athletic department came in at 2.88 for the semester (2.86 cumulative).

• 10 (of 19) teams finished above a 3.0 GPA in the fall.

Best Men's Team: Swimming and Diving (3.06 GPA)

Best Women's Team: Cross Country (3.29 GPA)

Men's Most Improved: Men's Golf (2.81 to 2.98)

Women's Most Improved: Women's Soccer (2.92 to 3.17)


"We're very pleased to see the progress of our student athletes.  We continue to see an upward trend for the GPA's of all student-athletes." - Dr. Magdi El Shahawy, Senior Associate AD, SAAS

On the new SAAS floor of the John McKay Center...

"We're going to have a facility where our student-athletes will show a lot of pride in how they are progressing in the classroom.  It will be a first class environment that is conducive to learning and a setting that provides the best academic support." - Dr.Magdi El Shahawy





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The Trojans Gauntlet dominance stands at 35-10 in the crosstown rivalry.

The next meeting between USC and UCLA will occur in men's volleyball on January 28 inside Pauley Pavilion.

The basketball rematches are set for February 2 (men's hoops at UCLA) and February 6 (women's hoops at Galen).





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The big basketball win over UCLA carries the coverage...

• Kevin O'Neill is 3-0 against Ben Howland during his USC tenure.  Baxter Holmes breaks down why.
• Ben Bolch sized up the battle of the bigs.
• Michael Lev says the Trojans just wanted it more than the Bruins.
• The OC Register picked the best post-game quotes as UCLA was left rattled.
• Scott Wolf discusses KO's dominance over the crosstown rivals.
• Despite Oregon's loss in the championship game, Ted Miller has the Ducks as Pac-12 favorites.  He has USC projected to finish 4th.
  
• Lindsey Munday made her first big coup as head women's lacrosse coach welcoming UVA transfer Kelly Austin.
• Men's and women's swimming are both ranked in the top 10 and swept UCSB.
• #1 USC men's volleyball opens MPSF play this week against Long Beach State and CS-Northridge.
• Don't forget the groundbreaking for the new John McKay Center is tomorrow (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. behind Heritage Hall!  You are all invited!!

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USC's 63-52 win over UCLA in men's basketball was huge for the team's 2011 NCAA tournament hopes, but the atmosphere created by the droves of students and impassioned alums was far more special for the future of the program.

Here is head coach Kevin O'Neill's "thank you" to YOU, the fans...





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The LA Sports Council is compiling the best Southland sports moments of 2010 and they want your help.

Click here to vote USC's best into the Top 10!

You can also vote for the best USC moment of 2010, including national championships for men's tennis, men's water polo and women's water polo.



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The Trojans were at their best in the clutch this weekend.

Heisman Worthy

Pete Carroll, Head Coach, Seahawks

Seattle was the only home team to win this past weekend despite being 11-point underdogs to the defending Super Bowl champions.  What else can you say?  Carroll is a master motivator and somehow he has made a 7-9 team believe that they belong on the NFL's biggest stage.


All-American Caliber

Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets - Struggled statistically (18/31 for 189 yards and 1 INT), but he came up with the game-winning drive to best Peyton Manning.

Clay Matthews, LB, Packers - His relentless effort resulted in a sack and an upset of Michael Vick and the Eagles.

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks - 5 catches for 68 yards and a TD to propel Seattle to victory

Lofa Tatupu, LB, Seahawks - Another USC-Hawk who made an impact (4 tackles and a pass defended)

Mike Patterson, DT, Eagles - Season-high four tackles in a loss


Divisional Round Match-ups

Ravens at Steelers - DB Troy Polamalu (PIT)

Packers at Falcons - LB Clay Matthews (GB) and LT Sam Baker (ATL)

Seahawks at Bears - LB Lofa Tatupu (SEA), WR Mike Williams (SEA), TE Anthony McCoy (SEA)

Jets at Patriots - QB Mark Sanchez (NYJ), RB Joe McKnight (NYJ)


Polamalu's pick-six against the Ravens sent the Steelers to the '09 Super Bowl.




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Jon SooHoo took in last night's crosstown classic from the Galen Center roof.

Check out these remarkable shots!





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At each event, you will be treated to an 11:30 a.m. lunch followed by a Noon program featuring O'Neill answering questions and breaking down film plus the latest episode of March to Madness and much more.

You can buy an individual season ticket for $140 for all four dates (1/10, 1/24, 2/14 and 2/28) or become a Trophy Sponsor for $150 and get name recognition at all MMCT events and in the USC basketball awards dinner program.

WE DO ACCEPT WALK-UPS!  Come to Galen Center today!





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The Trojans won their fourth straight game over their crosstown rivals. 

• Shaun Brown was the unseen MVP tonight.  USC's new strength and conditioning coach paid dividends in the form of 38 extremely active minutes for Alex Stepheson, who pulled down 16 rebounds and dominated the paint down the stretch.  "Our weight coach Shaun Brown has stayed after me...and it's definitely paid off," Stepheson said.  Kevin O'Neill has admired Stepheson's courage all season playing with a broken hand, but without a cast tonight, Big Al was able to secure more big rebounds.  "Al's activity on the boards was the best it's been in a while," O'Neill said.  "Al worked his tail off all summer long."

• Bryce Jones came in as a highly touted prospect, but he's hit some freshman frustration in this recent stretch.  However, O'Neill singled out the neophyte for praise after Jones stepped up in the clutch when Jio Fontan and Marcus Simmons were saddled with four fouls.  "He really played like a pro," said O'Neill.  "He played his minutes hard."  As a local kid, Jones was not going to miss a chance to put his stamp on the rivalry.  "From being a little kid growing up, watching it and wanting to play in it, it means a lot," Jones said.

• Maurice Jones buzzed around defensively to snatch four steals.  Nikola Vucevic carried the offense by working over Reeves Nelson on the block.  Marcus Simmons held Tyler Honeycutt to 3/10 shooting and seven turnovers.  All good performances, but the sellout crowd earned game MVP honors.  "It was awesome to have the crowd we had," O'Neill said.  "The young guys feed off that energy."

And 1...

• Kevin O'Neill is now 3-0 against UCLA as head coach at Troy.  "I guess that's important around here," he quipped.  "They are the benchmark that you measure yourself against.  When you beat UCLA, you beat tradition."

Ben Weiss and Jordan Moore bring you the crosstown rivalry action, live from Galen Center.

Are you ready for tonight's Crosstown Showdown?  Are you going to turn Galen Center into a cauldron?

This video of the non-conference highlights produced by USCTrojans.com's Rob McPherson should help get you fired up.

Compiled by USCTrojans.com blog contributor Ben Weiss...

Three takeaways from a tough loss by the women's basketball team in Pauley Pavilion...

• Lopsided is probably the first descriptor that comes to mind after today's game. While the Trojans struggled from the floor, shooting 12-43 (27.9 percent), their offensive woes were compounded by defensive lapses and the inability to take care of the ball. The Bruins capitalized on 20 USC turnovers, turning them into 15 points, while grabbing 19 offensive rebounds for 19 second chance points. "You're not going to win many games when you're shooting 27 percent," Head Coach Michael Cooper said after the game. "I thought our defense would be a lot better because, as I tell my players, our offense comes and goes, but we have to play a little nastier (on defense)." Feeding off the energy of the home crowd, UCLA put the pressure on from the opening tip with a full-court press and simply outfought the Trojans for many of the rebounds and loose balls.
  

• The Trojans' go-to-scorer Briana Gilbreath was held to nine points, all of which came on free throws in the second half. The junior guard struggled to find the range, missing all 12 of her attempts from the field. "(She) still had open looks, and she just wasn't knocking them down. That's going to happen in the game of basketball," Cooper said. On a positive note, Gilbreath contributed nicely on the defensive end, grabbing a team-high eight rebounds, while blocking two shots and notching two steals.
  

• UCLA was paced by Jasmine Dixon, who finished with a game-high 20 points to go along with nine rebounds (four offensive) and three steals. USC had no response for Dixon, who seemed to be everywhere on the court today. Despite their height advantage, the Trojans were never able to capitalize against the smaller Dixon, who seemed to will her way to a stellar outing.

The Trojans maintain a 30-7.5 lead in the Crosstown Gauntlet competition after the loss. Here's Coach Cooper and Ashley Corral, who led the Trojans with 14 points, talking about getting back to the drawing board...

UCLA Bruins (9-6, 1-1)

Head Coach Ben Howland

After a string of Final Four appearances, Howland (Is he Fighting On in that picture?) is coming off his worst season as UCLA's boss.  Offensively, his point guard handles the ball as much as any lead guard in the country, so their success is dependent on the talent at that position.  Defensively, he prefers a physical, clutch and grab man-to-man defense.

KO's Take: "They played all zone last year against us, but they have not played much this year at all.  Last year, they were very, very young, so they have gotten older.  It's UCLA!  They are always very talented."


UCLA's Front Court - Josh Smith (6'10"), Reeves Nelson (6'8"), Brendan Lane (6'9")

Smith (photo) is the biggest talent (literally and figuratively) of the group, but he's not in good enough shape to play much more than 20 minutes per game.  However, his per minute stats show dominant potential.  Nelson is the Bruins' leading scorer and rebounder with double-doubles in both Pac-10 games. 

KO's Take: "Those two guys inside, Smith and Reeves, are really good.  They are a great combination together because they both bring different things.  We'll have to do a good job with guards helping inside-out against those guys."

Big Al's Take: "Reeves has a lower center of gravity, which makes him a lot tougher to guard.  Big Josh has a lot of weight (305 pounds) and he is able to throw it around and move people.  They are equally as difficult just in different ways."


UCLA's Back Court - Tyler Honeycutt (6'8"), Malcolm Lee (6'5"), Lazeric Jones (6'0"), Jerime Anderson (6'2")

Honeycutt is second on the team in scoring and rebounding.  Lee can be an explosive scorer, but he does not create much for his teammates (1.8 assists per game).  Jones starts at the point, but he injured his finger against Washington.  Anderson was the starting point guard last season.

KO's Take: "Honeycutt is their premier perimeter player.  Malcolm Lee is very good.  I expect Jerime Anderson would step in and handle the ball, but I think Lazeric Jones will play."


Strength - Size

Smith is a monster and Nelson plays like one.  While Honeycutt prefers the perimeter, he is still 6'8", leads the team in blocks per game and pulls down 7.6 rebounds per contest.  While Nikola Vucevic and Alex Stepheson tower over most opponents, the Bruins size could cause real problems, especially when USC goes small.


Weakness - Youth and Identity

While they have grown up from last year, UCLA does not have a single senior on the roster.  In the Bruins most recent heyday, you always knew what to expect.  Great guard play, gritty defense, depth and general physicality are essential to Howland's teams.  While this team is talented, they have yet to prove that they can muscle up and win a fistfight. 





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Check out the new FREE episode of March to Madness on SC TV as we profile Jio Fontan and document the thrilling road trip to Kansas and Tennessee.

Click here to watch for FREE!!!


 



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Ben Weiss and I will run a live chat on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. for the UCLA game right here on the blog, so please come join us and be heard.

If you cannot make it to Galen, we'll have blanket coverage of the rivalry atmosphere and locker room nuggets exclusive to blog readers.





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Each week, we shift the emphasis to the left side of the hyphen to engage in conversation with a Trojan scholar athlete.

Name: Eric Strangis

Sport: Men's Basketball

Class: Junior

Major: Sociology

GPA: 3.07


Jordan Moore (JM): You grew up close to campus, but you had to go to two schools (Moorpark College and Cal Lutheran) to get here.  Was your goal always to be a Trojan?

Eric Strangis (ES): I wouldn't say it was always my goal to be a Trojan, but it has always been something I have dreamed about.  I think that going to two other schools before getting here has given me a special appreciation for just how great USC is.  It's been a long journey, but I wouldn't change a thing.

JM: Your grandfather, Sam Nicholson, was a USC track star, who is still involved with the program.  What does he say is the biggest difference from when he went to school here and how it is now?

ES: My grandfather used to have an on-campus job of trimming hedges by the new campus center.  They recently removed the hedges to open up more room for tailgaters.  I'm sure it isn't the biggest difference, but the removal of those hedges led my grandfather to share some fun memories of his college days.

JM: What was your mindset when you decided to walk-on to the USC basketball team? 

ES: I had no expectations when I decided to walk-on to the basketball team.  I was really just excited and grateful to be a part of such a great tradition and to play at such a high level.  I wasn't concerned with playing time or anything like that.  The thing that people forget is that we practice more than we play.  My focus was on doing whatever I could to help the team in practice in order to help us win and more importantly on being a great teammate.

JM: Sure enough though, you were tossed into the fray at Nebraska and TCU.  How nervous were you?

ES: When I was put into the game, I didn't even have time to be nervous.  At the time, I was just concerned with doing my job and trying to help the team win.  Looking back though, it was a pretty awesome experience.

JM: I have you down as earning one trillion (Note: A trillion is when the box score reads 1 in the minutes column and zeroes in the 9 other columns) so far this year.  Do the walk-ons joke about at least taking a foul to make sure they get something in the box score?

ES: All the walk-ons definitely have a good time joking about the box score when we get the opportunity at some minutes. The conversation usually turns into a debate on who was open when the other guy took a shot (all in fun, of course). In truth, we are all competitors.  We want to perform to the best of our abilities when we get our minutes just like any other guy.

JM: Who is the biggest trash talker on the team?

ES: Donte Smith.  He isn't always talking trash.  But he is always, ALWAYS saying something.

JM: Better walk-on dream: Hitting the game-winning shot to beat UCLA or earning a scholarship?

ES: My parents would probably want me to say "scholarship" to help pay for the tuition.  But I don't think anything can compare to hitting a game-winning shot at this level, especially if it is to beat the Bruins.

JM: I read you are interested in becoming a firefighter when you graduate.  What inspired that?

ES: My uncle is a firefighter, and I have a lot of respect for him and what he does.  I have always been interested in the profession.  It requires a lot of the same skills as athletics: being physically fit, teamwork, pulling for a collective goal.  It also has the added benefit of being a job that helps others.  I don't think you could ask for anything more when contemplating what you would want to do on a day-in and day-out basis.

JM: Can I get a score prediction for Sunday night against UCLA (7:30 p.m. at Galen Center)?

ES: If you're looking for a score, check in with Vegas.  But I will predict that we are going to play great defense and with 100 percent effort.  And that usually leads to a win.



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USC athletic director Pat Haden will be speaking on the subject of spirituality in sports next Tuesday, January 11, at Noon inside the Forum on campus (TCC 450).

Come hear Haden's vision for USC athletics and his insight on ethics in sports plus enjoy a FREE lunch.



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I sat with "Big Al" to get his take on his hand, UCLA and his mean streak...

• After breaking a bone in his left hand during the first game of the season, Alex Stepheson has been playing with a cast ever since, but he was finally able to take it off today.  "It's nice!" Stepheson said about getting to use two hands.  "It will definitely make rebounding easier and catching some of the passes that I was fumbling before."  He will have to strengthen the repaired hand over the coming weeks.  "It's a little weak, but it's a relief not having to deal with the cast anymore."

• As I wrote below, UCLA is not the intimidating force that they used to be.  "We're not scared or intimidated," Stepheson stated.  "I don't buy into they're a better basketball school and we're a football school."  However, the Trojans always play with an edge against their crosstown rivals.  "We definitely have something to prove every time we play UCLA.  We have a chip on our shoulder and this game means a lot to us."

• Stepheson is known as a gentle giant, but he got tired of being hacked in practice today and unleashed his mean streak.  "That's the first time I've seen him be that mean ever," Kevin O'Neill said.  "I wish he would play with that fervor all the time.  Al plays hard, but he had a stretch here today where he played pissed off, which is great."

And 1...

• Former Trojan Marcus Johnson practiced with the team today.  He was playing in Romania and is likely headed back to Europe soon.  O'Neill likes that Johnson adds more competition to the practice.  "He's not bad for a walk-on," the head coach joked.

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You know how the story goes.

USC is a football school, while UCLA is the basketball team in town.

However, the myth has been debunked in recent years and it may be time to start reassessing the balance of power.

Of course, the Trojans are still dominant on the gridiron with wins in 11 of the last 12 crosstown showdowns.

But on the hardwood, USC will be going for their fourth straight win over UCLA Sunday night. 

The two teams have split the last eight games.  And over the last 20, the series record stands at 10-10.

While the Trojans have had their dry spells in the rivalry, including just one win during the 1970's, the overall series record is closer than one would expect (128-103 in favor of UCLA).

And as we speak, the intimidation factor that once existed is gone.  The current Trojans know the history of John Wooden, but they understand better the recent past of beating UCLA by 20 points last year in Pauley Pavilion.

Going into Sunday's battle, the teams are hard to separate.

Both have proven they can compete with the best, including losses to Kansas at the buzzer and wins over ranked teams Texas and Tennessee (USC) and BYU (UCLA).

Both have shown themselves susceptible to letdowns against unheralded foes like Montana, Rider, Bradley and Virginia Commonwealth.

Both teams opened Pac-10 play with wins over Washington State, but losses to Washington.

The Bruins come in at 9-5 (1-1) with the Trojans at 9-6 (1-1).

Once on top of the mountain, UCLA has fallen down.  Once at the bottom, USC is climbing up.

On Sunday, they meet in the middle.





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The Women of Troy opened their Pac-10 campaign with a New Year's weekend sweep of the Washington schools.

While the trip was mostly business, Michael Cooper and the ladies took some time to sing in the New Year.





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High school football all-star games and the big UCLA showdown are the hot topics...

• USC spring enrollee QB Max Wittek took home MVP honors from the Under Armour All-American Game last night.  He went 14/24 for 150 yards and 2 TDs.  Wittek followed Matt Barkley at Mater Dei and hopes to take the reigns from the Monarch alum at Troy.  Like Wittek, Barkley was the UA MVP two years ago, so the comparisons continue.
• Also in the game, Trojan signee Andre Heidari handled all the kicking, punting and kickoff duties, while early entrant Peter McBride was the long snapper.
• National Signing Day is February 2, so until then, we cannot comment on any unsigned prospects.
• Staying in football, the inaugural Pac-12 championship game will be broadcast by Fox network.
• The Trojans and Bruins have split the last eight meetings on the hardwood, so Michael Lev weighs the balance of power in the rivalry.
• Alex Stepheson could be playing with both hands against UCLA.
• As USC's schedule gets tougher, Kevin O'Neill has shortened the rotation leaving Bryce Jones and Garrett Jackson to compete for minutes.
• Here's a Q&A Lindsey Munday did with West Side Lax.
  
• USC men's volleyball opened up their season last night with a sweep of Canadian power Alberta.  The Trojans are ranked #1 in the nation in the initial AVCA poll of 2011.

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It's all-star game week for the top high school football players in the country.

Tonight at 4 p.m. pacific on ESPN, USC spring commit Max Wittek will quarterback at the Under Armour All-America Game.  And this Saturday, fellow future Trojans QB Cody Kessler will step behind center at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

They are touted as the best two senior QB prospects in California and whenever Matt Barkley departs, the pair will join Jesse Scroggins in potentially the most competitive quarterback competition since Matt Leinart, Matt Cassel and Brandon Hance battled to replace Carson Palmer.

Since many of you will be laying eyes on Wittek and Kessler for the first time this week, USC QB coach Clay Helton provided a scouting report on the future Trojans.


Max Wittek, Mater Dei High School (Santa Ana)

Helton's scouting report...

"Max is a talented kid with tremendous arm strength.  He has great pocket feet and presence.  He can make those throws that a lot of people can't down the field."

On the Mater Dei pipeline...

"We've been fortunate to build a great relationship with Mater Dei.  The players we have gotten are extremely well coached by Bruce Rollinson.  It is a high level of competition at Mater Dei, so they are ready to come in and contribute right away."

On what fans can expect to see watching Wittek at the UA game...

"He is able to make all the throws on a college field from one hash mark to the other.  And decision-making, he does not get glued in on one specific guy."


Cody Kessler, Centennial High School (Bakersfield)

Helton's scouting report...

"Cody possesses great arm strength also and is really strong moving around the pocket on bootlegs and sprints.  He looks comfortable under center and in the gun."

Kessler's natural leadership qualities...

"With Cody, you are looking at a true competitor.  Obviously, neither kid is a numbers counter or worries about competing against Matt Barkley, Jesse Scroggins or each other.  They wanted to come to USC because it is the top program in the country."

On Kessler's high school system...

"He ran a style of offense that had a lot of decision-making in it, which is exciting to us.  He was also extremely well coached."



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Next Monday, USC football will welcome 9 new student-athletes, who are ready to enroll for the spring semester.

While early enrollees are a growing trend in college football, the process is not nearly as easy as you would think, which prompted a series of questions from astute blog reader Jonathan Bates.

So, I posed all of his questions (and some of mine) to Donna Heinel (pictured below), the assistant admissions coordinator inside Heritage Hall.

Q: Can you tell me how a high school senior can enroll early?  

A: "Graduation requirements are really set by the high school."

Q: Does it vary by (high school) school district?

A: "Some district's bylaws do not allow students to graduate early.  A lot of archdiocese and religious-based schools will not allow it."

Q: What are the university and NCAA requirements?

A: "You have to fulfill the requirements of the NCAA also, which is 16 core courses in the appropriate disciplines in seven semesters instead of eight.  The second semester of English and American Government/Economics are mandatory to graduate by California code, so you need to put that in your junior year or the summer prior to your senior year."

Q: When do you have to make the decision?

A: "You have to make the decision to graduate early during the first semester of your junior year because you have to double up a lot of courses and take summer courses to get your high school requirements done.  You really can't make the decision to graduate in the middle of your fall semester senior year because you will not finish the 16 core courses."

Q: What specific challenges does USC face to get early enrollees?

A: "West coast schools go back to school very early in January, so it is more difficult to get everything complete with their high school and get everything cleared with the NCAA by the start of the spring semester.  Also, a lot of high schools do not mirror the college semester system, so their fall term ends at the end of January.  In those cases, you have to get the buy in of the entire school to graduate."

Q: Does the student-athlete need to be exceptional academically?

A: "Before it was for the academic elite, but that is changing.  It actually provides a better opportunity for the academically at-risk students, so they get an entire semester under their belt to adjust to college without the pressure of football.  When you enter in the fall term, you are inundated with so much that it puts you at risk for failure."

Q: Finally, how is the process different for junior college transfers?

A: "A JC kid has to go through the process of NCAA certification out of high school.  If you are a qualifier, you can come to a university after just one semester.  For non-qualifiers, you cannot go to a Division-1 school unless you fulfill certain types of requirements, which includes three full-time terms, 48 transferable units and your AA degree.  If you have fulfilled all of those requirements, you can enroll mid-year."

I sat down with new USC women's lacrosse head coach Lindsey Munday to find out why she came to USC, how she plans to build a program from scratch and what it will take to win championships.





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The new all-sports athletics and academics will OFFICIALLY be named John McKay Center.

Remember, we break ground a week from today (Wednesday, January 12 at 11 a.m.) on the new building site behind Heritage Hall.

For all the cool kids out there, you can simply refer to it as the J-MAC.





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The USC men's volleyball season begins Wednesday night at Galen Center against Canadian power Alberta at 7 p.m. and admission is FREE to all who want to attend.

The Trojans could be ranked as high as #1 in the nation when the AVCA poll comes out, so the hype is considerable around a team that lost in the first round of the MPSF tournament last season despite being ranked preseason #1 in 2010.  However, this is the same core group that saw the mountaintop in 2009 when they were national runners-up.

What lessons have they learned from the previous seasons' successes and failures?  How good can superstar power hitter Murphy Troy be in his senior season?  How well has the team come together after last year's adversity?

All questions that will determine whether USC can match championship expectations and all questions that I asked head coach Bill Ferguson as part of our season outlook.





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As many of you know, I answer nearly every email sent to me by readers at usctrojans.moore@gmail.com. 

In some cases, the questions are so good that I'm guessing you will all be curious to know the answer. 

Here's a question from Greg Katz:  "Does USC have to get permission from the home school in order for the Drum Major to stab the ground at midfield before away games?"

Blog contributor Stephanie Graves is also a member of the Spirit of Troy, so she looked into it.

Apparently, no one argues with a man carrying a sword. 

The Trojans have been doing it for decades and it has become an expected part of the tradition that makes USC and college football so special. 

However, always the contrarian, Stanford makes the Drum Major take a breathalyzer test before the game.  Ah, rivalries...





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New USC women's lacrosse head coach Lindsey Munday sat down with Lacrosse Magazine for a Q&A session on the excitement of starting her own program, the similarities to Northwestern and much more.

Here's an interesting answer about USC providing the opportunity to recruit everywhere and everyone.

"USC is one of the most diverse universities in the country.  Getting out there and bringing in student-athletes from the whole country will be great, and there's a local talent pool that is relatively untapped, which is really exciting.  We're looking for student-athletes from all over."





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The new year brings new stories...

• As bowl season powers on without the Trojans, USC's presence is missed by the television networks.
• While the viewer ratings may be down, the Pac-10 continues to represent in BCS games.  The conference is 10-5 all-time in BCS bowls with the Trojans accounting for six of those wins.  Only the SEC (14-5) has a better record.
• Pedro Moura answered his own five questions about the USC football program going into 2011.  Here is #5 on Dillon Baxter's future.
• USC baseball has three of the top 100 college prospects in the nation this season, according to Baseball America.  RHP Austin Wood (#26), 1B Ricky Oropesa (#33) and RHP Andrew Triggs (#100) are expected to lead Frank Cruz's rebuilding project.  Click here for the full story.
• As the fall season is nearly over, USC ranks ninth in the latest Learfield Sports Directors' Cup Standings, which ranks the best all-around athletic institutions by results. 
  DI Full Release for Dec 23.pdf
• Nike wants to hear you roar as the best student section in America.  Tee-shirts are involved...
• The USC College of Letters, Arts & Sciences produced this interesting feature on kinesiology using the women's volleyball team as their test subjects.  Here it is...

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If you checked out of Troy over the holidays, here's what you missed...

• The women's basketball team is off to their best start since the 1993-94 season on the heels of six straight wins, including a conference opening sweep at the Washington schools. 
  
• At 10-3 (2-0), Michael Cooper's squad will head to Pauley Pavilion Saturday for a showdown with the #12 UCLA Bruins.  The game is at 1:30 p.m. pacific time and will air live on FSN.
• By the way, the Pac-10 looks pretty tough this season with #4 Stanford finally putting an end to UConn's amazing 90-game winning streak last week plus UCLA, Arizona, Arizona State and USC coming out of the opening conference weekend with perfect Pac-10 records.
• On the men's basketball side, the Trojans split their homestand with the Washington schools.  Last Tuesday, they dropped a heartbreaking overtime opener to the Huskies, who look like early conference favorites and are now the only ranked team in the Pac-10.  Click here for pictures!
• However, Kevin O'Neill's team bounced back to close out a four-point win over Washington State.  Donte Smith carried the offense with three clutch second half treys, while Marcus Simmons locked down the Cougs' top scorer Klay Thompson to 6-of-18 shooting.
• Up next: USC vs. UCLA on Sunday night at Galen Center.  Tip-off is 7:30 p.m. pacific time.  Students, as always, are in FREE with USC ID!  You can purchase tickets by clicking this link!!
• Also, we demolished the building behind Heritage Hall next to the intramural field, which will be the site of the new John McKay Hall.  Here's a look at what's left as we break ground on the new academic and athletics building January 12.

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Some younger Trojans took advantage of their final opportunity of the season...

Heisman Worthy

Pete Carroll, Head Coach, Seahawks - Won the NFC West

At USC, Carroll had teams that finished the college football regular season 10-2, 11-1, 10-2, 10-2 and 11-1 that could not play for the BCS title.  But in his first year in Seattle, he'll have a shot at NFL supremacy despite a 7-9 record.  Nevertheless, he did a wonderful job last night rallying the Seahawks after some blowout losses to control the winner-take-all showdown with the St. Louis Rams.


All-American Caliber

Joe McKnight, RB, Jets - First NFL start: 32 carries for 158 yards, 2 catches for 15 yards and a 25-yard punt return in a win

Troy Polamalu, DB, Steelers - Picked off his 7th interception of the season

Clay Matthews, LB, Packers - Finished 3rd in the NFL after tallying his 14th sack of the year

Fred Davis, TE, Redskins - Finished the season with TD catches in back-to-back games

Mike Williams, WR, Seahawks - Scored the only TD in a 16-6 playoff-clinching victory


In the NBA

DeMar DeRozan, SG, Raptors - Breakout season continued with 37 points at Houston and 27 vs. Boston


Playoff Time

15 Projans could contribute to this year's NFL postseason on the field...

Steelers DB Troy Polamalu
Colts DT Fili Moala
Chiefs QB Matt Cassel
Jets QB Mark Sanchez
Jets RB Joe McKnight
Falcons LT Sam Baker
Eagles DT Mike Patterson
Eagles RT Winston Justice
Seahawks WR Mike Williams
Seahawks LB Lofa Tatupu
Seahawks TE Anthony McCoy
Saints RB Reggie Bush
Saints OL Charles Brown
Saints DT Sedrick Ellis
Packers LB Clay Matthews





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USC will break ground on the new academic and athletics center, newly named John McKay Center, on Wednesday, January 12 at 11 a.m..

You are all invited by the USC Board of Trustees, president C.L. Max Nikias and athletic director Pat Haden to attend this seminal moment in the future of Trojan athletics.

There will be a reception immediately following the groundbreaking ceremony.

Please RSVP online by clicking here and entering the code Athletics or call (213) 740-1744.





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As we ring in 2011, the newly founded USC women's lacrosse team has a head coach to lead the program.

Lindsey Munday, a five-time NCAA champion as a player and assistant coach at Northwestern, was hired to direct the university's 21st sponsored sport.

"It was imperative that we hire a coach with the energy, experience and plan to build a premier women's lacrosse program," said USC AD Pat Haden.  "Lindsey Munday embodies all that we are looking for as we take on this exciting endeavor."
 
Northwestern is the dominant power in women's lacrosse (think UConn women's basketball) and Munday has been a key cog in that dynasty.

She was a two-time semifinalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy (lacrosse's Heisman) and finished her career (2003-06) as the Wildcats all-time assists leader.

Since graduating, the 26-year-old assisted lacrosse coaching legend Kelly Amonte Hiller, who led Northwestern to five consecutive national titles before losing in the title game this season. 

After three championship seasons as an assistant, Munday took over as the Mount St. Mary's University (Maryland) head coach last August.  Plus, she has continued playing, including being selected to the 2010-11 U.S. Women's National Team.

"I am honored and humbled to be named the first head women's lacrosse coach at USC," Munday said.  "Thank you to USC president Max Nikias, athletic director Pat Haden and associate athletic director Mark Jackson for providing me with this opportunity."

Associate AD Mark Jackson will oversee the sport and ran the coaching search.  "It was obvious after a national search with many qualified candidates that Lindsey was the clear choice to build and lead our women's lacrosse program to prominence," Jackson said.

With Munday in charge, the focus now turns to developing a program from scratch that will be ready to compete in 2012-13.





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