Pacific Takes - USC Football: Trojans Fall Well Short Of ExpectationsWhere The West Coast Is The Best Coasthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52598/pt_fav.png2013-01-01T09:14:56-08:00http://www.pacifictakes.com/rss/stream/34173592013-01-01T09:14:56-08:002013-01-01T09:14:56-08:00Clancy Pendergast for USC defensive coordinator?
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<figcaption>William Mancebo</figcaption>
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<p>USC Trojans head coach Lane Kiffin interviewed former Cal defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast in a quest to replace Monte Kiffin.</p> <p>With an absolute disaster of a regular season wrapped up, USC head coach Lane Kiffin is now looking for a defensive coordinator to fix things on the opposing side of the football. Monte Kiffin's defenses were shredded on multiple occasions by Oregon, Arizona and UCLA, and eventually made plenty of critical errors in El Paso to culiminate a year of lost opportunities with a loss to Georgia Tech.<br><br>The first candidate on Kiffin's list is former Cal defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast. Pendergast was sacked along with the rest of Jeff Tedford's coaching staff.</p>
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<p>Lane Kiffin has interviewed former Cal defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast for the vacant USC defensive coordinator position</p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/status/285919117586882560" data-datetime="2013-01-01T01:23:24+00:00">January 1, 2013</a>
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Pendergast's defenses were among the top in the Pac-12 in his first two seasons, but they were hardly consistent. Pendergast struggled to defend Chris Ault's Pistol offense in Nevada (leading to two embarrassing losses). After an excellent performance against Oregon his first season, he was boatraced in his second two sessions by Chip Kelly. However, his defenses have had their moments, particularly in holding down USC below their normal averages and managing to keep Cal's moribund offense in a host of games they could have lost by numerous margins.</p>
<p>Pendergast ran a base 3-4 at Cal and might install a similar system at USC, although his system tends to be dependent on the type of opponent the tam is facing. There will be a lot of tinkering from Pendergast to field the best 11 players on the field at all times.<br><br><a target="_blank" href="http://www.pacifictakes.com/usc-trojans/2012/12/19/3783868/usc-trojans-gene-chizik-randy-shannon-joe-barry-mark-banker-dewayne-walker">Pendergast figures to be one of several candidates</a> up for the job along with DeWayne Walker (New Mexico State), Joe Barry (San Diego linebackers coach who might be out of a job very soon if the Chargers overhaul their staff), Gene Chizik (recently fired by Auburn), Mark Banker (Oregon State D.C.) and others.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-coaches/2013/1/1/3824692/usc-trojans-defensive-coordinator-clancy-pendergastAvinash Kunnath2012-12-19T08:14:33-08:002012-12-19T08:14:33-08:00Who will the next USC defensive coordinator be?
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<figcaption>John Reed-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The USC Trojans defensive coordinator boards are lighting up with every possible candidate out there, but Lane Kiffin might really try to find someone that best fits his situation based on his up-and-down coaching status.</p> <p>Lane Kiffin is going to be the head coach of the USC Trojans in 2013. The big question is whether he'll be the head coach in 2014.</p>
<p>Considering USC might be in rebuilding mode after losing Matt Barkley and improvement is probably a prerequisite to returning.</p>
<p>So you can see why Kiffin would take his time to find the best potential defensive coordinator candidate possible. Monte Kiffin's poor defenses are a major part of the reason Lane is under fire right now, and he'll need to figure out what to do from here.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://usc.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1443240">Here are the candidates according to the USC Rivals hot board</a>.</p>
<p><b>Former head coaches who were defensive coordinators</b></p>
<p>Here are the names listed.</p>
<ul>
<li>Gene Chizik, ex-Auburn head coach</li>
<li>Randy Shannon, ex-Miami head coach, current TCU linebacker coach<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>I don't see Kiffin going after another head coach (aside from maybe Walker, who has been dreadful in New Mexico State) for his defensive coordinator. If the season goes south quickly, there will be too much temptation for USC to part with Kiffin early and get a coaching search underway as quickly as possible.</p>
<p>Chizik obviously has plenty of red flags from his time at Auburn (and his ending was anything but glorious), but USC would probably not mind testing him on an interim basis if needed. Almost immediately, Shannon would be circulated as a potential head coaching candidate if things didn't work out. That'd cause too much turmoil through the season, I doubt Kiffin will go this route.</p>
<p><b>Current or former Pac-12 defensive coordinators</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Justin Wilcox, Washington</li>
<li>Mark Banker, Oregon State</li>
<li>Derek Mason, Stanford<br>
</li>
<li>Clancy Pendergast, formerly at Cal</li>
<li>DeWayne Walker, New Mexico State head coach, formerly at UCLA<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>I find it hard to believe Wilcox and Mason will aim for a lateral move, and probably in a less favorable environment. The USC defensive coordinator will be quick to get sacked in a Lane Kiffin offense. Considering how high Wilcox's and Mason's stocks are, they might be happy where they are with solid pay and a potential shot at being a head coach in a year if they play their cards right.</p>
<p>Banker is an interesting name, and one USC should consider. Oregon State's defense have historically played USC's very tough, perhaps the toughest in the conference on a year-to-year basis. Also, with another dreaded USC visit to Corvallis this year, getting Banker away from the Beavers would be a huge coup. The question is whether Banker would be willing to live one of the most comfortable college football coaching spots in America for tougher waters.</p>
<p>Pendergast is a possibility, particularly considering the results he produced with USC's offense. The results he produced were pretty good at Cal, including having one of the top defenses in the conference his first two years. Considering the Bears had a pretty putrid offense for most of those three seasons, Pendergast definitely has the resume to reverse USC's defense quickly.</p>
<p>DeWayne Walker's name continues to be circulated. Walker seems to be interested in the job, and he definitely has a track record of solid defense at UCLA. However, he hasn't coached in the Pac-12 since 2008, and it's safe to say the conference has VASTLY changed since his time with the Bruins--nine teams have changed coaches and philosophies. His lack of familiarity with the new offenses could move him down the list.</p>
<p><b>Other</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Joe Barry, USC linebackers coach</li>
<li>Pete Kwiatkowski, Boise State defensive coordinator</li>
<li>Bob Shoop, Vanderbilt defensive coordinator<br>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Barry might just happen because Kiffin might just want someone he's familiar with. Obviously Barry hasn't impressed with the Chargers, but he did pretty good things with the Trojan linebacker corps last year and provides a familiar face. At times like this, familiarity could be important for a besieged head coach.</p>
<p>Kwiatkowski is an interesting name. Could he be the next Justin Wilcox? It'd definitely be an out-of-the-box hire for Kiffin.</p>
<p>I'd be hard-pressed to think Shoop will leave Vanderbilt, since the Commodores will probably match to keep the coaching staff intact.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/usc-trojans/2012/12/19/3783868/usc-trojans-gene-chizik-randy-shannon-joe-barry-mark-banker-dewayne-walkerAvinash Kunnath2012-12-13T04:55:44-08:002012-12-13T04:55:44-08:00Who will be USC's next defensive coordinator?
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<figcaption>Stephen Dunn</figcaption>
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<p>The USC Trojans could be going after Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker, as they also get Tee Martin back.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> have one of the premier coaching positions on the West Coast still wide open. Who wants to be the defensive coordinator for Lane Kiffin?</p>
<p>Lane's father Monte had all sorts of trouble with top talent and his USC teams got run over by the Oregons and Stanfords of the world. Whoever replaces Monte better have the necessary skills to handle offenses as diverse as those two.<br><br>One particularly coach who fills both bills: <a target="_blank" href="http://usc.247sports.com/Article/Is-Mark-Banker-the-top-candidate-to-replace-Monte-Kiffin-105499?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter">Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker. Scott Schrader of 247 Sports ($)</a> reports mutual interest between both parties.</p>
<p>Banker has a long and distinguished career in the Pac-12. His Beavers squads have given the Trojans trouble since 2006, notching three victories (and nearly a fourth) in five matchups. Oregon State generally also possesses one of the most well-coached units in the Pac-12, and has been a huge factor in the team's overall success.</p>
<p>However, USC might need to remember that Banker too struggled against Oregon and Stanford. The Beavers haven't beaten either team since 2009 (and it's been three months since he's matched up with the Ducks).</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-coaches/2012/12/3/3721162/usc-trojans-gene-chizik-ed-orgeron-joe-barry-clancy-pendergast-randy-shannon-dewayne-walker">Banker is one of the many candidates being circulated for the position</a>. Gene Chizik and Dewayne Walker are also considered possibilities, as are several other prominent coordinators around the country.</p>
<p>Meanwhile,<a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/los-angeles/college-football/story/_/id/8738461/tee-martin-remain-assistant-coach-usc-trojans"> the power of Kiffin remains strong</a>, as he holds onto wide receivers coach <a target="_blank" href="http://pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-coaches/2012/12/8/3742902/usc-coaching-rumors-tennessee-talking-to-tee-martin">Tee Martin</a>, who Tennessee head coach Butch Jones was fervently chasing. It's not like Tennessee fans didn't need more reasons to hate Lane.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-coaches/2012/12/13/3762024/usc-trojans-mark-banker-tee-martinAvinash Kunnath2012-12-05T10:09:42-08:002012-12-05T10:09:42-08:00Our Pac-12 offensive player of the year is...
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<figcaption>Robert Laberge</figcaption>
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<p>Marqise Lee was the pick by the Pac-12 for the offensive player of the year. The USC Trojans wide receiver got most of our votes too. How could he get a Heisman snub?</p> <p><b>Who is your Pac-12 Offensive Player Of The Year and why?</b></p>
<p><b>Avinash Kunnath, <a href="http://www.pacifictakes.com">Pacific Takes </a>& <a href="http://www.californiagoldenblogs.com">California Golden Blogs</a></b>: Marqise Lee. He compiled an astounding 300 all-purpose yards per game the final five games of 2012, and Oregon, Notre Dame and ASU don't have slouch defenses either! It's kind of remarkable that USC went 1-4 through that stretch despite the individual brilliance of Lee; if they'd won two or three more of those games, he'd probably be heading home with Heisman hardware.</p>
<p><b>Jack Follman, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pacifictakes.com">Pacific Takes</a>:</b> Kenjon Barner. I know that a lot of what Barner does have to do with Oregon's system, but you can't punish a guy for that. Barner was the best player on the best team in the conference and he probably had the performance of the year in the conference against USC. Barner also was extremely valuable to the Ducks as I don't think they had anyone else to fill his "every down" back as <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136017/de-anthony-thomas">De'Anthony Thomas</a> simply isn't big enough to be that guy and I don't think <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162589/byron-marshall">Byron Marshall</a> was ready.<br><br><b>Ryan Rosenblatt,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.bruinsnation.com"> Bruins Nation</a>: </b>Marqise Lee. If I have to justify this pick to you then I don't care much if you agree with me. Seriously, he was like a video game.<br><br><b>Brad Denny, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.houseofsparky.com">House of Sparky</a>:</b> Hands down, it's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a>. Watching him go to work was like unleashing Bo Jackson on my friends in Tecmo Super Bowl. He simply operates at a different level than the other 21 people on the field.<br><br><b>Kevin Zimmerman, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.azdesertswarm.com">Arizona Desert Swarm</a>: </b>No way you can argue against Marqise Lee. There's no player in my recent memory that made an opponent look like they were running in slow-mo. The ease at which he did everything, in a weird way, made it look rather surprising to see how many yards he'd pile up by the end of each game.<br><br><b>Sean Reynolds, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blocku.com">Block U</a>: </b>Marqise Lee. The dude is phenomenal. It's just a shame USC couldn't get more leverage out of his talent. <br><br><b>Michael Preston,<a target="_blank" href="http://www.cougcenter.com"> CougCenter</a>:</b> Marquess Wilson. Whoops, got my Marquesses mixed up. Marqise Lee has to be the pick. I don't know if I've ever seen a more talented, dynamic and dangerous (to the other team that is) receiver than Lee. <br><b><br><span class="sbn-auto-link">Adam Butler</span>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.pacifictakes.com">Pacific Takes</a> & <a href="http://pachoops.com">Pac Hoops</a></b>: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135340/ka-deem-carey">Ka'Deem Carey</a> pieced together a tremendous year and I'll give him my Offensive Player of the Year award. No doubt Marqise Lee was terrific and equally deserving the award but I really like the way Carey emerged as his team needed him. OK, I know it was CU, but he blew up when Arizona was being led by their backup quarterback and Carey rose to the occasion. I dig that. And no, I wouldn't award him this simply because of an epic game against Colorado. No, he finished as the nation's second leading rusher and compiled the eighth most TDs. The body of work speaks for itself.<br><br><b>Scott Allen, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ruleoftree.com">Rule of Tree</a>: </b>Marqise Lee. Just imagine how even more ridiculous his numbers would be if he didn't have <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> throwing him the ball all season. Kidding. Sort of. Lee probably should've been invited to the Heisman ceremony<b>.</b></p>
<p><b>David Piper, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.addictedtoquack.com">Addicted to Quack</a>:</b> Marqise Lee. The numbers speak for themselves. Absolutely silly numbers.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football/2012/12/5/3731606/marqise-lee-usc-trojans-heisman-trophy-snub-kenjon-barner-kadeem-careyAvinash Kunnath2012-12-03T07:01:38-08:002012-12-03T07:01:38-08:00Who are the USC defensive coordinator candidates?
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<figcaption>John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The USC Trojans are considering candidates like fired Auburn head coach Gene Chizik, recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron, former linebacker coach Joe Barry, and Miami defensive coordinator Randy Shannon.</p> <p>Gene Chizik had a tough finish to his time at Auburn, but he will probably find himself work soon as a coordinator. One possibility might be the open USC defensive coordinator position.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>ESPNLA Radio is reporting Gene Chizik may be a candidate for the DC position at USC. I'd call that a step up the ladder.</p>
— Maggie (@maggiethecat27) <a href="https://twitter.com/maggiethecat27/status/274643979960725504" data-datetime="2012-11-30T22:40:02+00:00">November 30, 2012</a>
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<p>Although Chizik struggled as a head coach at Iowa State and Auburn, he's always been a first-rate defensive mind. His defenses at Auburn helped lead the Tigers to two national championship, and he was part of the Texas staff that beat USC (admittedly, it was a game without much defense) in the 2006 Rose Bowl game.</p>
<p>What might really help Chizik to earn a job at USC is his relationship with the recently departed defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin. When Chizik was the defensive coordinator at UCF back in the late 90s, he studied Kiffin's schemes throughly with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a result of his studies, Chizik runs many of the similar schemes with his defense as Kiffin did. Obviously there's probably some apprehension as to whether keeping these schemes is a good idea given how poorly they performed against schools like Arizona, Oregon and UCLA, but Chizik has had a more distinguished defensive record.</p>
<p>More USC coaching candidate search news.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Ed Orgeron, Joe Barry, Gene Chizik, Clancy Pendergast, Randy Shannon and Dewayne Walker are current names for USC defensive coordinator</p>
— InsideUSC (@InsideUSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/InsideUSC/status/274383919523196928" data-datetime="2012-11-30T05:26:38+00:00">November 30, 2012</a>
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<p>Oregeron is the defensive line coach and (more importantly) the recruiting coordinator in charge of USC's number one recruiting class. Promoting him may be just what USC needs to ensure that he stays with the program for the long haul. The biggest issue is that Orgeron doesn't have defensive coordinating experience.<br><br>Barry is the currently linebackers coach for the San Diego Chargers, but he was on Kiffin's staff the previous two seasons as the linebacker coach. Barry does have two years of defensive coordinating experinece with the Lions in 2007-08.<br><br>Pendergast has been Cal's defensive coordinator the past three seasons. The Bears had solid defenses in 2010 and 2011 before falling back a few steps in 2012. He was the defensive coordinator with the Chiefs in 2009 and the Cardinals from 2004 to 2008. His NFL defenses struggled, but Arizona did get to the Super Bowl in his final season (he was fired after the Super Bowl though).<br><br>Shannon was the defensive coordinator for the University of Miami from 2001-2005, and was in charge of one of the greatest defenses in college football history. Although he struggled as a head coach, Shannon's defenses were some of the best in the country, finishing in the top seven in total defense five of six years as the U's defensive coordinator. He would be a pretty good fit as someone who knows how to handle overwhelming talent.<br><br>Walker is most familiar to USC fans for one thing: "13-9". Walker has been pretty terrible at New Mexico State the past four seasons as their head coach, but he has coached at USC before as their defensive backs coach.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/12/1/3714202/monte-kiffin-says-he-wasnt-pushed-out">Paragon SC of Conquest Chronicles discusses Kiffin</a>.</p>
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<p>Everyone was screaming for Monte's head. His defense just isn't suited for the college game and it was clear USC's defense just wasn't coached up. It has been rumored that Joe Barry left for the NFL because of Monte's pigheadedness. The other rumor is that Ed O. was growing tired of Monte not listening to his assistants.</p>
<p>At this point I don't care. I just want the team to get better. It is frustrating to see Junior turn his team around across town after one year and look over on our sidelines and see Kiffin regress or not progress after three years...especially when we it is clear USC has much better talent.</p>
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https://www.pacifictakes.com/pac-12-football-coaches/2012/12/3/3721162/usc-trojans-gene-chizik-ed-orgeron-joe-barry-clancy-pendergast-randy-shannon-dewayne-walkerAvinash Kunnath2012-11-26T03:00:23-08:002012-11-26T03:00:23-08:00Lane Kiffin lets USC down against Notre Dame
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<figcaption>Spin that playcard Lane | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/11/24/3687420/lane-kiffins-spinning-play-sheet-dot-gif">SB Nation/ESPN</a></figcaption>
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<p>Lane Kiffin has a lot of playcard spinning to do this season after the USC Trojans wrapped up a colossally disappointing 7-5 season with a loss to Notre Dame.</p> <p><b>1. It's going to be a long offseason for Lane Kiffin.</b></p>
<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> went from being the preseason national title favorites to losing four of their final five games, conceding their two biggest rivalry games and getting toasted on multiple occasions. USC got shut down by Stanford. They could not come close to shutting down Oregon. They spotted 24 points to UCLA and blew a two touchdown second half lead to Arizona. And they almost never, ever scored in the third quarter (<a target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/insidetroy/status/272582491972448256">they outscored two of 12 teams in the third quarter this season</a>).</p>
<p>The final game against Notre Dame seemed like an ode to Kiffin's adaptation as the de facto offensive coordinator. Once USC ran the football successfully, they decided to throw. They called timeouts to set up a play to run the ball up the middle and throw what looked like a seam route to beyond the end zone. And of course there is that epic three minute drill the Trojans ran from their own goal-line, capped off by the dumbest of dumb 4th and goal playcalls you'll ever see. </p>
<p>Kiffin obviously was working without Matt Barkley, who could have made a decent difference in this one. But USC still had plenty of chances to take this one, and Kiffin never really put his team in a position where they could win. </p>
<p><b>2. USC fan reaction: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/24/3687472/lane-kiffin-sells-his-team-short-in-the-loss-to-notre-dame">ParagonSC of Conquest Chronicles talked about Kiffin's blunder</a>.</p>
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<p>Once again, this is all on Lane Kiffin.</p>
<p>We knew what we were getting with Monte, we have seen that all season. But Kiffin, once again folded like a cheap suit.</p>
<p>No Adjustments, poor clock management...and those play calls with USC on the 1-yard line.</p>
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<p><b>3. USC fan reaction II: </b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/11/25/3687964/kiffins-video-game">Paragon isn't done</a>!</p>
<p> </p>
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<p>I remember <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley's</a> comments earlier in the season about<a target="_blank" href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/2012/8/3/3218689/barkley-on-sluggo-win"> Kiffin treating the play calling like a video game</a>.</p>
<p>Matt was right, it is a video game because Kiffin has no sense of reality in his play calling.</p>
<p>I mean, really? Did Kiffin not watch any film of ND? Did he not see how ND stuffs the run inside like they did against Stanford?</p>
<p>It really does look like a video game out there.</p>
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<p><b>4. Notre Dame fan reaction:</b> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.onefootdown.com/2012/11/25/3687520/notre-dame-vs-usc-invictus">Mouth of the South talked about the Irish defense on One Foot Down.</a></p>
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<p>Defense. Five stops inside the four yard line. 167 yards and one touchdown for the best receiving duo in the country. Yet another opponent held to their season low point total. And a two-score win over SC. I cannot say enough about this defense. Bring the hammer to the SEC, boys.</p>
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<p><b>5. The perplexing status of Lane Kiffin</b>, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/college/usc/la-sp-1125-plaschke-usc-notre-dame-20121125,0,7674446.column">via Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>The only Trojan who truly sprinted off the field was Kiffin. But one person he apparently will not have to avoid is Athletic Director Pat Haden, who last week told me, in this column, that he is backing Kiffin "150%."<br><br> Considering that Kiffin has led the team to four losses in its last five games — including the unthinkable double defeats to UCLA and Notre Dame — this decision will continue to puzzle many fans, who walked away Saturday night thinking mostly about those eight snaps.<br><br> "You'd like to think that that many snaps, you could score a touchdown," Kiffin said.<br><br> You'd like to think that with this much talent, USC would not be 7-5.</p>
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<p><b>5. Could this be the final game for Dad?</b> Lane is almost certain to be back, but I'm pretty sure the Trojan fanbase will revolt if he brings back Monte Kiffin. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ocregister.com/sports/usc-378681-kiffin-notre.html">Rich Hammond of the Orange County Register has more</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Bet on changes being made. Notre Dame's offense, not exactly considered a dynamic unit, put up 439 yards on USC, which did not force a turnover. The Trojans' defense started slow, as has been its habit in many games this season and USC was unable to completely rally from a 10-0 first-quarter deficit.</p>
<p>The smart money is that Kiffin's father, Monte, the assistant head coach and architect of the defense, will either retire or take a different job that doesn't directly involve coaching. Monte Kiffin turns 73 in February and teams, either with spread or conventional offenses, often moved the ball with ease against USC.</p>
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<p><b>6.</b> <b>GIF of the week (click on photo to view)<br></b></p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1318891/matt-barkley.gif"><img alt="Matt-barkley_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1318891/matt-barkley_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Barkley be like "GTFO."</p>
<p><b>7. Image of the week</b> (<a target="_blank" href="http://30fps.mocksession.com/2012/11/24/kiffykins-derpface-4/">via Mocksession</a>)</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1318873/2012-November-24-20-35-38.jpg"><img alt="2012-november-24-20-35-38_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1318873/2012-November-24-20-35-38_medium.jpg"></a><b></b></p>
<p><b>8. Video highlights, </b>with a progressive tilt toward Notre Dame for some reason. Did they do something important?</p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oZal0pZgwsU" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><b>9. Stat of the game? </b>Down ten points with six minutes left, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/13qyrt/it_took_3_minutes_and_12_seconds_of_game_time_for/">it took three minutes for USC to run eight plays from the two-yard line and end up with no touchdown</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://imgur.com/zTFFs"><img src="http://i.imgur.com/zTFFs.jpg?1" title="Hosted by imgur.com" width="400"></a></p>
<p><b>10. What's the opposite of the Bush Push? </b>Let's see, it's 4th and goal. USC could kick the field goal here and still have a decent chance at coming back, while missing here essentially ends the game. However, Kiffin seemed determined to do easy things the hard way.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://%20http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2012/11/24/3687470/notre-dame-vs-usc-final-score-national-championship">How about ordering up a 4th and goal playaction pass to a fullback who struggles to catch passes</a>?</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1318897/uscnope_medium.gif"><img alt="Uscnope_medium_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1318897/uscnope_medium_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p><b>11. <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/usc/post/_/id/15819/in-the-end-wittek-is-the-bright-spot">Max Wittek at least showed promise</a>,</b> and looking ahead for USC, he'll have to be part of the solution.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Wittek completed 14 of his 23 passes for 186 yards. He threw for a touchdown, and he tossed two interceptions (only one of which was truly a mistake). Those certainly aren’t spectacular numbers, but, under the circumstances, this was a performance that suggested more promise than peril for this program. <br><br>When it was over, Barkley, whom Wittek has known for about six years, put his arm around his understudy and told him how proud he was. <br><br>"I don’t regret anything at all," Wittek said. "Obviously, the circumstances of Matt not being able to play in the game is what really sucks about it."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>12. Unfinished business. </b><a target="_blank" href="http://losangeles.sbnation.com/2012/11/25/3690582/bowl-projections-2012-usc-sun-bowl-virginia-tech">USC now gets a great shot to win the first ever Sun Bowl in team history</a>.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Sun Bowl expects to have choice of four 7-5 Pac12 teams: USC, Washington, Arizona & ASU. USC has name power, Arizona schools proximity.</p>
— Doug Haller (@DougHaller) <a href="https://twitter.com/DougHaller/status/272855936450826240" data-datetime="2012-11-26T00:14:59+00:00">November 26, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Dear Sun Bowl: USC fans are not going to El Paso. Sorry. We will watch it at home.</p>
— Oliver Twist (@FightOnTwist) <a href="https://twitter.com/FightOnTwist/status/272900625094807552" data-datetime="2012-11-26T03:12:33+00:00">November 26, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>USC might be coming to the Sun Bowl! How Cool! 😍 Well, no for them...but for me! 😁🏈</p>
— Uriel Springsteen (@BlindNerd) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlindNerd/status/272924937788981248" data-datetime="2012-11-26T04:49:10+00:00">November 26, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Just so everyone sees what happened this year, @<a href="https://twitter.com/lane_kiffin">lane_kiffin</a> took a team with National Championship talent to the Sun Bowl. Impressive. <a href="https://twitter.com/search/%23USC">#USC</a></p>
— Vacant Pants (@Vacant_Pants) <a href="https://twitter.com/Vacant_Pants/status/272557091758145536" data-datetime="2012-11-25T04:27:29+00:00">November 25, 2012</a>
</blockquote>
<p>
<script src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/usc-trojans/2012/11/26/3687640/usc-vs-notre-dame-12-pac-edition-lane-kiffin-lets-trojans-down-againAvinash Kunnath2012-11-24T04:39:01-08:002012-11-24T04:39:01-08:00USC to play spoiler to Notre Dame title hopes
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_jZvRwmRI7D1ee78mG4bWGUnqIY=/0x76:819x622/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3810115/129991138.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The USC Trojans have nothing left to play for this regular season other than the chance to play spoiler to the title hopes of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.</p> <p><b>What are the matchups you consider the keys to victory against Notre Dame? Who has to step up and what will be the biggest factors in an upset win? And what's your score prediction?</b></p>
<p><b>DC Trojan, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a></b> - Last week I said that if SC could pick on UCLA's secondary, they had a chance... and despite racking up yards, SC still lost. So I'm leery of making the same observation about Notre Dame. The answer to the question of "who has to step up" is everyone. If the offensive line gets it together, the coaches find ways to get Wittek yards early, and the defense holds serve, the game could be competitive at least. I don't really believe that will be the case, and expect Notre Dame to win (while hoping for an upset). I'm not predicting the score, because I have literally no idea of how to guess at it.</p>
<p><b>Michael Castillo, <a href="http://www.reignoftroy.com">Reign Of Troy</a>: </b>The biggest matchup has to be the Trojans' offensive line and against Notre Dame's front seven, solely because it's the one area that should decide the game without question. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84675/tyler-eifert">Tyler Eifert</a> will have a big day, the Trojans' defensive line will have another solid performance and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a> will be Marqise Lee. However, if the Trojans want to win the game, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161046/max-tuerk">Max Tuerk</a> and/or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136379/aundrey-walker">Aundrey Walker</a> have to improve him last week's performance when Walker let Anthony Barr through the backdoor to knock out Barkley. In the end, the Trojans will score some points, they'll contain <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/133679/everett-golson">Everett Golson</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/161052/morgan-breslin">Morgan Breslin</a> will have another big day. Trojans win and hopefully it coincides with a Florida loss so two Pac-12 teams can get into the BCS, with Oregon punching a ticket to Miami. USC 27, Notre Dame 23.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/usc-trojans/2012/11/24/3684858/usc-notre-dame-preview-score-picks-predictionsAvinash Kunnath2012-11-23T05:39:10-08:002012-11-23T05:39:10-08:00USC tries to survive without Matt Barkley
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ss8xZ3w4cBOmxMGB4agJYVBo7hM=/0x183:4000x2850/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/3763269/156602067.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Harry How</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The USC Trojans prepare to do battle with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Will head coach Lane Kiffin survive? Can Max Wittek replace Matt Barkley?</p> <p><b>Pat Haden said Lane Kiffin is coming back. What are your thoughts on that decision?</b></p>
<p>Trevor Wong, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a> - I'm a little surprised Pat Haden acknowledged Lane Kiffin would be back next year right after the game, but regarding the decision, I don't necessarily agree with it. Something needs to change at the top, whether that be letting go of his dad, Monte Kiffin, or relieving Lane of his duties. Clearly, the team has underachieved all season long, and I didn't really see any type of progression or development on either side of the ball. All of that falls on the coaches. <br><br>DC Trojan, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a> - I don't think that Haden could say anything else in the immediate aftermath of the game without looking like he was over-reacting and / or abandoning the positive things he's said about Kiffin. Before this weekend, I'd have been okay with keeping Kiffin and making changes around him. Now, there's just that hint of doubt that he can evolve into what I think he needs to be - more inspirational, less of a technician with players, for the most part - in order to weather 2 more seasons of reduced scholarships and a lot of improvement in the conference.</p>
<p>Michael Castillo, <a target="_blank" href="http://reignoftroy.com">Reign Of Troy</a>: Haden's hands are tied. Kiffin has to go, he's just not the guy for the job. But, with recruiting limitations, the Trojans can't afford to start losing an arms race with UCLA, Oregon and Arizona. They have to recruit at the best level possible, and right now that only happens with both Kiffin and Ed Orgeron on staff at the same time. Haden needs to duct tape the situation and force Kiffin to bring in two new coordinators and hope for the best in 2013, especially since the schedule couldn't be more advantageous: no Oregon; UCLA, Arizona and Stanford all come to the Coliseum.</p>
<p><b>How will you remember the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> era? What do you think about <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136352/max-wittek">Max Wittek's</a> chances against Notre Dame?</b><br><br>DC Trojan, <a href="http://www.conquestchronicles.com/">Conquest Chronicles</a> - With some fondness. I'm pretty cynical about college football, but I don't get the impression that Matt Barkley is. He took on being an adult face to the program when the coaching and athletic department were flailing around, and his reward for jumping in with both feet to the publicity campaign surrounding a senior year he didn't really need to play... well, damage to his reputation as a player, being a figure of mockery, and finishing out the season from a clean but hard hit that his line never saw coming, before the season was up. I appreciate that Barkley did that because he believed in the school and in leading by example, and that he never took the smoother path of just leaving when he had the chance(s). <br><br>As for Wittek, I don't know. Word is that he might be a better quarterback in terms of mechanics, but he's still shiny and new, and it's hard to imagine that Notre Dame is going to change their likely plans of applying pressure to force mistakes. Given that, and their defensive front against our porous offensive line, it could get ugly fast.</p>
<p>Michael Castillo, <a target="_blank" href="http://reignoftroy.com">Reign Of Troy</a>: Barkley's era will probably end up being glorified for his loyalty, but it should still be remembered for what could have been, much like John David Booty's tenure. He's the most prolific high-profile quarterback the west coast has ever had and yet he'll go down as finishing his career with two low rung bowls. Even with sanctions, that's not exactly historic. He's only won one close game in the fourth quarter and that was his second career start, on the backs of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9520/joe-mcknight">Joe McKnight</a> and Stafon Johnson. Expectations were high, but in the end the results just weren't there. As for Wittek, he has a great chance since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136355/marqise-lee">Marqise Lee</a> and Robert Woods will be available to catch his balls. Yes, Notre Dame is a tough defense and he'll be under pressure all night, but he's got the arm to lead his speedy receivers on deep routes and don't be surprised if a few break away passes give the Trojans momentum.</p>
https://www.pacifictakes.com/usc-trojans/2012/11/23/3681594/usc-notre-dame-lane-kiffin-matt-barkley-max-wittekAvinash Kunnath