Stories about USC
USC Sanctions a Big Deal Too 3 comments
Husker fans have got many months to chew on the implications and the future of Nebraska in the Big Ten. But to some degree, that made NU fans overlook the otherwise huge story at Southern Cal. There's been a lot of talk in recent years that the NCAA didn't have the stomach to truly punish big-time football programs (particularly in big markets) because the lost dollars would be too great. Which is why what USC received might be considered the maximum penalty in the modern NCAA for a number of rules violations and a lack of institutional control. USC's transgressions may well have been on par with SMU's in the early 1980's. But instead of the death penalty, USC gets a major rebuilding project.
Carroll Nukes Two Programs 28 comments
If there was any surer sign that we're entering a new decade, just look at what remains of the top programs of this past decade. The Oklahoma Sooners opened the decade with a national championship and then played for three more. They finished with their worst win-loss record since 1999. Miami won a title a year later and looked like one of the best teams of all time. They finish the decade striving to become relevant again. Florida won two national titles but now experiences some uncertainty over the health of their head coach. USC appeared to have a dynasty in the making under Pete Carroll and now he appears to be exiting ahead of a Reggie Bush deposition. In the process, he managed to take Tennessee down with him too.
Pipe Down Back There 30 comments
No Husker fan walked away happy with what they saw against USC Saturday night. The Huskers could neither run the ball nor stop the run – two pretty big keys to winning football games. But the Huskers were facing the top-ranked team in the country. How did Florida look against Nebraska in the 1996 Fiesta Bowl or Tennessee against Nebraska in the 1998 Orange Bowl? A lot like Nebraska did two nights ago. Each team went on to win a national championship the following season. Losing badly to a great team does not spell the end of a program.
Blowout Loss In the Light of Morning 17 comments
I held off posting my reaction to NU blowout home loss to USC last night, because I was afraid I might say something rash, or that I might regret. Make no mistake, watching NU get wholloped at home creates a sickening feeling and it is not one I ever intend to get used to. That being said, I don't want this forum to turn in to one that makes a tough situation worse. There is plenty of well-earned criticism that is sure to come to NU this week. But, NU played a very tough opponent last night, and the sun rose in the morning. Hopefully, a shower and my morning coffee have taken the venom from my impressions of this game, and the observations that follow can be useful.
Trojans Trample Huskers 8 comments
In a game where much of the college football watching world tuned in to watch, there was not too much competitive football to be seen in the second half of USC's game with Nebraska. The Trojans struck early for a lead. They also responded to 10 unanswered points by Nebraska with 35 more of their own to push their advantage to 42-10. Nebraska showed good heart in never giving up and scoring 21 4th-quarter points. But that was far too little, far too late for NU. The top-ranked Trojan's looked every bit as good as they were billed to be, and prevailed 49-31.
How NU Can Beat USC 5 comments
I only got about three hours of sleep last night. The conditions that caused the sleep deprivation are inconsequential. Their effect, however, is momentous. In this sleep-deprived, caffeine-fueled state of being, I had a vision for Saturday. I discovered how Nebraska can beat the vaunted USC Trojans. What once seemed completely implausible became evident. What was only theoretical is now a practical call for action. Read on to discover the secret to victory.
A Return to Relevance 15 comments
In today's world of sports media hype and hyperbole, some may say it is safer for a team's chances (and healthier to their psyche) to stay out of the hot light of public scrutiny. But, you can also argue that it is worse to be out of the national consciousness entirely. And, in the case of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the relative irrelevance of recent years has significant sting having been one of the most significant sports teams of the 1990s. In my mind, that is what makes Saturdays NU game against USC important regardless of the on-the-field outcome. Nebraska is relevant again. They are worth pointing the camera at. College Game Day is coming to our city. It is a time for the Huskers to start being a big part of the conversation for people living outside of just "Husker Nation".
2007 Opponent Preview…USC 25 comments
You've got to beat the best to be the best. That's a saying in sports that goes back as far as anyone can remember. It's been especially true in college football. In 2005, Texas beat #1 USC to win the national championship. In 2002 it was Ohio State over Miami. This year the consensus going into the season is that USC is the best team in the country. If Nebraska were to take out the Trojans in week 3 (and assuming the Huskers were unbeaten prior to the game) the Huskers could well assume the top spot in the country and might be favored in each of their remaining games until they lose.
Nebraska and USC To Tussle in Prime Time 0 comments
For the second straight year, Nebraska and USC will square off in prime time, as ABC just announced that the Huskers and Trojans will be a part of their Saturday Night Football lineup on September 15th. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. central time, and be carried nationally. This announcement must be music to Husker fans' ears, for many reasons.
Nonconference Classes of 2007: USC 1 comment
The Trojans pulled in a recruiting class that even the Longhorns might like to have. Five of them were the top recruit according to Rivals.com or Scout.com. Ten of the eighteen recruits received a five-star rating from Scout. Six of the remaining eight players received a four-star rating from either Rivals or Scout.
Dwayne Jarrett’s Departure Greatly Improves NU’s Chances in 2007 6 comments
It's hard to think of a single player that did more to hurt the Huskers in 2007 than USC wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett. Jarrett had 11 catches for 136 yards and two touchdowns for the Trojans in the 28-10 Southern Cal victory. In addition to the two scores, Jarrett caught a 21-yard pass on third and twenty to set up a Steve Smith touchdown catch and later converted a third down with a 14-yard catch and set up a third and short with a 19-yard grab on second and twenty that became a Chauncey Washington touchdown run on third and one.
Notable Quotables from USC-Nebraska 3 comments
Folks had a lot to say following Nebraska's loss to USC. Here are some selected quotes from players, coaches and fans.
Let the Second Guessing Begin 10 comments
Husker fans will no doubt take issue with the fact that Nebraska only threw 17 passes in its 28-10 defeat at the hands of USC. Surely, with only a meager 2 yard rushing average the Huskers could have thrown more, especially when they averaged about 6 yards per passing attempt.
Of course, that assumes a couple of things. First, that the Huskers would have continued to average six yards per pass and that they would not have turned the ball over if they'd passed more. It would also ignore the lessons of the USC-Arkansas contest where the Razorbacks threw 32 passes and watched the Trojans turn three interceptions into 21 points. The Trojans have been extremely opportunistic in 2006, turning every turnover into points. The Huskers survived two near turnovers on pass plays. First, an apparent Taylor fumble was returned for a touchdown. Thankfully, Taylor was ruled down. Later, a Trojan penalty spared Taylor a fumble in the red zone, also on a play that was designed as a pass.
USC - Nebraska Game Day! 2 comments
Enough talk. It's Husker game day!
You probably have a few questions that need answering prior to kickoff. Like...
What time is kickoff? What channel is it on? Where can I find the game on the radio? Can I listen live on satelite radio or the internet? Where are the depth charts? What is the press saying about the game? What do USC bloggers think? How can I get a date with a USC Song Girl?
It's all there, on the USC Game Day page. (Well, all except that last one. But to make up for it, we'll throw in the weather report!)
There are a lot of other interesting games to keep an eye one before the Huskers kickoff tonight. Here's what we'll be watching:
A Team in Turmoil? 3 comments
How quickly things change. Two days ago, the Trojans were anywhere from an 18 to 19 point favorite over Nebraska. Now, amid allegations that Reggie Bush received improper benefits, the line has already moved down to 17.5. The betting public has spoken - this is not good for Southern Cal.
The Injury Factor 0 comments
I was reviewing USC's roster and depth chart (again). And, as I've noted in the past, I'm impressed with their overall talent level. But, the two recent injuries on the defensive side of the ball prompted me to issue this reality check for the USC fans issuing predictions along the lines of a 42-10 USC win. Losing two defensive starters hurts. I don't care who you are. And, if Husker fans are going to bemoan the match up problems created by cornerback Zackary Bowman's injury, we might as well look at how USC's injuries might help NU.
Are you going to miss the USC game? 0 comments
I don't have to tell you that tomorrow's game against USC is B-I-G. It is so big, that ESPN is filming Game Day in the Coliseum parking lot and ABC is showing the game nation-wide during prime time. Everyone will be watching. Everyone, except you.
Your wife's cousin has a wedding Saturday. Poor schmuck. Well, we are here to help.
If you or someone you know is going to miss the game for any reason, give us a shout. We might just have a way for you to keep an eye on the game, even if you're not in front of your TV or computer. Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for details.
The Last Upset? 0 comments
The Huskers go into the USC contest as a heavy underdog, just as they did versus Colorado and Michigan last season. But if the Huskers win this game, they would likely be favored in every contest going forward.
Travelers Guide to L.A. 0 comments
With the influx of Husker fans expected at the Coliseum Saturday, we asked a few USC bloggers for tips on getting around L.A. on game day. Trojan Wire came through big time with this interactive map that highlights must-visit restaurants, bars and other points of interest in the Los Angeles area. (See below.)
Q&A with USC 0 comments
To get more of an insider's view of the USC program, we had a Q&A with Trojan blogger Jim Wyzard at Conquest Chronicles.
Jim also had some questions about the Cornhuskers for us and fellow Husker blog Corn Nation. You can find our responses over at Conquest Chronicles.
Big Red Network: What is your biggest concern as a USC fan going into this game?
Conquest Chronicles: The secondary, we have a lot of new faces back there and the recent loss of safety Josh Pinkard due to injury takes a lot of experience away. While it's not really a weakness, I would also like us to settle our running back situation. I realize it's a good problem to have with all depth that SC has stocked but I will feel better when it's all settled and someone separates himself from the pack.
Sizing Up USC 0 comments
As is weekly tradition, I compared the USC depth chart to Nebraska's looking for size mismatches. Against Nicholls State, the Huskers were bigger across the board. This week, sadly the Huskers are on the short end.
All About Andre 6 comments
As a Husker fan, this week's comments by Andre Jones made me absolutely cringe. Specifically, NU's starting cornerback opened his yap and said - “When we beat USC, this is going to slingshot our whole season, we're ready to go in there and show the world that Nebraska's back on top - that the order is restored.�
Hearing it made many things spring to mind, but mostly the ignorance and brashness of youth, how this could have come out, the speed with which these things travel, and the potential for Mr. Jones to occupy a special place in my heart, one way or another.
Did You Drink The Kool Aid? 6 comments
"Did you drink the Kool-Aid?" It's a question, along with some variants ("He didn't drink the Kool-Aid", "Don't drink the Kool-Aid") that I'm hearing more and more these days. It's popping up everywhere from corporate in-speak to political talk radio. I hear it most often in the context of college football.
If somebody really likes a team or a pick, then they "drank the Kool-Aid". I get that it is a catchy metaphor for complete commitment. In fact, it may even surpass "I'm all in", as the buzz phrase of the day if the poker craze ever wears thin. But, when you stop and consider the context of that phrase for a second, it really is inappropriate or concerning. And, that concern may never be greater than during this week, when more and more Husker fans gulp the Kool-Aid liberally, believing NU has a chance to beat USC.
ESPN College GameDay in LA! 5 comments
As if Husker fans needed another reason to be excited about Saturday, it is now confirmed that the ESPN College GameDay crew will be in Los Angeles for the game between USC and NU. So, Husker fans making the trip will get to gander at Chris Fowler, the "dreamy" Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso and his infamous prediction-making headwear. Beyond that, there is good reason for Husker fans to be excited (and a little nervous) about this development.
Is USC ‘06 Like NU ‘96? 1 comment
Previewing USC
Like many people, I tend to view the world though the lens of my own experience. Call it perception. Call it bias. Whatever. But, as I consider NU's upcoming opponents, I end up comparing them to the Husker teams I'm familiar with. The more I consider Southern Cal's team this year, the more they remind me of the '96 Huskers -- replacing their well-known players during the midst of a spectacular national run, but remaining ultra-talented at many other spots on the roster. Does this bode well for NU as they prepare to square off with the Trojans in September? Can NU do what Arizona State did in 1996? Can I ever believe I just wrote that?
Most Anticipated, Least Important 0 comments
Count me among the Nebraska fans that are psyched that Nebraska will play USC this fall. The Huskers may be catching the Trojans at just the right time as they lost a ton to graduation and have been struggling with injuries (among other things) throughout the off-season. With all the hype surrounding USC the past 3 seasons, nothing would seem more thrilling than watching the Huskers pound the Trojans in their stadium.
But what exactly is on the line?
USC Game—Mind the Time 1 comment
ABC announced a 7:00 p.m. Central, 5:00 p.m. Pacific kick-off time for the NU/USC game in Los Angeles. Is this a seemingly trivial piece of information, or something fans should take note of? I put it in the latter of the two categories for a few reasons. It's great news for Husker fans and others across the country. And, it is a reasonable time for the Husker team to manage, physiologically.
Will Bush Controversy Lead to End of the USC Dynasty? 0 comments
We've all heard it said about great programs before, they don't rebuild - they reload. USC in recent years has been a clear example of that. Last season, it almost appeared they didn't really start recruiting until December and in the span of about 10 weeks landed the #1 recruiting class according to Rivals.com. That's not just reloading, that's reloading with ease. But things change fast in college football.
College football history is littered with example of programs winning at a very high level, then going on probation and falling apart. Oklahoma floundered for a decade after Switzer resigned and the program was placed on 3 years' probation. Miami went from winning 4 national championships in 9 seasons to going five seasons of winning fewer than ten games. Colorado's recent scandals appear to have the Buffaloes headed to mediocrity as they've failed to put together a top 40 recruiting class in each of the last three seasons.
Could the Reggie Bush situation mean the same for USC?
SoCal Spasms? 0 comments
To say I'm looking at the development of USC's new quarterback with some interest would be a vast understatement.
So, recent news that one of the candidates to replace golden boy Matt Leinhart is having back trouble really gets me thinking.
More Questions Than Answers for USC After Spring Game 0 comments
There are more questions than answers for USC fans after Sunday's "Spring Huddle" scrimmage, according to one USC blogger.