Spicy McHaggis

Despite the previous posts, Chris Rix is actually very good in the booth. He used to do a lot of high school games on Fox sports West, and he was better as an analyst than anyone they've had in awhile. Unfortunately, he didn't have the seniority, so he'd get put on the sidelines a lot... where he obviously is not very good. When he first started I felt the same way, but he won me over. And, if you think about it you don't necessarily have to have a great playing career to be able to talk about the sport. A lot of people can have great knowledge of x's & o's without the athletic ability. Granted, Rix did have talent but even though it didn't turn into a successful career, he still knows the game.

You're right about that, linebacker is the Trojans' deepest position -- at least seven guys could start. Josh Pinkard being out is a big loss but because it's so early, Taylor Mays has plenty of time to get acquainted as a Safety. Now get Sedrick Ellis back asap and the defensive middle should be perfectly strong. The loss of Powdrell is big, but running back is the second deepest position and they'll probably throw Havili or Bradford in there when they need a fullback... and then go with Des Reed on purely passing downs. The O-line is very good and will only get better. The biggest issue is really the maturation of John David Booty. His completion percentage HAS been stellar, but it's mostly because of the vanilla offense. One of my good friends made it to the game, and he said that the crowd in his section could pick out the receiver Booty was throwing to... that's how badly he stares receivers down. It will be imperative that, as Kiffin moves into the more complex plays, Booty improves his mental approach. His arm is stronger than Leinart's but he has a ways to go in intangibles. Not that I don't believe he'll get there.

I have to say that I'm pretty pissed USC is ranked behind Auburn, but hopefully it will serve as a motivator while the Trojans go through the dull, easy part of their season.

I know how much you like AD, Dama, but Reggie Bush and Vince Young are two of the greatest players to ever play the college game. Think about that. All-time greats. Reggie Bush is the fastest player I've ever seen... and people older than me compare him only to Gale Sayers... and no one else. Vince Young won two straight Rose Bowl MVP's, was MVP of the national championship, and came as close as you can in a team sport to single-handedly beating Ohio State, Oklahoma, and USC in the same season. I would say that what Texas did last season is bigger than Ohio State this season. But I would also agree that the Buckeyes' win this year proved that Vince Young was the whole team last year.

I believe it already did. But I think they intend to use her in a lot of flashbacks.

That's a total BS comment. It would be one thing to say that if they'd won the championship game last year (in which case you'd pretty much have to say it) but it's pretty clear there is no "best team in the country until proven otherwise" this season, although I suppose the winner of the OSU-Texas game could lay claim to that title. He did set up any future arguments very well, though, since there's no one on their schedule that's going to be able to prove USC isn't the best team in the country. Notre Dame? Not if the Tech game is any indication. We'll see how their season shapes up. Unbelievable. No, Notre Dame IS going to be USC's toughest opponent. I do agree with King that Oregon will be the toughest of the rest. The whole question about the Irish going into the season was their defense... they showed a significant improvement. Their offense will be clicking by the end of the year, no question. Do I think the Trojans can win? Absolutely. But it will still be their toughest game.

Dama, I meant to get to this earlier, sorry man. But King is pretty much on the money with the backs. C. J. Gable looks like he will break away from the pack of the new freshmen. Chauncey Washington was named the starter, but the young guys were already running him down just based on talent. Now, it looks like he may have to battle his own hamstring for playing time. Michael Coleman, a sophomore, is in there probably as one of the power guys because he is about 225. Emanuel Moody is an interesting one, he looked like a combo of finesse and athleticism, perhaps he'll be the pass catcher. Gable, Moody, and another freshman, Allen Bradford, all scored their first touchdowns in the first game. Bradford was moved from safety, and with the potentially serious injury to Josh Pinkard, may be moved back to the defense although I'm only speculating. We didn't see too much of Stafon Johnson, but he is the last of the new backs. The surprise of the first game was the fullback: Ryan Powdrell. He replaced Brandon Hancock who got injured again for the season, and was unbelievable. Can catch out of the backfield, in fact I believe he caught a TD, and they used him a lot on short yardage situations and as a pass blocker. He could be a real bruiser. And, of course, the great story was Desmond Reed. He's back at full playing capacity despite continuing nerve problems in his foot. He's actually a friend of mine and we had talked when he was named punt returner, but he didn't tell me how much he would be involved in the offense. Reed got a good deal of reps, especially on third down passing situations. It looks like he may take over the Reggie Bush role of splitting out wide from the backfield. I always warn my fellow Trojans that Reggie Bush was a special player and we may never see someone like him, though we might. But I don't think you'll see one of these players become the new Bush or the new white. I think they'll sort of do that by committee. Quick strike runners, power guys, wide guys, pass catchers, & pass blockers. As far as the receivers go, obviously to Dwayne Jarrett will be huge... his numbers weren't that great but he hadn't had a lot of practice. Steve Smith is back and had a pretty good game. The other veterans are Chris McFoy, and Patrick Turner who was the top recruit last year. Vidal Hazelton leads the freshman crop which includes Travon Patterson, David Ausberry, and Jamere Holland. Turner is 6'5" 230, Hazelton is 6'3", and Ausberry is 6'4". I think one of the biggest players this year will be tight end Fred Davis, he is a converted wide receiver and had an awesome game to start the year.

Well, Booty was amazing, I can't believe how well he played. Seriously, the Trojans exceeded all of my expectations. It was great to see Desmond Reed gets so much playing time. I'm worried about Josh Pinkard.

Yes, Jack was supposed to die in the pilot... and then Kate was supposed to take over and be the hero. I'd say she's safe. I myself am a Kate & Claire man.

Bored, under my who you need to win games... you inadvertently put Temple down where it should read Northwestern. Just wanted to let you know.

couple of questions, which QB would you trade & am I starting the right guys? Also, rate my team overall.

I play in a 6 team head-to-head league with 1 pt. per 35 passing/receiving yds., 1 pt. per 15 rushing yds., 6 pts. per TD; 15 round draft... and obviously, I will eventually trade one of my QB's. Starters Peyton Manning Torry Holt Chris Chambers Derrick Mason Cadillac Williams Warrick Dunn Dallas Clark Josh Brown Indianapolis Colts Bench Carson Palmer Kurt Warner Joe Horn Laveranues Coles Reggie Bush Willie Parker

Notre Dame will dominate Georgia Tech. Reggie Ball is one of the most overrated quarterbacks I've seen in a long, long time. And since all the projections say Notre Dame's defense will be weak, Ball will play a way-too-confident football game. Little does he know that the Irish linebackers will be all over him. Offensively, the Irish should put up a lot of points. Last season, they beat Pitt 42-21 with a new coach and a shaky group of kids. Now, it's the same Charlie Weis with a Heisman caliber quarterback and a squad with high, but well-founded, confidence. Notre Dame: 45 Georgia Tech: 24

The Oregon State people get the credit. But in my defense I was trying to decide between Washington State and Oregon State. I figured Cal wouldn't count because of their recent success and their projections for this year. Aside from that stretch a few years ago the cougars have been HORRIBLE historically.

If I had to choose, I would pick Washington State. But I can remember a year for each team being at the bottom of the conference, and a year for them being at the top. There are definitely trends, though.

Maybe someone should forward that story to Sam Keller.

You just KNOW the writers are already dreaming about the “raging-Oscar-after-party” episode.

Hey LotC, for some Deadwood love, check out the link to my blog in my sig. I think David Milch is easily the best writer in television (I love Ed Burns, too, but it includes several films). If you've seen some of Milch's interviews, and then watch some Deadwood episodes with a little more care, you can see how unbelievably deep the show is. Anybody know if Mary is Langriche's wife? Also, if anybody belongs in Deadwood it's Omar avenging the death of O'Dell.

WP, all you need to remember is: SoSuave.com

Great news for Mark Sanchez

Pretty much. Although, the drinking comment was an attempt at humor. But I suppose the necessity of [/sarcasm] tags kind of takes wit out of the equation. Seriously though, social drinking is hardly ever bad. So does that disqualify me from being of any help? I'll have to beg your pardon and simply say I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to help others, and I've been through things that will make me a perfectly relatable source of advice. Please excuse my ignorance in thinking I can tell Marvin something more useful than "start drinking heavily." You can help me too someday if you want. I need as much help as I can possibly get. Is this the gimmick talking, or the vulnerable, hidden, real person crying out?

So does that disqualify me from being of any help? I'll have to beg your pardon and simply say I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability to help others, and I've been through things that will make me a perfectly relatable source of advice. Please excuse my ignorance in thinking I can tell Marvin something more useful than "start drinking heavily."

Oh really? I haven't read the whole thread. You're right, though. I'm pretty much an optimist, so that's never been an issue for me. Marvin, pm me if you ever need a little advice, or just someone to bounce ideas off of. It's all good!

Dama, can we save all the media garbage at least until midseason, please? After this purgatory of an off-season, I'm really pumped up to get back to football on the field. It would be nice to have a place to post without all the ESPN bitching... I hate ESPN also, so I simply watch the reporting occasionally and just turn it off when it bugs me. The whole issue for USC is what the new offensive coordinators do with new talent. Norm Chow is the only missing piece. There is no lack of talent, believe me it's coming out of the Trojans ears. Sure, there won't be a Reggie Bush like dagger to ensure every victory... they're going to have to "earn" it a little more. But like everyone else has said, the Trojans should be undefeated going into their rivalry games. And if we're good enough to beat ND, we should make it to the championship. That's all on paper, however. They play the games on the field... so nothing is set in stone.

Leena, I don't doubt your honesty by any means... in fact, I was trying to be complementary. I just think Marvin needs to do some things that make him feel good about himself and relaxed, and then get out there and talk to more and more girls. It'll happen for you. You just have keep your head up and stay positive!