re: USC is "back"

Ok then.

This will take a bit of time. Bear with me. I need to make a cocktail first.

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I remember when we used to feel bad for great players like Fran Tarkenton or Ernie Banks that didn't win a title. People thought it was a shame when Dr J didn't have one, now all time greats like P Manning and LeBron where called losers and incapable of winning the big one before they did. I've seen people say Dean Smith wasn't that great because he "only" won 2. The Braves are called underachievers despite making the playoffs 14 years in a row. The Bills made 4 straight SB's something no one else has done, but are regarded as losers. Its absurd and a shame.

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A million times, this.

Actually, I find players who are only concerned with winning to be boring or even worse, absolute sociopaths. The Cult of Jordan is the best example of this - how we turned all of his abusive behavior into something positive because he won.

I'll use a guy like Romo, who after a big playoff loss said if this is the worst thing that ever happens to him, he's lead a good life. and people killed him for it. But honestly... isn't this a healthy attitude? It actually made me like Romo as a person. He had perspective.

Barkley never won a title, and I find him to be the most interesting NBA player of the past 25 years.

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This will take a bit of time. Bear with me. I need to make a cocktail first.

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WDE: MY POSITION OF BIGGEST CONCERN ON THE TEAM

JR Tavai-- a legitimate 6'2" 275 right now. He has the ability to be special. One of those Polynesian motors-- never quits on a play. He is young, and that will lead to blown assignments. Could be a great contributor down the road, including later this year, but I think he could make many mistakes early on. Luckily he has Hayes Pullard roaming his side of the field.

Greg Townsend-- more like 6'2" and 250. I just don't see a lot there. He shows flashes, but does not have a "fire" that he should flash from a DE. I am not sold on him to be a major contributor ever.

Look for TE Christian Thomas or TE Junior Pomee to move over here. Both are two of the best athletes on the team, have the size and speed, and have practiced on the DL before. I think they could make more of an immediate impact on depth than Townsend. Pomee could be special, but I would rather him at TE.

NT: BETTER THAN YOU THINK

Antwuan Woods: shite, he is 5'11" and 305 lbs. But he got his arse creamed last year, got in shape, and will be a fireplug in the middle. I don't expect him to be Warren Sapp (who is?), but forget running in his gap. He will be special if he keeps focused. Fatigue will be a factor, but...

Christian Heyward: He is more like 6'3" 290. Dude is jacked. He is steady, and steady with his frame (which is not chunky) is good for a long haul game. He is not great yet at misdirection, but he is young. Could be an All-Conference candidate in a year or so.

Cody Temple: 6'3" 285. He will be a valuable player in situations, but is not an every down player. Gives good depth though. He has a mean streak, which is why he was moved to DL in the first place (was recruited to be an OL by lots of teams).

DT: BEST POSITION ON THE LINE

George Uko: 6'3" 285. Best player on the line right now. He will blow it up this season. Has the quickness, and especially the strength, to disrupt his gaps. Look for MLB Lamar Dawson to clean up a lot of his disruptions. Has a great chance of being All-Conference.

Leonard Williams: 6'5" 285. He could be an All-American one day. I see him moving to the outside soon. He is so quick and strong, and has an advanced knowledge of the game, that I think he is probably the best incoming DL since Shaun Cody. That Daytona Florida coaching he got in high school I guess...

Zach Kusnir: 6'5" 280. Walk on that has shown impressive flashes. Good depth player.

SDE: STRENGTH???

Wes Horton: 6'5" 270. I think he is overrated personally. He is steady, and does collapse the pocket, but that's about it. I fear what he is capable of without a proven WDE to push QBs in to. Is decent against the run. I think you will see a lot of TJ McDonald, Dion Bailey, and Tony Burnett (all hybrids and/or LBs) hovering around his gap.

Morgan Breslin: He is a legitimate 6'2" 255. He could be special. Has a good initial burst, but needs that extra step to be a difference maker. Will be good in those pin-your-ears-back in 3rd and long situations. He is a necessary role player that will contribute.

Kevin Greene: 6'4" 250. One of the nicest kids you will ever meet. Truly a good kid, and will be successful as a person. However, he will never contribute significantly. He will has his moments, but not frequently.

That is a good 3-deep, except for WDE. I expect that position is where you see the biggest concerns in the first few weeks. Other than that, I look at the mentality, speed, strength and coaching these guys are getting and I am confident.

If you want the back seven I have no problem doing it. Later!
Luckily we have very good depth in the back 7 this year to mask any pass rush deficiencies we might initially encounter.

We will progress like any team.

The Tavai move is interesting. I thought him in the middle was going to make the DLINE really small. After reading your write up, it looks like the main concern of this group will be focus. It will be really interesting to see where they are on 11/03 when they go against Oregon and they really test exactly that. I really think discipline will be even more paramount against Oregon this year with two qbs that can house it from anywhere on the field.

Good write up.

Don't they have a USC board for a thread like this????????????

BTW USC is NOT back. They have SERIOUS depth issues. They won't make the NC game.

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I DON"T KNOW peej?

HOW ABOUT YOU GO BACK TO THE TRAILER PARK AND WAIT FOR A TORNADO.

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HEY...... You got a problem you little bitch????????????

I can OWN YOUR arse ANYTIME YOU WANT. FACT. I would take some GOOD advice and GTFO of this thread.

WANNA PLAY???????????

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I hate you

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Harsh man.

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The Tavai move is interesting. I thought him in the middle was going to make the DLINE really small. After reading your write up, it looks like the main concern of this group will be focus. It will be really interesting to see where they are on 11/03 when they go against Oregon and they really test exactly that. I really think discipline will be even more paramount against Oregon this year with two qbs that can house it from anywhere on the field.

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I think our mentality will be to funnel everything to the second level, which will let our back 7 run downhill all the time. That probably will lead to some big plays against us early on, but we have the athletes to progress.

I am-- no offense-- worried more about Utah than Oregon right now.

Just like LSU, until you have a proven QB, you don't know how your offense's tempo will be up in Eugene.

If that question is answered. then it could be a special season. We'll see.

When I get back from gym....