USC Did It Again!

[@PhilTParker]

I really felt it when Bear Alexander just gave up, pulled up stakes and left USC like he did shortly into this year’s season. We needed him on that line. Shortly afterwards we started to lose games. Who knows what the win total could have been if he had stayed? I think he would have added enough just on his own to make a difference. I wish the young man good luck. But at the same time, I wish he could have already have learned how important it is not to let your teammates down, and how important it is to BE a teammate. Perhaps he will have learned those lessons before he lands at his next and (for the sake of the next team) hopefully his last stop. If he can’t stop flipping from team to team during his college career, this bright young, physically gifted talent will have dramatically reduced his chances at being drafted in a good position in the NFL. Who wants to sign a quitter after all? Nobody, that’s who. The one thing going for Bear (even if he does keep flipping all the way to the end) is that there will be a team in the NFL that will take a chance on him. But that chance will have strings attached, and Bear will quickly find himself in the actual wilderness of life, far away from the glitz and glamor of the NFL if he doesn’t learn his lesson about being a team player soon…

[@amantepulido5968]

Marc, this has been one show that’s so joyful and uplifting…happy holidays to you and family, and thank you for this gift of a show

[@LockedOnUSC]

😎✌🏼❣️

[@fredtogawa4908]

Yes the DL is beefed up but what about the line backers?

[@LockedOnUSC]

Need a coach there too!!!!!~

[@davidgardner8364]

Stay positive....even when it seems dark....FICHT ON!!!!!! Marc....Be the light in the darkness

[@luistorres8630]

ESPN should change their name to ESEC, presented by Stankey and Fraudbaum

[@barryfisher4734]

Got any LB'a and a center in in with the Hanukah gelt? But yes a healthy Gentry would be awesome!

[@howru2055]

Gotta bring in Ben Christman the center from Kentucky he’s 6’6 325 pounds he has similar weight and height like Jonah Monheim he was ranked number 15 for his class in 2023

[@LockedOnUSC]

😎✌🏼❣️

[@RJ_Focused]

Hopefully Lynn uses more press coverage next season. Also, Lincoln should take note of how Texas showed that you can win with a run game. USC should’ve went with both big receivers. The pass game better work out.

[@Footballfan49-L5]

Oh Marc you made my Monday with good news. JL will have a fabulous 2025! hopefully Coach will stay with the running game. Wishing you happy Holidays! ✌️

[@LockedOnUSC]

@@Footballfan49-L5 😎✌🏼❣️

[@elvinware8033]

Fight On!✌🏽 Marc Day 1nr. I wasn't always a fan, but I love the content you grew on me Ibguess Lol..

[@LockedOnUSC]

😎✌🏼❣️ Happy Holidays and thank you!!

[@drbuckley1]

I like Monday Rants, too, Marc!

[@LockedOnUSC]

@@drbuckley1 😎✌🏼❣️

[@uscfootball4life3]

Ken Norton Jr Is my Christmas wish for LB coach Meets all the requirements

[@MrJaiden23]

Eric Gentry has to play the whole season. He needs to show NFL prospects he isn't fragile, although, I don't think he would be Mike in the NFL.

[@checkdacontract]

The recent moves in the portal let's me know LR feels the urgency of next season-- the make or break year. On another note, why did SMU look like me playing EA College Football on Heisman mode for the first time?

[@LockedOnUSC]

😅

[@htvlogs80]

FYI - The WR who committed to Oregon, he was granted release because he presented to Oregon he has a family member with health issues and wants to be close to home. That’s why he signed with Florida Gators.

[@FredVlasuk]

OK Marc, so are you telling me if USC hosted Indiana, SMU or Tennessee Saturday, they couldn't have beat them?? Give me a break! And we took PSU to OT and should have won in regulation and were 21 yards away against ND with 3 minutes left from tieing or probably going for the win. That's how close SC potentially could have been to this had they just closed out these games (Maryland, Washington, Michigan and Penn St) 10-2 hosting a first round game as probably the 8 seed. It just drives me crazy that they just couldn't win these winnable games. But with these additions in the trenches plus I know there will be more to come, they will be right in the hunt next year. Will not predict 10 or 11 wins anymore because I always get burned, but they should just be as determined as ever to get over the top and WIN these close games and get where they should be which is the CFP playoffs! There is absolutely no reason whatsoever that they can't. You gotta just do it. No excuses because there are none....

[@PhncnMRchntz]

My trained-eyes tells me that we can play with any team in the country. Decisions in critical moments, having too much or too little respect for our opponents in game planning, and those questionable rotations on both sides of the ball that lead to inconsistency and no accountability.

[@WAHollier54]

We could have easily been 10-2. No one is really talking about this. We lost games we should have won, hands down! And who knows how things look had we gone 10-2/9-3…I’m sure many of these guys would not have gone into the portal either. ✌🏽

[@johnwhite2576]

Wow the days of usc stacking 4-5 rbs , 3 qbs and 6 wr are over. For sure ! by the way,. Has pat Haden emerged from the witness protection program yet ?LOL

[@DontbeahaterbeaHatton]

Those days are gone for pretty much everyone.

[@jasonn7431]

Sucks, not just USC, but all of the schools. This is a one year rental for most players. Unless they are solid starters.

[@jasonn7431]

​@@DontbeahaterbeaHattonnot just SC but all schools. Unless you're a solid starter.

[@danberman6848]

Marc We have added 4 transfer players and 2 staying . However we only have a week left in the portal unless they are on a playoff team . So as usual we are behind in getting players - need LBS, more safeties , one more DL. Here at least 6. Now the offense - 3 Ols, 1QB, , punter , kicker at least 6. So we still need 12 players to field a competitive team . This is if we don’t loose any more players . A very long way to go .

[@aaronchiang9026]

Hi, does anyone know why USC Football landed in Las Vegas compared to a day before all their games this year. If the TE coach news is true we’ll know that the Tight Ends will still be great at blocking but can we get some production next year with Duce Robinson and Zachariah Branch gone. If we’re going to a linebacker out of the NFL we should hire Navorro Bowman (Los Angeles Chargers) whom I believe was teammates with D’Anton Lynn at Penn State.

[@LockedOnUSC]

Bowl Games usually have a week's worth of events for the teams to hang out and enjoy.

[@joepickett7084]

Introduce him to BKU and let him tell his story of how he changed his weight downward and became a star!

[@PhilTParker]

I will also miss Deuce. But he did handle himself with class. You will always be a Trojan in my book!

[@BrandonA-p7v]

The Reggie Bush curse.

[@markreynolds6715]

You mean the ESPN/SEC/NCAA jealous and afraid of SC curse.

[@TrojansFirst]

I wonder if Elijah Hughes was encouraged to look elsewhere because the plan is to go BIG.

[@johnnyvelasco2168]

What does this incoming RB have that Quentin Joyner does not? Was it NIL related? How is the O line looking any transfers coming in?

[@stevedolan5065]

According to his PFF numbers he is a much better blocker than Woody or QJ…and I think his yards after contact was slightly better as well.

[@DreDay53]

It say’s Alexander committed to UW to play with his older brother so who else should USC look at for linebacker?

[@LockedOnUSC]

I just checked the portal list----it's slim pickings. Plus, USC needs to hire an LB coach!!!

[@fredtheveteran4623]

We should definitely beat Texas A&M

[@JeffBird86]

Florida State fan here . I have to ask what kind of player we are getting with Duce Robinson ?

[@judiwelch7053]

Tall😂

[@JeffBird86]

@ not that good I take it.

[@LockedOnUSC]

You’re getting somebody with all of the ability in the world! He’s 6 foot six ,225 pounds & can run like a deer. The challenge or his issue is he doesn’t play as big as he is. He doesn’t win very many 50-50 balls and that it was kind of concerning. And he split his time with the baseball team.

[@Louthelucky568]

You're getting a player That should be great next season.

[@WAHollier54]

I’m a huge Duce fan! Very disappointed that he left. With all due respect, he really didn’t have many 50/50 balls thrown his way. And what most people don’t understand is that many of his fade routs where supposed to be back shoulder throws but he would blow right by guys on the line and be wide open fading to the sideline. He’s faster than most even think! He’s gonna be great!

[@cameroncarter6523]

Hey Marc! Any update on DeCarlos Nicholson coming back due to the JUCO ruling?? Fight On!

[@LockedOnUSC]

He’s working on it behind the scenes. I can tell you that much for sure.

[@cameroncarter6523]

@@LockedOnUSC That would be a nice addition back. Experience always helps in conference play and depth

[@LockedOnUSC]

@@RDUB57 how can anybody be late? You just said it yourself he got word this afternoon on the 23rd. If anyone is late, it’s you with your response to this particular thread.

[@chrismalloy7960]

Truth on the LB coach delay.

[@jamesquan702]

Losing those 4th and 1 one battles cost us at least 3 games. Not to mention showed ND no respect for our D and went for it on 4th down.

[@Jomari.draisnightclub]

Did Marc say Kobe Pepe? I didn’t know he had a year left.

[@invisicast]

Yup the guy we just signed had 3 tackles. ALL SEASON. Wow what a stud. We are a laughingstock.

[@WAHollier54]

Maybe you can line up on the other side against this guy so you can give us a talent report?

[@MalibuTrojan]

Fight On ✌️

[@philipcooper3330]

Great post today. If you can, can you go over the WR depth. Know we got Lane and Lemon, but who else is coming back or coming in? Thanks

[@JoshuaA25]

Xavier Jordan will be a redshirt freshman, Jay fair rising senior & we have 3 incoming freshman WRs (ison/hines/simms)

[@philipcooper3330]

@ So Jay Fair has another season? How about the SJ state transfer. Is it Ross?

[@JoshuaA25]

@ yeah Jay fair is a true junior & no Ross only had 1 year of eligibility when he came in

[@philipcooper3330]

@@JoshuaA25 copy, thanks I appreciate your filling me in here!

[@LockedOnUSC]

I definitely will and thank you!😎✌🏼❣️

[@WallaceArakawa]

Marc, Do we have an OC yet to replace HENSON? Who's calling the plays in the LV Bowl?

[@LockedOnUSC]

The same person who’s been calling a place since Henson was USC’s offensive coordinator!😂

[@redsharpiemarker]

the big networks kept freaking out last week saying usc is a dumpster fire. but looks like their plans were coming together all along. we had excess skill position guys, many of whom weren’t worth as much as their hype and recruiting billings would suggest. bargaining those high profile guys away for our positions of need, and keeping the proven ones like lemon and lane, is really ingenious if u ask me. the NIL game should be USCs wheelhouse. now that the collective is catching up, college football will see just how dominant usc can be when it comes to money

[@DreDay53]

We technically were until the three guys we brought in last week cause USC has 19 players in the portal

[@redsharpiemarker]

@ my point is, they probably refused to pay big names like branch and duce knowing it would risk losing them for the sake of bringing in linemen. it was probably planned like this

[@lloydcady7231]

Marc I been watching the transfer portal and players are getting gobbled up pretty quick and I look I see the branch boys still there you think maybe they’re asking for too much money

[@robjaimes8830]

This entire episode can be aptly titled “grim optimism”. No, there’s no guarantee that the TP guys we got will contribute positively, and we sure as heck did NOT co-opt the news cycle from the CFP. Still a good listen as always.

[@ernestogalvan-ib7bt]

Looks like Lynn is more than holding his end of the deal. Just needs LBs. Offense needs a center badly. More lineman.

[@3Hova]

Micah was “SUPPOSED” to be our Center of the future when we signed him… Is he going to get a look there this spring? We still have the post CFP/Bowl portal entries and the post spring portal entries to fill the O Line, LBs, Wr, and Db positions

[@ernestogalvan-ib7bt]

@ to my knowledge, Micah is currently not in the center position. Regarding other positions of needs, availability is decreasing rapidly. Not sure if there will be many that will enter TP if their teams are in the playoffs. I guess it depends on what is in front of them. We need to be all over LBS and there wasn’t many good ones available. Catch my drift.

[@lindaluick5699]

Happy for Notre Dame actually. I loved the Indiana story!

[@Hexx--13]

I think this will be a very tough game for SC, but yes I am tired of the SEC crying as well.

[@amantepulido5968]

Transfers are not able to play for their new teams, so you look at what’s left of the team they departed from…dang, I’ll take SC over TA&M any time…those commentators don’t know excrement from oat meal

[@gendaminoru3195]

So this would be the three steps forward part. Now if we could only avoid the two and a half steps backwards part that has been happening these last few years. Arms still folded... As for SECSPN's ball wsahing, don't get me started.

[@XGem-t3v]

USC needs to sign these free agents "recruits" to 2 + year deals... Recruits and transfers don't mean anything in the 1 and done MERCENARY ERA.

[@HammerHed13]

Five days left before winter portal closes and a grand total of four additions. I don't get it. Many other teams are in double digits. Lincoln must be waiting for all the best talent to get committed elsewhere, then he'll kick it in to gear.

[@DreDay53]

They have missed out on the O line from the portal supposedly and it looks like they’ll have to wait for guys from any of the playoff teams or the next transfer portal window which is after the spring game

[@iLLmaticTrojan]

Just need about 3 oline man and then we’re good plus a couple of linebackers

[@Rich-m5f]

If we win our bowl we will get three players watch

[@rickreese5794]

Right On, Marc 💯👍😎👌✌🏻✌🏻

[@smedleybutler8787]

Putting your money on the d-line not for a couple soft receivers

[@NiechZyjePolska48]

No, they didn’t have the best weekend of anybody. Again they failed to win the conference or be in the playoffs. Games are won on the field, nowhere else

[@7USC7]

Please don't call our players "scraps" unbelievable

[@bobjones6230]

If usc goes down every year how bad will they be next year.5/7 if therelucky

[@rwrae72]

Based on the first round, CFP has too many teams. The four that lost are all garbage. Eight team tournament would have been fine. This isn't basketball.

[@Cahluvca]

More teams = more money. Don't be surprised if another expansion happens

[@rduchateau800]

This year for the Trojans has been a disaster. They lost 2024 recruits and 14 mostly 4 and 5 star players in the transfer portal. Marc acts like USC just won the National championship. They are ranked 37th in the team transfer portal and 15 in the 2024 recruiting . Riley cant recruit in Southern California that has the best high School players in the country. Kids are not coming here because USC has a losing program under Riley. This team is a joke Marc, just admit it

[@yanettevaladez2623]

And will still be bad next year

[@NiechZyjePolska48]

Oy Vey Marc, you are so delusional. Indiana, Tennessee, SMU, and Clemson all had better weekends than USC did. They were all in the playoffs while USC wasn’t.

[@chrisblane8877]

And they all got washed, so how better was it really? Merely participating isn't going to cut it.

[@NiechZyjePolska48]

Neither is not finishing in the top half of the BIG10. USC has NEVER been to a college football playoff. Let that sink in

[@uscfam1984]

All that to be sitting right next to us watching the chip😭

[@chrisblane8877]

@@NiechZyjePolska48 No one is denying that USC is not where they should be, but it is at least a positive outlook that they are actively going after positions of need. We are happy that they are starting to recruit the right way.

[@PhilTParker]

I really felt it when Bear Alexander just gave up, pulled up stakes and left USC like he did shortly into this year’s season. We needed him on that line. Shortly afterwards we started to lose games. Who knows what the win total could have been if he had stayed? I think he would have added enough just on his own to make a difference. I wish the young man good luck. But at the same time, I wish he could have already have learned how important it is not to let your teammates down, and how important it is to BE a teammate. Perhaps he will have learned those lessons before he lands at his next and (for the sake of the next team) hopefully his last stop. If he can’t stop flipping from team to team during his college career, this bright young, physically gifted talent will have dramatically reduced his chances at being drafted in a good position in the NFL. Who wants to sign a quitter after all? Nobody, that’s who. The one thing going for Bear (even if he does keep flipping all the way to the end) is that there will be a team in the NFL that will take a chance on him. But that chance will have strings attached, and Bear will quickly find himself in the actual wilderness of life, far away from the glitz and glamor of the NFL if he doesn’t learn his lesson about being a team player soon…