WOW!

USC vs ND. Trojans vs Irish. Tailback U vs The Four Horsemen. EPSN GameDay. You name it and it was talked about....this game had all the hype in the world....and the game exceeded the hype. I know all of you watched/attended the game so I am not going to discuss it ad nauseum, but I will say that it was quite an experience to be there in person. One of the most exciting games I have ever attended. It was also fun to have the CBS affiliate in South Bend film 2 live segments from the tailgate at the stadium. Andy & Liz are trying to track down the tape of the segments....it was classic! Yes the picture below is Jarrett's catch on 4th and 9.



I was very pleased with how the defense played, particularly the front 7 who allowed the Irish only 2.9yds per carry. It was disappointing to see the defense unable to get off the field on third down, but Trojans made plays including a great forced fumble by Darnell Bing in a critical situation and a jarring hit by Scott Ware



Obviously Reggie carried the day with 3 outstanding TD runs, Leinart was not his typically sharp self, but made some huge plays down the stretch. The Trojans continue to grind out very difficult wins in hostile road environments. I know the Trojans can play better and I continue to bedisappointed in the penalties, dropped passes and lack of "crispness" displayed by USC....these are not characteristics of USC football under Pete Carroll. More importantly, THIS TEAM PLAYS WITH HEART! ...the heart of a champion and this should make us all proud.

Notes & Tidbits

• I expect to see some subtle changes in the offense this week vs Washington...changes designed to help Leinart regain some rhythm and confidence
• I think we will see the return of the slant, the bubble screen, the 3 step drop and the tight end over the middle...less fades, less sideline routes, more middle routes
• UW is very thin in the secondary right now (ranked #111 in Passing D)....don't be surprised to see UW put 8 in the box to stop the run and play the corners/safety deep to prevent the big play....USC (this season) has not wanted to take the underneath routes
• UW is a much improved team vs last year...particularly offensively. QB Isiah Stanback is a great athlete...very mobile with a strong arm (ranked #49 in Passing O). UW threw for more yards against the Irish than USC did
• UW played UCLA very tough, losing the game on a Bruin TD in the last 2 minutes
• Reggie is nursing a bad hip, but is expected to play
• This is the second string of back to back road games for the Trojans and ends a streak of 5 of the first 7 games on the road
• The Trojans are ranked in the top4 in rushing o, passing o, total o and scoring o....not bad!
• Thanks to everyone who helped out at the tailgate in South Bend....tons of fun and memories for a lifetime

Lets hope the Trojans can grind out another tough win on the road and come back to the friendly confines of the Coliseum next week for the Cougars.

Fight On!