Oregon's quarterback Jeremiah Masoli had a great day. Image: Newscom

Yes, you read that correctly. Forty-seven points. That’s the most points USC has ever given up since a very high-scoring game at UCLA in 1996. The entire Oregon team was on fire, but the major difference in this game was quarterback Jeremiah Masoli. He had 222 passing yards, 164 rushing yards, and 2 TDs during the game, along with one of the best quotes I’ve read in a long time, after someone mentioned that the game was a real statement:

“I don’t know if we made a statement, this is just what we planned on doing. If it makes a statement it makes a statement. That’s just Oregon football and how we roll.”

LeGarrette Blount has dominated Oregon football news since the beginning of the season when he punched a player after the Boise State game and recently when the NCAA began to talk about reinstating him after all. It’s nice to see the spotlight on other players, because this really is a fantastic team.

Morgan Flint did well as the team’s kicker, adding more points to the board to keep the Ducks ahead. LaMichael James, a redshirt freshman, also has a great game, scoring once and rushing for a total of 183 yards.

This could be the first time in seven years that USC hasn’t been the Pac-10 champion (though in some years, they shared the title). Let’s see what the Ducks can do the rest of the season.

Post from: EveryJoe

Oregon Wins the Pac-10 Battle

One person who hopes to have a chance even though he doesn’t have any college experience is freshman Matt Barkley, according to reports. The team started working out on Saturday, and this young quarterback from Orange County has been holding his own with Corp and backup quarterback Mitch Mustain. Barkley graduated early from high school and enrolled at USC for the spring in order to take part in spring practices with the team.

Aaron Corp and Matt Barkley at practice. Image: Newscom

Corp isn’t going down without a fight, though. The starting position is his to lose, and although Barkley may be impressive for a freshman, Corp is taller and is more mobile and consistent. Mustain is a quiet threat too, though. He is a transfer from Arkansas, where he was a freshman starter, and he probably could have started at many other BCS school, so he won’t just sit back and watch as he falls to third string at USC.

Carroll admits that a lot can happen between now and the season opener against San Jose State in four weeks. Who will we see shine for the Trojans this year? My money is on Corp, but it’s really anyone’s game at this point.

Post from: EveryJoe

Who Will QB for the Trojans in 2009?

Image: Newscom

Under the nex rule, which will be in effect from 2010 to 2013, if the Pac-10 or Big Ten has their conference champion playing in the National Championship game, the Rose Bowl must take a non-BCS team, if one qualifies. Otherwise, the game will still be Pac-10 versus Big Ten.

As it should be.

What? I’m a purist when it comes to the Rose Bowl.

Post from: EveryJoe

Rose Bowl Rules Change

Tim Floyd resigned on Tuesday, perhaps due to speculation about NCAA recruiting violations concerning former player, OJ Mayo.

I know that you are innocent until proven guilty, but when you bow out like this it only makes everyone think that you are guilty. According to Rivals.com, “Floyd didn’t address the allegation in his letter to USC athletic director Mike Garrett, which was obtained by the Clarion-Ledger and also released by USC in a statement.”

In the letter, Floyd said he was resigning due to lack of enthusiasm. I find that hard to believe. He has only been USC’s head coach for four seasons. Maybe he was forced to resign, or maybe he felt that the Yahoo! Sports report about the alleged allegations had tainted his career at USC. Whatever the real reason is doesn’t matter. Floyd’s coaching career will be tainted no matter where he goes.

USC, meanwhile, is now dealing with two separate investigations into the school’s football and basketball programs.

“The University is cooperating fully in the continuing investigation with the NCAA and Pac-10 into all allegations of NCAA and Pac-10 rules violations at USC,” USC vice president Todd Dickey said in a statement Tuesday. “The university, the NCAA and Pac-10 have jointly conducted interviews of approximately 50 witnesses. No conclusions have yet been reached. … At this point, it would be both inappropriate and premature to comment further.”

Unfortunately, I have to disagree with Dickey. Conclusions by the media and the general public have already been reached. And they aren’t good.

Photo: Zuma

Post from: EveryJoe

Tim Floyd Resigns From USC

Image: Newscom

Carroll’s new book will have “previously untold details and anecdotes about USC football,” as well as information about leadership, team-building advice, and off-field activities.

The name of the book? Win Forever. Sigh. Are you really surprised at that one?

As much as I hate USC (give me a break, I’m a Big Ten fan), I will say that I love the fact that Carroll will be donating part of the proceeds to A Better LA, which is a charity in the areas that helps reduce gang violence.

So maybe you should pick it up. At least, I won’t roll my eyes if you do.

Post from: EveryJoe

Pete Carroll Pens a New Book

For me, it’s an easy choice. I watch Run DMC tear it for three seasons for the Arkansas Razorbacks. In my opinion, McFadden has everything and more than last year’s rookie phenom Adrian Peterson. Sure, Stewart is probably going to have a passing game on his side to get defenses to back up, but did you ever see Arkansas’ offense under Houston Nutt? McFadden can handle eight or nine men in the box.

But if you need some time to chew it over, take a look at the video.

Post from: EveryJoe

VIDEO – Darren McFadden vs. Jonathan Stewart