Around the Pac

USC started spring practice yesterday and here are a series of recaps, including the impressive start by wide receiver Damian Williams by yours truly and included on Bruce Feldman's ESPN Insider blog:

ESPN.com - USC lacked a reliable go-to wideout last season, but there has been plenty of buzz around Arkansas transfer Damian Williams ever since he arrived on campus. Dan Greenspan has more details on Mitch Mustain's old high school teammate after the Trojans' first spring practice:

"[Damian] did a nice job in the slot and a lot of things across the middle," offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian said. "Stevie did a lot of that stuff."

"[Damian] can find windows in a defense, feel where the quarterback's eyes are and he has got great spacial awareness," QB Mark Sanchez said. "He is a natural."

Daily Trojan - All three quarterbacks dealt with timing issues, but came away with mostly positive reviews.

"They handled themselves well," coach Pete Carroll said. "It was a real good start."

Corp used his mobility and quickness well, while Sanchez and Mustain demonstrated a strong arm.

Los Angeles Times - The decision probably will not be announced until the end of spring practice, but USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian left no doubt that the Trojans intend to go into the summer with a quarterback entrenched as the starter.

"No question," Sarkisian said Tuesday after USC completed the first of 15 spring workouts. "That's been our history here."

ASU is also underway and must replace standout center Mike Pollak:

Arizona Republic - ASU experienced a rash of offensive-line injuries in 2005 including at center, where Pollak replaced Grayling Love for the final five games. Pollak stretched his starting streak to 31 games in the last two seasons and is expected to be the first Sun Devils player picked in April's NFL draft.

Altieri could only wait his turn and learn while adding 20 pounds to reach 300 on a 6-foot-2 frame. Brent Myers was the offensive-line coach when Altieri arrived. Now Gregg Smith has the job. And there is competition with redshirt freshman Garth Gerhart, who understandably would prefer not to spend the next two seasons as a backup.

-DG

USC Spring Practice Preview - Questions and Answers

They came out of the Rose Bowl with more questions than answers.

Where was that level of execution against Stanford?

And Oregon?

And why not another game, against Louisiana State, to settle the national championship once and for all?

Heading into spring practice, which begins today and continues through April 19, USC faces an even bigger one.

Has a team with this many holes ever been more of a lock to open the season in the top five?

Minus a starting quarterback, tight end, running back, linebacker, cornerback, two defensive and four offensive linemen from last year’s 11-2 campaign, the Trojans might even make a run at Georgia for the preseason No. 1 ranking before all is said and done.

In the interim, there are position battles to be decided, the most high profile between two former Parade Magazine National Players of the Year to succeed John David Booty under center.

Mark Sanchez, a redshirt junior from Mission Viejo, is the admitted frontrunner with his time vested in the program. He also went 2-1 as a starter last season after Booty broke a finger on his throwing hand, throwing for 642 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions.

His main competition also has starting experience, as Arkansas transfer Mitch Mustain went 8-0 as a freshman before a tumultuous divorce from the Razorbacks. Mustain returns after sitting out a year per NCAA regulations, but showed promise running the scout team for USC last year.

Former Orange Lutheran standout Aaron Corp is also in the mix, albeit a long shot barring injury or some other unforeseen circumstance.

Whoever wins the job will be looking for improved production at wide receiver while replacing record-breaking tight end and Mackey Award winner Fred Davis.

In the 49-17 romp over Illinois on New Years Day, Davis caught seven passes for 87 yards – both team highs – and a touchdown. Trojan wideouts managed only four receptions for 48 yards, though senior Patrick Turner was sidelined with a bruised thigh.

Turner, junior Vidal Hazelton and sophomore Ronald Johnson all showed promise at times, but inconsistent play forced Davis to become the top option in the passing game.

Junior Anthony McCoy will look to lay claim to his vacated playing time before highly-touted recruit Blake Ayles arrives on campus.

Even with those departures, USC still has plenty of firepower returning. Joe McKnight turned in a transcendent performance in the Rose Bowl with 170 yards of total offense and a touchdown. Junior Stafon Johnson also rushed for more than 100 yards against the Illini, finally healthy after suffering a foot injury against Washington. After redshirting because of abdominal surgery, C.J. Gable should again provide balance as a tailback, blocker and receiver.

At linebacker, Kaluka Maiava acquitted himself well when now-departed Keith Rivers was hampered by a sprained ankle. After undergoing wrist surgery that will force him to miss spring practices, however, Michael Morgan and Malcolm Smith have a chance to work their way into the vacancy at weakside linebacker.

Rey Maualuga and Brain Cushing return to handle the other two positions and could each be named to preseason All-America teams.

Same for returning defensive backs Kevin Ellison and Taylor Mays.

Those four are all but certain to start Aug. 30 at Virginia.

The rest?

To be answered.

● Who emerges as starting quarterback?

My prediction: Mark Sanchez

● What does the running back rotation look like?

My prediction: Stafon Johnson and Joe McKnight total about 30 to 35 touches per game, with Broderick Green as the short yardage/goal line back and C.J. Gable as a change of pace. Marc Tyler moves to linebacker.

● Who’s on the offensive line?

My prediction: From left tackle to right tackle, Butch Lewis, Jeff Byers, Kris O’Dowd, Zack Heberer, Charles Brown

● Any breakthrough performances in the spring?

My prediction: Damian Williams vaults into the starting lineup at receiver, Malcolm Smith proves a worthy asset at linebacker.

Pac Ten Picks enjoys Top Dog

USC (-4.5) 24, Cal 10
It was supposed to be the game of the year in the Pac-10. Now the Trojans are fighting for a mere BCS bid, while the Golden Bears are looking for traction as a promising season has gone to naught.

But there are still plenty of compelling plots as these two meet Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Standout defensive tackles Sedrick Ellis and Fili Moala will both get chances to battle Cal junior center Alex Mack.

For Moala, the battle in the trenches is a throwback to battles past.

"I really remember ‘04 when [Shaun] Cody and [Mike] Patterson and Manny [Wright] was here and they had a great O-line with the center Marvin Phillip," he said. "This match up historically has always had a great group of guys in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Personally, I take it upon myself to go out here and give it to these guys. "

Golden Bears quarterback Nate Longshore is still hobbled by a sprained ankle. Quite simply, Cal cannot win if he can't move. USC's pass rush was relentless against Oregon State and could tee off on the junior if he can't move in the pocket.

Running back Justin Forsett (111.33 yards per game) is a good one and will be playing his last home game on Senior Day.

"Man, he comes with his own little bag of tricks," Moala said. "He can do it all – run the draws, catch the screen out of the backfield, hit it up in between the tackles, he can get it outside and bounce it. I kind of want to relate him to Maurice Drew, just in the sense of what they can do. Forsett is more than capable of doing the job. If we don’t cover him, he’s going to burn us."

The Trojans will ride their defense and rushing attack to a methodical win, setting up a BCS busting battle with the Sun Devils on Thanksgiving.

Arizona State (-7) 28, UCLA 20
Which Bruins team shows up? Would a win save coach Karl Dorrell's job? Why am I asking so many questions?

The bad one, who gave Notre Dame its only win. No chance in hell. I don't know.

Washington (+5) 24, Oregon State 21
Freshman quarterback Jake Locker is playing better, but that hasn't translated into many wins for the Huskies. Against the injury-riddled Beavers, who still possess a powerful rush defense, he'll avoid interceptions and carry the day.

Stanford (+11) 20, Washington State 17
Year one under Jim Harbaugh has stagnated after the upset win over USC, but the Cougars will cure what ails the Cardinal.

Upon Further Review do you know which UCLA team will show up?

UCLA 30, Cal 21

There is no more schizophrenic team in America than the Bruins. Take away losses to Utah and Notre Dame, this is a top five team. However, there's an equal likelihood they blow their undefeated conference record Saturday against pathetic Washington State. 

 

Stanford 21, Arizona 20

Mike Stoops, see ya later. Now 9-21 in Pac-10 play, he is all but assured a pink slip.

Oregon 55, Washington 34

The Ducks put on an offensive clinic, rushing for a school record 465 yards. The big question: can they duplicate fireworks against the Trojans stout front seven?

Full analysis of USC-ND, the biggest game of the Pac-10 season and the Cal Not-Ready-For-Prime-time Players coming later this week. 

Live Blog - From Notre Dame Stadium

Greetings from the press box on a crystal clear, crisp Midwestern afternoon.

I'll have thoughts and observations all game long.

Pregame: For USC, Brian Cushing (SS LB), Thomas Williams (M LB), Vidal Hazelton (WR), Butch Lewis (LT) and Mark Sanchez (QB) will be starting.

Halftime: Mark Sanchez is 18 of 32 for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns, but several dropped passes have kept him from building up an even more impressive stat line.
Notre Dame just can't seem to do anything on offense - four straight three-and-outs before some garbage yardage to end the half, five total. Punter Geoff Price (6 for 268, 44.7 average) has the second most touches behind only quarterback Evan Sharpley (19 pass attempts, 3 rushes)
Assuming the Trojans don't help out the Irish (a score on special teams or multiple turnovers), Pete Carroll's team will leave South Bend with some much needed momentum heading into a huge showdown with Oregon next week.

7:30 to play, Third Quarter: Game Over! USC leads 31-0 and the only questions left are does Clausen play and when do the Irish fans clear out?

Pac Ten Picks is off to South Bend

USC 28, Notre Dame (+18) 14
Mark Sanchez will make his second start, facing off against Irish QB Evan Sharpley (first career start) as the Trojans look for their sixth straight win in the inter sectional rivalry and third consecutive in South Bend.
The ND defense has actually played OK, but is getting no help from its counterparts on the other side of the ball. The same will hold true this Saturday.

Cal 27, UCLA 20 (No Line)
Assuming Nate Longshore starts for the Golden Bears, they should have no trouble taking out last week's frustrations on the Bruins. Adding to Cal's intensity, it has not won a game in Los Angeles under coach Jeff Tedford.
Pat Cowan starts for UCLA and should provide a spark, but the score won't be indicative of the separation between these two programs.

Oregon (+13.5) 45, Washington 20
The Ducks can't afford any more injuries, especially with USC looming next week. Still, they cruise to an easy win over a struggling bunch of Huskies.

Stanford (+13) 21, Arizona 17
Death knell for Mike Stoops as the Cardinal yo-yo bounces up heading into the easiest part of the schedule.

Best Bets
Louisville (-3.5) at Connecticut
Cincinnati (-10) at Pitt
Colorado (+4) vs. Kansas

Upon Further Review: What the hell is going on out here?

Oregon State 31, Cal 28

Twice in two weeks the Golden Bears seemed all but assured to become the nation's No. 1 team. First USC loses to Stanford and LSU trails Florida going into the game's final moments. Then the Tigers get beat by Kentucky, leaving Jeff Tedford's club needing only to finish off the Beavers to become reach heights unseen since 1951.

Unfortunately, nobody told quarterback Kevin Riley that all he had to do was "throw the fucking ball out of the endzone," to quote a text message I received shortly thereafter.

Now with ASU and USC ahead, Cal seems likely to continue its Rose Bowl drought, let alone play for the national championship.  

USC 20, Arizona 13

If grades were handed out for Football 101, redshirt sophomore Mark Sanchez would have received a solid C. He did a couple things well, but also threw two horrendous interceptions. 

He'll need to grade out much higher against Notre Dame to have any chance of starting in two weeks at Oregon, where the Trojans' dreams of winning the Pac-10 will live or die.  

  

Oregon 53, Washington State 7

Lost in USC's injury woes, the Ducks have lost WR Cameron Colvin and RB Jeremiah Johnson for the season. That helps the Trojans immensely given their weakness at corner, since Oregon's three receiver sets are now also diminished.

   

Arizona State 44, Washington 20

Another impressive second half win for the Sun Devils. However, facing the heart of the Pac-10 over the next month, they could end up anywhere from New Orleans to El Paso for the postseason. We'll know a lot more about Dennis Erickson's team shortly

TCU 38, Stanford 36

No surprise, as the Cardinal experience a let-down. The Trojans better hope that Stanford can beat up on the lower half of the conference and eek out a bowl bid. That would go a long way in keeping slim BCS title hopes alive in Los Angeles.

Instant Analysis: USC-Arizona First Half

The Trojans need to give Mark Sanchez some easy throws to start the first half to rebuild his rhythm; he looked solid on USC's touchdown drive but has regresses since then (5 of 6 for 51 yards in first quarter, 3 of 10 for 5 yards with 2 interceptions in the second).

Willie Tuitama (15 of 19, 142 yards) has looked very sharp, as the Trojans haven't had much luck pressuring him.

USC needs a score to start the third quarter to reestablish itself; either way, the Coliseum is looking at another four quarter affair.

-Dan Greenspan live in the Coliseum Press Box

Pac Ten Picks: Los Angeles is standing, barely

USC (-21) 34, Arizona 10
Mark Sanchez makes the start for the Trojans, in what could be the first legitimate quarterback controversy for Pete Carroll. The sophomore will end it, showing better mobility and a stronger arm than John David Booty and setting the stage for a thrilling and desperate push to get back in the BCS title race.

Cal (-14.5) 41, Oregon State 20
What do the USC-Stanford and UCLA-Utah games have in common? Both were on Versus, the network no one has. The Golden Bears better bring their A game to avoid a third embarrassing meltdown for the Pac-10

Oregon (-19.5) 38, Washington State 17
QB Alex Brink has one more shot at his hometown Ducks. Unfortunately, they rout the Cougs in frustration after handing Cal a win two weeks ago.

Arizona State (-11.5) 27, Washington 14
The Sun Devils should be able to pick apart the Huskies, and run their record to 7-0 in the process.

TCU (-6.5) 28, Stanford 20
Classic let down game. After a week in the nation's spotlight, the Cardinal will come down to earth and be soundly contained by a Horned Frogs club looking for traction

Straight up (3-2 last week, 14-5 overall)
Against the spread (2-3 last week, 8-11 overall)

Best Bets (2-1 last week, 4-5 overall)
Boston College (-14) at Notre Dame
Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5) at NY Jets
New England Patriots (-5.5) at Dallas Cowboys

Breaking News: Stanford QB Ostrander out after seizure

Stanford quarterback T.C. Ostrander has been ruled out for Saturday's game at USC after suffering a seizure Sunday, Cardinal coach Jim Harbaugh said Monday during a conference call with reporters.

"Our quarterback will not be playing this week," Harbaugh said. "The good news for T.C., his family and everyone that cares about him is that all the tests came back normal.

"He will be evaluated again next week." 

The San Jose Mercury News reported that Ostrander suffered the seizure in a Palo Alto restaurant Sunday.

Ostrander, a redshirt senior from Atherton, Calif., has completed 54.2 percent of his passes for 1065 yards and 6 touchdowns this season.  

Redshirt sophomore Tavita Pritchard will start against the No. 1 Trojans in the Coliseum. Pritchard is 1 of 2 passing for 10 yards this season and also has an 18-yard run.   

Upon Further Review was an outright winner

USC 27, Washington 24
The Trojans survived their Pac-10 road opener despite three turnovers and a staggering 16 penalties for 161 yards. The good news is that USC has lost these sort of games in the past (Cal 2003, Oregon State 2006) and managed to win on one of the most shocking college football Saturdays in recent memory. Defensively, they held UW to 190 yards of total offense and managed to contain quarterback Jake Locker well.
However, if the Trojans put forth such an undisciplined effort against Cal, Oregon or Arizona State, they will lose.
Injuries to center Kris O'Dowd, guard Chilo Rachal and corner Shareece Wright must also be monitored.

Cal 31, Oregon 24
For four weeks, Oregon had avoided the self-inflicted mistakes that caused its late season collapse a year ago.
Saturday four fourth quarter turnovers cost the Ducks a chance to control their own destiny in the Pac-10, to make a potential trip to New Orleans first go through raucous Autzen Stadium.
Instead, Cal will find itself in the top five come the release of the new polls. Justin Forsett delivered 101 yards rushing and a pair of touchdowns. DeSean Jackson reignited his Heisman campaign with 161 yards receivers and two scores of his own.
But it was Cal's defense that refused to buckle in the face of Oregon's fireworks (497 yards of total offense). Now they control their destiny, one that will be determined Nov. 10 when USC comes to Berkeley.

Arizona State 41, Stanford 3
Quietly Arizona State has developed into a force out West, as quarterback Rudy Carpenter (259 yards, 1 touchdown) and running back Ryan Torian (16 carries, 103 yards) have led an offense that has scored no less than 33 points this season.
A four week stretch in late October and early November (vs. Cal, at Oregon, at UCLA, vs. USC) could vault Dennis Erickson's team into the BCS.
There are still question marks about the ASU defense, but the win over Colorado now looks quiet impressive.

UCLA 40, Oregon State 14
Did quarterback Ben Olson turn the corner Saturday in Corvallis? It sure looked that way, especially after the game-breaking 69 yard catch-and-run by Brandon Breazell.
Conversely, Oregon State quarterback Sean Canfield continues to struggle and negated a strong effort by Yvenson Bernard (125 yards, 4.6 yards per carry).

Arizona 48, Washington State 20
The Wildcats have found a running back and his name is Nicholas Grigsby. The true freshman Grigsby rushed for 186 yards and caught 9 balls for 76 yards and a touchdown in what might be a possible return to the power run game that defined Stoops' early tenure in Tuscon.

Pac Ten Picks
Straight up (3-2 last week, 14-5 overall)
Against the spread (2-3 last week, 8-11 overall)
Best bets (2-1 last week, 4-5 overall)

First Impressions - gut reaction picks of next week's games
USC 47, Stanford 0
UCLA 24, Notre Dame 10
Arizona State 38, Washington State 17
Arizona 20, Oregon State 14

Pac Ten Picks recognizes itself as 1982 national champion

Cal (+6) 38, Oregon 34
It's the biggest game of the Pac-10 season not involving USC as the winner immediately becomes the top challenger to the nation's No. 1 team (and possible recipient of a trip to the Rose Bowl).

It should be a wild high-scoring affair as top 15 scoring offenses face off (first to 50 wins?). But when it comes to making a stop, side with Cal's superior rushing defense to produce what might be the biggest win of the Jeff Tedford era.


A lovely consolation prize.

USC (-21) 41, Washington 17
The Trojans have traditionally struggled with mobile quarterbacks, but their biggest struggle will be when the play breaks down. Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga must be disciplined and cannot over-pursue UW quarterback Jake Locker.


Good hit, bad containment.

On offense, USC showed it can win through the air last week (279 yards, 4 touchdowns). John David Booty and co. will force the Huskies to pick their poison and shouldn't have trouble putting them away.

Washington State (+3) 28, Arizona 21
This game should be sponsored by either Monster.com or a moving company, because the losing coach is at serious risk of losing his job at season's end. For the Wildcats, who must travel to USC and got whipped at Cal last Saturday, this is a critical swing game for their meager bowl hopes. However, their pathetic defense (No. 89 in pass defense, 259.25 pass yards allowed per game) will be shredded as senior Alex Brink rebounds from a weak effort in the Coliseum.

Arizona State (-14.5) 51, Stanford 27
Quarterback Rudy Carpenter has regained the form of his splendid freshman season, ranking No. 14 nationally in passing efficiency. Backed by a strong running game, the Sun Devils should have no problem scoring at will on the Cardinal. Stanford offensive tackle Allen Smith will miss several weeks with a left knee injury, a critical loss for a program lacking depth.

Oregon State (+2) 17, UCLA 16
The Beavers showed a spark last week, jumping out to a 19-0 lead at Arizona State. More importantly, coach Mike Riley will be able to lean on the nation's No. 2 rush defense (29.5 yards per game) and pressure Bruins quarterback Ben Olson. UCLA hasn't visited Corvallis since Oct. 2002 and will leave wondering how such a promising season derailed so quickly.

Straight up (5-0 last week, 11-3 overall)
Against the spread (3-2 last week, 6-8 overall)

Best Bets (1-2 last week, 2-4 overall)
Cal (+6) at Oregon
Michigan State (+7.5) at Wisconsin
Washington State (+3) at Arizona

Q and A - CJ Gable's role

Anonymous asked, "Why hasn't [USC running back] CJ Gable played more this season?"

Gable, who was the Trojans' lead tailback late last season, is a known commodity. The coaching staff seems more interested in answering questions about the rest of the group:

-Is senior Chauncey Washington healthy?

-Can sophomore Stafon Johnson be the player that recruiting services ranked as one of the nation's best prep running backs at Dorsey? 

-What can freshman Joe McKnight do for this team?

Two of three have been answered; now expect Gable's touches to dramatically increase starting Saturday at Washington.

Upon Further Review Mike Stoops can start updating his resume

USC 47, Washington State 14
It was as if Norm Chow had returned to the Trojans coaching staff.
USC opened with a series of easy throws, most of them swing passes to wide receivers allowing to physically manhandle the smaller WSU corners. Then quarterback John David Booty hit tight end Fred Davis for a 6 yard touchdown, finishing the drive with 79 passing yards on 10 of 11 attempts.
Mismatches were exploited expertly by offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, as the Trojans accounted for 302 yards through the air and another 207 rushing.
A viable argument can be made that the play calling of Sarkisian's predecessor, current Oakland Raiders coach Lane Kiffin, cost USC the last two national championships.
With Sark running the offense, that shouldn't be an excuse this season.

Cal 45, Arizona 27
Golden Bears quarterback Nate Longshore will again be the difference between a BCS bowl and the Holiday Bowl for Cal.
Longshore struggled again against the Wildcats, completing just 16 of 30 passes for 235 yards with 1 touchdown and 1 interception in his third straight weak effort.
Obviously wide receiver DeSean Jackson's sprained thumb is affecting the passing game (3 receptions for 39 yards), but Longshore must improve to meet this season's lofty goals.
The margin for error will be tested this Saturday with a trip to Autzen Stadium.

Oregon 55, Stanford 31
Oregon's biggest fear became a reality Saturday in Palo Alto. The Ducks lost three fumbles, allowing the Cardinal to take a 31-21 lead late in the second quarter.
Unlike last season's turnover-fueled late season collapse however, Oregon rallied to score the final 24 points of the game. Quarterback Dennis Dixon continued his strong play with 382 total yards and 5 scores.
With a win over Cal this Saturday, this team can be considered the legitimate challenger to USC - whom they host Oct. 27 - for the Pac-10 title.

UCLA 44, Washington 31
The good news? The Bruins rallied one week after the Utah debacle for the win.
The bad? Quarterback Pat Cowan suffered a knee injury against the Huskies that may cost him the remainder of this season.
Unless Ben Olson - named the starter against the Beavers - can respond, UCLA might have just delayed the inevitable for a week.

Arizona State 44, Oregon State 32
Another gut check game as the Sun Devils rallied from a 19-0 deficit. The defense had five interceptions and quarterback Rudy Carpenter threw for four touchdowns, allowing ASU to return to the top 25.

Pac Ten Picks
Straight up (5-0 last week, 11-3 overall)
Against the spread (3-2 last week, 6-8 overall)
Best bets (1-2 last week, 2-4 overall)

Storylines - what to watch for next week
USC is now dangerously thin at corner after Cary Harris dislocated his shoulder; The Trojans already started moving around defensive backs in response. ... Cardinal offensive tackle Allen Smith suffered a leg injury and his status is as yet unknown. ... WSU punter Reid Forrest replaced Darryl Blunt after a mishandled snap and could start against Arizona. ... PJ Irvin started, but Micah Reed also played in place of injured UCLA guard Shannon Tevaga. ... Oregon State is last in the Pac-10 in turnover margin.

First Impressions - gut reaction picks of next week's games
Cal 28, Oregon 24
USC 42, Washington 24
Arizona State 31, Stanford 14
Washington State 34, Arizona 28
Oregon State 27, UCLA 20