Fun to see the teeth-gnashing...

USC Trojans On SI

Why Transfer Lineman Bear Alexander is Thriving at Oregon...

The one that got away is now making noise in Eugene. Former USC defensive lineman Bear Alexander, once projected to be a centerpiece in the Trojans’ defensive r

Every time I see a picture of Riley, he looks like a guy that has his accountant on speed dial. Every time I see Lanning, he looks like he needs to be reminded that he actually makes money at this. I think that difference is the difference in the culture that is set at both programs. I have heard all about Riley's $17 million dollar mansion but I've never heard a word about his coaching philosophy or even his love for the game or his team. With Lanning, I've heard about the zero star recruiting, playing to the standard, and getting 1% better every day.

Lanning's love for the game, his players and team oozies out of him at every interview. After big wins like this week, he's so fired up and crazed the Wolfman would back away. I think that is what players like Bear, Evan Stewart, Jordan Burch and Bo Nix needed. They all came in with bad wraps and were given second chances to rebuild their reputations and rekindle their love for the game by a coach that brings that passion every single day. Starters don't portal out from the Ducks for a reason. Plenty have portaled in from USC though and that's just fine with me.

The article reads like a boy girl breakup story. Give me a break. It's embarrassing for their program to even publish that. Why would you?

Watching Bear chew up and spit out the Spoiled Children O-Line will be a sight that will warm my heart.

Centuries ago, when I was a Berkeley undergrad, we would wave $1 bills across Memorial Stadium at the U$C fans while they waved $100 bills back at us. So, yeah, it's personal.

My best friend, who is a Notre Dame grad, has the deepest contempt for USC. This staid retired Air Force Colonel gets absolutely profane when referring to Trojan football. In a recent phone conversation, I asked him if he will miss the ND-USC annual rivalry game going away after this year. His reply was "Hell yes, I relish the chance to blister their f----- rear-ends annually and would even enjoy the opportunity for an encore in the playoffs or a bowl should that come to pass." He hopes Lincoln Riley can remain at SC and keep them mediocre forever.