October 8, 2007
Les Miles was right about the Pac10
Prior to the 2007 football season, LSU football coach Les Miles put the rest of the country on notice as to the state of football in the Pac10 conference.
"They're going to play real knockdown, drag-outs with UCLA and Washington, Cal-Berkeley, Stanford - some real juggernauts," Miles said of the Trojans.
The country took Miles comments as a snide remark on the recent divide between USC and the rest of the Pac10 conference (as Miles intended). Miles was ripped by pundits across the country.
But... six weeks into the season, it appears that Les Miles was right all along. And he has his close friend, USC coach Pete Carroll, to thank for proving him right.
You see, it's not USC and the Little 9, as many believed, because the Trojans are single-handily making giants of their Pac10 conference foes.
On September 29th, USC showed that Washington - the team that finished 9th in the Pac10 last year - was a giant-killer in waiting. Penalized 16 times and turning the ball over three times, Southern Cal needed to successfully field an onside kick to hold off an upset bid by the Huskies.
"Oh, it was a terrible night. Horrible night," USC coach Carroll said, already looking ahead to next weekend's home game against Stanford. "It's how we respond now.""We were very fortunate," the coach added, sighing over the close call despite a 460-190 edge in total yards. "We just couldn't get out of our own way. Washington, it was there to take it.
"I'm so grateful to have this win," Carroll said.
And then on Saturday night, more evidence that Les Miles knows more about the Pac10 than anyone else in the country, as juggernaut Stanford beat Southern Cal 24-23 at home, snapping the Trojans 35-game home winning streak.
"Jimmy had them ready to play," USC coach Pete Carroll said. "To give it up like this is a shame, it is crushing to me. Give credit to Stanford. They did a heck of a job and we made a ton of mistakes. We need to find ways to make plays and go back and find the right combinations."I never thought we'd lose tonight, even after they scored."
Stanford pulled off the biggest upset in college football history - winning as a 41 point underdog. Bigger than App State over Michigan this year.... Bigger than Temple over VaTech in 1998.... Maybe even bigger than Centre over Harvard in 1921. (None of those teams were 41-point underdogs, by the way.)
The Trojans were booed off the field at halftime, but the stunned crowed barely made a peep at the final whistle. Even the announcers botched the call on Stanford's winning score. It seemed no one could believe it.
No one except Les Miles.
Comments:
posted on October 8, 2007 8:24 AM — link — abuse?Kevin Donahue
said:
I can't argue with that. USC deserved to get dumped from the polls.
I don't care if they lost the game in the final minute, the final quarter, the final half, WHATEVER.... They lost to an unranked 41-point underdog at home. You don't get a top 10 ranking for that. PERIOD.
Jon said:
posted on October 8, 2007 8:33 AM — 68.84.19.20 — link — abuse?
I don't even believe the best USC national title team would have went undefeated in the SEC.
Pac-10 = finesse
SEC = brute force
But in all fairness, the southern-eastern recruiting pools are insane. Look at the % of NFL players that come from Texas, New Orleans, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida? The south lives football and typically follows high school, college and pro games.
Thats why you see teams like S. Florida @ #5
Who wants to move 2.5k miles away from home to live in the biggest sh.t hole city of all times (LA and surrounding area).
/Learn to swim, see you down in...Arizona bay
col reb said:
posted on October 8, 2007 10:30 AM — 76.107.123.246 — link — abuse?
I think one thing all these losses is proving is that recruiting is NOT an exact science. Look back at who had the "top 25" recruiting classes 3 and 4 years ago, and half of them probably are not in here. I think that this is the media trying to build some off season hype, so they take these college kids and mis-rank them. Just look at my team, Ole Miss. We have had great recruiting classes the last three years and we can't win an SEC game to save our lives.
gatorstud said:
posted on October 8, 2007 1:08 PM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
c'mon lennie....everyone knows how bad it hurts when you lose a game that you should of won.......usc fans probably didn't get out of bed yesterday..i know if i didn't have to drive home yesterday..i wouldn't of got out of bed yesterday either.....
but, on the other hand...when you talk smack all week long...you need to step up and give credit where credit is due...stanford played well.....and usc fans need to come forward and say so....
i just got done watching the florida-lsu game i recorded.....wow...i didn't really realize how much we had that game in hand until the second turnover....florida needs to learn how to close out games......
go gators....and hokies
Lennie Collins
posted on October 8, 2007 1:24 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Gatorstud, I am not trying to "disrespect" you in any way...but have you been reading some of the junk a couple of these Trojans fans have posted? I understand the love you, that fan, and so on has for his or her team. One USC fans posted some junk: USC and the other 118 losers. I am not exactly sure it said that BUT it was on the lines of it. Two USC fans were buiding Peter Carroll up as though he was the best coach ever. I have read your posts and other Florida Gators fans post and you all have not crowned Urban Meyer the greatest coach ever. If you think USC fans or going to acknowledge Stanford played well then you are going to be waiting a long time. Michael Jackson will admit that he is guilty or did something wrong to those little boys before that happens. Did you hear John Booty's post game comments? He basically said that USC gave Stanford that game, Stanford did not win it! Sorry John...Stanford did win it. Remember Gatorstud according to all college football gurus, USC were to beat everyone they played by 20+ points this year. Mark May stated that USC were going to "SHATTER" the record books this year. It seems the only thing they shattered were their hopes for a undefeated season.
gatorstud said:
posted on October 8, 2007 1:51 PM — 69.95.111.248 — link — abuse?
lennie...i didn't mean to come across as "disrespected"....i can agree w' you on that when you talk smack all week..and then lose....ya need to step up and take it like a man....
and to john david booty....he needs to grow up....saying that they gave the game to stanford is an insult to stanford and the gameplan by the coaching staff.....
after watching the replay of the fla-lsu game....i though florida deserved to win that game, but lsu did what it took to get the win, they stepped up when given the chance....
example;
the interception wasn't something lsu did...tebow just hit his own player on the helmet w/ the ball...ball goes up in air...lsu intercepted it...we gave them that turnover, but lsu still had to do something with it and they did.....they went down the field and scored the winner....and les miles has king-kong sized nuts for going on 4th down so many times....kudos to him....go gators...and hokies
grcunning said:
posted on October 8, 2007 1:55 PM — 208.51.85.57 — link — abuse?
it will be interesting to see how they respond to the loss...
Will they come out like Fla and play a better game the next week? (despite the loss, Fla showed me a whole lot of desire & determination this week)
Or will they collapse into disarray and finger pointing like Louisville?Lennie Collins
posted on October 8, 2007 2:08 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey Gatorstud you did not disrespect me in any aspects. If you have the time go back and read some of the USC fans comments. Tommie Trojan is the only one who did not come off sounding arrogant. You would have thought after that game against Washington DmanLV and Pactenlugoff would have kept the (beep) quiet. All I can say is Pactenlugoff that $49.95 you spent to log on to Peter Carroll's website sure could have went to grocercies you now hungry (beep). DmanLV I just hope that your close friends kept all knives locked up and your butt away from open windows. I honestly thought Florida was going to whip all over LSU heads. But that is why you have to finish the games. I am sure Oklahoma and NOW USC would say! I just wish Jim Harbaugh would have pulled a Dennis Green at the press conference. Remember 2 years ago when the Arizona Carinals beat the Chicago Bears? It was used in one of those Coor's Light comercials. They(USC)were who we thought they were! We(Stanford) let them off them off the hook! USC should be happy it was not a team with a good offense. The score could have been a lot worst!
Lennie Collins
posted on October 8, 2007 2:35 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Rammer Jammer...You're right! It was last year!Jim Harbaugh still could have used it. Stanford did let them off the hook. 5 turnovers? Rammer Jammer...you are an Alabama Crimson Tide Fan. Do you think Alabama would have score more than 24 points off of 5 USC turnovers?
Rammer Jammer said:
posted on October 8, 2007 2:57 PM — 199.89.170.92 — link — abuse?
Lennie
I see what you're saying.
But to answer your question as to Bama scoring more than 24 points off of 5 turnovers; I doubt it. Our offense has become very stagnant.
If Bama were to get 5 turnovers...we would probably have (4) 3 and outs and maybe a fieldgoal.
Roll Tide
TampaGator said:
posted on October 8, 2007 4:27 PM — 64.12.116.136 — link — abuse?
Lennie Collins:
Good point re. USC Fan.
I remember thinking it a welcome development when USC first started making it back to national prominence in the early oughts (how quickly that welcome wore out). Stanford beats big, bad, USC, and all we hear from USC Fan are crickets?
There's got to be someone out there to defend PC and USC--after so many enjoyed the win-streak ride, the NC (singular intentional), and all the love the Trojans were getting?
Second question: where's PAC 10 Fan?
Seems like the quote was a side swipe to the whole conference. Had such a swipe came at B-XII or SEC, every B-XII or SEC fan out there would be piling on, without regard to their record.
GO GATORS!!Lennie Collins
posted on October 8, 2007 4:41 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey Rammer Jammer(Comment #17) you are being to hard on Alabama. I know Alabama would have scored at least 17 points! I noticed a lot of bloggers are saying USC should not be ranked or ranked in the Top 10. I think I said this weeks ago that if USC loses they were not going to drop that much. The voters are hoping showing some slack for USC that maybe USC can earn their way back to #2. You all can call USC Nicolette Larson. They are gettin' a "lotta love" from the voters. Oh I am sorry I said that. Those conspiracy thoughts are coming back again!
Lennie Collins
posted on October 8, 2007 4:59 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey TampaGator(Comment #17) let me get this out in the open. I don't dislike USC or their fan base. Those USC fans with the exception of Tommie Trojan talked about USC like they were the best thing to happen to college football since most teams ripped out their old astroturf fields for grass or fieldturf. They talked about Peter Carroll as though they were gonna put his photo on the National Title Trophy! Now that the Jerry Lewis(Cardinal) of the Pacific-10 has knocked off the Dean Martin(Trojans) of the Pacific-10, they are quiet. I remember that some college gurus called the Pacific-10: USC and the 9 dwarfs. Well it is great to see that David(Stanford) just knocked Goliath(USC) the (BEEP) out! Remember Arizona and Notre Dame are up next for USC. They better get ready or "up" for them. Peter Carroll needs to teach John Bootay what to say after a ""lowly" opponent beats do-do out of a "highly" team in their house.
Google Account
posted on October 8, 2007 9:43 PM — 63.82.71.132 — link — abuse?
said:
Wow Kevin, you've hit a new low with this article. Just because a proven unsteady USC team loses to another Pac-10 team doesn't mean the entire Pac-10 is weak. It could, in fact, suggest the opposite. I seem to recall a certain SEC team getting *spanked* to a tender red when they came to Berkeley this year.
If Florida, who some picked to defend their national title, lost one game to Kentucky this year, would you leap to the conclusion that the entire SEC is crap? I doubt it.
Ps- Just to show my affiliation, USC sucks and I'm certain LSU has a better football team and a better university academically. Everyone knew LSU deserved it. But don't downplay Oregon, Cal and Arizona State or you may be seriously embarrassed this winter on national TV.
Google Account
posted on October 8, 2007 9:59 PM — 63.82.71.132 — link — abuse? said:
Christ... are these comments for real?! ... why are there crickets coming from smoggy Loss Angeles, you ask? Consider this:
-Southern Cal became the first 40-point favorite to ever lose, making their defeat, in terms of Vegas odds, the greatest upset in college history.
-Because their fans haven't dealt with loss for a long time, despite being very close to many teams in the past few years.
-Their fans are too busy booing their own team because they are a bunch of fair-weather, drunken frat boys who didn't get accepted into their local community college.
Google Account
posted on October 8, 2007 11:51 PM — 64.142.12.94 — link — abuse? said:
You're right... I was just saying it's in it's own category... 40-something pt favorite upset. I realize all of you have a certain propensity for accuracy, and all of you're absolutely right on one point: USC does not deserve to be in the top 10, and I'd suggest part of the reason they are quiet is because they are embarrassed that they were even given that ranking. I just think Kevin's blog entries are equally embarrassing, and can't appreciate much of what people say when they attempt to bash the Pac-10, the Big 12, and the SEC, especially this year.
Exciting season, people... exciting season. I just hope everyone doesn't have a "bad" game and it's an efing undefeated Kansas vs. Hawaii for the national game.
Geauxtigers0107 said:
posted on October 9, 2007 12:52 AM — 72.150.22.98 — link — abuse?
@ #25:
"Exciting season, people... exciting season. I just hope everyone doesn't have a "bad" game and it's an efing undefeated Kansas vs. Hawaii for the national game"You said that shit right. Man, it sure looks like a possibility with the schedules still left to play. I honestly don't see USC getting by Cal but wouldn't it be par for the course if they somehow just blow them out?....lol. IMO, the Pac-10 is a very strong conference with alot of powerful teams but to lose to Stanford....at home, no less....should drop you alot further than 10.
@ #2:
"Appt St would beat Stanford by two TDs."That pretty much sums it up. Excellent point. Props to Desmond Howard also on ESPN for openly questioning the rationale on a #10 ranking of USC. You do have to remember his alma mater to clarify why he would "go out on this limb"...lol.
Geaux SEC
Geaux TigersLennie Collins
posted on October 9, 2007 1:02 AM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey Google Account I was just messing wit'cha. I heard USC fans referred to as crickets but at least crickets make noise and come out at night! I ain't got nothin' against the Pacific-10. I just want to see what DmanLV and Pactenlugoff have ta say now. I think I called it when I said USC would not drop outta the Top 10. I thought either #8 or #9. I think the Wildcats might get the Trojans this weekend.
Google Account
posted on October 9, 2007 1:18 AM — 64.142.12.94 — link — abuse? said:
Lose to Arizona... that would be interesting... if they drop that one, they may fall all the way down to 11. We'll see how Booty bounces back after some confidence building L.A.-style plastic surgery of his poor whittl' finger. Jesus tapdancing Christ... what a pussy.
patrick
(sorry... I assumed it listed my name after I signed in.)Tomcat said:
posted on October 9, 2007 6:58 AM — 69.148.173.234 — link — abuse?
Where's the love for the mighty Cardinals?
They just knocked off #2 right? Their only losses were against UCLA, Oregon & Arz St.
The big game this week other than the Bayou Bucket has got to be TCU vs Stanford.
Can TCU's Defense stop the Cardinals offensive attack? Got to give the edge to Stanford, they scored against Pete Carrol's Defense- One of the best according to Brent Mushmouth & Keith Jackson.
These brilliant Media Mogals couldnt be wrong?
Go Frogs
Go Owls
Go Mustangs
#1 LSU
#2 Missouri After next week they will beLennie Collins
posted on October 9, 2007 12:12 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey Tomcat...It's the Stanford Cardinal, singluar not plural. They are named after their primary color "Cardinal"! Like the Jeffersons, Oklahoma will be movin' on up after they blowout Missouri! Iowa State might beat texas. Crimson and Cream all da' way! Hey man whatever happen to Bobby?
Tomcat said:
posted on October 9, 2007 6:31 PM — 70.132.194.10 — link — abuse?
Lennie Thanks for the correction, what is cardinal? Is it kinda like Crimson? I guess I'm getting educated here on fanblogs. BTW what is fusha?
You cant overlook the Tigers, Yall are lucky yall got them at home and after the Colorado game we all know that the Sooners can be beat.
I really thought that the OU vs UT was a great game that could have went either way.OU won the game and UT played hard, made some mistakes and lost.Every game for the Horns will be tough and their aint no gimme games.Iowa St is at home and their Coach knows UT's gameplan.Hopefully they can play with the intensity that they showed last week win a few more and make it to a decent bowl.Its the first time in 50 years that UT has lost their first two conference games.
Hookem-HornsOU-Ron
posted on October 9, 2007 7:01 PM — 72.198.24.199 — link — abuse? said:
Tomcat, how’s it going, I’m turning over a new leaf, I’m learning how to talk smack from the pros, I’m having trouble with the meaning of those long words, but I’ll get there.
That was a great game Saturday, If Charles hadn’t fumbled on the 4 yard line it could have been a different game. I think the game with Mo. will be a tough one and what you said about Iowa St is true, Mack should probably change up his offense quite a bit, and with Sweed and your D lineman out with injuries, it could get close.
Lennie Collins
posted on October 9, 2007 8:27 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey Tomcat my friend...Cardinal is lighter than Burgundy and darker than Crimson. The name Cardinal refers to the color not the bird or Roman Catholic "cardinal" even though it is a Catholic "based" university. texas should beat Iowa State but YOU know I will be cheering for Iowa State. Oklahoma will beat Missouri by 21, hopefully! I was "changed" by Mack Brown's press conference. He admitted that Oklahoma "outplayed" texas and he was "outcoached". I was expecting the what ifs or the couldas, wouldas, and shouldas. I did not even listen to 1300 The Zone. I know Austin sports announcers would be saying it. I still would like someone to post the look on Jamaal Charles' face when he fumbled the ball at the 4 yard line or the expression on his face when he was asked about it at the press conference. Now that would be FUNNY. You can post photos of the fans crying BUT it is better when you "catch" a player because they actually play da' game. I look for another "long" winning streak in the series for Oklahoma.
Tomcat said:
posted on October 9, 2007 11:31 PM — 69.148.173.234 — link — abuse?
#33 OU Ron Heck I dont know anything about big words or spelling, talking smack with the pros?
Do what? I saw that play and thought he made it in, then saw the replay.That was a great defensive play the OU man knocked the ball lose from Charles.Over at my brothers house Sunday and heck they ought to hire us as consultants. Charles is a real fast end around guy, thats were his strength is, not up the middle. They have a stable of great atheletes McGee, Kindle, Obyola, or even Melton-Heck put Chiles in on short yardage,run or show the run and throw the ball.
It was a great game and I watched Stoops press conference today, I think both head coaches showed respect for their opponents and the boys on both teams played hard.Both these teams are real young and should improve.
This week the OU vs Missu is the big game of the week. Chase Daniels is one of the top QB's from Texas and his team is riding high after their blowout against Neb.These two teams could possibly face each other again in the XII champ game.
On the UT vs Iowa St game I wouldnt worry about lossing a particular player ex.{Sweed}Some of UT's best receivers and Running backs are on defense.Heck they are loaded talentwize. The biggest factors in the game will be teamwork, mental attitude, determination and the coaches gameplan.Even though they lost last week they showed heart, intensity and teamwork.They proved that they can be competetive and they need to show the same determination every week to be successful.
Hookem-Horns
Go Frogs
Go Owls beat StanfordOU Fan said:
posted on October 10, 2007 3:27 AM — 139.139.51.70 — link — abuse?
Lennie Collins and OU-Ron, the OU-Mizzou game should be a good one. From what I read and the fact that I have never watched them play, Mizzou has a good offense. However, I have also read that the Tigers D is pretty weak which means Bradford and Co. should score at will. The Oklahoma defense in my opinion is pretty good at going against the spread offense. Hell, OU beat Mizzou in Columbia last year 26-10 I believe. Teams that run the spread offense that I can think of that OU has played and beaten in the last 2 years are OSU, Texas Tech, Missouri, and North Texas. Last year, Texas Tech was scoring at will against the Sooner defense during the first half in Norman. However, the Sooners made adjustments in the second half and I think the Red Raiders scored no more if not only once in the second half. If OU can keep constant pressure on Chase Daniel, the Tigers are done. If Daniels can't scramble his way to find the wide open reciever, then Mizzou can't move the football. BOOMER SOONER!
OU-Ron
posted on October 10, 2007 8:43 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
OU Fan yeah, I'm looking forward to that game, it should be a good one. I'm not sure that we will score at will but I think we will score at least 35 on the tigers. With all the giant killers out there this year, it will be interesting to see who falls next.
GO SOONERS
OU 28 texas 21OU-Ron
posted on October 10, 2007 8:56 AM — 216.201.209.146 — link — abuse? said:
@35 Tomcat, the talking smack with the pros was a lame attempt at humor concerning some of the SEC boy's, sorry. I think there was more respect between players in this game than any other game that I can remember, other than the late hit on Colt and I do agree that it was bad, other than that it was pretty clean played game. Can't wait until next year.
Lennie Collins
posted on October 10, 2007 6:57 PM — 67.67.223.182 — link — abuse? said:
Hey OU Ron and OU Fan I believe Oklahoma is going to beat Missouri like the LAPD did Rodney King. Missouri passing game is gone get 300+ yards no doubt about it! The only thing for Sooners fans to do is wish for RAIN. I am glad the North teams are doing good with the exception of Iowa Mistake! Norman is where the ESPN game crew should be this week. #6 against #11.
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1st_and_NOLE
said:
posted on October 8, 2007 8:21 AM — 71.14.108.232 — link — abuse?"Stanford pulled off the biggest upset in college football history - winning as a 41 point underdog. Bigger than App State over Michigan this year.... Bigger than Temple over VaTech in 1998.... Maybe even bigger than Centre over Harvard in 1921. (None of those teams were 41-point underdogs, by the way.)"
EXACTLY!!!
So why in the hell is USC still ranked!?!? That's totally BOGUS.
If Michigan fell all the way out... so should USC.
THEY DIDN'T EVEN FALL OUT OF THE TOP 10! WHAT A JOKE!!!
The polls bias is unreal. It's all a circus.