USC Players Scuffle

To say USC has had a rough offseason may not do it justice. To add to the sanctions earlier this year, it was reported two USC players had engaged in a fight that required sugery for one of the players. Fullback Stanley Havili and teammate T.J. Bryant reportedly got in a fight last week during the final players-only conditioning practices. After a shoving match, Stanley Havili struck T.J. Bryant in the face which required surgery to fix his broken left cheekbone. After a quick ban, both players are allowed back at practices. Lane Kiffin will have his work cut out for him to turn the program back to elite status.

Pac-10 Preseason Media Poll

Last week, the Pac-10 Preseason Media Poll was released. The poll was the projected Pac-10 standings in 2010. The number in the parentheses is the first place votes. Here were the results:

1) Oregon (15)

2) USC (12)

3) Oregon State (3)

4) Stanford (1)

5) Arizona (2)

6) Washington (1)

7) Cal

8) UCLA (1)

9) Arizona State

10) Washington State

For the first time since probably 2003, USC is not the clear cut preseason favorite to win the Pac-10. Oregon won the conference last season and there are 5-6 teams that have a legitimate shot to win it this year. Even ASU could sneak in and suprise some people. By the way, to get some good ASU college football tickets, check out the Arizona State Sundevils page. Should be a great season!

Pac-10 Coaches Meet in New York City

Last week, the Pac-10 Coaches and Commissioner Larry Scott met in New York City to promote the conference and try to raise the awareness of the conference. Located on the West Coast, the Pac-10 realizes it is easier to go under the radar since the TV markets feed off of the east coast and central time zones. Conferences like the Big 10, Big 12, SEC, and ACC tend to get a lot of the TV and media time. The Commissioner Larry Scott hopes for increased exposure to the conference and for more games on the TV schedule. The Pac-10 hopes the BCS will view the conference as competitive as the other major conferences in the nation.

Pac-10 Changing Name to Pac-12

When the two new members join the Pac-10 in 2011, the conference will be officially renamed the Pac-12. Joining the current 10 team conference is the University of Colorado and the University of Utah. The name new will also come with a new logo, a sleek looking shield with mountains and waves surrounding the number 12. Pac-10 Commissioner Larry Scott announced the move earlier this week and hopes the new conference can get more national respect in college football with the additions.

Tennesse Titans Upset with USC coach Lane Kiffin

Lane Kiffin is in the spotlight again for his behavior. This comes after his demise with the Oakland Raiders, his early exit from the Tennessee Volunteers after one season, his secondary violations at Tennessee, and now a feud with the Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fischer. Apparently the Titans coach is upset that Lane Kiffin hired Kennedy Pola as his offensive coordinator after he was the Titans running backs coach and had not given Jeff Fischer the customary courtesy phone call. Fischer stated he was "disappointed" by Lane Kiffin's approach. I'd be willing to bet this isn't the last time Lane Kiffin makes news.

Pac-10 Predictions

Here are my predictions for the Pac-10 projected standings:

1. Oregon - Return the potent running game, even if they made a QB change
2. USC - Still have Matt Barkley and some top recruits...even with the sanctions
3. Oregon State - Jacquizz Rodgers will be up for the Heisman
4. Cal - Kind of a suprise pick, but I still think they will suprise some people
5. Washington - 2 words: Jake Locker
6. Stanford - 2 words: Andrew Luck
7. Arizona - Still have QB Nick Foles, beat USC last year, and almost earned a spot in the Rose Bowl
8. UCLA - Rick Neuheisel will be on the hot seat
9. ASU - Step back this season
10. Washington State - Another down year.

USC will return Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy

USC announced they will have a new athletic director to replace Mike Garrett. The new director is Pat Haden, who will take over on August 3rd. Pat Haden is a former USC quarterback and color analyst on NBC for Notre Dame football. Mike Garrett wasn't the only thing shown the exit from USC. Reggie Bush's Heisman Trophy will be returned and all displays honoring him on campus will be taken down. Reggie Bush still has his own copy of the trophy, but USC will formally hand theirs to the Heisman Trust. The Heisman Trust is now considering the issues on Reggie Bush and if he should still be considered the recipient of the prestigious award.