Go Fetch: Tirebiter’s Morning Byte of USC Trojans News

USC: The Trojans have a bit of “We’ll see,” here after losing both starting defensive tackles from 2011. But here’s a guess that at least half the teams in the Pac-12, perhaps more, would trade their defensive tackles for George Uko, who has big upside, and J.R. Tavai. And what happens if redshirt freshman Antwaun Woods breaks through? Depth is an issue, but the Trojans will be fine here if they stay healthy.

While there are plenty of story lines around Ramsey’s decision to commit to USC, one stands out: the ties between the Trojans and the University of Tennessee. Ramsey, No. 57 in the ESPN 150, said former Tennessee coach Lane Kiffin, who is still vilified by Vols fans after leaving as the school’s head coach in 2010, was one of the primary reasons Ramsey is headed west. “He’s a chill person outside of the football field,” Ramsey said. “You can definitely get along with him but he’s going to push his kids and get the best out of his kids. He’s a loving person despite all the rumors you hear in Tennessee with him. I don’t feel like any of it is true. I love how he is. I love the man he is. I can’t wait to play for him.”

Ramsey joined Eddie Vanderdoes, Nico Falah, and Khaliel Rodgers as commitments in the Class of 2013 to join the Trojans this week alone. As a result, USC takes over the top spot in the Rivals.com team recruiting rankings, knocking Michigan out of the spot for the first time all season.

USC has 15 total commitments, three of which are rated five stars by Rivals.com (the rest are four-star). Michigan has 22, but none of which are rated five stars (14 four-star, 6 three-star).

I see what Kiffin is doing here. Lock up (verbally) all the top talent you can, get three of those players to enroll early and keep trying to lock up players in case one or two of those early verbals doesn’t pan out, for whatever reason, before next years signing day.

A source told CBSSports.com that the Rose Bowl’s new deal with ESPN essentially sets the price for the semifinals in the playoff that begins in 2014. Sports Business Journal reported on Monday that ESPN’s deal with the Rose Bowl was worth $80 million that could push the value of the playoff past $600 million.