USC Bye Week Notes

Don’t forget to wear cardinal to the game on October 30 against Oregon. The goal is to create a “red out” by making the entire stands cardinal and create an intimidating atmosphere for the showdown with the No. 1 Ducks.To the links…

The Los Angeles Times:

Oregon runs an unbelievably fast-paced, no huddle offense. In preparation, Lane Kiffin has his team running sprints and getting in some extra conditioning.

When Lane Kiffin came to USC, he brought with him a new wrinkle in the Wildcat formation. Marc Tyler has been the main back in the formation, and he loves the opportunities it presents. Tyler runs the formation well, and even attempted a pass at Stanford.

In the game against Cal, USC put on a clinic. The Lane Kiffin tenure is off to a good start considering the circumstances, but the coach still isn’t happy with the two losses.

USC’s schedule will experience some changes for the 2011 season. The Trojans will still play 9 conference games and maintain their rivalries with California, but division mates Utah and Colorado will be added to the tilt.

With a week off, USC coaches are out recruiting some of the best players in the country. Will they be able to duplicate the success from last season?

At some point, Matt Barkley hopes to win the Heisman trophy. So far, the sophomore quarterback has put together a rather impressive campaign. If the Trojans were 7-0, his campaign would be in full effect.

ESPN Los Angeles:

Pat Haden is pleased with the way the Pac-12 expansion meetings went. His main goal of preserving the California rivalries came through and USC will enjoy a $2 million pay out if the total conference revenue doesn’t exceed $170 million.

Mark Saxon provides a mid season report for the Trojans. The game at Cal may have been a turning point in the season after USC dropped two heartbreakers in a row. With the Ducks coming to town, USC needs to bring their A game.

Often, people lose perspective as to what sports mean in the grand scheme of things. The Trojans took some time out this week to visit a children’s hospital and make a difference in the community.

The OC Register:

Is the Wildcat the only new innovation Lane Kiffin will bring to USC. Earlier in the week, he hinted that USC might stray from their traditional pro-style offense and move towards a spread attack.

Depth was an issue coming into the season, but the Trojans figured to be stacked at running back. Due to injuries, the Trojans are wearing thin and hope to get healthy soon.