USC Trojans Football: 10 New Year's Resolutions for 2011
The 2010 USC football season was marked by equal measures of disappointment and optimism, and while the results were less than satisfactory to all those connected to the program, there are reasons for hope entering into the new year.
The Trojans had to operate under the auspices of the heavy sanctions levied by the NCAA, and, as they did, also had to break in a new/old coach in Lane Kiffin.
Despite this, the Trojans were a mere seven seconds or so from a 10-3 season, and if not for some shaky special teams play, USC's season would have been far more respectable.
Looking ahead to 2011, head coach Lane Kiffin, who has promised Trojan fans that there will be no repeat of 2010, will look to shore up certain aspects of USC football to ensure that promise is kept.
To help him along, here are 10 resolutions for 2011 that will make fans of the men of Troy happy all year long...
No. 10 Don't Recruit Anymore Wide Receivers For a While
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Okay, we get it. The Trojans love wide receivers and Lord knows, wide receivers love the Trojans.
But enough already.
Blessed with an over-abundance of talent at the position, including studs already here and more on the way, the Trojans now need to replenish other critical areas.
This is especially true with the reduced scholarships soon to be available courtesy of the mighty (stupid) NCAA and their punishing sanctions.
With 2010 recruits George Farmer Jr. and Victor Blackwell on the way to join Robert Woods, Brice Butler, Brandon Carswell, Thereon Collier, De'Von Flournoy and others, quarterback Matt Barkley has tons of options for the 2011 season.
But wait, there's more. Literally.
2012 wide receiver recruits, Jordan Payton and Jayden Mickens, have already given the Trojans their pledge as well.
So let's focus on other areas like...
No. 9 Do Recruit More Offensive Linemen
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While the Trojans are blessed with an over-abundance of quality wide receivers, this is not the case with the "big uglies."
The O-line is an area of focus for many reasons.
With the graduation of center Kris O'Dowd and guard Butch Lewis, coupled with the early defection of Tyron Smith to the NFL, the offensive line will undergo major changes for 2011.
There are quality linemen available to step in and eventually, this unit will be a strength for USC. But depth will be a major concern.
To address this, Lane Kiffin has wisely brought in some JUCO players to add depth to the unit.
The majority of these players will enroll early and thus not count against the precious few scholarships that the Trojans will have available for this year.
However, some of these recruits are raw and others probably will never see the field, so it is critical that Kiffin and co. find some premium prep talent for the future.
Of course, come letter of intent signing day, perhaps a few blue chip offensive linemen will come on board, thus easing Trojan needs at the position.
But if not, you know what to do, Lane.
No. 8 Stick With One Running Back
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In 2010, many Trojan fans lamented the way tailback Allen Bradford was used.
Or more to point, the way he WASN'T used.
Despite preseason assurances that he would stay with one back to provide continuity, Lane Kiffin began the season with Marc Tyler as the starter, inserted Bradford later on and even had true freshman Dillon Baxter start one game.
In the last game of the season, when Bradford ran roughshod over UCLA, Kiffin questioned his own methodology of naming different starters throughout the season.
Now, in 2011, Kiffin has a chance make amends.
Whether it be Marc Tyler, Dillon Baxter, D.J. Morgan or perhaps even incoming 5-star freshman DeAnthony Thomas (who has professed a desire to play running back instead of cornerback), make the call for a starter and stick with it.
Unless, of course, your starter can't hold on to the football.
Then you have our blessing to do what you want.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
No. 7 Let DeAnthony Thomas See the Field As Much As Possible
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Trojan fans, let me introduce you to DeAnthony Thomas.
The 5-star cornerback/running back/kick returner from Crenshaw High School, is simply electric.
Nicknamed the "Black Mamba," Thomas is a threat to score anytime he has the ball in his hands.
Though rated the No. 1 cornerback in the country, Thomas has also said he would like to also play running back. Okie dokie DeAnthony.
As long as he stays healthy, Lane Kiffin should let Thomas see the field in any capacity he desires. He is that good.
Let's just hope he doesn't develop a desire to play wide receiver.
No. 6 Start Grooming Jesse Scroggins
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This resolution begs for both qualification and clarification.
Jesse Scroggins, the redshirt freshman quarterback from Lakewood High School, will back up Matt Barkley in 2011 with the graduation of Mitch Mustain.
Now, for young Mr. Scroggins to see the field of play, one of two things must happen: Either Matt Barkley gets hurt, or the Trojans are blowing out their competition.
I'll leave it to your imagination which scenario Trojan fans would prefer.
Scroggins is a supremely talented young signal caller, who, unless 2010 recruits Max Wittek or Cody Kessler step up in a big way, will be counted on to lead the Trojans in 2012 (unless Matt Barkley comes back for his senior year).
So do us all a favor in 2011 Trojans: Blow out your competition in the upcoming year.
Your quarterback of the future needs the experience.
No. 5 Run the Wildcat with Dillon Baxter
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In 2010, coach Kiffin rolled out a new wrinkle to the Trojans offense.
Primarily using running back Marc Tyler, Kiffin installed a version of the wildcat offense that has swept country.
However, many Trojan fans were left wondering why Dillon Baxter, who played quarterback in high school and is positively electric as a running back, wasn't utilized in the scheme.
After all, being able to throw out of the formation lends a whole new dimension to the set and, as Baxter was able to show in the UCLA game, he is more than capable of delivering a strike throwing the ball.
So let's see more of this, Lane.
If expanded options while running the wildcat is important, then look no further than Dillon Baxter.
And let's have some fun watching opposing defensive coordinators pull out their hair trying to stop it.
No. 4 Start a New Winning Streak Against Notre Dame
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According to Lane Kiffin, one of his deepest regrets in 2010 was not extending the Trojans' eight-game winning streak against Notre Dame.
You're not alone Lane.
Against a very ordinary Fighting Irish team, the Trojans laid an egg at home in a game they should have won easily.
Of course, Matt Barkley wasn't available for the Irish but even with that, the Trojans should have won this game going away. But they didn't.
Now the Trojans will travel to South Bend to meet an improving team on their home field, which should make it all the more satisfying when they start a new streak against the Domers.
No. 3 Continue the Winning Streak Against UCLA
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Although one streak ended against Notre Dame, the other important one continued against hapless UCLA.
Winners of 11 out of 12 and four in a row, the Trojans added to UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel's misery in 2010.
Some Trojan fans will tell you that Notre Dame is the most significant rivalry game the Trojans play, but don't let them fool you.
Bragging rights in the city goes a lot further with both the players and recruits who are looking at both schools to ply their talents.
Which makes the UCLA game, in many fans' eyes, the more important of the two.
Lately, this hasn't been a rivalry at all, but Bruin fans can take heart.
After two years of losses by the same 28-7 score, the mighty Bruins managed to crawl a bit closer last year, only losing 28-14.
Congrats on that Rick.
No. 2 Run a Modified Spread at Least Some of the Time
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As articulated in the first slide, the Trojans have a bevy of fine wide receivers at their disposal.
They also have a ton of very good running backs, and they don't have depth on the offensive line.
For these reasons alone, the Trojans need to run a spread-type of offense in 2011.
The spread allows for more skill position players to be on the field at the same time, and, perhaps as importantly, it doesn't require the offensive linemen to hold their blocks as long, which diminishes the possibility of injury on the line.
Looking at his roster, coach Kiffin agrees and has gone on record as saying so.
Another benefit to running the spread is that it gives opposing defenses another thing to worry about.
Mixing in the spread with the wildcat and the normal pro set the Trojans typically run should give opposing coaches nightmares.
I wonder how coach Kiffin looks in a Freddy Krueger outfit?
No. 1 Prove the Haters Wrong By Going at Least 10-2 in 2011
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Let's face it, not everyone loves the Trojans.
And those who don't have had a field day recently between USC's disappointing 8-5 record in 2010 and the sanctions handed down to the Trojans in response to the Reggie Bush scandal.
Let's make the haters satisfaction a one-year occurrence.
With a manageable schedule in 2011 (only the Oregon game at Autzen looks unwinnable), the Trojans have a good opportunity to bounce back next year.
The Trojans will have more depth next year and the young defense should be markedly better with the experience gained in 2010.
Meanwhile, if the offensive line gels and stays healthy, Matt Barkley and company should be very good in the upcoming season.
So let's watch the haters squirm in 2011, oh mighty Trojans. Make their pleasure of watching you struggle in 2010 a one-year phenomenon.
And while you're at it, let's make 2011 the start of a new dynasty.
The Lane Kiffin dynasty.
Conclusion
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There you have it.
Ten resolutions that can help return the Trojans to the glory of yore.
Some are more important than others but all of them can benefit USC as they move forward into 2011.
Of course, there are considerations that are beyond the Trojans control.
Most of all, will the evil NCAA reduce the penalties they levied against USC?
A return of some of the scholarships taken from the Trojans accompanied by a return to a bowl game in 2011 would do far more than any resolution offered here but, of course, that is out of the Trojans hands.
In the meantime, the 2011 season looks very promising for the men of Troy.
And if these resolutions are implemented, the road to success will be paved for easier travel.
So get on the steamroller Lane.
The keys for smoothing that road are contained within.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
