RealClearSports: NCAA's Verdict: USC Out of Control

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

Maybe they should change the name of that USC offensive formation to "student body wrong.''

The place known as Tailback U is now "We Caught U.'' The NCAA has nothing against players accepting pitchouts but as proved once more it's greatly opposed to handouts, illegal ones, that is.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2010

RealClearSports: At USC, Coach Isn't a Job, It's a Role

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

At the University of Southern California, football coach is less a job than a role. A man must know his X's and O's certainly, but as importantly in the movie capital, where there's no business like show business, he must know how to shake a hand and tell a joke.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2010

L.A. Daily News: Carroll, Trojans get a feel-good ending with triumph in Emerald Bowl

By Art Spander
Special to the Daily News

SAN FRANCISCO -- It was a win. In the town where he was born. In the stadium where Barry Bonds broke the home run record. That was enough for Pete Carroll, even if might not been enough for those critics who call themselves USC fans.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2009 Los Angeles Newspaper Group

SF Examiner: Carroll endures a rare rough season at Southern Cal

By Art Spander
Special to The Examiner

SAN FRANCISCO — Pete Carroll is making the best of it, which always has been his way. The letter writers in L.A. are down on him, because lately he hasn’t done what they wanted. Pete’s even a little down on himself, not that the enthusiasm doesn’t wash over the disappointment in a second or two.

Read the full story here.

Copyright 2009 SF Newspaper Company

RealClearSports: USC Rubs It in Against UCLA

By Art Spander
For RealClearSports.com

LOS ANGELES -- Pete Carroll said it was only because he has the heart of a competitor. So, leading by a couple of touchdowns, with less than a minute to play, USC went deep. Into UCLA's heart.

Another touchdown for the Trojans. Another blow to the Bruins. And almost another one of those brawls which are an embarrassment to college football.

Read the full story here.

© RealClearSports 2009