Just when you think USC is headed back to the top of the college football world, a new problem surfaces.
Last weekend Coach Steve Sarkisian appeared to be intoxicated during a campus football event. On Monday the coach apologized.
The 10th-ranked Trojans open their season at with an 8 o’clock date in the Coliseum against Arkansas State on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8.
If USC performs on the field the way they look on paper, everyone will forget the distractions. “We chose to come to USC to win,” said Sarkisian a few weeks ago at the Pac-12 media day. “We did not come here to be mediocre. We came to win championships. If the expectations are too big, USC is not the place for you.”
It did not happen last year, but Sarkisian said he wants the Trojans “to be at our best in the biggest moments.”
If everything calms down after – or if – the spectre of last weekend goes away, “this team has a much better comfort level after going through the system last year. Guys can relax and play free.”
Sarkisian’s embarrassing behavior has been a daily story this week.
Can a normal atmosphere be restored?
Talent never has been a problem at USC.
Quarterback Cody Kessler, all-purpose player Adoree’ Jackson, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, center Max Tuerk, linebacker Su’a Cravens and running backs Tre Madden and Justin Davis are some of the players who will put the Trojans in a position to win.
It starts with Kessler. He threw 39 touchdown passes last year, only five interceptions. Back for his senior year, he hopes to go down in history as one of the best quarterbacks.
“Cody has a great mentality and a great work ethic,” said Sarkisian. “A blue collar kid. He is as good as his numbers. He is a better person off the field and in the locker room.”
Kessler and his teammates are looking forward to the season. “Our team does not care about the rankings,” said Kessler. “We are excited to get the season started. The most important thing is to win all of our games.”
In Jackson, USC has one of the most electrifying players in the nation. Right now he is to play defensive back, receiver, return kickoffs and punt returns. He recently kicked a 30-yard field goal in practice. He is one of the top track and field athletes in the nation.
“Adoree’ is one of the best athletes that I have been associated with,” Sarkisian said. “We will use him the best way we can without killing the poor kid. We will try to get the ball in his hand as much as possible. He is a player who makes you hold your breath every time he gets his hands on the ball.”
With one of the top recruiting classes coming in, depth, which has plagued the Trojans in recent years, should be resolved. If they can stay away from off- field problems, they will rejoin the elite.
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com