Trojans Football News: USC NOTEBOOK — Byrd will remain top tight end
Tuesday, September 30th, 2008Array No, hands of that mouse, no surfing there until I’ve finished thank you very much!Precis: American Guy so Fat he can hardly walk to the nearest burger store with out puffing decides to take 6 months off to walk Route 66 (about 2,800 miles) to quote: âto lose weight and regain my life!â (and get rich and famous in the process through book deals, selling tee shirts and other media things â I added this bit). Steve tells us that : âBeing fat is physically and emotionally painfulâ so he is âgoing to take six months out of my life and walk across the United States from San Diego to NYC.â (Dr Rob empathises)What a GREAT idea! So first thing last night I found my wifeâs pedometer, gathering dust on a shelf somewhere and inputted the relevant data so I was ready to start Dr Robs Walk of his Life.Dr Robs Walk of his Life: The PlanThe plan is for me and my mojo to walk from Plymouth, United Kingdom to Plymouth, Massachusetts, United States of Americky where the Pilgrim Fathers first landed to found the United States and become colonists forever. It was a bit humid, but I started of at a great pace with my mojo trotting at my heels.By the time I had reached the office, my equipment had let me down, the pedometer wasnât pedometering, and so I need to re-organise and search out a better pedometer that wasnât £2.99 if you bought a particular Daily Newspaper that I would never in a million years have bought otherwise because of its right wing views.ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY.
link
Hence, we give you our 2005 NFL Preview:AFC EastBuffalo BillsWhatâs good: Theyâve got a very good young running back in Willis McGahee, talented receivers in Eric Moulds and Lee Evans, and one of the better young defenses in the league.Whatâs bad: Sure, Drew Bledsoe was a statue in the pocket. Additionally, they lost massive defensive tackle Pat Williams, and Ron Edwards isnât going to turn any heads.What we think: While thereâs plenty of talent, teams with rookie QBs rarely make the playoffs (besides Pittsburgh last year). If the defense can keep them in games and Losman can be decent, they might be a playoff team, but weâre slotting them at 8-8 and third in the AFC East.Miami DolphinsWhatâs good: Ricky Williams is back in the fold, which means at the very least Tibetan Buddhists and marijuana dealers will root for this team. Beyond that, they still have a competent defense, and Chris Chambers and Randy McMichael are guys who can catch the ball.Whatâs bad: Theyâre starting Gus Frerotte at QB.What we think: Theyâre not the worst team in the AFC (thank you Browns), but theyâre still terrible. Until someone proves theyâre better, weâre taking them to win 13 games and the AFC East.New York JetsWhatâs good: They had a very good defense last year, and they added Ty Law to it, plus John Abraham is now in camp. Additionally, most of the guys on that defense are young and could easily improve over last year. Curtis Martin turned back the clock last year and showed he was still an elite back. On defense, theyâve struggled to replace Jason Fergusen at DT and they still donât have a strong safety.What we think: This is a damn good team. Todd Heap is good, but heâs hurt half the year every year.What we think: That defense is good, but Boller is gonna handcuff them. Their offense is terrible, their defense is worse, and Romeo Crennel is going to be pawning his Super Bowl rings by Week 9.What we think: If they win 4 games Romeo Crennel deserves a national holiday. A bad front seven will kill even the best secondary.What we think:: Most people think theyâve take a step forward this year. Their young defense was one of the gameâs best last year. Can Leftwich stay healthy for a full season or will he become the next version of Steve McNair?What we think:: A trendy pick a year ago, theyâll improve further this season. The defense is reportedly much improved.Whatâs bad:: Hasnât this defense supposedly been improved each of the last two years? The defense surprised many last year and is up and coming. While the defense should improve, it was exploited by good offenses last year.What we think:: Theyâre probably the best team in the West. NFC EastDallas CowboysWhatâs good: Julius Jones showed last year that he can be a very good running back in this league. Combine them with free agents signings Jason Ferguson, Anthony Henry, and Aaron Glenn and Dallas should improve on their sixteenth ranked defense from a year ago.Whatâs bad:: Do Anthony Henry and Aaron Glenn really improve a shaky secondary? Wide Receiver Terrell Owens set Eagles records across the board in his first season.Whatâs bad:: Owens hired Drew Rosenhaus to be his new agent in the offseason and immediately demanded a better contract than the seven year deal worth 9 million last year. Backup running back Correll Buckhalter is done for the year leaving a big drop off from starter Brian Westbrook.What we think: They are still the best team in the NFC East and will win the division easily. What we think: Very good defense, solid running back, but one of the five worst passing attacks in the league means last place in the NFC East with a 6-10 record.NFC NorthChicago BearsWhatâs good: Brian Urlacher and Mike Brown are back and should elevate the Bears defense into one of the best in the league. Ahman Green should bounce back after a down year. Also, the Vikings need a find a good number two receiver from Marcus Robinson, Travis Taylor, rookie Troy Williamson, and newly signed Koren Robinson.What we think: With their offseason, the Vikings rose up to become the best team in the division.NFC SouthAtlanta FalconsWhatâs good: Theyâve got lots of talent on the defensive line. But that hasnât happened yet.What we think: The Falcons will take a step back, but theyâre still plenty good enough to make the playoffs in the weak NFC.Carolina PanthersWhatâs good: They have the best defense in the NFC. Steve Smith was hurt all year last year, and since Mushin Muhammad is gone, theyâre gonna need Keary Colbert to step up to take the pressure off.What we think: This is probably the best team in the NFC. Brian Griese probably wonât be very good this year, and who knows what theyâre gonna get out of rookie running back Carnell (Cadillac) Williams. Still, last yearâs breakout rookie Michael Clayton could make things interesting.Whatâs bad: The defense is getting old, their offensive line is weak, and the truth of the matter is that this team is going to need many more high draft picks to rebuild.NFC WestArizona CardinalsWhatâs good: Theyâve got a pair of very good young receivers in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. Alex Smith is a rookie, Kevan Barlow is a perennial flop, their top receiver is best known for an amazing catch he made two years ago, and their other wideout was a Notre Dame QB. Plus, the NFL wonât let Mike Nolan wear a suit on the sideline to honor his father.What we think With the #1 pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, the San Francisco 49ers select Reggie Bush, running back, University of Southern California.Seattle SeahawksWhatâs good: Matt Hasselbeck is a Pro Bowl-calibur QB. But the line hasnât generated any pressure in ten years, the linebackers are roster filler, and if defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes returns to the booth, theyâll blow numerous games with idiotic play calling.What we think: Theyâre not very good, but in the weak NFC West, theyâre good enough.
link
Time (Clock Of The Heart), Culture Club35. You Can’t Hurry Love, Phil Collins38. The Girl Is Mine, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney50. Making Love Out Of Nothing At All, Air Supply WTF?67. Heart To Heart, Kenny Loggins73. My Love, Lionel Richie74. Hot Girls In Love, Loverboy76. All This Love, Debarge79. Your Love Is Driving Me Crazy, Sammy Hagar80. Take Me To Heart, Quarterflash84. Lawyers In Love, Jackson Browne88. I’ve Got A Rock ‘N’ Roll Heart, Eric Clapton95. Tonight I Celebrate My Love, Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack97. Fall In Love With Me, Earth, Wind and FireIt’s been years since I’ve heard Electric Avenue… and what ever happened to Dexy’s Midnight Runners?I make no apologies for the Journey songs on this list, and I proudly claim Hall and Oates, Cluture Club, and the Tubes as some of my favorites. Actually, when you add up the songs on this list by Bowie, Joe Jackson, Tom Petty, Jackson Browne, the Clash, Adam Ant, and the Stray Cats, 1983 looks like a banner year for pop music.
link
It seems everyone’s either late for work or eager to get home.Rock Creek Parkway is a pretty place, lots of trees, interesting bridges, people jogging or riding bicycles all of which has to be ignored in rush hour because the lanes are so narrow and so curvy in spots that if you take your eyes off the road for a second you’re drifting over into the next lane which, of course, has an unforgiving SUV in it.Of interest to the first time traveler on the Parkway are the traffic lights which must be obeyed and the traffic lights which must be ignored. Well, one trip down the Parkway in the morning rush and one false step at the light which must be ignored and the chances are good that you’ll never make that mistake again.There’s a traffic light outside the Kennedy Center that seems to have drivers fairly evenly divided about its status. When this light turns red some drivers look for pedestrians (to avoid them of course, not to hit them) and, seeing none, continue as though it’s definitely a light that can be ignored while others come to a stop (pedestrians or not) and risk the wrath of the first group.It’s interesting to see people’s reactions when they’re being beeped at by an irate driver at the light that can be ignored. The last stretch of Cathedral Avenue before reaching the traffic light at the intersection with Connecticut Avenue becomes two lanes. Engines scream, smoke billows, the light turns green and we turn right — sometimes on two wheels — in a crazed attempt to reach the next light at the zoo (a good 100 yards away) before it turns red. People have missed my car by microns at 40 miles an hour in their nightly attempt to break the land speed record for the Cathedral Avenue to Chevy Chase race.Go in the left hand lane and there’s always the thrill of finding someone blissfully unaware of the lane setup so they’re coming towards you also at 40 miles an hour.
link
-ne LA Daily News - SPTUSC By Scott Wolf, Staff Writer USC coach Pete Carroll said he suspended tight end Dominique Byrd for the second half against Hawaii because of his unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty, but he now considers the matter closed. Byrd threw his helmet down on the field after Carroll lectured him following the penalty. He didnt play after that,” Carroll said. Blame the media: After returning from Hawaii, Carroll became angry over the controversy surrounding the use of tailback LenDale White and stories reporting White was unhappy after the game. Small quibble: Carroll acknowledged that USCs tackling in the secondary left something to be desired. Although Danelo’s range seems to be inside 40 yards, Carroll decided to give his kicker a chance on the 42-yarder, which Danelo missed. Unless Danelo’s range improves, Carroll is not expected to try many long field goals this season.
link
-ne
Press-Telegram - Sports
Scott Wolf
USC coach Pete Carroll said he suspended tight end Dominique Byrd for the second half against Hawaii because of his unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, but now considers the matter closed. Byrd cost USC a scoring opportunity after throwing the football at a Hawaii player following a rough tackle on the sideline. The penalty moved the Trojans back 15 yards and kicker Mario Danelo missed a 42-yard field goal.
Byrd threw his helmet down on the field after Carroll lectured him following the penalty.
He didnt play after that,” Carroll said. “He knows it was a screwed up play.”
Carroll said Byrd would remain the Trojans starting tight end.
He’s back to business, Carroll said. He was real emotional about it.
It was an auspicious debut for the Mackey Award candidate. He caught just one pass that quickly got overshadowed by his penalty.
Blame the media
After returning from Hawaii, Carroll became angry over the controversy surrounding the use of tailback LenDale White and stories reporting White was unhappy after the game.
If you ask him 10 questions, you’re just looking for something, Carroll said. You’re just asking and asking. You guys are making something out of it. He handled it great.
Hes fine. Hes a competitor. He carried the ball 13 times.
White did carry the ball more times than starter Reggie Bush (12), however, eight of White’s carries occurred with reserve QB John David Booty in the game, when USC held a 49-10 advantage.
And perhaps more importantly, White was visibly angry in the locker room.
I cant control what happens, I have no clue what happened,” White said after the game.
Carroll insisted Monday that White was “OK about it.”
Moving up
Carroll praised safety Josh Pinkard and said the sophomore is ready to play full time, if necessary.
“He really jumped out (on film),” Carroll said. “Theres no question he can play.
Carroll also said reserve linebackers Brian Cushing and Collin Ashton made nice plays.
Small quibble
Carroll admitted USC’s tackling in the secondary left something to be desired.
We didnt tackle real well, especially their receivers in the open field,” he said.
Why not?
Although Danelos range seems to be inside 40 yards, Carroll decided to take a chance on a 42-yarder, which Danelo missed. Unless Danelos range improves, Carrolls not expected to try many long field goals this season.
One possibility is that freshman Troy Van Blarcom could be used on longer kicks.
Numbers game
USCs 5-1 in Hawaii and 26-1 against Western Athletic Conference teams. The Trojans have the longest current streaks in the nation for victories (23) and road games (10).
The Trojans outscored the opponent by 585 points in those 23 games.
USCs 63 points against Hawaii were its most since scoring 66 against Utah State in 1989. The Trojans are 43-9 under Carroll and 26-1 with Matt Leinart starting at quarterback.
Either Bush or Whites scored a touchdown in USCs past 25 games.
link