USC Trojans: Inquiring Minds would like to know…
The days roll by and between games, fertile minds (and even mine) sometimes pass the time wondering about things only because we have too much time on our hands.
Having admitted to this sad situation, here are some questions that have passed through my bored and unproductive head:
What does Pete Carroll have against Mitch Mustain?
As last week’s “Debacle in Seattle” played out in front of my incredulous eyes, my thoughts kept racing back to the erstwhile transfer from Arkansas and for the life of me, I could not imagine Mustain being any worse than the effort brought by Aaron Corp.
It seems as though Mitch Mustain has either played or practiced his way deep into Coach Carroll’s doghouse because Mustain has never been in any serious conversation Carroll has had regarding the quarterback position.
So what gives? Is Mustain that bad or is there something else going on?
It can’t be for a lack of effort on Mustain’s part. For crying out loud, the young man has even volunteered for punting duty after witnessing Billy O’Malley’s woeful efforts.
God forbid anything happens to Matt Barkley, but if it does, Coach Carroll, how about giving Mustain a shot?
Typically, I would never question Pete Carroll, but since I already have I might as well go all out…
Hey Pete, where has C.J. Gable been?
I know that last week he was hurt, but what about the other two weeks and spring and fall scrimmages?
I understand that you said during fall practices that you knew what he and Stafon Johnson could do and you wanted to see what the other backs and Joe McKnight were capable of.
Fair enough, but you also said that ball protection was of paramount importance, which is why you sat Gable in the first place.
So why do you keep trotting McKnight out there when he fumbles as much or more than Gable or anyone else?
Be it far from me to question Coach Carroll, but it seems there might be a bit of a double standard here.
Pete Carroll’s criteria for playing time seems a bit convoluted, which brings me to my last query regarding the Coach:
Given the fact that Ronald Johnson is out, how nice would it be to have Vidal Hazelton right now?
Hazelton, who transferred last year when his playing time was cut dramatically after an injury, had over 50 receptions as a freshman.
Vidal Hazelton, though not the burner that Johnson is, would have been a nice part of the rotation and would have been a better bridge to get over Johnson’s injury than anything the Trojans have now.
Please understand, these are musings from an avowed rabid fan of both the Trojans and Pete Carroll.
Perhaps I do indeed have too much time on my hands…but this inquiring Trojan mind would like to know.
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Comment by David Gold on 26 September 2009:
This is absolutely NOT true. Vidal was the starting receiver at USC. He understood the offense. Coach Sark had Vidal in the doghouse. Morton and Sark did not see eye to eye on that decision that is why there was an argument at one SC game. I was there! Vidal is a burner. He runs a 4.3 now. He made the right choice to transfer. SC’s offense is not designed for WR’s. That is why Kyle Prater and that Woods kid needs to go to a spread offense. Look at the programs that bring out the top WR in the draft. NOT SC. There is just to much talent at SC to allow player development. Vidal had more swagger than SC could handle and most coaches are not able to handle this. This is why Pete did not survive the NFL. He tries to turn players into happy go lucky personalities. Vidal is a gladiator. If you only knew the kid. He would call out the Cushings, Mays and anyone in the locker room. The WRs would plead with him not to start anything with the LB squad but he would do it anyway. This is how competitive this kid is. He always wanted to bring the best out in his teammates. Even if it meant trash talking them. He had a sharp tongue and many players couldn’t stand up to him. He would always get the best of you when it came to trash talking. Joe McKnight tried and Vidal got to him. That is why Joe threw a punch at Vidal. I played with Vidal at SC and witnessed this. Vidal is a great player. we could really use him now. Rojo is not the player Vidal is. He’s just to fragile. Vidal is that Heins Ward type physical player with a twist of Moss, Owens, Bolden and Plexico. He’s the type of baller that USC will never develop properly because Coach Carroll is to busy trying to be happy go lucky. I predict that USC loses at least 2 more games. Stay strong Vidal. You made the right choice to transfer. This is unfortunate for AB, TP and Mustain. Go Vidal. We love you out here on the East Coast. I can see you at the JETS. NOW That is a coach with REAL New York SWAGGER that Coach Carroll lacks. His personality fits well with a big time player like Vidal. 1st Round pick all the way Vidal. Keep laying the wood kid
Comment by Joey Kaufman on 27 September 2009:
Are you working for Vidal’s PR firm or what?
Comment by Rick McMahan on 27 September 2009:
To David:
I gave you a more complete comment elsewhere but I think you are off base regarding Coach Carroll….
Nonetheless, thanks for checking the piece out David!
Comment by Rick McMahan on 27 September 2009:
Hi Joey,
I was thinking the same thing regarding David and his “man crush” on Vidal Hazelton!
Comment by Rick McMahan on 27 September 2009:
Hi evisu jeans!
Thanks you for you for checking the piece out and your very kind words! This is a great site with writers far more insightful than myself so I think you will be very happy subscribing…
Thanks again evisu!