According to sources on the USC insiders board.

This came out of nowhere. Had not heard a single thing about this until yesterday when Mora was fired, then all the sudden, boom, the best coach in the Pac-10 is plucked.

The move screams several things:

1. Pete’s been recruiting dirty for years and it’s finally catching up with him. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the NCAA come after USC for violations (e.g. Reggie Bush).

2. Pete has unfinished business in the NFL. I still think he’ll make a poor head coach in that league, however, as he doesn’t and can’t command the same respect from adults as he does kids.

As far as Mike Riley leaving for USC…well, apparently he’s one of their top 5 choices. I’d say this is true, and for two reasons:

1. Riley would never get a recruiting violation

2. Riley wins with little talent

While there may be a courtship here, in the end I really doubt he goes for it. Riley knows sanctions are coming. With OSU’s main competition in that kind of turmoil, his job at OSU becomes much easier. Most people think Riley won’t jump ship for the money. I disagree with that sentiment. Money motivates everyone. However, I think the quality of life, comfort level where he is, and shot at the school career win record ultimately win out. The man has maybe 4 or 5 years max left in the tank, so why would he uproot  his family and chase the dream job of a much younger man? He learned that lesson when he was said younger man and won’t make the error twice. Ultimately the exposure and (Riley) name-dropping will benefit OSU, as recruits and their families will see our ol’ ball coach is coveted by one of the most storied programs in the country.

Bottom line: chances Riley leaves are 5% in my mind–the only way it happens is if USC goes Godfather on us and offers Riley’s entire staff a lucrative offer he simply can’t refuse.

There’s a sentiment in sports that if you like a team, you inherently like every player on said team. In an ideal world I’d like to agree, but the fact remains there are many personalities, playing styles, and ability on a roster and some are not going to jell well. For me it’s these guys:

Kevin Frahm–can’t stop the run, can’t rush the passer, looks over-matched versus division 2 schools (e.g. PSU). Hate the hair.

Keith Pankey–will never forgive this guy for the angle he took on Toby Gerhart in 2008. It was apropos, though, and Pankey’s career has essentially been that one play on repeat. He can’t tackle or cover yet he continues to start. Let me guess, Mike Riley knows more than me. Uh huh.

Ryan McCants–I haven’t completely given up on him, but I’m as close as you can get. Fumble problems, hesitant running, and the early Steven Jackson comparisons/hype (via Angie Machado) have made this guy a bust.

Wilder McAndrews–hate this guy. Never saw the logic in handing a broken-wristed guy a scholie. Luckily Riley’s patience is shot as well and he’ll be off the team soon.

Kreb Brothers–red-headed maladroits. Both are leaving the program. Yay.

Suaesi Tuimaunei–burned more than a Santa Barbara forest. Has no control over his body. Slow. No redeeming qualities. Found a niche on special teams, keep him there.

Unga Brothers–can’t get into these guys. I know a lot of people rave about them, but meh, I see mediocrity and more slowness.

Rueben Robinson–early, but I don’t like what I’ve seen.

Sean Martin–unimpressed with this guy’s game film. Played slow. Haven’t seen him in a game yet so the verdict is out, but it doesn’t look promising.

Kevin Cummings–I have nothing against this kid, haven’t seen any game film, etc. I just don’t like his measurables and the fact that he looks 40 years old in his Rivals photo. As of right now I don’t like him. That could change.

Malcolm Marable–hate this recruit. We’re chasing the little guys now looking for another James/Quiz. First it was Tremaine Thompson, now Marable. Seen this guy in person and he lacks speed, size, and shiftiness. Just a real reach.

So there you have it. The players above all exact ennui in me. Surely you have some of your own and want to vent, so go ahead.

And Angry’s mind wanders…

With a tarnished reputation, they could probably get him on the cheap right now, too. Any chance we fire Langsdorf and hire Leach as OC? That would catapult the program and be a wise move…not sure what Danny’s contract status is and knowing how OSU handles money I doubt it’s an option.