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What happened to So Cal? Why did that program become also rans?

JamesTwit

In days gone by getting recruits like Milton out of So Cal would be nothing but a pipe dream. Sitting in the middle of the largest recruiting pool in the nation USC used to be a contender every year (for all you young Pups who don't know), Heisman winners, etc. Now they're doing good to field a bowl worthy team every year basically and can't win the PAC 10.. And it's been that way for years now. So what happened?

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umooner

Development (including S&C) and coaching. They still got players on that team.

swilkerson73

Its a good question.

They used to be the only game in town. When LA had no NFL teams. USC was king of LA's team. But that has certainly changed.

I dont follow them but I know they had some issues with the NCAA etc. The NCAA would love nothing more than for USC to be relevant again. Them in a title game would have the West Coast watching too.

They get the right guy coaching there and it can change for them pretty quick.

Kasey

Because they don’t spend money on coaching. They hire names or people who will say yes, not program builders. When Urban is there next year it will all change back to the Pete Carroll days

Thelordjohnson

Pete Carroll Reggie Bush opened the school and area for poaching

texdawg

Much of the reality is that Alabama and Nick Saban changed the playing field.

They went all in and spent money on coaches, facilities, recruting, etc. The state and school officials bought in completely.

It took many programs, Georgia included, a while to figure it out.

The Pac 12 teams, USC included, don't seem to have the passion or commitment needed to step up to that level - despite their rich history. Maybe that changes - but it hasn't happened yet.

The PAC 12 is arguably the worst P5 conference and kids from the west coast are starting to see the opportunities of playing in the SEC and the other 3 P5 conferences.

Southern Cal, and now Arizona continue to produce great athletes - but many are leaving the region.

USC can be rebuilt - but it's a big challenge.

umooner

https://forum.dawgnation.com/discussion/comment/266770#Comment_266770

USC still has players though. They've recruited well, but I agree with your overall point. I don't think they currently have the infrastructure in place to be elite.

IF C UM goes there, it will definitely mean that they've committed to doing so. We'll see though.

dgd829

The Pac 12 network has killed that conference. They have no ability to keep elite West Coast talent or bring elite East Coast talent bc of it. Need to make it more accessible to entire country. It has put all schools in a much worse situation, bc they are losing valuable TV revenue.

DamnYankeeDawg

Oh, what could have been had Ed Orgeron been hired after the 2013 season.

orlando

Very good question. Cali is loaded with athletes of sizes and shapes both male and female because of the huge population.

WCDawg

USC has a history of winning, getting put on probation, being mediocre, winning again, getting put on probation again, being mediocre again, rinse and keep repeating.

Wintonk

They fell apart when Pete Carrol left. Add to that the recruiting scandal and it left them with a black eye.

dbrown7494

The Pac 12 conference doesn’t commit to sports especially like football like the SEC so schools don’t take it seriously. USC needs to tear down the program and start over. Really commit to football financially and personnel wise

WCDawg

USC is the same as it has been for generations. Read my last post, it's gospel. USC has always won when it cheated and it as always been mediocre after getting caught.

unknown

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JamesTwit

Some good responses here. What Tex and WC said is what I was guessing. They have always cheated and gotten burned several times and are not willing, yet, to go back down that road again. AND spend the new level of huge dollars. But they probably eventually will.