The school bells have rung a year earlier at USC. For good, junior quarterback Mark Sanchez is dismissed. He quarterbacked the Trojans to a joyful Rose Bowl pounding over Penn State. But, he apparently has seen enough of the campus life. School books are bygone, dreadful math classes are bygone, studying habits and class lectures are bygone. Now it’s on to the NFL, where Sanchez will turn pro, after deciding to forgo his senior season, to become a potential front runner in this year’s draft.
There are several teams in search of a quarterback. Detroit is searching for a quarterback. For Sanchez, it will be a bigger adjustment to go from champ to amateur. Or maybe, he might become the instrumental piece of the renovated Kansas City Chiefs, who’s in desperate search of a quarterback. His caliber is a perfect fit for new general manager Scott Pioli, the architect who’s responsible for the subtle era of Tom Brady. At the Rose Bowl Game, Sanchez illustrated that he can produce at the next level, and has similar features of Brady in New England.
So, will Sanchez go No. 1, No.2 or even higher? It’s obvious that the scouts have watched Sanchez over at USC last season. And it’s obvious that the Lions or Chiefs will keep close tabs on Sanchez. Because his stock has elevated to new heights since the Rose Bowl Game, Sanchez could get selected as the first pick in the draft to spend his rookie season as the Lions starter, and centerpiece to a rebuilding stage.
Surely, Sanchez will collect dollars and become rich from either franchise that selects the soon-to-be pro star as their quarterback. Both, the Lions, who finished their season winless, becoming the only team to finish with such a horrible record. For the most part, they manage to make history, well, in a negative fashion. And the Cheifs are needy as well. It’s about the necessities for the Lions and Chiefs. And Sanchez brings those necessities. He’s mobile, an accurate thrower, and has a strong arm, in which he can toss passes to either Kansas City’s Dwyane Bowe or either Detroit’s Calvin Johnson.
But, it’s not good news for the Trojans. Sanchez cautiously deliberated then finally decided to forgo his senior season for the cash, turning down education. Even USC’s coaching staff waved goodbye, offered greater turning points. Trojans offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian became Washington’s head coach, traveling to Seattle, following the Rose Bowl triumph performance. Being unfamiliar with an entirely new coaching staff can be tough. Next fall, the Trojans will have to adjust to the new installed offensive system. So, Sanchez could have decided to leave a year sooner because of the new coaching adjustments. Now to the next level, where he’ll have to adjust and learn a totally new playbook, unlike the thick one back at school. He left those behind, for a chance to revamp a struggling franchise.
Earlier in the month, Pete Carroll rebuilt a depleted coaching staff, when John Morton was promoted to offensive coordinator, after serving as assistant. He’ll instruct the play calling, and Carl Smith, who returns as quarterbacks coach and assistant head coach on offense, will develop either Mitch Mustin or Aaron Corp, who’ll both compete for the starting job as quarterback. I’m convince Sanchez left because of the unfamiliarity of a brand new staff, in which he would have had to get accustom to, learning new schemes, which would have called for adjustments. Another reason Sanchez adjudged to leave was because of increase in stock after the impressive performance at the Rose Bowl.
I don’t get the assumption that he left because of financial reasons, or even ego. But chances to gain a starting spot at the professional level, so Sanchez took advantage of the temptations, and if concerned about USC’s national title hopes next season, you have every lawful right. One individual concerned and deeply sore by Sanchez’s final choice was Pete Carroll, knowing the chances of USC’s national title hopes next season, if he returned for senior season. Now that Sanchez will pursue a career in the NFL, the Trojans will try to find ambition, and the better quarterback. I would say Mustin is. Before transferring to USC, he started eight games at Arkansas three year’s ago.
On the other hand, Corp is inexperience. And entering next fall, USC’s roster adds a freshman quarterback, a California native, Matt Barkley, who is the No. 1 player in the country, according to ESPNU 150, a list of the top 150 prospects in the nation.
During an emotional news conference, at Heritage Hall on the campus of USC, a teary eyed Mark Sanchez shared gratitude on Thursday, to announce that he was forgoing his senior season. He thanked teammates and coaching staff for the greatest three years.
Even though, Sanchez made the choice to ditch the campus life, and those boring textbooks, to start the business life, leaving behind the hungry Trojans, causes a bit of uncertainty and forces renovation for the Trojans, who will not be the same next fall, even though they will rank No. 2, in the country, a ranking Sanchez left for the Trojans, before making a decision to enter the draft.
It’s a disappointing moment at USC, particularly for Carroll.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
2009 Rose Bowl Game: Trojans' championship cailber win merits larger than roses
It was a victory for the roses, and a huge one at that.
Pete Carroll’s Trojans sent Joe Paterno’s Penn State home feeling empty. Happy Valley isn’t feeling too happy at this very moment. It’s the Trojans leaving with a bed full of roses and that heavy trophy. It’s the Trojans, proving that they are the best team in college football.
The Nittany Lions are leaving sore, after USC’s 38-24 victory. The Trojans won their third straight Rose Bowl game, since losing to Texas there before their impressive three game streak in the national title game. The victory made a significant point. The fifth-ranked Trojans are the real national champions.
Their performance at the Rose Bowl against Penn State avowed that they are this year’s champs. The top-ranked defense in the nation isn’t their only trademark. The Trojans is the nation’s top-ranked team.
Period! No ifs, ands, or buts. It’s a fact.
Five months ago, Oregon State upset win over the one-loss Trojans cost them a national title. Surely, if a playoff system was instituted, the Trojans probably would’ve matched against Florida or Oklahoma, two teams that both lost a game this season. But most fans would’ve adored watching USC versus Florida or Oklahoma.
The Trojans would’ve presented their tough physical defense against a high-powered offense. Florida and Oklahoma this year have relayed strongly on the offense. Both of them consist of great quarterbacks. At Florida, the Gators offensively are led by Tim Tebow, who finished third in the Heisman race. And the Sooners are led by Sam Bradford, the Heisman award winner.
But, everyone left USC’s Mark Sanchez stranded. He didn’t get the respect he deserved after losing that one game to the Beavers. Heisman chances declined and attention arise for Texas’ Colt McCoy, Tebow and Bradford.
On Thursday, Sanchez played as if he had just won the Heisman, leading the Trojans to their 5-0 record against Big 10 opponents in bowl games, now improving to 6-1 in big games that has a meaning. Under Carroll, the Trojans have won seven straight Pac-10 conference championships, to earn seven bowl game appearances.
Sanchez was named the offensive player of the game. For weeks, everyone talked about how naturally gifted the Trojans were defensively. Everyone classified them as the greatest defense of all times. Well, the offense looked just as good, playing against Penn State.
Honestly, let’s just say that the Trojans are the best and well-balanced team in college football. Despite Florida and Oklahoma meeting to capture the big one, the Trojans victory was much bigger than the game played on Jan. 8. In fact, the Rose Bowl game is a traditional game, and it’s the granddaddy of them all, so I’m more or less sure that this game gained lots of noteworthiness.
Penn State’s legendary coach JoePa just turned 82 years old, and just had hip replacement surgery. He stared looking down from the press box, where he saw long, deep, spiral passes thrown by Sanchez. It was the best game of his career, throwing for a career-high 413 yards and four touchdowns, setting a Rose Bowl record for the most completed passes.
The Trojans exploited their attack through the air, after running back Joe McKnight sustained an injury. So the strong-armed Sanchez changed the aspect for the Trojans, hurting Penn State defensively. For most of the night, Sanchez fired passes across the field as if it was a contest to see which quarterback can throw the farthest.
Without sighing roses, to think about it, Sanchez was the man, throwing the farthest. He threw a 27-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Damian Williams. Before halftime, he connected with Ronald Johnson, who's Sanchez's favorite target, for a 19-yard scoring pass. Then he found C.J. Cable for a 20-yard touchdown pass, to take a 24-point lead, taking advantage of Penn State’s miscues.
The Nittany Lions committed three turnovers and nine penalties, enabling Sanchez to have the biggest game in his career and the third player in Rose Bowl history to pass for more than 400 yards.
On the other side, the Trojans played as they usually had this entire season defensively. Their fierce and potent defense held Penn State a touchdown through halftime. It was a great way to finish a remarkable career for Rey Maualuga, an important All-American linebacker and defensive leader for the Trojans.
The Trojans aren’t just the greatest defensive team. They have the best team in this era, under Carroll. The Trojans is the greatest team, truthful they would’ve been a great match against Florida, and a match up everyone would’ve adored watching.
Pete Carroll’s Trojans sent Joe Paterno’s Penn State home feeling empty. Happy Valley isn’t feeling too happy at this very moment. It’s the Trojans leaving with a bed full of roses and that heavy trophy. It’s the Trojans, proving that they are the best team in college football.
The Nittany Lions are leaving sore, after USC’s 38-24 victory. The Trojans won their third straight Rose Bowl game, since losing to Texas there before their impressive three game streak in the national title game. The victory made a significant point. The fifth-ranked Trojans are the real national champions.
Their performance at the Rose Bowl against Penn State avowed that they are this year’s champs. The top-ranked defense in the nation isn’t their only trademark. The Trojans is the nation’s top-ranked team.
Period! No ifs, ands, or buts. It’s a fact.
Five months ago, Oregon State upset win over the one-loss Trojans cost them a national title. Surely, if a playoff system was instituted, the Trojans probably would’ve matched against Florida or Oklahoma, two teams that both lost a game this season. But most fans would’ve adored watching USC versus Florida or Oklahoma.
The Trojans would’ve presented their tough physical defense against a high-powered offense. Florida and Oklahoma this year have relayed strongly on the offense. Both of them consist of great quarterbacks. At Florida, the Gators offensively are led by Tim Tebow, who finished third in the Heisman race. And the Sooners are led by Sam Bradford, the Heisman award winner.
But, everyone left USC’s Mark Sanchez stranded. He didn’t get the respect he deserved after losing that one game to the Beavers. Heisman chances declined and attention arise for Texas’ Colt McCoy, Tebow and Bradford.
On Thursday, Sanchez played as if he had just won the Heisman, leading the Trojans to their 5-0 record against Big 10 opponents in bowl games, now improving to 6-1 in big games that has a meaning. Under Carroll, the Trojans have won seven straight Pac-10 conference championships, to earn seven bowl game appearances.
Sanchez was named the offensive player of the game. For weeks, everyone talked about how naturally gifted the Trojans were defensively. Everyone classified them as the greatest defense of all times. Well, the offense looked just as good, playing against Penn State.
Honestly, let’s just say that the Trojans are the best and well-balanced team in college football. Despite Florida and Oklahoma meeting to capture the big one, the Trojans victory was much bigger than the game played on Jan. 8. In fact, the Rose Bowl game is a traditional game, and it’s the granddaddy of them all, so I’m more or less sure that this game gained lots of noteworthiness.
Penn State’s legendary coach JoePa just turned 82 years old, and just had hip replacement surgery. He stared looking down from the press box, where he saw long, deep, spiral passes thrown by Sanchez. It was the best game of his career, throwing for a career-high 413 yards and four touchdowns, setting a Rose Bowl record for the most completed passes.
The Trojans exploited their attack through the air, after running back Joe McKnight sustained an injury. So the strong-armed Sanchez changed the aspect for the Trojans, hurting Penn State defensively. For most of the night, Sanchez fired passes across the field as if it was a contest to see which quarterback can throw the farthest.
Without sighing roses, to think about it, Sanchez was the man, throwing the farthest. He threw a 27-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Damian Williams. Before halftime, he connected with Ronald Johnson, who's Sanchez's favorite target, for a 19-yard scoring pass. Then he found C.J. Cable for a 20-yard touchdown pass, to take a 24-point lead, taking advantage of Penn State’s miscues.
The Nittany Lions committed three turnovers and nine penalties, enabling Sanchez to have the biggest game in his career and the third player in Rose Bowl history to pass for more than 400 yards.
On the other side, the Trojans played as they usually had this entire season defensively. Their fierce and potent defense held Penn State a touchdown through halftime. It was a great way to finish a remarkable career for Rey Maualuga, an important All-American linebacker and defensive leader for the Trojans.
The Trojans aren’t just the greatest defensive team. They have the best team in this era, under Carroll. The Trojans is the greatest team, truthful they would’ve been a great match against Florida, and a match up everyone would’ve adored watching.
This game has just about everything, and roses
Pete Carroll had the Trojans on the practice field to prepare for Joe Paterno of Penn State’s superb offense all week. They shouldn’t have needed much preparation defensively.
After all, the Trojans have the best defense in this era right?
Or do JoePa’s boys have the best defense this time of year?
In 34 bowl games, Penn State held opponents to 17 points or fewer 21 times. In three games, the Trojans shut out opponents. And held five scoreless in the second half, even rivals Norte Dame didn’t score until the final play of the third quarter.
Folks, you’re in for a good one. And one for the roses, it’s the Rose Bowl game. This game has just about everything a football game should have. It consisted of two remarkable coaches, both having excellent bowl resumes. In 43 years, Paterno of Penn State is 23-10-1 in bowl games, while Carroll is 5-2 in bowl games.
Paterno is old school and Carroll is hip, both having the tremendous respect for the game. They both have coached potent classes. Each dominating an era and each offered coaching jobs to the next level. But their zest for the game on the college level has propelled them to mentor two of the greatest school’s in college football history.
After undergone hip replacement surgery, Paterno will coach from the press box. But, Carroll will coach the Trojans from the sidelines. The Trojans enters the game with the nation’s top defense, which will probably unleash obstacles for the sixth-ranked Nittany Lions.
Statistically, Penn State has utilized their defense to a seventh consecutive Bowl Championship Series berth. The Trojans, on the other side, are 5-0 against Big Ten opponents under Carroll, with no wins fewer than 14 points.
Defensively, the Trojans have a powerfully defensive unit, with Rey Maualuga, All-American safety Taylor Mays and linebacker Brian Cushing are 9 ½ favorites playing in the fourth straight Rose Bowl game.
The Trojans will have a tough assignment, slowing down Penn State’s high-powered spread offense. Those guys like to run. A noticeable feature that the Nittany Lions have benefited with this season is their ground attack. They are dynamic offensively, behind running back Evan Royster and quarterback Daryll Clark, a guy who’s very versatile. He’s a team leader, accurate passer and very mobile in the pocket.
When I say this game has everything, I mean that from experience.
Penn State’s assignment is tougher than the Trojans. Here’s why.
The Trojans track record against Big Ten opponents helps gain confidence. The Trojans aren’t elated with playing for roses. And their defense is the best in a long time.
The Trojans have the upper hand over Penn State. Still it will be a nail-bitter, in a game that has everything you wish for. It's a game of competitiveness.
After all, the Trojans have the best defense in this era right?
Or do JoePa’s boys have the best defense this time of year?
In 34 bowl games, Penn State held opponents to 17 points or fewer 21 times. In three games, the Trojans shut out opponents. And held five scoreless in the second half, even rivals Norte Dame didn’t score until the final play of the third quarter.
Folks, you’re in for a good one. And one for the roses, it’s the Rose Bowl game. This game has just about everything a football game should have. It consisted of two remarkable coaches, both having excellent bowl resumes. In 43 years, Paterno of Penn State is 23-10-1 in bowl games, while Carroll is 5-2 in bowl games.
Paterno is old school and Carroll is hip, both having the tremendous respect for the game. They both have coached potent classes. Each dominating an era and each offered coaching jobs to the next level. But their zest for the game on the college level has propelled them to mentor two of the greatest school’s in college football history.
After undergone hip replacement surgery, Paterno will coach from the press box. But, Carroll will coach the Trojans from the sidelines. The Trojans enters the game with the nation’s top defense, which will probably unleash obstacles for the sixth-ranked Nittany Lions.
Statistically, Penn State has utilized their defense to a seventh consecutive Bowl Championship Series berth. The Trojans, on the other side, are 5-0 against Big Ten opponents under Carroll, with no wins fewer than 14 points.
Defensively, the Trojans have a powerfully defensive unit, with Rey Maualuga, All-American safety Taylor Mays and linebacker Brian Cushing are 9 ½ favorites playing in the fourth straight Rose Bowl game.
The Trojans will have a tough assignment, slowing down Penn State’s high-powered spread offense. Those guys like to run. A noticeable feature that the Nittany Lions have benefited with this season is their ground attack. They are dynamic offensively, behind running back Evan Royster and quarterback Daryll Clark, a guy who’s very versatile. He’s a team leader, accurate passer and very mobile in the pocket.
When I say this game has everything, I mean that from experience.
Penn State’s assignment is tougher than the Trojans. Here’s why.
The Trojans track record against Big Ten opponents helps gain confidence. The Trojans aren’t elated with playing for roses. And their defense is the best in a long time.
The Trojans have the upper hand over Penn State. Still it will be a nail-bitter, in a game that has everything you wish for. It's a game of competitiveness.
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