Daily Bruin senior staffers Brantley Watson and Ryan Eshoff talk about Pete Carroll’s departure from the Pac-10. With the big man at USC gone, the landscape of the Pac-10 is going to change drastically, and UCLA’s chances may be looking a bit sweeter.
How does Carroll’s ascent to the NFL affect the balance of power in Los Angeles collegiate football?
Watson: It’s hard to tell because we don’t know what recruits will be leaving ‘SC along with Carroll. One thing that’s for sure is if ‘SC doesn’t hire a big-name coach, bigger than Neuheisel, “Slick Rick” should, and will, dominate California recruiting.
Eshoff: I agree with my esteemed opponent that Neuheisel will have a serious head start on recruiting bases, no matter who the Trojans hire. The setback ensures that UCLA and USC will battle for LA gridiron supremacy, even if the Bills move here.
How will Carroll’s departure affect recruiting in the Pac-10?
Watson: It’s going to spread the wealth throughout the Pac-10. It should be interesting to see what school will be the new “USC” in the Pac-10. It seems plausible that most high schoolers in California would go to UCLA, but you never know.
Eshoff: Neuheisel and Washington coach Steve Sarkisian are salivating. Two of the nation’s best recruiters now have one less elite competitor to deal with. Jim Harbaugh at Stanford has to be beaming too, assuming he stays in Palo Alto.
What do the recent scandals mean for the future of USC football?
Watson: The NCAA is about to crack down on the Trojans. I think that’s obvious. It would be silly to think that’s not part of the reason “Sneaky Pete” chose to book it to Seattle. If sanctions are put in place, the future looks bleak for Troy.
Eshoff: Au contraire pal. One of my pet peeves with the NCAA is that the bulk of its sanctions affect revisionist history more than the current programs. ‘SC may have to forfeit past wins, but the Trojans’ future could stabilize soon.
Can Carroll bring the same legacy he left at USC to the Seahawks?
Watson: We’ve seen what happens when college coaches try their luck in the pros … It doesn’t work out. Erickson. Saban. Spurrier. Plus, Carroll rebuilt ‘SC from the ground up. He has to work with what he has in Seattle, a 5-11 ball club.
Eshoff: Pete now has to deal with players that are making more than him. … Wait, he’s used to that (allegedly). I’ll be interested to see if he calls for final-minute, play-action passes against the 49ers. Pete, meet Mike Singletary’s gullet.
Who wins the USC-UCLA game nextseason?
Watson: USC is not only losing Carroll, but also McKnight, Johnson and Williams. UCLA will lose Price, Verner, Carter and Austin. I’m anticipating a dogfight, but the fact that the Bruins have the home-field advantage should push them to victory.
Eshoff: The Bruins can pull it off on the strength of their skill players ““ potentially guys like Randall Carroll and Morrell Presley, who Neuheisel lured from Troy before last season. Still, it would be an upset; UCLA still has some catching up to do.
Who is USC’s new coach?
Watson: Ben Howland. No, I’m kidding. But really, that’s how up in the air it is since Oregon State’s Mike Riley is out of the question after signing an extension. But whoever it is, he has some big shoes to fill. Good luck, heir to the Trojan throne.
Eshoff: Current Jacksonville coach and ‘SC alumnus Jack Del Rio is the clubhouse favorite, but that’s no fun. My interest in the Trojan coaching search will only be aroused with the presence of one of two names: Charlie Weis or Mike Leach.