Submit questions for Thursday mailbag

Garry,
Will Coach Devno bring more Physicality to the OL?

 

Who were the two players suspended for the ASU game & why?

 

Do you sense a change in the Oline starting 5 - especially at C and RT?
We probably have 2 practices before you post your answer :)

 

Hi Garry,

All through spring and fall camps we were told the defense would be the strength of the team. Well, it isn't and it never was.

What happened?

With so many 4 and 5 star players on the bench waiting for their chance, "injuries" is not the answer.

 

I'll project Helen... Are we going to win on Saturday, Garry?

 

Whats the O/U on low snaps this Saturday? It was quite high this last game in the 2nd half.

 

Is Drevno more vocal in practice now that he is the OL coach? Is he challenging players and holding the OL accountable during practice? What has been the reaction from the players body language, intensity, with coach Helton now taking over the offense?
It seemed to me that the play calling in the ASU game was for the most part more diverse then the previous games this year do you think Helton was calling the plays or Tee.... do you think it was set up for Sears...and do you think JT could run the same type of offense?

 

I know that Clay indicated that if JT clears concussion protocol, he is the starter for Oregon State. Any chance that Sears may get a few series? Having some designed runs or pass plays that work to Jack's strengths would help our offense. I really liked his demeanor, his arm, and his scrambling ability that gives the defense another wrinkle to account for.

 

Hi Gary,

Do these moves indicate a coach that is fighting for his job? because I know Clay and Lynn Swann meet on mondays on a regular basis, and I still get the sense Swann supports Helton and may give him a chance to fix his staff, What are you hearing on that end?

 

Noticed Tee stripped all his USC references from social media (twitter/insta)... any updates?

 

Garry,

Which Freshmen have not played this year who can play the last 4 games and still redshirt?

 

Do other pac teams have full contact more then 1 time a week

 

Will Drevno be OL coach, RB coach and run coordinator?
Or will a RB coach be hired in the future?

 

Garry,
When Coach Clay Helton makes statements like we're close and I'll do evaluations after the season. Then Neil Callaway doubles down and makes statements like they are winning some one on ones. Is there a disconnect between mgmt and Coach Helton? Does Clay think he has more time to produce then he does? The 180 degree turn from his post game statements seem to imply he received a reeducation.

 

Whose call was it to make the
coaching moves? Helton’s or Swann’s?

 

I was going to ask this before the news came out about the coaching staff changes. And I'll preface it by saying that I understand if you don't wish to answer it.

Garry, would you, Greg and the rest of the WeAreSC editorial and writing staff ever come out with an editorial recommendation that it was time to change a coach? If so, what would it take for you to take such a stand and write such an article?

 

What is the overall mood of the players on the team? Is there any finger pointing at other players? Any griping about the coaches? Optimism going forward? Thanks

 

I noticed that as well. It doesn't look like he is still interested in recruiting for USC.

 

Do you remember USC ever firing an assistant coach during the season before? I’ve been following SC football closely since ‘84, and while it may have happened before, I don’t remember it.

Do you think Callaway asked for his own dismissal? He’s been close to Clay for a long time, he’s been an embattled head coach himself, and he probably knew the fans and media needed a scalp. If he’s retiring in a few games anyway, why not sacrifice his own?