Spec's College Nickel Package -- Week 5
1. Lane Kiffin is Undefeated!
Three head coaching jobs ... three acrimonious departures!
Losing conference games by 10-7 and then 62-41 at least provided some variety.
The USC brass didn't pull him off the field in the third quarter, but they did pull him off the team bus after the game in order to hand him the pink slip.
2. Sarkisian Intrigue
Early USC speculation focused on former NFL coach Jack Del Rio, but with UW Coach Steve Sarkisian right behind.
Would the Trojans pursue Sarkisian? Would he jilt the Huskies to go there?
From my vantage point, I would guess he'd stay put. He hasn't had enough success, yet, to justify a huge deal, but he's done enough at UW for the Huskies to want him to stay.
In other words, if he'd had more immediate success the Trojans might break the bank for him, and if he wasn't 4-0 now they might not have to; but where he is now looks good for him staying.
Plus, USC just went bust on a "hot young coach," so usually that leads to a reaction in the other direction.
3. Northwest is the New South
It's interesting that the most successful refugees from the Trojan glory days are enjoying their success in Seattle.
Even more interesting is that USC's struggles are heightened by the renaissance of UCLA, under UW grad and ex-Seahawks coach Jim Mora.
Of course, they line their driveways down at SC with their surplus Heisman Trophies, so don't count on this lasting too long.
4. The Next Hot Young Coach
Just so ya know ... it's Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost. The Ducks were held to 55 by Cal ... their low output for the season.
Fun facts: Frost and Kiffin were both born in 1975. Kiffin's dad was an assistant coach at Nebraska when Frost's dad was a player. They were toddlers together in Husker Nation before Kiffin's dad moved on to NFL jobs.
5. Non-Kiffin Item
What a September for Georgia!
Losing a 38-35 shootout with talent-rich Clemson, then holding back South Carolina in a must-win game a week later, then wrapping up the month with another thriller, 44-41 over LSU.
The Dawgs held on for the win despite losing Todd Gurley, probably the best running back in the nation, in the second half. Gurley should be back quickly, and at least they get to coast downhill most of November (Applachcian State, Auburn, Kentucky, Georgia Tech) before a likely bid in the SEC title game.