Trojans Beat Cal Easily

USC 33 - CAL 3

Trojans versus Golden Bears. A matchup for the ages. But with both teams suffering disheartening losses, the game became much more important. USC prevailed easily though, almost assuring Cal of being removed from the top 25 rankings. Joe McKnight had two touchdown runs, and Damian Williams returned a punt for 66 yards and a TD. The Bears had only 88 rushing yards, with the Trojans easily stifling "Heisman candidate" Jahvid Best.

Photo by Ezra Small/Getty Images

Corp Breaks Leg in Practice

Aaron Corp, USC's first-string quarterback, has a fracture in his small left knee as a result of an injury sustained during practice. He will be out for two weeks. Freshman Matt Barkley will be moved into the starter role.

USC Comes in Fourth in Pre-Season Poll

The USC Trojans came in fourth in the USA Today Poll, coming behind Oklahoma, Texas and Florida. The Trojans received one first-place vote. The UCLA Bruins finished with just a mere 14 points. The Associated Press poll will be released this Saturday.

Carroll Refutes Alleged NCAA Violations

The LA Time reported that the USC football team violated NCAA regulations when Pete Rodriguez attended practices and monitered games. However, Pete Carroll denies any wrongdoing, instead explaining that Rodriguez, along with Alex Gibbs and other coaches with NFL experience, served as consultants, and USC did not violate any rules. Each football team is allowed nine assistant coaches and two graduate assistants, and Rodriguez was not listed as a coach last season. Carroll spoke at today's Pac-10 conference media day about the issue.

2009 NBA Draft: Nothing Unexpected

In the 2009 NBA Draft, the Los Angeles Clippers used their first overall pick to select PF Blake Griffin from Oklahoma. Griffin is 6-foot-10, and was the College Player of the Year last season. His selection though creates a problem for the Clippers, who have four power-forwards/centers already in their lineup. Los Angeles is expected to trade either Chris Kaman, Marcus Camby or Zach Randolph. The Lakers had no first-round pick for the second straight year, this time selling it to New York for $3 million.

The first round went as follows:

1. Los Angeles Clippers: Blake Griffin, PF, Oklahoma
2. Memphis: Hasheem Thabeet, C, Connecticut
3. Oklahoma City: James Harden, SG, Arizona State
4. Sacramento: Tyreke Evans, SG, Memphis
5. Minnesota (from Washington): Ricky Rubio, PG, Spain
6. Minnesota: Jonny Flynn, PG, Syracuse
7. Golden State: Stephen Curry, PG, Davidson
8. New York: Jordan Hill, PF, Arizona
9. Toronto: DeMar DeRozan, SG, USC
10. Milwaukee: Brandon Jennings, PG, Compton/Italy
11. New Jersey: Terrence Williams, SG, Louisville
12. Charlotte: Gerald Henderson, SG, Duke
13. Indiana: Tyler Hansbrough, PF, North Carolina
14. Phoenix: Earl Clark, SF, Louisville
15. Detroit: Austin Daye, SF, Gonzaga
16. Chicago: James Johnson, PF, Wake Forest
17. Philadelphia: Jrue Holiday, PG, UCLA
18. Minnesota (from Miami): Ty Lawson, PG, North Carolina (traded to Denver for future first-round pick)
19. Atlanta: Jeff Teague, PG, Wake Forest
20. Utah: Eric Maynor, PG, VCU
21. New Orleans: Darren Collison, PG, UCLA
22. Portland (from Dallas): Victor Claver, PF, Spain
23. Sacramento (from Houston): Omri Casspi, SF, Israel
24. Dallas (from Portland): B.J. Mullens, C, Ohio State (traded to OKC for Beaubois)
25. Oklahoma City (from San Antonio): Rodrigue Beaubois, PG, France (traded to Dallas for Mullens and future second-round pick)
26. Chicago (from Denver via OKC): Taj Gibson, PF, USC
27. Memphis (from Orlando): DeMarre Carroll, PF, Missouri
28. Minnesota (from Boston): Wayne Ellington, SG, North Carolina
29. Los Angeles Lakers: Toney Douglas, SG, Florida State (traded to New York for 2011 second-round pick and $3 million)
30. Cleveland: Christian Eyenga, SG, Congo

Despite trading the first-round pick, the Lakers had two second-round picks, one from a trade with Charlotte for Kareem Rush back in 2004. With the 42nd overall pick, the Purple and Gold selected Patrick Beverley, who played most recently in the Ukraine in addition to Arkansas. The Lakers then sold his contract to Miami for $1.5 million and a future second-round pick. With the 59th overall pick, the Lakers chose Chinemelu Elonu, a center of Texas A&M.

The main talk of the draft was who be chosen by Memphis at number two. Many believed it would be highly-touted Spanish guard Ricky Rubio, while others thought Hasheem Thabeet would be chosen. Not only was Thabeet the number-two pick, Rubio fell to #5. Minnesota had an astonishing four different picks in the draft, and what's even more shocking was that they used each one to draft a guard. Conventional wisdom says a trade is in the works...

USC Hires O'Neill

USC hired Kevin O'Neill as the head coach of the men's basketball team. The Trojans began a search for a new coach after Tim Floyd resigned. O'Neill last coached for the Arizona Wildcats for the 2007-08 season, and most recently was a special assistant to the general manager of the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He has also coached Marquette, Tennessee, Northwestern, and the Toronto Raptors.

College Basketball: Gordon Injures Knee, USC Narrows Choices

UCLA's Drew Gordon injured his right knee during tryouts for USA Basketball's Under-19 team. He partially tore the patellar tendon. His status for the beginning of the season is uncertain, as Gordon may require surgery.

The Athletic Director of USC will interview Reggie Theus for the head-coaching position of the men's basketball team. Theus previously coached the New Mexico State men's team and the Sacramento Kings of the NBA. The Trojans are also considering Jamie Dixon, coach of Pittsburgh.

Breaking News: Floyd Resigns

Tim Floyd (right), coach for the USC men's basketball team, resigned from his position today, according to ESPN. Floyd became embroiled in a long and tumultuous controversy involving the signing of O.J. Mayo (left). He was accused of paying a man close to Mayo to persuade him into joining Southern California, a major violation of NCAA rules. Floyd led the Trojans to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and just last season led the team to the Pac-10 Championship.

NFL Draft: Day Two

More Trojans were selected in the second day of the NFL Draft.

David Buehler, K: Dallas Cowboys, Round 5, pick 36
Kevin Ellison, S: San Diego Chargers, Round 6, pick 16
Cary Harris, CB: Buffalo Bills, Round 6, pick 10
Kaluka Maiava, ILB: Cleveland Browns, Round 4, pick 4
Kyle Moore, DE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Round 4, pick 17
Patrick Turner, WR: Miami Dolphins, Round 3, pick 23

NFL Draft: Sanchez goes Broadway

In the 2009 NFL Draft, the New York Jets traded DE Kenyon Coleman, DB Abram Elam, QB Brett Ratliff, a first-round pick (17th overall) and a second-round pick (52nd) to the Cleveland Browns for the fifth overall first-round pick. With that pick, the Jets selected USC QB Mark Sanchez to fill the void left by the retired Brett Favre. Sanchez was an underclassman who caught the football world off-guard when he announced he would leave USC and enter the draft. Other Trojans joined Sanchez in the first-round of the draft: the Houston Texans used their 15th pick to select linebacker Brian Cushing, and the Green Bay Packers acquired the New England Patriots' 26th overall pick to select Clay Matthews.

Overall first-round picks in this year's NFL Draft:

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Wake Forest
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
4. Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
5. New York Jets (from Cleveland): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith, OL, Alabama
7. Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
12. Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno, TB, Georgia
13. Washington Redskins: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
16. San Diego Chargers: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from New York Jets through Cleveland): Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago): Robert Ayers, LB, Tennessee
19. Philadelph Eagles (from Tampa Bay through Cleveland): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
21. Cleveland Browns (from Philadelphia): Alex Mack, C, California
22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
23. Baltimore Ravens (from New England): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
24. Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
26. Green Bay Packers (from Baltimore through New England): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
27. Indianapolis Colts: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
28. Buffalo Bills (from Carolina through Philadelphia): Eric Wood, C, Louisville
29. New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
30. Tennessee Titans: Kenny Brit, WR, Rutgers
31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

The Cleveland Browns surprised many people by trading their fifth overall pick to New York, then trading the 17th overall pick they received for the 21st pick from Tampa Bay. The first overall pick lost most of its impact after Stafford came to an agreement with Detroit on Friday. The Jets stood out as the main winner of the draft, trading up to acquire Mark Sanchez after Seattle opted for Aaron Curry. Most of the highly regarded Trojan defenders fell out of favor, with Rey Maualuga not being chosen until the second round by Cincinnati. The Colts used their 56th overall pick to sign USC-alumni Fili Moala, a defensive tackle.

Holiday, Others Declare For Draft

UCLA's freshman guard Jrue Holiday (above) declared for the NBA draft yesterday. However, he will not hire an agent, choosing to retain his eligibility to return to the NCAA. Holiday enters the draft along with USC's DeMar DeRozan, Daniel Hackett, and Taj Gibson. All three players are highly expected to declare for the draft soon, with Hackett hiring an agent, preventing him from returning to the Trojans. The LA Times reports that Gibson is considering entering the draft, but is not thinking of hiring an agent.

Floyd Stays with Trojans

USC basketball coach Tim Floyd turned down an offer to become head-coach of the Arizona Wildcats, instead remaining with USC. Floyd was given the opportunity to replace interim-coach Russ Pennel. Floyd has led the Trojans to three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament, as well as a Pac-10 championship just a few months ago.

Trojans Near Upset Results in Elimination

The USC Trojans fell to Michigan State 74-69, and were eliminated from the NCAA Tournament. USC nearly defeated the second-seeded MSU, but could not take the lead during the second half. The Trojans left at halftime trailing only by three, and shot .404 from the field for the entire game, including just 1-for-10 from three-point range. Dwight Lewis led USC with 19 points, and DeMar DeRozan had 18 points. Daniel Hackett added 13 points and 5 assists. Travis Walton led the Spartans with 18 points.

Trojans Move On to Round 2

The USC Trojans defeated Boston College 72-55, and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The Trojans outscored the Eagles 42-21 in the second half after leaving the first half trailing by 4. USC shot .529 from the field, while B.C. went only .327, including 6-for-23 from 3-point range. The Eagles had no answer for Taj Gibson, as he went 10-for-10 with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocked shots. Dwight Lewis had 20 points, and DeMar DeRozan added 18 points and 9 rebounds. Corey Raji led Boston College with 15 points and 7 rebounds.

Editor's Note: Let the Games Begin

The NCAA Tourney kicks off tomorrow, and the overflow of info truly begins. CBS has round-the-clock coverage of every game, and will no doubt cover every possible outcome, right down to the leading scorer in the semi-finals. Every bracket will be scrutinized and created, with the predictable saying UConn or North Carolina leaves victorious or the outrageous saying CSUN walks away with the trophy. No brackets will be predicted here, though I will give you a hint as to who I think will win: the school's coach became enraged when questioned over his salary. As I watch with a UCLA pennant in one hand and a USC foam-finger in the other, the mere pageantry of the tournament is enough to entertain me. The greatest sporting event in American is about to begin, and I will turn off all the sports pundits breaking down each regional. For me, it's about what happens, not what could.

USC and UCLA Enter Tourney

Both the Trojans and the Bruins will compete in the NCAA Tournament. USC will be the 10th seed in the Midwest Regional, and will play Boston College. UCLA is the 6th seed in the East Regional, and will play Virginia Commonwealth.

Trojans Fight On to NCAA Tourney

The USC Trojans defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 66-63, and clinched an NCAA Tournament berth. The Trojans entered the second-half trailing by 15, but scored 42 points to take the lead and get the win. Dwight Lewis hit a 3-pointer that brought the Trojans within one, and USC took the lead with just seconds left after Daniel Hackett hit two free-throws. On the ensuing possession, James Harden's shot was blocked by Taj Gibson, practically ending the game. Arizona St. could not come back after that. ASU had only 4 free-throw opportunities, while the Trojans had 21. DeMar DeRozan led the game with 25 points, and Hackett had 19 and 6 rebounds. Lewis added 13 points. Jeff Pendergraph led the Sun Devils with 20 points and 8 rebounds, and Derrek Glasser scored 16 points.

Fight On: Trojans Upset Bruins to Advance to Pac-10 Finals

The USC Trojans defeated the rival UCLA Bruins 65-55 in the semifinals of the Pac-10 tournament, and advance to the finals against Arizona State. The victory gives USC a legitimate claim to an NCAA tournament berth, but a win today would make a berth automatic. The Trojans controlled most of the game, going into halftime leading 33-28. UCLA went 19-for-70 during the game, while USC had a .511 shooting percentage. The Bruins kept creeping up, including when the second half opened and Josh Shipp his a 3-pointer to bring UCLA within 2. However, a 13-6 run by the Trojans opened the gap. DeMar DeRozan led USC with 21 points, and Taj Gibson had 13 points and 11 rebounds before he fouled out. Shipp led the Bruins with 19 pionts, and Nikola Dragovic added 12.

Pac-10 Tourney - Round 1

USC - The Trojans knocked off the California Golden Bears to advance to the semifinals 79-75. Daniel Hackett hit four late free-throws in the final 3.8 seconds of the game to lift USC. The Trojans nearly lost an 18-point lead after Cal tied the score at 75, but with Hackett's free-throws, the Bears could not keep up. Taj Gibson led USC with 21 points and 16 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Hackett finished with 15 points, and Dwight Lewis added 11. Patrick Christopher led Cal with 15 points, and Jorge Gutierrez added 14.

UCLA - The Bruins took down Washington State 64-53, and will advance to the semifinals. UCLA took a 21-0 run through the first half to take a 20-point lead, and the Cougars shot just 30% from the field. The win avenged an 82-81 loss at home last month. Darren Collison led the Bruins with 15 points, and Nikola Dragovic added 12. Both Josh Shipp and Jrue Holiday had 10. Aron Baynes led WSU with 22 points.

USC and UCLA will play each other in the second round of the Pac-10 tournament.

College Basketball Roundup - Last Game

UCLA - The Bruins blew out Oregon 94-68, but finished the season in the second seed after Washington defeated Washington State to win the Pac-10 title. The Bruins forced 16 turnovers, and scored 47 points in each half. The Ducks were out-rebounded 43-22, and shot .388 from the field. Josh Shipp had a career-high 28 points, and Darren Collison scored 19 as UCLA finished the game shooting .569. Drew Wiley led Oregon with 18 points. The Bruins will compete against the winner of the play-in game to open the Pac-10 tournament.

USC - The Trojans defeated Oregon State 68-52, and finish the season with an 18-12 overall record. USC used a 21-4 run to take the lead for good, and will play California in the Pac-10 tournament. The Trojans shot .521 from the field, while the Beavers finished shooting .385. Daniel Hackett led USC with 17 points, DeMar DeRozan had 16, and Taj Gibson finished with 14. Seth Tarver led OSU with 16 points.