Are you guys concerned that UCLA will be able to take some of SCs recruits with Rick N. and Chow working together?
I would say I'm "interested" more than "concerned". USC has had much better than it's share of recruiting success, both nationally and regionally. It's bound to fall back sooner or later, but no point fretting about it.
The difference maker at UCLA could be Norm Chow. They've had a good D and DC (Dewayne Walker) for some time, but they've been held back by inconsistency on O. If Karl Dorrell had Norm Chow as an OC, he might still have a job.
As far as Slick Rick, he is a charasmatic guy (like Carroll) who has been around. HIs pattern has been that of a good first impression that wears thin with time--I don't think there are too many Buffs or Huskies that are envious of UCLA right now. But maybe third time is a charm--he has a lot at stake, and he is now more experienced. Also, he's inheriting a program that is down, and that may help him stick for a while.
Any improvement in USC's conference, Pac-10, and it's principle rivals, UCLA and ND, will help them maintain their position as a perenially-ranked football team, even if it may cost them a few recruits and games in the process. Just look at the SEC (great conference) and tSOU/Michigan (great rivals) as examples of teams that maintain excellence in recruiting year-after-year.
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