Since it’s been a while since I wrote one of these, here’s a recap of what we’ve missed in the past few weeks. No editors, so excuse the typos and bad grammar.

Notre Dame Recap

Final game for our seniors, so of course it had to rain and forced half of the crowd attending to run inside for cover, tracking down trash bags since ponchos were more expensive than a drink at the 9–0. This was the only game I attended at home this year - so is dozens of fans watching the game on a television screen next to the concession stands normal or just because of the bad weather?

At times this game simultaneously felt like a blow out and a nail-biter.

So much for that sophomore slump season for Jones. He may be the only Tesla that appreciates in value with the miles he adds to his odometer.

But this day belonged to Adoree’: three touchdowns, and an assortment of defensive plays. A perfect way to end his career at the Coliseum, but more on that later. For now, let’s just enjoy some GIFs, Videos, and Photos of Adoree’s game against the Irish.

Another one…

and another one…

and another one…

and another one.

Is he shouting out Michael Jordan or our record after Arizona State?

Guy loves football way too much. Goodell is going to do everything within his power to make sure he doesn’t enjoy a second at the next level. I can already see the thousand dollar fines for off-color cleats.

Adoree’ had Charles Woodson’s Heisman sealing game. Unfortunately, Woodson was playing a №4 Ohio State while Adoree’ had to settle for a 4–8 Notre Dame. The game kicked off shortly after brunch, preventing a prime time showcase that vaulted Carson Palmer to the Heisman.

It wasn’t just the Irish that were getting beat, the referees took their fair share of hits as well.

Notre Dame had Ndamukong Suh on their defense, and they still couldn’t get any pressure on Darnold

Seems like the only time Notre Dame could hurt us is after the whistle. Brian Kelly really teaches the Domers how to lose with class.

The Victory Bell and Jeweled Shillelagh back in Heritage Hall where they belong.

Here’s a little fun fact to bring up at games next year: there’s going to be a new Traveler.

Honestly, until they pointed this out, I thought it’s been the same Traveler forever. Like he was some sort of WestWorld host brought in for football games.

Adoree’ For Heisman

Spoiler Alert: Lamar Jackson won the Heisman

But given his performance this season, Adoree’ deserved at the very least an invite to New York.

I mean the resemblance is uncanny.

Not to mention his stats are up there with the only defensive player to ever win a Heisman (don’t fact check me on that). Did he deserve a trip? Absolutely. Would he have had a chance to win? No way. But Heisman finalist Adoree’ Jackson sounds a lot better than all the other awards he won this year. Something that you put on top of your resume, and not at the bottom under the title “Additional Information”.

Adoree’ and JuJu 2017?

Riding high off their victory to the Fighting Irish, JuJu let it slip out that him and Adoree’ are considering a return for their senior seasons.

Adoree’ went on to reiterate that he is very serious about returning. Sure, Adoree’. And we were really excited to hang out with our families over holiday break.

Dropping hints on twitter and Instagram about his Heisman campaign next year. If he returns, USC could be sending three players to New York (Darnold, Jones, and Jackson). But as rumors of their return started to create a mass frenzy from the fan base, they had to dial back on their quotes, and issue statement on when they will make their actual decision.

First, JuJu.

Then Adoree’.

So, do they stay? The Trojan in me wants them back for one more season so we can have the most talented roster in some time (some time being this year). The man that watches football every weekend and sees what happens to players in their position on a daily basis wants them to declare for the draft now and never look back. Adoree’ has gone injury free for most of his career for USC, but JuJu has given multiple limbs for his team. At some points this year, he looked like a zombie on the field. A zombie that could have five catches for 70+ yards, but a zombie nonetheless. He’s barely been 100% this year, and another season of taking those beatings without a paycheck (that’s over the table) just doesn’t seem worth it.

Adoree’ just might genuinely love USC and stay just so he can enjoy college life. The first legitimate Mock Drafts have come out and he’s looking like an early second around pick, maybe late first if he’s lucky. An extra year could help him polish his skills as a lockdown corner. He got beat for a couple big touchdowns this year.

So, here’s The Clash: Do they stay or do they go? No matter what, JuJu is gone. He’s NFL ready and it’s time he gets paid (officially).

Adoree’? I’d say there is a coin-flip chance on him returning. If USC routs Penn State in the Rose Bowl, he might start to feel like this team can beat everyone and come back to prove it.

If they lose, he might want to return so he can end his career on a high note, although the uncertainty might still drive him to declare for a draft. No one wants to have what happen to Matt Barkley. Return for your senior season only to go 7–6 and drop three rounds in the draft and bounce around the league until you’re the backup to Jay Culter and his ashtray.

And if Trojans win in a close game, I can’t think of a better way to end your career than with a Rose Bowl victory. Especially with the season Adoree’ (and JuJu) had.

The Final Hypothetical

You might have noticed that USC is in the Rose Bowl this year without winning the Pac-12. So, how’d we get here? For the second year in a row, the hypotheticals fell in our favor.

USC need some help to claim the Pac-12 bid to the Rose Bowl.

Even though we beat both teams earlier this year. So, what did we need?

And it’s basically what we got. The Huskies dismantled Colorado and their one-legged quarterback that lead to a 41–10 rout in the “House Of Cards That Jed York Built”. With the embarrassing loss, the Buffaloes’ team everyone was fawning over this season, was put back on the endangered species list as the Trojans jumped them in the rankings and will be smelling Roses on January 2nd.

Rose Bowl Bound

It’s been eight years since the Trojans’ last Rose Bowl, but it feels like a lifetime.

I think the players were a little excited. Haven’t seen that many rose emojis since watching my Twitter feed during “The Bachelorette” finale.

The players excited too, as it’s one of the toughest bowl tickets in town. So difficult they aren’t even giving them out for free. Could have been an opportunity to go viral but I guess you had to be all petty about it.

Pete Carroll’s Coaching Tree

Some special congratulations to several of our former failed Head Coaches on landing new jobs.

I think every Trojan fan or fan of college football is happy for Coach O. Or should I say Coach Oeaux. It looked like his success as an interim head coach wasn’t going to be enough again, but luckily Texas boosters tossed a couple extra million at Tom Herman, forcing LSU to stick with Ed for the foreseeable future. Coach O’s first tenure as a head coach didn’t go so well, finishing 10–25 in three seasons at Ole Miss, but with a decade more experience, a solid defensive coordinator, and one of the best recruiting bases in the nation, I’m sure Orgeron will lead the Tigers to lose to Alabama by only a touchdown now.

“I go down like Coach O in a rivalry game” would be a great tagline for someone’s Bumble profile in Death Valley.

Usually Lane has a special talent for failing up, so it’s shocking to see him take a job that he’s actually qualified for. I’m not sure what conference FAU is in, but I know Lane is going to clean up on “Ladies Night” at the Boca Raton retirement center.

Sounds like he’s thrilled!

R.I.P. Joe McKnight

Unfortunately, I’ll have to end this post on a somber note, as we reflect on our memories of a Trojan great, Joe McKnight, and offer condolences to him and his family. There’s no reason to get into the specifics of his death because it will only lead to anger and sadness, alongside unneeded partisan arguing, but we can all agree Joe’s untimely death was senseless and unwarranted.

Joe had some of the biggest shoes to fill when he first arrived at USC, and he did his best to be just as good as Reggie. Doesn’t mean he didn’t make his hometown proud.

If you have a №4 jersey, wear it on January 2nd.

I’ll close out with highlight reels of his 2008 and 2009 season for the Trojans. When you look back, you’ll remember how much of a talent he really was. Rest in Peace, Joe.

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