Steve Sarkisian to USC (Video + Extra Thoughts)

As you enjoy my video above discussing the USC hire of Steve Sarkisian, here's some more stats to consider that I hinted at.

FBS Rank in Total Defense since 2010: 65, 102, 35, 60
Conference Rank in Total Defense since 2010: 8, 11, 4, 5
Conference Rank in Total Offense since 2010: 8, 7, 10, 2

Sarkisian will be bringing defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox with him to USC so that's a good sign that the defense will continue to be solid. Plus, Sarkisian is not afraid to go after mobile quarterbacks which is something USC desperately needs if they want to stay relevant. All they need to do is look at how UCLA waxed them twice with Brett Hundley's arm and legs.

Friday Wrap! (Weekend Links and Thinks)

Saw the Lakers' recent preseason game against Utah and I realized this team might actually be alright. For the first time in a while, they have youth and guys who can score on their own. If Steve Nash stays healthy, he might actually feel like he's in Phoenix again with Xavier Henry, Nick Young and Jordan Farmar splitting some backup duties with Steve Blake.
Alas, that tough opening schedule makes it also easy to realize it's going to be every bit a struggle as I thought. But I'm glad Kobe is taking his time because it's not how the season starts but how it ends.

The Grambling situation has been far too complicated for me to address here. As someone whose parents and sister went to HBCUs and personally had to overcome my anti-HBCU bias in college, I'm saddened by what the administration and the Louisiana government have done here and I'm glad the players took an eloquent stand for their rights and safety.

Check out the excellent Monday edition of His & Hers Podcast with Jemele Hill, Michael Smith and HBCU product Bomani Jones speaking on it all.

Tell me which sounds better? The Boston Red Sox saw their nine-game World Series streak ended or they lost their first game in 27 years? Which is more accurate when you add that Boston has only been in three World Series since 1986 and had completely different teams in 2004, 2007 and this year. You decide but as I always say, context is so critical and we as the media need to do better with numbers to make it sound cool AND accurate

That said, on to the links of what I've done this week.

Recapping UCLA/Utah and Week 6's Pac-12 Preview

Happy Friday everyone. Couple of quick links and then I'll let you enjoy your weekend. I got a couple of prep assignments this weekend so stay tuned on my Twitter for the links and what not.

1st link of the day: My report card for UCLA's narrow victory over Utah at UCLA 24/7. The Bruins exorcised a few demons having not won in their last two trips to Salt Lake City and their defense led the charge with six interceptions.

Hat-tip to Brett Hundley doing it all with a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown, as well as a punt. Also props to Myles Jack showing why he'll be a Freshman All-America team candidate with the game-saving INT and tipping a pass to lead to another. I rarely call linebackers ballhawks but he's turning into one.

Link 2 looks ahead to Saturday where I preview the remaining four Pac-12 games at Bro Jackson. The best games are in the evening with Arizona State/Notre Dame and Washington/Stanford. Part of me wants Washington to upset the Cardinal but since the Cardinal haven't lost at home since 2011, it might not happen but it'll be a good close game.

Also, it could be validation why I rank Stanford ahead of Oregon. If Stanford wins, they would've beaten one very good team in Washington and another in Washington Sate. Oregon hasn't gotten to the meat of their schedule yet.