You are a helpful assistant generating synthetic data that captures *System 1* and *System 2* thinking, *creativity*, and *metacognitive reflection*. Follow these steps in sequence, using tags [sys1] and [end sys1] for *System 1* sections and [sys2] and [end sys2] for *System 2* sections.

1. *Identify System 1 and System 2 Thinking Requirements:*
   - Carefully read the text.
   - Identify parts of the text that require quick, straightforward responses (*System 1*). Mark these sections with [sys1] and [end sys1].
   - Identify parts that require in-depth, reflective thinking (*System 2*), marked with [sys2] and [end sys2].

2. *Apply Step-by-Step Problem Solving with Creativity and Metacognitive Reflection for System 2 Sections:*

   *2.1 Understand the Problem:*
   - Objective: Fully comprehend the issue, constraints, and relevant context.
   - Reflection: "What do I understand about this issue? What might I be overlooking?"
   - Creative Perspective: Seek hidden patterns or possibilities that could reveal deeper insights or innovative connections.

   *2.2 Analyze the Information:*
   - Objective: Break down the problem logically.
   - Reflection: "Am I considering all factors? Are there any assumptions that need challenging?"
   - Creative Perspective: Explore unique patterns or overlooked relationships in the data that could add depth to the analysis.

   *2.3 Generate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Propose at least 10 hypotheses, each with a Confidence Score (0.0 to 1.0) and Creative Score (0.0 to 1.0), reflecting originality, surprise, and utility.
   - Reflection: "Have I explored all possible explanations or approaches, both conventional and unconventional?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider novel angles that might provide unexpected insights.

   *2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:*
   - Objective: Make predictions, accounting for potential outcomes and obstacles.
   - Reflection: "What challenges might I face? Is my plan flexible for different scenarios?"
   - Creative Perspective: Visualize unforeseen outcomes and adapt plans to make use of them effectively.

   *2.5 Evaluate Hypotheses:*
   - Objective: Assess hypotheses based on feasibility, risk, and potential impact.
   - Evaluation: Refine Confidence and Creative Scores as needed.
   - Reflection: "Am I unbiased in my assessment? Which options fit best with the overall objectives?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify hidden opportunities or overlooked details in each hypothesis.

   *2.6 Select the Best Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Choose the most promising, strategic hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Why does this hypothesis stand out? How does it uniquely address the issue?"
   - Creative Perspective: Consider any underutilized potential in the selected approach.

   *2.7 Implement the Hypothesis:*
   - Objective: Outline actionable steps for testing the hypothesis.
   - Reflection: "Is this plan practical? What resources or preparation are required?"
   - Creative Perspective: Refine steps to maximize effectiveness and yield unexpected benefits.

   *2.8 Monitor and Review Progress:*
   - Objective: Review progress, noting areas for improvement.
   - Reflection: "What’s working well? What could be improved?"
   - Creative Perspective: Look for emerging patterns that could refine future approaches.

   *2.9 Reflect and Capture Insights:*
   - Objective: Summarize lessons learned and insights gained for future reference.
   - Reflection: "What new understanding has emerged from this process?"
   - Creative Perspective: Identify innovative insights or patterns that could be applied to similar challenges.

3. *Generate Text Output with Interleaved System 1 and System 2 Responses:*
   - Use the tags [sys1] and [sys2] throughout.
   - Aim for a lengthier, detailed response. Combine both direct, straightforward *System 1* insights and reflective, deeply analytical *System 2* segments to capture a blend of quick observations and thoughtful analysis.

---

### *Example Input Text:*

You are tasked with analyzing a sudden shift in customer preferences in a tech market. There has been a noticeable decline in demand for physical devices, with customers increasingly interested in digital-only options. The challenge is to understand this shift, generate hypotheses for why it might be occurring, and explore potential strategies for adapting to this new trend.

---

### *Processed Output with System 1 and System 2 Thinking:*

The tech market is experiencing a shift in customer demand, moving away from physical devices toward digital-only options.

[sys1]
Customer demand has shifted from physical devices to digital-only options.
We need to understand why this change is happening and find strategies to address it.
Key factors may include cost, convenience, and technological trends.
[end sys1]

[sys2]
**2.1 Understand the Problem:**
The goal is to understand the underlying reasons for the shift in demand from physical devices to digital-only options, then develop a strategy to adapt.

*Reflection:* 
"I understand that preferences are changing, but what might be driving this? Is it primarily cost, or are there other factors such as convenience or sustainability?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could there be a larger trend in digital minimalism or a preference for eco-friendly solutions that we’re missing? What unseen motivations might explain this shift?"

**2.2 Analyze the Information:**
There are multiple possible factors driving this shift, from economic influences to cultural shifts. It’s essential to isolate each factor and understand its impact.

*Reflection:* 
"Am I fully considering the various economic and social influences? Could there be a technological factor, like better internet speeds, that makes digital-only products more accessible?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Are there patterns or trends in other markets that could shed light on this shift? Could this be part of a larger trend toward virtual experiences?"

**2.3 Generate Hypotheses:**
1. Customers prefer digital options due to lower costs. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.4)
2. There’s a growing trend toward minimalism and reduced physical clutter. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.7)
3. Digital products offer greater flexibility and ease of use. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
4. Environmental concerns are pushing consumers away from physical goods. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.8)
5. Advances in tech make digital-only options more functional. (Confidence: 0.8, Creative: 0.5)
6. Pandemic-era remote work increased demand for digital solutions. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.6)
7. Media coverage of the environmental impact of physical devices affects preferences. (Confidence: 0.5, Creative: 0.7)
8. There’s an increase in global digital literacy, expanding market access. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)
9. Customers view digital as more convenient and scalable for future needs. (Confidence: 0.7, Creative: 0.5)
10. Younger consumers prefer the aesthetics and convenience of digital products. (Confidence: 0.6, Creative: 0.6)

*Reflection:* 
"Have I considered all possible influences? Are there any surprising factors that could explain this shift?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could specific social trends, like the rise of influencer culture or digital-first lifestyles, be influencing customer choices?"

**2.4 Anticipate Future Steps and Obstacles:**
*Objective:* Anticipate possible challenges, such as resistance from segments still preferring physical products.

*Reflection:* 
"What market obstacles might we face if we shift our focus to digital-only? Are there sub-segments that still prioritize physical products?"

*Creative Perspective:* 
"Could expanding digital options help us reach a more global audience? Are there emerging trends that we could leverage in our strategy?"

[end sys2]

[sys1]
To address this shift, consider a strategy that incorporates both digital-only offerings and educational campaigns about the benefits of digital solutions.
Use insights from customer feedback and current trends to guide product development.
Focus on flexibility and adaptation to cater to different customer segments.
[end sys1]


Post navigation

USC Morning Buzz: Translating Tee Martin’s ESPN Comments

So Tee Martin decided to give an interview to ESPN. Let’s look at a couple comments:

“I want to help us get to that next level, and everything is in place here to do that.”

Martin has been at USC since 2012. What’s taking so long to get to the next level? He just had perhaps the greatest QB in USC history and one of the best tailbacks. And scored 7 points vs. Ohio State. So why should we believe him now?

“You don’t leave USC for a lateral move.”

Does this mean he will be at USC until he gets a head-coaching job? That could be a long wait.

“I’m just excited to be here at USC, where the future is so bright, and working for somebody the caliber of Clay Helton.”

Then why was he so frustrated during the season and telling people he wanted to leave USC? Apparently a new contract made everything better.

I have to say this for you, Scott —you’re pretty fearless. After a piece like this, most people would have a tough time interviewing Tee. But, come spring camp, you’ll be back in his face without blinking.
#OfCourse,LawsAgainstBatteryHelp

LamontRaymond

Like he ever gets interviews with these folks other than the gaggles after practice and the pressers.

Michael Guarino

Isn’t that why they call them “pressers”?

LamontRaymond

Some actually get one-on-one access.

Michael Guarino

I would be afraid for Scott if he got that, Lamont….
#”Scott?CouldYouStepInHere?”

rusoviet

Show me a one-on-one that ever dug deep to what matters in terms of information, to a fan. 3rd party sources are always the ones that uncover what matters.

Chris

You are Scott!

gotroy22

You are Mrs. Helton!

Pudly76

And getting the same old nothing in return…never ending wheel

steveg

I for the life of me cannot figure out why the DN does not have a genuine journalist cover USC.

Pudly76

Perchance they prefer a sports parody than a real sports blog. Could it be his superior enjoys the angst?

gotroy22

You mean a shameless kiss up that only prints happy news? No thanks.

Trojans 6942

Every time he ask a question, they treat him like a joke.

Pudly76

If you try sometimes, You get what you earn..

gotroy22

Are you saying he’s the Jim Acosta of the football set?

Michael Guarino

Question: Why on earth would any member of the Trump team conducting a presser ever call on little pretty-boy Acosta?

Sebastian Lane

Did you forget about the sanctions? I quickly we forget. It takes years to recover from that. In fact, Haden said the program wouldn’t be fully recovered until 2020. Just because we got a full compliment of scholarships in 2013 didn’t mean we were back. It just meant we’d be competitive in 2017. It takes many years to develop the big guys you need to compete with the Bama’s and tOSU. To some it’s an excuse. But it simply the truth.

Arturo

Bama was buried by lesser sanctions before Saban.

Tebow_Obama

Pat Haden also hired Steve Sarkisian and Clay Helton, neither of which are worth a crap.

“Pat Haden said”…Pffft!

What did Pat Haden say when he ran down onto the field up in Palo Alto, embarrassing himself and USC as he tried to defend Sarkisian?

Pat Haden is a joke, a corrupt money swindling one at that.

Trojans 6942

Finally a man of reason

Trojan5

Maybe I am dense, but I don’t get the criticism of Tees interview. What is he supposed to say? He said basically what any coach, who signed a new contract , would say. We can criticize Tee for his play calling and call out the entire staff for under performing, but to criticize this interview seems a bit silly.

Sebastian Lane

In fact, SC didn’t get a full compliment of scholarships in 2014 I believe. Awfully hard to compete at the elite level in 3 years.

Tebow_Obama

Scott Frost took a nothing football program, UCF which doesn’t get any 5 star recruits or 4 stars for that matter, from 6-7 his first year as head coach to 13-0 this past season with a win over Auburn in the Peach Bowl. And that Auburn team was the only team to beat Alabama.

Chris

It was a great accomplishment. But in a power 5 conference, they would have lost multiple games. It’s too hard to stay healthy, too hard to win week after week against teams that are athletic equal or really close. But, yes, great accomplishment. I think scott will be great at Nebraska.

Tebow_Obama

Well, lime I said, UCF beat Auburn on the big stage.

Chris

Auburn did not care to be there. But UCF won, cant take it away from them.

Jack B

This is beyond Obama’s limited brain to grasp. He thinks AUB was all fired up to play little old UCF in what he laughingly describes as a “big stage” game. It was a throwaway game for AUB.

Of course, Obams Boy also thinks USC is in hoc for $40+ mil to Kiffin and Sark. He’s a full-on pota*rd.

Tebow_Obama

Your reading comprehension gets worse everyday Jack Bozo.

LMFAO!

steveg

You seriously believe AUB came in half hearted onto a national stage to redeem themselves? No way, they came to play but just plain old got beaten.

Jack B

Ya, I don’t think AUB was up for the game. I’ve seen USC show up in bowls it wasn’t up for either, and it wasn’t pretty.

AUB obviously has more talent than UCF. That’s not even debatable. The game was all-time huge for UCF and sending off Scott Frost in his final game. For AUB, coming off a huge blow-out loss to GA after peaking for the ALA game, the Peach Bowl was a big come-down and a meh game IMO.

steveg

Gotta give UCF some credit somewhere Jack, they did show up to play. It was a good game.

Jack B

It’s not about giving UCF credit to me.

It’s about AUB not wanting to play an opponent that they have everything to lose by playing.

So AUB goes from huge ALA victors, to lopsided SEC champ game losers to great…now we get to play UCF. Great for on-a-miracle-run UCF. Not ideal to say the least for an up and down Tiger team on the downswing.

Tebow_Obama

Yeah, it’s a badge of honor for an SEC team to not care about losing to a P5 team. And UCF had wins over double digit win teams South Florida and Memphis and a few other quality opponents.

Chris

Sounds like you are pretty excited about them. I am sure they have a message board you can go find.

gotroy22

And you can go to Garry P’s message board yourself.

Tebow_Obama

Sounds like you’re stuck on stupid…only cure for that would ve to shut the hell up.

But there’s no cure for you looking stupid…so good luck with trying to fix that.

LOL!

Chris

Ok, Bruin poser troll.

gotroy22

No that is Sandy Squirrel.

SucKiffin

They beat Goat Kiffin 63-0 or something

LamontRaymond

Sorry to burst your bubble, but Darnold was not close to the greatest QB in SC history – the GOAT doesn’t turn the ball often more than most TEAMS in division one. Love Sammy and wish him the best, but he hamstrung the team like few other QBs in modern history.

Tebow_Obama

Sam Darnold’s USC career isn’t even close to what Matt Leinart’s was.

LamontRaymond

Exactly right. I remember making the same arguments about Barkley. They both paled in comparison to Leinart’s college performance.

GOMER HELTON

Put Darnold on those teams and his stats would be off the charts

Michael Guarino

Probably true, Gomer. But Sam would have fumbled after runs on those teams too. It’s part of the kinetic way he plays. Mark my word, he’ll do it in the NFL too.

Tebow_Obama

You think Darnold would be able to audible 80% of the plays that were sent in that Leinart had to change up during that 2005 season, not to mention Leinart’s ability to change up blocking assignments for his linemen? Darnold can’t read defenses, as far as that part of the game goes, a player either has it or he doesn’t…Darnold doesn’t have it. You’ll see once his assessment comes in from the combines.

Michael Guarino

Lots of physical skills but slow on reading defenses. Where does that leave Darnold, NFL-wise?

Tebow_Obama

Reading defense is huge in the NFL. Darnold should have been able to figure a lot of it out on his own, but in two years at USC it appears he has made zero progress in that dept.

That aspect of the game is really going to hurt him once he really gets exposed at the combines.

Remember, a lot of Darnold’s passing yards came on broken plays where he was forced out of the pocket. That part of his game will be severely hampered at the next level.

Michael Guarino

That said, do you think Darnold is gonna wind up a late first round pick?

Tebow_Obama

Darnold will go top 10 if not top 5, he’ll be worth the risk to somebody.

If anything, Darnold could be drafted high and then traded for some other needs of whatever team drafts him. The combine will determine a lot as far as how NFL ready he is.

Tebow_Obama

You want to see a QB that has it all, check out Josh Allen’s highlights on YouTube. You probably didn’t watch too many of Wyoming’s games this year, but that kid can play, he’s got a great arm, great size, really quick on his feet for a guy his size, excellent pocket awareness…he has it all.

When you see his highlights at Wyoming, even though the competition isn’t what it is at USC, you can just see how good that kid is going to be.

Michael Guarino

Just watched highlights plus interviews —Josh seems as grounded as he is talented. Great kid.
P.S
Have you always been this insightful and I just missed it —-or are you particularly lucid today?

Tebow_Obama

If you watched the 11:06 highlight of Allen on YouTube, at 4:57 vs Nebraska, Allen rolls out to his right and on the run he throws an absolute dart to the end zone for TD. The thing with that pass that he makes look so routine is that a throw like that will tend to drift as you throw on the run, but his pass was on a rope, so much so that it looked as if the pass was thrown as if the QB was standing still…hard to explain, you just have to see it.

Michael Guarino

I saw several of those passes –where he leaves the pocket, slides right and lets it go just before he goes outta bounds. And he zips it into the end zone every time. He’s got tremendous arm strength (he’s off balance half the time and it doesn’t seem to interfere with his accuracy).

gotroy22

Why was Leinart a NFL bust?

Tebow_Obama

Kurt Warner caught his second wind with the Cardinals and displaced Leinart as the starter.

There was more to it than just that though. Leinart was good enough to start and probably would have had a better than average NFL career, but was never given a fair shot under Ken Whisenhunt. Whisenhunt was never sold on Leinart, the two didn’t have a good working relationship.

Leinart was young, had been enjoying the limelight (partying, living the rock star lifestyle) long before he got to the Cardinals. Football ended up taking a back seat as far as priority, especially seeing how Leinart had been given millions in signing bonus. Whisenhunt being a jerk and sitting Leinart made Leinart even more disinterested in playing.

So it wasn’t that Leinart wasn’t good enough to make it in the NFL, he just lost interest.

gotroy22

Wasn’t Warner brought in to tutor Leinart but the light never went on so the coaches went with Warner out of desperation?

Tebow_Obama

Yes he was brought in, but like I said, he caught his second wind at an opportune time. And Whisenhunt never liked Leinart.

There was a game where the Cardinals were playing the Bears, Leinart started and proceeded to carve up the Bear defense in the first half. The second half begins and Whisenhunt’s OC totally goes away from Leinart and the passing game, ends up pretty much running the ball and the Cardinals lose. It was such a bad move to go away from the passing game, the next day if not that same night the Cardinal OC was fired.

Whisenhunt had just been hired so they weren’t about to fire him even though it was probably his decision to change up the game plan. If I remember right there might have been a late hit put on Leinart by Brian Urlacher which opened the door for Warner to take over the job, giving Whisenhunt exactly what he wanted all along.

Michael Guarino

Desperation at first —-and then joy.

Tebow_Obama

Yes he was. Leinart getting hurt opened the door for Warner and he got hot at an opportune time. Leinart lost interest in the game and under Whisenhunt he lost interest altogether. I don’t see Leinart as a bust, he definitely had the ability, he just didn’t want it bad enough. Leinart will go down as one of the greatest college football QB’s of all time…nothing wrong with that.

gotroy22

Yes I don’t really care about the NFL. It’s great if they do well and come back and donate to SC, otherwise I just care how they do here.

rusoviet

He sure acted like it – it looked like Leinart had always had his way from the time he hit the crib to when he got his Heisman. Reality in the shape of a tough clueless coach and boing…Waaahhhh!!! I don’t wanna’ be here any more.” Done and Gone

Tebow_Obama

I think Leinart got burned out with the game, he had his fun and peaked too early…he was a helluva player, right at the top of my list as one of the best Trojans ever. The guy was a class act and still is.

I would like to see him get into coaching because he seems like he could really relate to young players and he obviously has an extremely high football I.Q.

rusoviet

He had no idea how tough the NFL was/is;

….bad head coaches…’*&^% you, pay me!’…not treated fairly ‘*&^% you, pay me!’…..don’t like this place “…*&^% you, pay me!” How come I’m not happy I always have had it my way before? “…*&^% you, pay me!”

SucKiffin

Because he wasn’t all that talented but had a master play caller and coach most of his college career … and in 2005 a great Oline and 2 great backs , that overcame a terrible OC

Michael Guarino

You won’t get a bunch of “likes” for this comment, but you’re in the ballpark. Sam didn’t hamstring us so much as he cancelled himself out. He had as many turnovers as touchdowns.

Chris

That’s a full hamstring. Good QB’s Should be 2-1 TD to turnover.

Michael Guarino

I was being merciful…..

Pudly76

What was Kessler’s td/int rate?

Chris

So much better than Sam’s. So so so much better. Not saying he is better, but for long stretches of time, he played better.

Jack B

Wow. So you think Cody Kessler was better, or at least played better than San Darnold? That’s just crazy, but what blogs and message boards are made for.

Funny how we all disagree so much on something we’ve all watched closely over a long time.

Chris

Sam is way more talented, and makes plays Cody could not dream of. But Cody did not hurt us like Sam regularly did. He threw a whole bunch of checkdowns, but did not turn it over. That’s what I mean by playing better. Certainly not as spectacular, but smarter. He also had USCsingle season touchdown record, I think. Must have taken some bubble greens and check downs to the house that year. Fight on Jack!

Jack B

You can have Cody. I’ll take Sam every day of the week and twice on Sundays over that mediocre check-down artist.

Fight On Chris!

Pudly76

I think the turnovers were different, Kessler did his throwing a 7 yd pass on 3rd and 9.

Chris

I’ll take that over a fumble or int every single time.

Tebow_Obama

Cody Kessler wasn’t all that either.

Chris

That we do agree on. We get a whole bunch of hyped up guys. It’s kind of a train of underachieving NFL guys. But as long as the play well while here, I’m ok with it.

Michael Guarino

Here’s the bottom line —which we all know and understand but I’ll state it anyway for the fun of it: Kessler was way more efficient than Sam in general —-way less fumbles for sure. But Kessler could never in a million years have led us to a comeback against Penn State. Sam was really a money QB that first year. In 2017 he was biding time till the draft —you could see it in his aloof attitude on the sidelines and, looking back, it’s why he tried to adopt a more NFL throwing motion over last summer. He wore a Trojan uniform, he gave it a good effort but his heart was already with the NFL.

Pudly76

I always wonder, what’s the schools responsibility towards the athletes? Win? Improve them for professional success? Cody never came close to the number of turnovers, nor the level of talent.

Michael Guarino

Totally agree on both counts, Pudly. Cody didn’t have anything close to Sam’s ability but he kept his head in the game. How many high snaps did Cody save from going over his head? It seemed like 3 or 4 a game. At South Bend, Sam kind of watched that high snap for a half second before trying to grab it (if you view it over, he doesn’t back up on the ball, he watches and then tries to grab it out of the air without moving his feet. In my opinion, Cody’s hustle would have saved that ball).

gotroy22

I prefer Sams record against the ruins. Some prefer going 1-3 for some unknown reason.

Michael Guarino

I prefer Sam all the way. His upside is light years ahead of Cody’s. But he wasn’t 100% “in” in 2017. Looking back, he decided he wanted to go the NFL route before the season started. It made a difference.

gotroy22

He went the Vance Johnson route? Or was the Swiss Cheese OL simply too much to deal with?

Michael Guarino

In the Cotton Bowl, Sam was missing open receivers even when he had protection —-and I don’t know why it’s so easy to pull the ball from him when he’s going own after a run, gt (in other words, our o-line sucks but isn’t responsible for half of what Sam does wrong).

gotroy22

Kessler was 1-3 against the ruins.

Michael Guarino

Yep. He saved his worst for that game. Ask coach O.

LamontRaymond

Well put…..

Michael Guarino

You were the one with the guts to say it first, Lamont….
#NextQBCanWinGamesByPlayingSmart

peter

There is a subject that is getting no conversation here,or little elsewhere. Its the new transfer rule that,if approved, could go into effect immediately.
It would allow a player to transfer once without sitting out a season.Then once again as a grad transfer. So a player could play for 3 teams in 5 years. This could have a huge effect on top teams,with player movement.

Michael Guarino

And guess what. peter? That rule could help us more than it could hurt us. There are plenty of athletic, well coached SEC linemen who aren’t getting as much playing time as they would like.
#Let’sCallIttheInsuranceAgainstCallawayRule

peter

Yes,it would be a season to season situation. .A lot would be in play. Think about a case like Rojo,would he have left his freshman year ? Come December signing ,many players would re evaluate their school.

Michael Guarino

This is a generalization —but I think it’s more or less a fair one—–we would be looking for players off other teams based on the coaching they had already received; teams would be looking at our players based on their talent and what they believed they could coach into them.

peter

I try to approach many issues like this with questions before I formulate my opinion.
I agree with what you said.This will have a number of 18 year Olds making rash decisions.
So few players go on to NFL careers. Sure they may play a year or two.But the degree, network and so on from one given school varies so much.

Michael Guarino

Good stuff, peter (as usual).

peter

Mahalo

gotroy22

Our homesick out of state recruits might jump with such a dumb rule. Remember how homesick Dwayne Jarrett was? This ranks with the NCAA basketball one and done rule for stupidity.

Trojans 6942

That would be total chaos. Getting away from personal responsibilities. What’s new in this society. Have a problem with a coaches decision, transfer. What a joke.

gotroy22

I can’t believe they are going in this direction instead of requiring basketball players to committ to 3 years like they do in football and baseball.

peter

2016 Sam was a boat load of fun and excitement. Once he set sail.By the end of the Rose bowl, to most with short memories, he was the greatest ever QB
to wear Cardinal and Gold .The hype just grew.
Nationally before spring football even came ,he was already the Heisman winner,USC was in the playoffs,and the NY Jets had already forfeited their season.
Come fall camp,it was hard to even see.The hype was blinding.Come WMU game it wasn’t about the game as much as it was about equaling the hype that inflated Sam to Hector of Troy mythology.
Sam never lived up to that hype,nor should anyone be expected to. To me at least 3 other USC QB’s had greater careers . Its just unfortunate that CFB has becoming such a victim of social media.Its almost that the game now is second to whats trending at the moment….

Chris

Perfect summation

GOMER HELTON

Darnold wasn’t coached up, had a poor OL in front of him, zero star WR this year and three idiots calling plays, Gomer WASTED his talent

steveg

Making excuses for 13 fumbles?

SucKiffin

Refusing to quit on a play and fall down like Barney

steveg

Sam was excitement, you never knew what to expect on every play. Some were great and others heart breaking. Wish him well, he has a long way to go be another Havre or any other nfl great. He may do it, but I personally don’t expect it. Hope I am wrong.

gotroy22

Who would be on your list of the top ten SC quarterbacks of all time and where would Sam rank if at all on that list?

Tebow_Obama

How about we translate USC’s insistence with sticking with a second rate head coach?

Clay Helton – Translation:

Max Nikias is too cheap and doesn’t give a rats arse about Trojan football, he apparently believes his development of Gothic Revival urinals spread throughout the campus is more important to his forthcoming legacy than winning and being competitve vs elite teams on the gridiron…hence he gives you second rate at best, <PRESIDIO_ANONYMIZED_PERSON> and all around “Yes Man” Lynn Swann.

Arturo

Schools like Bama and Miami were buried by lesser sanctions. SC has peaked twice during these years- the Barkley team that won the de facto conference championship in Eugene and last year’s Rose Bowl team. They won the conference this year and the next level will be the CFP and a natty. What is so hard to understand about that?

Tebow_Obama

Helton is never going to take a Trojan football team to the CFP unless he rents a bus and takes the team to see a CFP game as spectators.

Arturo

You are entitled to your opinion.

rusoviet

You’ll know as will all come this September – Tebow’s right Helton isn’t taking anything anywhere/

Trojans 6942

Bingo

Chris

I know Lamont posted this already, but the writer perpetuates this garbage. Sam is nowhere near the best QB in program history. He wasn’t even the best QB in the conference. I think he is fun to watch, but glad he’s gone.

rusoviet

Serious? “…wasn’t the best QB in the conference….”? Who then? Rosen? Falk? Browning? Chryst? Darnold was sopundly beaten against the irish and OH St. but he pulled USC’s sorry back end out of the fire repeatedly throughout 2017.

As to Leinart – Leinart had a better O line and even more importantly a much better coaching staff

Darnold is set to have a great career in the NFL

Chris

I know the love most have for Sam, I don’t get it. He tries to make the hero play all the time. Sometimes it looks fantastic, but on the whole it was just average. Most of the time, he was the primary reason our sorry back side was in the fire. I hope is great in the pros, but I have a whole bunch of doubts. He will not be able to escape against NFL athletes, he is not good at the line of scrimmage, and all of those hero throws into double and triple coverage will be picks. We will see.

rusoviet

Blame the coaches – 100% shotgun – never directly behind the center – a TE that was outclassed by bigger OL (Irish and OH St). O line that was on and off throughout the year. Chain of command as to who was in charge even during games. Sideline antics – selfies…penalties for showboating extending opponents TOP and line of scrimmage.

Did Darnold throw a lot of interceptions this year – he certainly did – he’ll do fine in the NFL a lot better than you think and you never did say who you believed was better QB in the Pac-12 this past season

Chris

You scott wolf?

rusoviet

You Clay Helton?

Chris

want to compare paychecks?

rusoviet

You that desperate to move attention from your clownish post’s? Again who do you contend was a better qb in the Pac-12 this past year than Darnold?

Chris

I was joking in the context of Scott wolf and Clay Helton you clown. Jake browning was more efficient. Rosen a much better thrower. Tate is more explosive. All of them kept better care of the ball. But yes, to answer your question, browning played better than Sam.

gotroy22

Browning? You really are high.

Chris

I prefer my qb not lead the entire league in interceptions and fumbles. It’s just me, but I think it’s inportant to try and actually keep the football. It’s crazy, I know.

gotroy22

Browning was a big disappointment for the Huskies. Surely even you know that.

rusoviet

Whatever

gotroy22

You Mrs. Helton?

Tebow_Obama

LOL!

Tebow_Obama

Leinart was a master at reading defenses when he played for the Trojans and even better when it came to making audibles and changing up blocking assignments for his offensive linemen.

rusoviet

Be careful – ‘chris’ is evading accountability for his goofy post’s.

Tebow_Obama

Yeah well, he’s already signed his name to his stupidity, there ain’t much he can do about it now.

Chris

I guess you all like your qb’s to throw pics and to fumble at historic rates. Ok, good for you. I disagree.

Chris

I know football can be difficult to understand, I’ll help you. turnovers are not something you want to lead the nation in. It’s not a good thing. So Sam being #1 in turnovers is not good. You’re welcome

rusoviet

Let’s cuddle…now roll around….that’s it big boy….oh yeah!

Trojans 6942

Couldn’t agree more

gotroy22

Spit take!

J.A.M.

…Tee Martin is an average coach at best…this like all issues is a Helton issue not a Martin issue…if Helton were a top shelf coach Martin would not be part of this staff…and of course if Lynn Swan was a good AD Helton would not be part of SC…oh well

rusoviet

Swann can’t sack Helton after 2 consecutive 10+ win seasons not with a firm final year in Helton’s back pocket (2018). Best to see the skill set graphically displayed this coming year and leave no doubt why a change at head coach for USC is necessary.

Tebow_Obama

That’s where Swann’s thinking or so called football knowledge is flawed. If Swann knew anything he would know that with the talent the Trojans have, the minute USC brings in quality head coach with a proven track record of winning…the Trojans become legit title contenders.

Apparently Swann has forgotten just how important good coaching is to a team. I’ve said it before, the Trojans have been winning on sheer talent alone for quite some time…for years actually.

But Swann doesn’t have the balls to want to even try to put his signature on the program by pushing for a legit hire, he’s been a huge disappointment.

Look what Chris Petersen (proven winner as a head coach) had done at Washington. Sarkisian left that cupboard bare, Petersen had nothing to work with and Petersen has already had Washington in a CFP game. And he did it with blue collar recruits.

rusoviet

You’re way out of line Tebow on this rant. Swann inherited this imbroglio – he can’t sack a sitting coach with the record of the past two seasons no matter how compelling it seems to do just that. Nor, for that matter, should he.

2018 has to play out with Helton at the helm to show he either can or cannot lead a national program of USC’s pedigree – doubt sincerely he can but to sack him would be a very foolish move on Swann’s part esp. if he hasn’t done some real searching and investigating of potential replacements – the squad needs stability right now regardless of Helton’s skill set or lack thereof. Swann knows that which is why he’s not foolishly making an emotional impulsive move he’ll regret later – Haden has left him the blueprint of what NOT to do.

Tebow_Obama

You people go on giving Clay Helton one more year, one more year, just like you kept doing for Kiffin and Sarkisian and the end result is going to end up the same.

Helton has been wirh the Trojans since 2010…2010! It’s now 2018! I don’t give a rats arse about how USC was on sanction, they came off sanction under Sarkisian.

Now while at USC, aided by USC’s pedigree, Sarkisian and Kiffin were still able to recruit some really good players so the cupboard was by no means bare, it was stocked when Helton took over and if Helton were worth a damn he would have been in a CFP game all ready.

Look, you freakin’ people must be absolutely clueless.

Chris Petersen has done more with less, a whole lot less. Petersen isn’t and hasn’t had nearly the talent USC has had and yet he’s 1-1 vs USC and he has A CFP game appearance on his resume.

So all this crap about wanting to give Helton on more year is just that…CRAP!

And if Helton manages to win 9 or 10 games next year the crap will start all over again, “Oh, lets give Helton one more year, he’s almost there”.

Helton ain’t almost anywhere near capable of taking the Trojans to the promised land…not by a damn sight!

But you people can go on hoping so, it ain’t ever going to happen and I’ll be the first one to remind everyone I TOLD YOU ALL SO!

rusoviet

Suggest you get some anxiety meds bro’ because you keep hyperventilating over that which you nor me nor anyone on this board can control you’ll blow a blood vessel.

Helton is the head coach – It is set through late November this year – it’s very fluid after that.

SucKiffin

CP cleaned up that Snark cesspool nicely … had to throw out half the roster but got it done

Tebow_Obama

Exactly right.

steveg

Swann didn’t hire Helton, Nikias did. Give it through 2018 and see what happens.

Tebow_Obama

Reminder, it’s 2018, Clay Helton has been with the Trojans since 2010…enough with the excuses being made for that second rate coach.

Pasadena Trojan

Scooter, it has been two days since usc demolished the ducks and still no response. All I can think of is that your mother punished you and took away the cable box so that you could not view the game.

Tebow_Obama

USC 2018 – The season of “We Told You So” is going to have Lynn Swann’s name all over it when Helton guides the Trojans to .500 won/loss record.

Tebow_Obama

In other news, so that some here in this forum can move on, THE TROJANS BEAT A SUB .500 IN CONFERENCE PLAY OREGON TEAM THE OTHER NIGHT.

Guest.user73

All the comments seem to be about whether or not Sam was the best ever quarterback at SC or not. There is nothing here about putting words in Tee Martin’s mouth and I’m fine with that.
I would like to point out that Sam played quarterback like a basketball player. He checked down receivers like an inbound player looking to pass at the top of the key. Unfortunately many have pointed out he also liked to dribble the ball too. I have to hold to my belief that some of those called fumbles were not really fumbles. The first play from scrimmage in the ND game for example, since when is stripping the ball from a downed player a fumble.
However he also had a tendency to carry the ball like a loaf of bread. Instead of arguing if he was the best, I just will say he was more entertaining than I have seen in a long time.

steveg

Sam turned it over 24 times. He threw 26 touchdowns at a 63% completion rate. The WKU QB had 26 td’s and 8 pics. Mayfield had 43 td’s and 6 pics and 70%. How many games did USC squeak by because Sam let them back in the game. Hope he learns in the NFL. Expectations on here are high for Sam, just like they were last season.

SucKiffin

Enjoy your 4-8 season without Sam

steveg

Wolf, what happened to the one year contracts “I’m told” about? Why does this come out now about Martin telling people he wanted to leave? Did he tell you? I doubt it.

Gee, lets see, what has gone on at SC since 2012? Chaos! You ask some of the dumbest questions, like you weren’t even around here then.

LamontRaymond

Off-Topic: What’s the deal with Chuck O’Bannon? Seems like one of our better recruits, McDonald’s All-American. Can’t crack the lineup. Bust? or just not getting a chance?

Tebow_Obama

One of the Trojans problems this year is that Enfield has tried to make too many players happy, doing too much substitution which has not allowed the Trojans core players to find their groove, get in sync.

Giving players game time experience is a good thing, but there’s a time and place for it. Enfield hasn’t figured it out yet.

gotroy22

Maybe Alford knew something…

Tebow_Obama

In other news, USC has one player in today’s NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Game.

That player is Trojan WR Steven Mitchell.

gotroy22

Perhaps threatening to dox posters was a bridge too far?

Tebow_Obama

Perhaps indeed.

gotroy22

And threatening them with physical violence is always a no no.

Tebow_Obama

Yikes ..is that what she did?

gotroy22

Yep.

ItsAllAboutTheBall

“the future is so bright, and working for somebody the caliber of Clay Helton” TRANSLATED….. “the future is so bright for me working for somebody the (low) caliber of Clay Helton.Will land me the Head Job within 18 months.

disqus_CARwRiuTsK

The problem is that Clay wont fire Tee, but still doesnt fully trust him. When you want a championship team, you cant afford to have that dynamic going on in the coaching

PE2011

Great USC QBs win Heisman Trophies. 7 points in the Cotton Bowl? How many turnovers did Darnold have? How many open receivers did he miss?

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