USC update, Dec. 22

Just a quick rundown of issues we're looking at right now, regarding the USC Trojans:

• I just read that USC's versatile fullback, Stanley Havili could be a breakout star in the Rose Bowl.

"A tremendous lead blocker for those runners, he’s also a valuable outlet in the passing game, catching 62 passes for 596 yards and eight touchdowns in his first two seasons. At just about any other school, Havili would warrant a dozen or so carries a game."

Yet, none of that will matter, if this isn't fixed...

Fullback Stanley Havili remains bothered by a sprained ankle.

"He's not moving very well," Carroll said. "Other than that, we're in good shape."

Pete Carroll is an optimist by nature. He's upbeat, fun and generally likable (although many of us hate him for just that reason). So of course he's going to paint a rosy (no pun intended) picture of his team before the bowl game. Remember, this is still an NFL-loaded team.

• Remember back in 2006 when Penn State was going all out to land Vidal Hazelton, only to lose the top receiver to USC? Well, after a great 2007 season (led USC w/50 receptions), things haven't worked out this year for VH. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the opener against Virginia, and wasn't able to overtake the other receivers. But that wasn't the end of his troubles...

"When former USC wide receiver Vidal Hazelton asked for his official release, it occurred just a couple days after a pair of assistant coaches engaged in an argument about Hazelton during halftime of the Notre Dame game.

Hazelton officially transferred two days after the game. He could not be reached for comment."

• In that same article, Carroll also made an interesting observation about Penn State's "Spread HD" offense.

"It's a facet of the offense," Carroll said. "(But) they're very traditional. They do some shotgun but can't run the spread like teams committed to it. They are more of a traditional I-formation team. They move (wide receiver) Derrick Williams all over the field."

Ok, so maybe not everyone in Southern California is dumb. Let's hope that's about as much as Carroll knows about Penn State's offense (...unlikely).

I'll have more updates like this periodically over the next 10 days.