New "Inside the Trojans' Huddle (Aug. 30): Rice at USC preview, good and bad memorable season openers, Musings with Arledge, Pac-12 game predictions, viewer questions and panel answers

For this past week’s “Inside the Trojans’ Huddle”, panelists Marc Kulkin, Chris Arledge, Kevin Bruce and Greg Katz take direct focus on all aspects – both on and off the field – as it pertains to the Rice season opener this Saturday afternoon in the Coliseum. Also, in this edition of the ITTH, the panel remembers good and bad USC opening season games followed by the always highly entertaining Musings with Arledge, Week 1 of Pac-12 game predictions, and viewer questions and panel answers.

In the first quarter, the panel discusses what they want to see, but what they expect to see against Rice by breaking down the Trojans’ offense, defense, and special teams. The panel has – obviously – high expectations for the offensive and expects to see a lot of points on the board. Defensively, Kevin Bruce brings his unique defensive perspective on what he wants to see from the Trojans’ defense while Katz says he wants to see intense hitting and Rice helmets flying off on USC tackles. As for special teams, Chris Arledge doesn’t want to see any punting or field goals while Katz says he wants to see punting and some field goals to get experience before the Stanford game. Marc Kulkin chimes in with excited expectations to see electrifying true freshman Raleek Brown handle the ball on special teams.

In the second quarter, the panel gives their thoughts on what they expect from Rice in terms of offensive and defensive strategies to keep the game manageable and competitive. The foursome agrees on the ways Rice can attempt to win through their offense, but it’s Owls’ defense where they may find themselves in a great deal of trouble.

For the halftime segment, the panel gives their Coliseum attendance predictions and just how much the attendance and game atmosphere could be hindered by the forecast of 90-plus degree heat for the mid-afternoon kickoff. Bruce says the hot weather won’t bother Rice because for the Owls, who come from hot and humid Houston, it will seem like spring. Kulkin and Katz spar over how the effects of the weather may have a major influence on the size of the crowd and their enthusiasm.   

In the third quarter, the panel turns back the clock as each panelist gives their good and bad Trojans memories of season opening games. Hint: The biggest wins were against SEC opponents. Can you guess whom the panel is referring to? And as for the losses, the panel agrees on a former USC Hall of Fame coach, who suffered a major upset in an opener. Hint: Obviously it’s not Clay Helton, but Gentleman Clay was part of the answer to the original questions.   

In the traditional transition from the third to the fourth quarter, Inside the Trojans’ Huddle presents Musings with Arledge. In this episode of MWA, Chris appeals to recruits why they should become Trojans and brings up the curious saga of former Notre Dame All-America linebacker Manti Teo, who admits he always wanted to be a Trojan and even to this day but listened to a high school friend and changed his mind in the end to become a Domer. Arledge points out the ramifications of not going with your heart and becoming a Trojan.

In the fourth quarter, the panel gives its predictions on each and every Pac-12 team for Week 1. The panel also gives a special prediction on the outcome of a former USC head coach’s first game in his new place of employment. Hint: the state of Georgia. As for some of the other Pac-12 teams and their opponents, one panelists rebels against certain schools playing weak competition and claims “I don’t care!” Hmm, wonder who that could be?

And in Overtime, the panel answers viewer questions that address how long Caleb Williams will play against Rice, the most important recruit outside “of the Big Three”, and the issues between USC and the new third party collective, Student Body Right.