New "Inside the Trojans' Huddle" (Sept. 13): Stanford grading review, Fresno State preview, No. 7 USC overrated or underrated, "Musings with Arledge", Pac-12 predictions, viewer questions and panel answers.

“Inside the Trojans’ Huddle” panelists Marc Kulkin, Chris Arledge, Erik McKinney and Greg Katz review and grade the Stanford game, preview the Fresno State game, No. 7 USC overrated or underrated, Musings with Arledge, Pac-12 game predictions, and viewer questions and panel answers.

In the first quarter, the panel reviews and grades the Trojans opening conference win at Stanford. The panel gives objective views on the performance of the offense being brilliant in the first half and having its issues in the second half. The grades and why? There are comments, analysis and grades of QB Caleb Williams, running backs Travis Dye, Austin Jones, and Raleek Brown, praise for Jordan Addison, and good overview of the performance of the offensive line. And what about the offensive coaching in the touchdown-less second half?

Defensively, the panel is very highly focused on why the defensive line and why it is so deficient against the rush. Is it talent? Is it coaching/scheme? Is it effort? The grading tells the story. Trojans inside linebackers, Shane Lee and Erik Gentry, draw praise, but is it the same positive grades for the secondary? The panel believes that the defense, especially the D-line and Rush Ends, could have a big say in the ultimate success of the season, but right now it is a major issue. How were they graded?

In the second quarter, the panel exchanges their thoughts and opinions regarding how big a threat Fresno State is to the Trojans this Saturday night in the Coliseum. Some panelists say the game will be a rout while others suggest Fresno State has a realistic puncher’s chance. Do the Bulldogs have what it takes to upset the No. 7 Trojans in what could be the first sellout of the Lincoln Riley era? Can Fresno State score with the Trojans? How many points will it take for the Trojans to win this California brawl? However, can the USC defense somewhat contain the Bulldogs standout quarterback Jake Haener, who could be a difference-maker? How much will physicality play on who win the game?  

For the halftime segment, there is healthy discussion on the Week 3 AP Top 10 and are the Trojans placed appropriately as the No. 7 team in the country? Again, the panel is somewhat unified on where the Trojans should be ranked, but panelist believes the Trojans should be ranked higher than No. 7. Of course, there is discussion – based on the teams above them in the poll – if and how the Trojans have a legitimate chance for a post-season playoff spot.  

In the third quarter, Chris Arledge provides his “Inside the Trojans’ Huddle” version of his popular column “Musings with Arledge.” This week, the Arledge takes to task Texas A&M and its coach, Jimbo Fisher. Not to be ignored, Arledge turns his attention to the plight of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame and its coach Marcus Freeman. And, of course, what would an Arledge rant be without a discussion of former Trojans coach Clay Helton and his upset of Nebraska in Lincoln, which cost Huskers coach Scott Frost his job.   

After the traditional lighting of the Chris Arledge Coliseum torch to signify the transition from the third quarter to the fourth quarter, the panel gives its Pac-12 predictions for Week 3. One of the more entertaining predictions was the forecast of undefeated Cal visiting winless Notre Dame in South Bend. What till you hear one of the predicted scores. There is also an interesting discussion regarding Michigan State visiting Washington, and will the Huskies be exposed as a contender or a pretender? And, lastly of course, final thoughts on Saturday night’s Fresno State/USC game in the Coliseum. Did anybody pick Fresno State in an upset?  

And in Overtime, the panel answers viewer questions reflecting on the Trojans big win at Stanford. Viewers had questions regarding whether there were any surprises in the Stanford win, the top five defensive standouts in the Palo Alto victory, defensive line questions, and whether the Trojans are still recruiting the East Los Angeles area, which was once fertile ground for prep football talent.