During his time as USC’s coach, Clay Helton has preferred to use his public comments to spread a message of optimism. The problem is that USC has needed dominant closeouts in three of its four games to avoid upsets. Helton said USC’s early issues could be linked to failures to convert on third and fourth down. The Cougars are averaging 43.8 points per game, and Helton said they begin games as well as anyone in the conference. “I think that’s the beauty of our country.”Angeline quitsCary Angeline, a redshirt freshman tight end, has quit the team, according to USC’s game notes.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 25, 2017 03:43 UTC