Ask Caesar

How long will you Coach at USC?

When Brian Cushing was a freshman, what was the decision making process for playing him at outside linebacker (and defensive end) rather than middle linebacker? I thought he looked outstanding at mlb against Oregon.

Coach, how are you able to keep up the enthusiasm and energy that you have, each and every season. Fight On!

Coach, what is our defensive philosophy in a nutshell? It seems like our LBs and D-line play too agressive and frequently lack the discipline to stay home and cover their gaps, while the secondary seems to play a soft, non-aggressive zone? Is this the strategy, and does it rely on speed up-front to create havoc while maintaining a safety net in the back?

Does ASU do anything that causes you some concern? They have been pretty anemic offensively thus far.

Coach Lane here.Why would you hire me back in a 'second'? Does the staff like me now ? they sure didnt when I was there. Why would you hire me back ?

After going 16-1 in Pac-10 road games from mid-2002 to mid-2006 your program is just 4-4 in its last 8 such contests. What do you see as the general reasons for this turnaround and how can your team recapture its road conference dominance?

When he was at SC Junior Seau was used very effectively as a stand-up rush end, similar to the way Matthews is being used today. I see Rey and Junior as similar players. Would you consider moving Rey to rush end and putting Matthews at outside linebacker, which would free Cushing up to play the Mike?

What scheme of offense do you find to be the most difficlut to prepare for and play against?

If that's not what we're running on offense, why not?

With your past success, do you ever feel that there is too much pressure and high expectations for you as a coach and for the program that is impossible to meet or achieve?

In the 90's and early 2000's teams such as FSU and Miami went on runs similar to the one USC is on only to drop off among other reasons an inability to replace star QB's like Weinke and Dorsey. How high do you value the consitency at QB during the past 7 years to the on field success the team has maintained? Do you value it more then a dominant defense? If you could only pick one (dominate defense or savy, veteran QB) who would you rather coach? Thank You

Coach, knowing six months ago that the Oregon State game was a trap game, looking back as of today, can you think of anything more that you could have done to prevent the letdown that occurred? Sincere thanks.
PS It seemed the letdown was caused by both lines getting away from basic fundamentals--would bringing in reserve linemen, fired-up with adrenalin, have been helpful?

Since John David Booty took over as quarterback the image of the team has changed from offensive and defensive giant to slow paced offense and unfocus team. What is the reason for the dropoff and the recent play of USC over the past years compared to the previous teams of Palmer, Leinart, and Bush?