Welp.... Sark's gone now. Although it happened in the worst way possible, I think USC fans as a whole are glad he's gone.
Unfortunately, I was there Thursday to witness the terror. USC was not ready to play last Thursday, both in mentality and game plan. I can't complain about defense, it being mediocre, holding an opponent to 17 points, especially with the offense we are (supposed to) have. But we still had a chance to win when we got our run game going. Reverting to three straight pass plays in the fourth quarter obviously stalled the potentially game winning drive. And Clay Helton, offensive coordinator, has a body of work as play caller that indicates he's not stupid. Evidence points to Sark pressuring Helton to run pass plays in arguably Cody Kessler's first truly abysmal game as a starter.
Then there are the rumors swirling that Kessler played with a concussion Thursday, causing his horrid performance. Max Browne, the backup QB, took more snaps than Kessler in Sunday's practice, only heightening suspicions.
Saturday's game at Notre Dame will be interesting. I personally think either USC will romp, or Notre Dame will romp, with no middle ground. This situation will either be USC's ultimate rallying cry, or the end of the program as we know it.