USC-Notre Dame takeaways: Lincoln Riley says team has to ignore the noise

• October 15, 2023

First, it was a comment on the “trained eye” after the Colorado game, the phrase that’s become a popular arrow in the quiver of a public looking to take aim at USC.

Then, it was the assertion that “a lot of people in the media had their mind made up” about the Trojans’ defense, an emotive speech Tuesday from the Trojans’ head coach digging his heels in and defending his group after a pair of rough performances.

Then, after a 48-20 loss to Notre Dame Saturday night, it was remarks that the concept of a few plays going their way and razor-thin margins were “difficult to understand on the outside.”

It’s become abundantly clear, with public optimism over this USC football team this season dwindling, that Lincoln Riley’s mentality is simple: us-vs-them.

“The most important thing for this locker room right now,” Riley said postgame Saturday, in a fairly strong display of passion, “is going to be ignoring all the outside noise.”

The head coach took responsibility Saturday, saying, “We gotta do a better job,” but also stood on business, holding onto the same star-reaching optimism in the face of clearly growing challenges.

“We have to coach and play better. But is it in our power? Is it something we’re capable of? I believe it, to my core, and we’re going to go fight our (butt) off to get it done,” Riley finished his press conference Saturday night.

They have to get it done, as Riley said himself, quickly. Hopes for a College Football Playoff dangle from a cliff, four out of USC’s next five games coming against top-25 opponents.

Takeaways from USC-Notre Dame on Saturday night, as USC’s sense of urgency heightens:

Caleb Williams can’t dance forever behind this line

Normally, center Justin Dedich said in late September, the first time USC’s offensive line truly sees one of Caleb Williams’ escape-from-a-laser-maze scramble strokes of brilliance is via Twitter highlights postgame.

“You’ll see the top video is him doing a runaround,” Dedich said, “and just, ‘Hey, that was me blocking for him.’”

The majority of Twitter replays from Saturday night, though, were Williams trying to dodge pressure and firing a pass into the hands of a Notre Dame defender. He threw three interceptions in the worst game of his collegiate career, without a doubt, and admitted postgame he forced a couple balls – but constantly under siege from Notre Dame blitzes, Saturday night made one thing perfectly clear.

Williams’ ability to create something from nothing only goes so far against elite defenses. And USC’s offensive line creates nothing far too often.

In addition to six sacks, the Trojans surrendered 12 pressures on Saturday night, according to Pro Football Focus. And across seven games, an offensive line that was praised preseason for its improved depth has been largely mediocre. Left tackle Jonah Monheim is a bright spot, runs to his right-side gap resulting in 10.9 yards per carry this year; but guard transfers Emmanuel Pregnon and Jarrett Kingston have been inconsistent in pass protection, Dedich has struggled with penalties, and Florida import Michael Tarquin continues to lose right-tackle snaps to backup Mason Murphy.

USC’s wideouts struggle

After Riley mentioned USC’s receivers were a “tick off” against Arizona, they were blanketed by Notre Dame corners on Saturday. Michael Jackson III had six catches, Mario Williams five and Tahj Washington four, but for a collective average yardage of 8 yards. Williams’ longest pass on the night went for 21.

Brenden Rice – who now has eight touchdowns in seven games – has often asserted himself as Williams’ go-to vertical target, and Washington has had his moments. But at times against Notre Dame, it looked as if USC had too many guys who could gain separation on a comeback or a slant but not find an ounce of room on go-routes or deep posts.

Defense steps up

“There are a lot of good things happening on this defense, man,” Riley said Tuesday.

But after six games as one of the worst-performing defenses in the FBS in terms of yardage allowed, Alex Grinch’s unit made Riley look good on Saturday – a final 48-point Notre Dame tally hardly their fault. On drives where the Fighting Irish didn’t assume possession off a turnover, USC allowed exactly 10 points.

Glaring issues with tackling and pass coverage looked much-improved, the Trojans missing just two tackles in consistently wrapping up in one-on-one situations, freshman linebacker Tackett Curtis rewarding coaches’ trust with a seven-tackle game. Cornerback Christian Roland-Wallace, too, played a near-perfect game of football, with three pass breakups against three targets.

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Live updates: Rams vs. Arizona Cardinals

• October 15, 2023

Follow along for live updates from Rams reporter Adam Grosbard before, during and after the Rams’ game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Viewing on a mobile device? Click here

Tweets by AdamGrosbard https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

For Zach VanValkenburg, it was his first career sack, for Ochaun Mathis it was his career debut. For the Rams, it was a positive step toward some essential depth on defense https://t.co/J2yEcknEeJ

— Adam Grosbard (@AdamGrosbard) October 13, 2023

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Chargers hoping for best-case scenario for Justin Herbert vs. Cowboys

• October 15, 2023

If all goes as planned, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will wear minimal protection on his fractured left middle finger. Perhaps he’ll wear the same white glove he wore throughout the week while preparing to face the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football at SoFi Stadium.

Maybe he’ll be able to shift under center and take snaps from Will Clapp instead of lining up strictly in shotgun formation. Maybe the game plan won’t change in any meaningful way, and he and the Chargers will stick to their strengths, which include scrambling from pressure now and again.

“We’re going to see between now and the game, but he had a good week of practice,” Chargers coach Brandon Staley said Saturday when asked if he was confident it would be business as usual for Herbert on Monday against the Cowboys, including taking snaps while under center.

“No,” Staley said when asked if Herbert would be restricted in any way.

Last year, the Chargers said similar things after Herbert fractured his rib cartilage during a loss to the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Clearly, all was not going as planned as Herbert wasn’t as fluid and efficient with his throws for several weeks after he was hurt Sept. 15, 2022.

Herbert ran with the ball only in desperation to avoid defensive pressure.

Later in the season, it became obvious he was healthy again. His delivery was easy, more natural. He ran more often and, occasionally, it seemed to be a designed play. He even began to be effective on quarterback sneaks on third- and fourth-down situations in short yardage.

It might be different this time, and in a good way.

For starters, his damaged finger is on his non-throwing hand. It might impact his reception of the snap and his grip while throwing the ball, but then again, it might not. No question, it was difficult to notice any change in his accuracy during the portions of practices that reporters were allowed to watch last week.

Herbert was on target with his throws.

In fact, he didn’t miss a snap after he fractured his finger on the face mask of a Las Vegas Raiders player after throwing a third-quarter interception Oct. 1, his first of the season. When the Chargers regained possession in the fourth quarter, he re-entered the game and led them to a 24-17 victory.

“I don’t think so,” Herbert said when asked if he would be forced to make adjustments because of his finger. “I think the game two weeks ago, we were able to kind of get back into it. Whether I was running the ball or whether I was throwing the ball, I felt pretty comfortable out there.

“I thought the training staff did a great job preparing us and taking care of us. I felt safe going back out there. I think there’s so much going on during the game that you’re probably not going to be worrying about it too much. I think you’re just going to be worried about not getting tackled or not taking those hits.

“Whether it’s a scramble, it’s about being safe and getting down. That’s in the back of your mind.”

No question, the Chargers (2-2) need Herbert to be at his proficient best against the Cowboys (3-2). After a bye week and an additional week of rest, recovery and preparation, the Chargers need a third consecutive victory to move above .500, and at least appear to be in pursuit of the AFC West-leading Chiefs (5-1).

The Chargers lost wide receiver Mike Williams to a season-ending knee injury during their victory over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3, but they are expected to welcome running back Austin Ekeler back to their lineup Monday after he sat out for three games because of a sprained ankle.

“He’s a huge part of our offense,” Herbert said of Ekeler.

It remains to be determined whether Herbert will be 100 percent for Monday’s game.

“I think that we’re optimistic,” Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore said. “I think that you still have the flexibility to play under center. Structurally, I think that we felt pretty comfortable with that ability. We’ll just see how it goes. Certainly, we have the ability to do that. We can play in the shotgun, obviously. Not shutting it off, one way or the other, as of today. We’ll just see how it progresses as the week goes.”

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Irvine Global Village Festival celebrates community’s diversity

• October 15, 2023

Irvine’s annual celebration of the diversity of its community was again a party on Saturday at the Great Park.

The Irvine Global Village Festival featured cuisine, music, dance and more from around the world. Many community groups contributed to the showcase of diversity by performing and sharing delicacies.

There was also a kids village and a global marketplace.

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Boxer mix Daisy is a lady with a lot of love to give

• October 15, 2023

Breed: Boxer mix

Age: 1.5 years

Sex: Spayed female

Size: 54 pounds

Daisy’s story: Daisy was at the shelter with no owner – former or future – in sight. A Love Bugs volunteer fell in love with her good looks and award-winning smile, and now she’s a true Love Bug. Daisy was a little shy at first, but within a few hours, she had blossomed into a total sweetie who loves to snuggle and give kisses. She walks nicely on a leash and gets along with other dogs. And she loves to play fetch with a tennis ball. She’s a gentle, well-mannered lady who would fit into nearly any type of home environment.

Adoption fee: $350

Adoption procedure: Fill out Lovebugs Rescue’s online application.

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What are the most important life lessons learned? These women and men respond

• October 15, 2023

For the past 11 years, men from the Life Transition Group and women from Project Renewment get together yearly to discuss a topic of mutual interest. Both groups focus on transition and change from work to retirement and beyond. The eight men and seven women ranging in age from their 60s to their 80s were asked the following question: “In your current life stage, what have you learned that you consider most important?” 

Both groups have had or have successful careers, are motivated to give back to the community and are open to learning ways to maximize the quality of life in their later years. 

Let’s look separately at the responses of the men and women.

Gratitude and friendships: The majority of men acknowledged they had learned the importance of gratitude, including the value of their relationships.  A doctor of integrative medicine noted, “I rediscovered my wife and a real partnership that has led me “to substitute patience for impulse and to communicate without criticisms, condemnations or defensiveness.” Being grateful for relationships with one’s spouse, family and friends was shared among most. “Acceptance, patience and gratitude carry me through my life each day,” said a former strategic planning consultant. Each night he thinks of five things that occurred that day for which he is grateful. For many, having good friends provides a sense of purpose, meaning and happiness.   

Preparation: Others noted the importance of preparing for the unexpected. “Getting older is not for sissies…nothing can be taken for granted and that means being prepared for physical changes and limitations that might occur,” added a global marketing strategist. An entrepreneur with a heart condition, rotator cuff problem and breathing difficulties said he will be moving to a one-story home, at the insistence of his children, acknowledging the limitations of today and preparing for the possibilities of the future. 

Constant change: Some emphasized they learned in real time that life is dynamic and constantly changes. “We need to embrace it (these changes) and adapt and adjust to them … and strive to accept what we cannot control,” noted an attorney. Change occurs with adult children. “Realizing our (adult) children are independent; we need to create our own lives … even though it hurts when I don’t see them that often.”    

Success: And then there are the components of a successful life that were defined in four words: “Acceptance, patience, gratitude and mindfulness.” Note that money and title did not make the list. 

Now, from the women. 

In love: Two women found they are in love with retirement. As a self-proclaimed ambitious extrovert and accomplished author, this woman said, “I really don’t care what you think about me now.  I am experiencing more contentment, pleasure and relaxation than I ever thought possible.” Another noted that after a significant career driving federal policy changes in Washington, DC, she is surprised how much she enjoys retirement, particularly singing in a rock and roll group. And another expressed that she takes to retirement like a fish takes to water. 

A struggle: “Why can’t I just settle down?” asked a woman who continues to work as a theater producer. She finds herself struggling and in the interim stage of life which she does not find peaceful. Formerly athletic, she is feeling fragile and vulnerable as more things hurt.  

A place: “Before I die, I want to live in a place of beauty… we can recreate our lives by moving and living in a small country community.” She and her husband moved from Los Angeles to the central coast that required personal reinvention and meeting friends with no history.  

The bucket list: “My bucket list is smaller than my chuck it list,” commented a former human resource executive. One item on her chuck-it list is having less concern over her looks; an item on her bucket list is taking advantage of opportunities that come along. Setting priorities is key. For example, one woman said no to a project that could affect state policy.     

Although these men and women have much in common, what they have learned may differ. While women also learned about the importance of gratitude and acceptance, they also related to retirement as a positive, joyous change in their lives, almost a release from the demands of their previous work. Several comments implied setting priorities, and determining what to do or not to do. If there is a gender difference in what is important, perhaps it’s because the men are at a later life stage of retirement while women are at an earlier stage. However, one may wonder: “Is setting priorities, limits or saying no more relevant and perhaps more difficult for women than it is for men or are we relying on stereotypes?      

Dear readers – any thoughts on this?

Stay well, everyone, and know that kindness is everything. 

Helen Dennis is a nationally recognized leader on issues of aging and the new retirement with academic, corporate and nonprofit experience. Contact Helen with your questions and comments at [email protected]. Visit Helen at HelenMdennis.com and follow her on facebook.com/SuccessfulAgingCommunity

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Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys: Who has the edge?

• October 15, 2023

CHARGERS (2-2) vs. COWBOYS (3-2)

When: Monday, 5:15 p.m.

Where: SoFi Stadium

TV/Radio: Ch. 7/ESPN; 98.7 FM; 105.5 FM/94.3 FM (Spanish)

Line: Cowboys by 1 1/2

Notable injury designations: Chargers: OLB Joey Bosa (questionable, toe), S Alohi Gilman (doubtful, heel), DB Deane Leonard (doubtful, hamstring), TE Donald Parham Jr. (questionable, wrist), DL Nick Williams (questionable, back). Cowboys: T Chuma Edoga (questionable, illness), CB C.J. Goodwin (out, pectoral), S Juanyeh Thomas (doubtful, hamstring), LB Leighton Vander Esch (out, neck/concussion).

What’s at stake: Running back Austin Ekeler said it best as the Chargers prepared to face the Cowboys on Monday Night Football: “We’ve got the world watching us.” The Chargers can take a giant step toward re-establishing their credibility as playoff contenders with a victory over a franchise that travels with some serious cachet everywhere it goes.

Who’s better: The oddsmakers favored the Cowboys slightly in the lead-up to the game, so we’ll go along with them and say Dallas is the better team until the Chargers prove otherwise on the field. The Cowboys have similar star power as the Chargers with Dak Prescott at quarterback, Micah Parsons as a menacing pass-rusher, Tony Pollard at running back and CeeDee Lamb at wide receiver.

Matchup to watch: There are matchups and then there are battles. This one figures to be a battle between a man and his damaged finger. Quarterback Justin Herbert fractured the middle finger on his left, non-throwing hand during the second half of the Chargers’ victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 4. The Chargers’ bye week was just what the doctor ordered, but he’s still expected to wear protective padding beneath a glove on his left hand. It’s also anticipated that he will handle most, if not all, of his snaps in shotgun formation rather than going under center in order to ease the pressure on his damaged finger.

Chargers win if: It’s difficult to ask for perfection from the Chargers, who are not known to play in such a fashion. But they’re going to have to play as cleanly as possible if they hope to beat the Cowboys. That means limiting the pressure on Herbert, avoiding turnovers while forcing them from the Cowboys and halting their practice of committing penalties on key third-down situations while on defense.

Fantasy sleeper: Ekeler is back after sitting out for three games because of a sprained ankle suffered during the Chargers’ season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. Joshua Kelley filled in as their lead back for a loss to the Tennessee Titans and victories over the Minnesota Vikings and the Raiders. The Chargers missed Ekeler’s versatility while running and receiving. Expect the Chargers to take full advantage of his return.

Prediction: Will Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore get a measure of revenge by defeating his former team? Will the Chargers avoid the gaffes and goofs that have plagued them this season? Will the Cowboys right themselves after they were outplayed in a humiliating 42-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers? Figure it’ll be close, with the Cowboys pulling out a 24-21 victory over the Chargers.

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Huntington Beach council will consider a children’s library book review board

• October 15, 2023

Huntington Beach city libraries might soon have a community board reviewing children’s library books to determine if materials “meet the community standards of acceptance” and would need to have books containing any sexual content be placed on shelves designated for adults.

Councilmember Gracey Van Der Mark, who has pushed for the city to make it harder for children to access sexually explicit books in city libraries, is proposing the new board and other changes the City Council will consider on Tuesday.

“All of this is to really empower the parent,” Van Der Mark said. “We are simply giving the parents more control over what their children have access to.”

When the council first talked about making it harder for children to access sexually explicit books at city libraries, it pushed many residents to voice their ardent disapproval. The proposed resolution is the clearest sign of what major changes could be coming.

Van Der Mark’s proposal would mandate that no city library allow children to access books or other materials that contain “any content of sexual nature.” It would require a parent or guardian’s consent to access those materials, whether they are intended for children or adults.

Van Der Mark’s resolution also would require city libraries to receive approval from a community/parent-guardian review board to obtain new materials intended for children containing any sexual content or references. She is proposing each of the seven members of the City Council would appoint three people to be on the board, which would meet at least twice a year and could reject by a majority vote material recommended to the library.

Dina Chavez, a board member of the nonprofit Friends of the Huntington Beach Public Library, said the proposed resolution isn’t needed and is an insult to librarians. The library purchases about 9,000 children’s books a year, Chavez said, and the proposal “will absolutely disrupt operations of the library.”

“It’s all based on a completely ridiculous idea that there was pornography in the library,” Chavez said. “There never was and there isn’t now.”

The board would have the power to subject books already in circulation to review and move them to the adult section. Van Der Mark said if the board is created she didn’t think they’d have a whole lot at first to review. She said librarians are already reviewing books, but this would bring the community into the process.

Chavez said if she was asked to be a member of the review board she would refuse so as to not give it legitimacy.

So far in 2023, no books have been challenged for review under the existing process. The Huntington Beach Public Library has denied five requests in as many years to have books in its collection removed – one of which came from Van Der Mark in 2020.

City staffers on Tuesday will also present their research and library policy changes they’ve been working on the last few months. Their recommendations for new policies include a new library card that would require parental permission for checking out books, raising the age for minors needing to be accompanied by an adult in the library and updating processes for book recommendations for children and families.

City staffers formulated their ideas after having research meetings with the publishing industry, other city managers and library systems and the public, officials said.

In their report to the council, staffers said they were told by Penguin Random House, the largest publisher in the U.S., that the publisher wouldn’t release anything that would raise red flags under the Miller Test, a legal test for determining if something can be considered obscenity, and the company has a multi-level review process that includes going over illustrations.

It also uses third-party companies to identify content levels for children’s books.

Van Der Mark said her proposal will allow parents to have more input on what books their children can access and more changes could be made.

“This is the beginning,” Van Der Mark said. “As issues and concerns come up, we could fine-tune it. We have to be flexible about this because it’s never been done before.”

The council is set to review the staff member’s presentation and proposal during a 4 p.m. study session on Tuesday and Van Der Mark’s proposal during the regular portion of the meeting at 6 p.m.

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