USC vs Washington

October 2 and 3, 2010

We got going in the morning to drive to Connie and Russ's house.  We stay at what my sister calls, the B and B.  The accomodations are great and the breakfasts the next morning are fantastic.  We got there without incident (110 miles) and ate lunch.  Pizza from a local place.  It was really good.  We picked up sandwiches at Panera for our dinner at the game.  We then drove to USC.  Ran into some traffic as we were approaching downtown, but Russ knows all the shortcuts.  We spent some time on campus looking at the new student union and bookstore.

USC was 4-0 heading into this game.  There was a subplot to this game.  Steve Sarkisian and Lane Kiffin both were at USC during the Pete Carroll reign.  Kiffin moved first to the Oakland Raiders, then to the University of Tennessee before coming back to USC.  Sarkisian left USC to be the head coach at University of Washington.  During the week both played down any rilalry between them on the local radio shows.  Washington beat USC last year in Seatlle and that started the downward spiral for Pete Carroll in his last year.  After 7 consecutive BCS bowls, 7 Pac 10 Tiltles and no losses in November for 21 straight games the wheels came off the bus.  Pete then left for the NFL.

The game started okay.  USC jumped out to a 7-0 lead.  Then fell behind 17-7.  At halftime usc clinged to a 21-20 lead.  Washington seemed able to move the ball and our defense could not get the big stop when it needed one.  We were ahead 31-29 but we missed a 40 yard field goal.  It seems Pete forgot to leave us a defense and a kicker.  Washington got the ball and drove down the field, converting a 4th down and 11.  With no time on the clock they kicked a field goal to win 32-31.  Disappointing!

We drove back to the house.  We chatted, watched the recorded lingerie football game and had Manhattans.  Off to bed. 

Got up the next morning and Connie made a fabulous breakfast. Always a starter like yogurt with granola or a smoothie.  Today we had French Toast.

Drove back to San Diego, a great weekend that could have been better with a win.