Sure, 2011 USC ain't your older brother's USC. But still, they've still got a lot of talent and they'll be hosting Syracuse 3,000 miles away where the Orange historically don't play well. Any advantage is a good one.
Enter USC RB Marc Tyler, who has been suspended by the program for making some silly comments as a TMZ cameraman lapped it all up.
In case you've missed the video, Tyler joked (?) about USC players getting paid, Kim Kardashian providing the finish line for every Trojans running back and -- perhaps most egregiously -- Arizona State having a more attractive student population than USC's.
Stern taskmaster Lane Kiffin issued a statement saying he is "suspending Marc for our upcoming season opener and potentially further."
It's that potentially further that's of interest to Orange fans. Syracuse will play USC on September 17th in front of a national audience. It's the third game of the season for both programs and just within the wheelhouse of "potentially further."
Tyler produced 913 yards and nine touchdowns in 2010 and was Southern Cal's clear starting option for 2011. Something tells me he'll be back by then (three games is an eternity in college football) but in case he's not...oh well. Keep an eye on Conquest Chronicles for updates.