Blog: Give Lane His Due

by Rahshaun Haylock

The critics and naysayers were plenty!

Jeff Fisher was already being anointed the USC head coach by plenty of Trojans fans following their loss at Arizona State earlier this season. Now, those same fans are humming a different tune.

Lane Kiffin has done a tremendous job in his second season as the USC head coach.

What he did last Saturday was monumental, taking the Trojans up to the cold of Eugene and coming back home with a win, snapping Oregon's 21-game home win streak. The win removed the aura of invincibility the Ducks had on the conference in recent years.

Kiffin did something his predecessor, Pete Carroll, had a tough time doing during his last few year at the helm --winning in the state of Oregon. It's a place the Trojans hadn't won since 2005.

Presuming USC doesn't lay an egg on Saturday in the season finale against UCLA, Kiffin has to be the favorite to win Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors for what he's done this season.

USC has nothing to play for. They're first in the Pac-12 South and even though a win on Saturday would clinch a crown in the southern part of the division, USC can't advance to the Pac-12 Championship Game the following week. There is no bowl game to be played or any BCS Rankings to be a part of.

After the loss at Arizona State, there was really no reason for them to continue on with their season playing with any type of fight, grit, or determination.

Yes, they're talented, but talent alone doesn't win games. You have to have leadership. You have to have guys coming together for the betterment of the team.

Whatever Kiffin is selling, the Trojans are certainly buying.

They're one win away from having their first 10-win season since 2008 and a top 10 spot in the final AP Rankings.

His impact isn't only on current Trojans but prospective Trojans as well. Despite probation and despite the sanctions, Kiffin continues to spearhead top recruiting classes.

Dealing with the sanctions has, no doubt, been tough for all parties involved. It's provided a tremendous growth experience for USC players.

At the same time, it's been a lesson for the head coach. There was no question about his skills as a play caller and a recruiter. Through this time, he's blossomed into a leader of men.